Property Assessment

Property Assessment is the basis for allocating each property’s share of the total community tax; it is based on market value estimated as of July 1 of the previous year.  The real estate market in Okotoks has been very strong; a typical assessment increase of over 7% is expected.

By sending property assessment notices in advance of the property tax notices, owners have the opportunity to review their assessment and raise any concerns they may have about their assessed value before taxes are calculated.

1. What is property assessment and what is it based on?

Property Assessment is the basis for allocating each property’s share of the total community tax.  It is based on market value estimated as of July 1 of the previous year. The objective is to provide a basis for distribution, or allocation, of tax required to operate the Town and pay the Province for education funding requirements.  The assessment system provides a consistent, open, accountable and equitable basis for levying municipal tax and for dividing up the total tax pie.  Each property assessment value represents its proportionate "sliver size" contribution to the total municipal tax pie. 

• An estimate of the typical market value of each property developed for the purposes of determining its portion of the municipality's property tax.
• The assessment and taxation process is governed by provincial legislation; the property assessment notice is based on a July 1 market value estimate, as measured by the real estate marketplace based on property sales in the area.
• Market Value is the most probable price that a property would sell for as of a given date.
• The purpose is not to reflect one sale price, but to assess all similar property at a similar value so that taxation is fairly and uniformly distributed among all taxable property.
• Mass appraisal is the process of valuing groups of properties as of a specific valuation date which is July 1.
• Provincial legislation requires that mass appraisal principles be used to calculate market values.
• Both mass appraisal and single-family appraisals are methods for arriving at estimates of value but differing only in scopeand application.

• Single-Property:  Represent the appraised value of one particular property with no regard for equity in value of non-appraised property.
• Mass Appraisal:  Valuing groups of properties, the mass appraisal process results in values that are accurate in relation to the market value standard and uniform in comparison to similar properties. 

2. Why is the assessment valuation date last July?
This is a Province wide statutory requirement which allows all assessors across the Province to annually analyze all market and sales data, draw conclusions, and conduct valuations prior to mailing Assessment Notices early the next year.  All properties are assessed with the same effective date so all assessments are uniformly updated at the same time.   

3. Why use a market value standard?
The market value standard is a legislated and regulated valuation standard based on the premise that the amount of tax a property can pay is directly proportionate to the value it is worth.  The concept is that the greater the amount that can be paid for a property, the greater the amount that can be paid for municipal tax.  The resulting tax is a type of tax on wealth.  Wealth measured in terms of property value.  Market value standard generates values that can be readily compared for fairness to open market sales activity. 

4. How is the assessment system an open and accountable process?
The assessment roll is available for anyone's review and values are posted on the Town website.  The assessment roll is submitted every year to the Province for independent review and audit. Every property owner can see and compare its assessment to others and has a right of appeal.  The assessed value is not an arbitrary number but rather a value tied to a tangible standard for which owners can directly relate.  Property owners can draw on their own independent information for comparison, and, or hire independent appraisers for objective comparisons.  Last year's property characteristics are measured against other properties that have sold in order to calculate a market value. Characteristics such as location, age, size and others are all considered.

5. If reassessments are not a means for generating more tax revenue why are properties valued so frequently?
The intent of reassessing properties is to retain the competitive placement of each property in the community hierarchy.  The reassessments ensure that all properties are assessed and paying tax on current equitable basis when compared to each other.  Reassessments adjust assessments to reflect differing rates of value change between various property types and areas.   The intent is to ensure each property retains its relative competitiveness and contribution to the total assessment pie.   Certain property types or neighbourhoods can experience value changes at differing rates.  The reassessment reflects differing value change rates to ensure all properties are retaining their respective share slice of the entire Town assessment pie.

6. Why are assessment valuations prepared so frequently, on an Annual basis?
To quickly reflect shifting values relative to the norm, or each other. To ensure no given property type or area is penalized with assessments too high when its value may have dropped, or not have increased to the extent of other properties.

7. How does the current Alberta annual valuation cycle compare to other jurisdictions and past history?
Other assessment jurisdictions have varying valuation cycle periods.  Tax levies each year do not remain constant. For reference, other assessment cycles are:  
                Saskatchewan:  4 years
                Manitoba:  2 years  (had been 4 years until 2008)
                Ontario:  4 years
In Alberta prior to mid-1990's and prior to implementation of the Municipal Government Act the reassessment cycle was once every seven years.  While the valuation base year stayed the same for seven years, tax levies did not.Tax levies are always adjusted to Municipal revenue requirements.

8. How much accuracy is there to assessed values?
Assessed values should not be viewed as an absolute number.  Values are not developed in a laboratory or clinical type of controlled environment.  The valuation of real estate does not work that way.  Real estate valuation is based on market observations and comparisons.  The market is an imperfect environment and not a controlled structured setting. 

There is a range in price purchasers will offer and a range that sellers will accept.  So there is a transaction zone for every property transaction.   Differing property types will have varying tolerances to an actual deal.   In addition to ranges inherent to individual deals, assessed values are generated on a mass basis which indicates precision to assessed values is a great deal less than 100%.

Provincial Audit standards require that the Average Assessment within a competitive group is to be within 5% either higher or lower than the average sale price within that group, and the range within a set of comparable sale properties can well exceed 10%.  Generally Assessment Complaint tribunals will not consider adjusting an assessment where the request is for anything less than 5%. 

The resulting tax effect on assessment differences is minor. For illustration of tax influence on a 10% assessment range consider the following example:

$500,000 assessment x 0.75% tax rate   =  $3,750 tax
Change by 10% difference
Compare $550,000 assessment x 0.75% tax rate  =  $4,125 tax
10% Difference                                                                  $375 per year or $31/month
A 5% difference equates to                                             $188 per year or $16/month

9. How are home sizes calculated?
Assessed sizes come from original building construction plans and are confirmed or updated with periodic assessor inspections.

10. How are lot sizes calculated?
Lot sizes come from registered plan of subdivisions registered at the Land Titles Registry.

11. How are assessed values kept fair and reasonable?
Assessed Values are determined based on comparisons made of each property’s characteristics to similar properties which sold.  It is important to note the assessment value date is July 1 of last year.

12. How do renovations or additions affect my assessment?
Your assessment is based on typical market value, so any significant changes such as additions or garages, will likely impact its market value. Therefore, your property assessment will likely change accordingly.

13. How many properties are assessed each year in Okotoks?
Over 12,000 properties assessed each year.

1. What if I have a concern or believe there is an error on my property assessment notice?
To make an appointment with an assessor use the contact number at the bottom of this page or click the button below:

Contact Us

Property owners are entitled to see or receive information about their property and summary information of other assessment in accordance with sections 299 and 300 of the MGA.

2. How do I file a complaint?
Provincial legislation and Town bylaws outline how complaints must be made.  The complainant must be submitted in writing on the form set out by the Government of Alberta Assessment Review Board Complaint Form.  It is important that all questions be answered on the complaint form that are relevant to your property, including:

1. What information on the Assessment Notice is incorrect,
2. In what respect that information is incorrect, including identifying the specific issues related to the incorrect information that are to be decided by the Assessment Review Board and the grounds in support of the issues,
3. What the correct information is,
4. The requested assessed value, if the complaint relates to an assessment.
5. Be sure to include a statement specifying the date and outcome of discussions with the assessor including details of any issues or facts agreed to. If you have not discussed the matters of the complaint with an assessor, specify why a discussion was not held. You may attach additional information to the complaint form if the space provided is insufficient.
6. An Assessment Review Board must not hear any matter in support of an issue that is not identified on the complaint form.
7.  You must include your mailing address.
8. Should you have an agent file a complaint on your behalf, you must complete and sign the Assessment Complaints Agent Authorization form Assessment Agent Complaints Authorization Form 
9. Your complaint form must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee or the complaint will be invalid.
10. Incomplete forms, complaints submitted after the final date of complaint, or complaints without the required filing fee are invalid.

3. How much are complaint fees?
Complaint fees for the assessment complaint process are as follows:

Residential: 3 or fewer dwellings and farm land under one roll number - $50 per complaint
Residential: 4 or more dwellings - $325 per complaint
Non-residential: $650 per complaint

Complaint forms and fees may be dropped-off or postmarked on or before the final date of complaining at the Town of Okotoks, 5 Elizabeth Street, PO Box 20, Okotoks, AB   T1S 1K1.  For further complaint process information contact the Assessment Review Board Clerk.

4. Working with a Tax Agent
Should owners wish to retain assistance of others, there is a manner required by the municipality to have Assessment Services recognize non-owner representation.  Specific requirements to have a tax agent recognized include:

1. Absolute clarity to Assessment Services that the request for agent representation is being made by the property owner, as indicated on the Certificate of Title registered at Land Titles office.
2. Tax agency representation cannot be established for the registered owner by non-owner third parties, such as tenants, licensees, franchisees, permittees, third party property managers, or any other non-owner.  It is only registered owners who can establish an agency relationship for having others represent them.
3. If the property is corporately owned an authorization prepared by a director, as recorded in the Alberta Corporate Registry system, is fine.  An employee of the owner corporation has, and provides, clear information that it is an appointed signing officer with authority to bind the registered owner. 
4. The authorization must be prepared on owner letterhead and follow the required Letter of Agency Authorization template which identifies pertinent information and clarifies the scope to the owner’s authorization.
5. Creating an agent authorization is an annual process and it is valid for the entire taxation year.  
6. Owners will have complied with all assessor requests for information made the previous year.
7. Only one agent represents a property.  The property owner conveys agent representation exclusively and entirely to one agent, and that agency agreement cannot be further assigned. 
8. Tax agents cannot assign their authorization to another agency, or any other party. 

1. Why are assessment notices mailed before property tax bills?
Assessment notices are mailed in advance of the property tax bills to allow property owners the opportunity to review the assessed value and ensure it is reasonable prior to the tax bill being sent out in May.

2. When are Property Tax bills mailed?
Council sets the tax rates to be used in calculating property tax in April. Tax bills are mailed mid-May with deadline for payment June 30.

3. How can school tax support declaration be changed?
For information about changing school declaration, please visit the Taxes page and scroll down to School Declaration tab.

4.Will an increase in assessment equate to an increase in tax?
​No. It is a popular misconception that an increase in assessed value directly equates to a tax increase. 

• Property tax might increase, but it is not because of increased assessment.
• It is a fact that assessors have no authority to levy tax.  Only Town Council has authority to levy municipal tax.
• Tax levy is dependent on and is a function of Town Operating Expense Budgets and Provincial Request for Education funding.
• Tax will increase because of increased Town operating budget and, or, increased requisitions from the Province for education funding.
• The assessed value only allocates each property's proportionate share slice of the total tax pie.
   

5. If the norm is that most properties increase in value by say 5% and mine increases 5% what would be the tax consequences?
No change in tax.  All other things being equal, meaning the same Town operating budget as the previous year and same provincial request for education funding, tax will remain the same as last year.  In the event there is no increase in Town operating costs, tax may drop should more buildings be constructed in the Town.

Again, all other things being the same, if the assessed value increases less than the average increase your tax levy will drop, assuming the Town operating budget remains the same, and the Provincial request for education funding stays the same as the previous year. Conversely, should assessment increase more than the average increase, tax will increase.

6. If market values are dropping would my tax be lower if the valuation date was the same day the Assessment or Tax Notices were mailed?

No, because the value of all properties in the community will have dropped so the distribution of the total Town tax would still be allocated the same.  Each property would retain its same share sliver of the total municipal tax pie.

7. The assessed value only allocates each property's share of the total Town tax requirement.  What is the tax significance of an assessment increase greater than the average?

Depending on the amount of difference the tax impact is usually less than expected. For example assume two $500,000 properties increase in value at 5% and 10% respectively and the tax rate is 0.75% the following illustrates the significance of one property increasing in value more than another.

$500,000 +5%= $525,000 value x 0.75% tax rate =    $3,938
$500,000 +10% = $550,000 value x 0.75% tax rate = $4,125
Tax Difference                   $187=4.7% marginal tax increase 

8. Does an annual assessment system create a disincentive for improving my property?
No, because:

• The ratio of tax to value is extremely low.
• Many improvements will not increase the assessed value.
• It takes a great deal of capital expenditure to increase an assessed value.
• The improvements must be significant to that of adding space or increasing the building class.
• The cost of making improvements to existing buildings will not add proportionately dollar for dollar to assessment value, as the assessment is based on comparisons of sale prices of similar property.
• To illustrate the influence of the low tax to value ratio consider a major improvement cost of $100,000 and make a major assumption that all that expense proportionately increases value, the following illustrates the tax implication: 

$100,000 added value x 0.75% tax rate = $750 additional tax

9. If my property tax increases will the level of my municipal services also increase?

The amount of tax allocated to each property is correlated with the amount of value.  Municipal tax is exactly that; a tax.  It is not a fee for services rendered on each individual property.  It is a tax levied in relationship to value.  Municipal tax paid is akin to federal income tax paid, which has no direct relationship, to services rendered for each taxpayer.  Municipal tax paid is in relation to the property value and is not an accounting of services rendered to each individual property.

1. I purchased my property very close to the effective base valuation date so how can my assessment be higher?
In addition to the variance inherent in the transaction zone, as previously explained, the assessed value does not attempt to value every person's individual personal preferences, requirements, or access to capital.  Assessed value reflects the most probable transaction price from the perspective of the most probable buyer as evident by an average price indicated by a comparison of the transaction prices of a number of similar properties.   Some assessments will be higher and some will be lower, but on average the median assessment is expected to be on the median sale price of similar properties.  A lower purchase price at time of the effective date of the assessment may indicate a good buy when compared to its competitive group.    

Assessment values are determined by mass appraisal methodologies, which use a common approach and data to provide typical valuations. Similar properties will have a range in prices.  Sale prices may be at the upper or lower end of the range.  A property’s sale price can occur outside the range, but the assessment can still meet legislated standards.

2. I have an appraisal report prepared by a professional independent appraiser who is certified by the Appraisal Institute of Canada which indicates a lower value.
Check the purpose and function of the report, the effective date of the valuation, interest valued, and Limiting Conditions regarding use of the report.  If those match assessment parameters, with an effective date close to July 1, then it would be appropriate to send a copy of that report to the assessors for discussion.

3. My real estate agent agrees the assessment is too high.
Although realtors have access to good sales data through the multiple listing services (MLS) there are a significant number of properties that do not sell through the MLS system and are included in the assessment analysis.

Agents are exactly that, professional facilitators with vested interests in the wellbeing of their clients. Agents are hired for the function and roll of representing their clients, and client interest to the best of their ability in putting together purchase and sale agreements. See Canadian Real Estate Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice Section 3 "A Realtor shall protect and promote the interests of his or her Client."As well as the Alberta Real Estate Act Part 2 Division 2 Section 57 (a)"...and to promote the interests of the seller;” as well as Section 58(a)"...and generally to promote the interests of the buyer."

The functions and purposes of real estate agents conflict, and do not align, with the assessment purpose of objectively preparing mass appraisals based on fairness and equity for the entire community, and subject to Provincial assessment quality standards and audit. Agents are not bound by any assessment standards or appraiser objectivity responsibilities, tests, or reporting requirements. See Alberta Real Estate Act Part 2 Division 4.

4. What would cause my assessment to increase more than others?
If there have been no significant improvements to the property such as additions, or garage added, etc., an increase greater than the norm indicates the reassessment objective is working.  Updated property sale data indicates that market participants are now prepared to pay proportionately more for your property type, and, or, location compared to others. 

5. Why has my assessment increased when market value has decreased?
There are a number of factors that go into determining assessed values.  A variety of changes including extensive renovations, basement development, garages, additions, fireplaces, etc. can alter assessed value.

The assessed value is determined through an analysis of properties that have sold. Different neighborhoods or dwelling types may appreciate or depreciate in value at different rates year to year.

The average market value of single family homes may have decreased overall, but the difference between each neighborhood or property type may not match the overall year to year change.

6. Why is my property assessment higher than my neighbours?  Check:

• Are both properties similar in type (two storey vs bungalow)?
• Are they the same size?
• Are the lot sizes similar?
• Are there location differences?
• Are they similar in age or have there been additions, renovations?
• Do both properties have garages or basement development?
• Does the neighbor border main traffic corridor?
• Any or all of these factors can influence assessed values

This link below allows you to view additional information for residential properties only:  

Conduct a property search 

As per Section 294 of the Municipal Government Act, Assessors have the right to enter and inspect property for the purpose of preparing an assessment (Assessors will have ID cards).  Assessors are collecting data from Property Owners, Alberta Land titles, the Real Estate Multiple Listing Service, etc. in order to prepare assessments. Information about each property is also gathered by making on-site inspections.  Inspections of each property are regularly performed.  If residents are not home and more information is required, a call-back card will be left to make an appointment.  Assessors will continue property inspections throughout the year.  For more information contact an Assessor using the contact information at the bottom of this page.

The Residential Data Verification form will help ensure that Assessment Services has the correct data on each property.  This will allow us to prepare accurate market value assessments on individual properties.  The form will ensure that all property data is current, including any renovations, so that all owners pay only their “fair share.”  The form also allows homeowners to contribute to the property assessment process and become aware of the factors that may influence market value property assessments.  Please fill in the form by clicking the button below.

Residential Data Verification Form

The purpose of this form is for an assessed person or their authorized agent to request, under Section 299 and 300 of the Municipal Government Act, summary assessment information about other properties (maximum of 5) that may not be available on the Town of Okotoks website.

As per Section 294 of the Municipal Government Act, Assessors have the right to enter and inspect property for the purpose of preparing an assessment. Properties are inspected on a five year cycle within the town of Okotoks. Assessors are collecting data from Property Owners, Alberta Land titles, the Real Estate Multiple Listing Service and Financial Institutions in order to prepare assessments. Detailed information about each property is also gathered by making onsite inspections.

Assessors with Town identification will knock on your door. If residents are not home and more information is required, a call-back card will be left to make an appointment.

Assessors will continue property inspections throughout the year.  For more information contact an Assessor using the contact information at the bottom of this page.