Taxes
Taxes
The Village of Forestburg issues an annual combined Property Tax and Assessment Notice to all property owners in May of each year. This notice contains the tax levies for Municipal, Education, and Seniors Housing. The School Tax levy is collected on behalf of the province and is based on the Towns equalized assessment. Your tax notice should arrive in your mailbox the first week in June. Property taxes are due August 15 of each year.
Guide to Property Taxes and Assessment
Education Property Tax brochure
Assessment Practices
Market value assessment has been recognized around the world since the 1970s. It is considered to be the most fair and transparent manner to distribute property taxes.
The market value of residential properties is calculated through a method known as mass appraisal.
Your property assessment notice indicates the Town’s estimate of your property’s market value—the amount it would have sold for in the open market—on July 1 of the previous year. And, it is adjusted for any changes in physical condition recorded by December 31. Provincial legislation establishes these dates and requires that property assessed values be estimated every year.
To ensure assessed values are fair and accurate, they are reviewed at three levels:
- The Alberta government's annual assessment audit process and
- Towns Internal Review
- Individual property owners’ review of their notice.
Those with concerns regarding assessment are encouraged to contact the Town’s assessor first.
Appeal Process
Review your Property Tax and Assessment Notice for your complaint date. After having discussed your concern about your property’s assessed value with our Assessor and you still feel that you have been unfairly assessed you can file a complaint with our Intermunicipal Assessment Review Board. You may contact the Village office to gain more information on how to file your complaint (780-582-3668).
Mill Rates
Forestburg Council sets a budget every year. The budget outlines the anticipated revenues and Expenditures for operating the municipal corporation for that year. The Municipal government Act stipulates that a council must adopt an annual operating and capital budget. These budgets must include an estimate amount for the following:
- the amount needed to provide for council’s policies and programs,
- debt obligations, requisitions from other government
- bodies or enactments, depreciation, reserve transfers and capital expenditure.
Once Council adopts the Operating and Capital budget for that year, they must pass a Property Tax Bylaw to generate the revenue to support the budget. In the Property Tax Bylaw for that year Council will set the mill rate required to meet the municipal requirements for that year.
Monthly Tax Payments - Forestburg offers a pre-authorized payment plan that allows property owners to pay their property taxes to the Town in monthly instalments from January to December each year. The deadline for enrollment is June each year. Payments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the 25th of each month. Your most recent annual tax levy is divided by 12 to establish a monthly payment amount. Payment amounts will be adjusted in July to compensate for changes in taxes resulting from the annual tax levy. Payments begin July 28th of the current year and continue for 12 consecutive months. You may withdraw from the plan by giving notice in writing a minimum of 10 business days preceding the next payment date. If your property is sold, title transferred or you have a change in bank account information, it is the responsibility of the participant to inform the Tax Department in writing. We require the notice of change a minimum of 10 business days prior to the next withdrawal.
Late Payment Penalty: There are two important dates to remember when it comes to tax penalties. Taxes are due on the 15th of August each year. A penalty will be added August 16, and a penalty will be added January 1 of each year.
Payment Options
Forestburg allows various payment options for paying your Utilities or Property Taxes. Payments can be made via:
In Office:
4902 50th Street, Forestburg AB T0B 1N0 (Cash, Cheque, or Debit)
Mail:
P.O. Box 210 Forestburg AB T0B 1N0
Online Banking:
Forestburg accepts online banking payments:
- Search for Village of Forestburg as your Payee
- Your account number can be found on your Utility or Tax Invoice.
Utility Account: The utility account number specified in your bill.
Tax Roll: your tax roll number is your account number.
E-Transfer:
E-Transfer to: reception@forestburg.ca
Please indicate your account number.
Pre-Authorized Payment Plan:
Questions?
For specific assessment information please contact Wainwright Assessment Group:
Wainwright Assessment Group Ltd.
604-10th Street
Wainwright, AB T9W 1E2
Ph: 780-842-5002 Larry James, AMAA