HOW PROPERTY TAXES ARE DETERMINED


Under the Municipal Government Act, municipalities are responsible for collecting taxes for municipal and educational purposes. Property taxes are levied based on the value of the property as determined from the property assessment process. Property taxes are not a fee for service, but a way of distributing the cost for local government services and programs fairly throughout a municipality. Local government services and programs include: garbage facilities, water and sewer services, road construction and maintenance, parks and leisure facilities, police and fire protection, seniors' lodges, and education.

The province notifies municipalities of the amount of education taxes they are required to collect, while the municipal and special requisition portion of taxes are determined by Council. The tax rates are determined based on the total taxable assessment and budget requirements of the municipality, and in Red Deer County are generally approved by Council in early to mid-May of each year.

The tax rate is applied to each individual property assessment using the following formula:

Property Assessment x Tax Rate = Taxes Payable

This formula means that the assessed value of the property in dollars is multiplied by the tax rate set by the County. Each municipality is responsible for ensuring that each property owner pays their share of taxes.

If you have any questions related to the taxes on your property, please call the County Office at 403.350.2150.

Discover More:

Show All Answers

1. TAX CERTIFICATE REQUESTS
2. HOW PROPERTY TAXES ARE DETERMINED
3. TAX PAYMENT OPTIONS