Property assessment notices will be sent next week

Medicine Hat – Property Assessment Notices will begin arriving in resident's mailboxes beginning February 28, 2023. Assessment Notices are mailed out earlier and under separate cover from the Property Tax Notices, allowing more time to respond to and deal with individual assessment queries and concerns before property tax payments are due.

The assessed value of property is the basis for municipal taxes, as well as provincial education taxes and the Cypress View Foundation levy. In Alberta, the property assessment system is based on the regulations within the Municipal Government Act to ensure a fair and defensible system that supports an equitable distribution of municipal taxes. Property assessments in the City of Medicine Hat are based on the market value of each property as of July 1 the previous year, and the condition of the property as of December 31 of the previous year.

Legislation allows property owners 60 days from the Notice of Assessment date (March 8, 2023) to review and discuss any concerns with the City’s Assessment Department. Residents with concerns about their assessment are encouraged to contact the Assessment Department for an explanation before filing an appeal. Purchasers of property should obtain or confirm the assessment value if the sale occurs during the appeal period.

Property assessment appeals must be received by the Clerk of the Assessment Review Board by May 8, 2023.

City Council sets the annual tax rate in April-May, and tax notices will be mailed out May 19, 2023. Tax payments are due June 30, 2023. It is important to note that property owners and purchasers must review their Assessment Notices before the 60-day appeal period ends as the property assessment value cannot be disputed after this time.

Attention new property owners: The Province of Alberta Land Titles Offices is experiencing processing delays. If you recently purchased property within the city, fill out the online form under Assessment and Property Tax city website, or call 403-529-8111 or visit City Hall to ensure you do not miss important deadlines and that property assessment and tax notices are delivered accurately.

Additional information can be found on the City website at medicinehat.ca or by contacting the Assessment Department at 403-529-8114.

- 30 -

For media inquiries, please contact:

media@medicinehat.ca