Assessment & Taxation

Assessment & Taxation

As with all municipalities, the property tax is one revenue source for the Town. Property taxes and assessment are an important part of property ownership. Taxes help to ensure the citizens of Barrhead have excellent services that contribute to a quality lifestyle. Property taxes provide the Town with the funds it needs to deliver the many day-to-day services and programs that citizens need, want and deserve - including: 
  • road construction and infrastructure maintenance
  • parks, leisure facilities, and programs
  • emergency services
  • and so much more
The Combined Assessment and Property Tax Notices for the Town of Barrhead were mailed on June 5, 2020, and are due September 30, 2020. If you did not receive your notice, or have questions that have not been answered by the information posted below, we are happy to assist you by 780-674-3301 or town@barrhead.ca
 


 2020 Tax Rates  Residential
 Municipal Tax Rate  8.47750
 Aquatic Centre Debenture  0.57820
 Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate  2.67630
 Barrhead & District Social Housing  0.12210
 Total Tax Rates  11.8541

 

 2020 Tax Rates  Non-Residential
 Municipal Tax Rate  14.09050
 Aquatic Centre Debenture  0.57820
 Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate  3.98230
 Barrhead & District Social Housing  0.12210
 Total Tax Rates  18.7731

 

Council reviews these rates annually and makes adjustments as needed. For this year's Property Tax By-law visit our By-laws Page.

To see how the Town of Barrhead taxation compares to other municipalities, visit the Alberta Municipal Affairs Maps & Statistics section of their website. 

 

Taxes are due on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.  For your convenience, we accept payment through the following methods:
  • Cash
  • Debit
  • Money order
  • Internet banking
  • Telephone banking
  • Cheque dated no later than the applicable due date
All methods of payment, specific due dates, and penalties are governed by the Property Tax By-law and the Municipal Government Act.

TIPP Program (Tax Installment Payment Plan)

About The Plan
The Town of Barrhead offers a Property Tax Installment Plan for property owners. This option allows property owners to make 12 monthly installment payments at no additional cost and is governed by The Property Tax Installment Bylaw 09-2001 and The Property Tax Installment Plan Amendment Bylaw 06-2020.

Payments can be made by:
  • Automatic Withdrawals

Existing Plan Members
If you've already registered, you will remain registered for the next year unless written notice is received that you would like to cancel your enrollment.  If you wish to change your method of payment, we are happy to assist you. Contact us at 780-674-3301 or town@barrhead.ca.
 

ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OPTIONS TO ASSIST ALL RATEPAYERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) provides for the payment of property taxes on a monthly basis versus the annual payment.  Properties on the TIPP will not be subject to penalties, providing payments remain in goods standing and adhere to the terms of the agreement.

ALL RATEPAYERS FOR THE 2020 YEAR

For 2020, ALL ratepayers have the opportunity to enter into the TIPP agreement as the enrollment date has been EXTENDED.  The following conditions apply:
  • Must enroll by July 15, 2020
  • Payments would commence August 1, 2020, with taxes owing divided over five (5) payments
  • Taxes must be paid in full by December 31, 2020
  • Payments must be made by automatic withdrawal

FOR OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY

    Ratepayers of Non-Residential & Multi-Residential Properties of four (4) or more units, have the additional opportunity to enter into the TIPP agreement to pay the 2020 and 2021 taxes with a lower monthly payment amount, over a longer period of time.  The following conditions apply:
    • Must enroll by July 15, 2020
    • Payments would commence August 1, 2020, and be divided over seventeen (17) payments or less if desired by the landowner, with the 2020 and 2021 taxes paid in full by December 31, 2021
    • The 2021 taxes would be estimated and the monthly payment would be adjusted once the 2021 taxes are levied
    • Ratepayers of Non-Residential & Multi-Residential Properties of four (4) or more units already enrolled in the existing TIPP program, may switch to this program, but must first enter into the new agreement by July 15, 2020
    • Payments must be made by automatic withdrawal

RATEPAYERS ALREADY ENROLLED IN TIPP

    Ratepayers enrolled in the existing TIPP program may defer monthly payments for up to three (3) months.  The following conditions apply:
    • Requests must be made by July 15, 2020 by contacting the Town Office at 780-674-3301
    • Taxes must be paid in full by December 31, 2020

Payment Penalties

    Before Tax Deadline
    No fees or interest apply if all current year's taxes and any outstanding tax balances are paid prior to the due date.

    After Tax Deadline and before December 31 of the same year
    A 6% penalty is applied to all unpaid current year taxes unless enrolled in the TIPP Program.

    After December 31
    An additional 6% penalty is applied to all outstanding taxes and related costs that remain outstanding after December 31.


Below are our downloadable and fillable TIPP agreements.  You will be required to contact our office to determine what the monthly installment will be on your account(s).  Please call our office at 780-674-3301 for this amount and any any other information or assistance you may require in filling out the appropriate agreement.

Existing Ratepayers Enrolled in TIPP

Existing residential and non-residential ratepayers already enrolled in the TIPP program may defer monthly payments for up to three (3) months.  The following conditions apply:
  • Requests must be made by July 15, 2020 by contacting the Town Office at 780-674-3301
  • Taxes must be paid in full by December 31, 2020
 

All Ratepayers

For 2020, ALL ratepayers have the opportunity to enter into the TIPP agreement as the enrollment date has been EXTENDED.  The following conditions apply:
  • Must enroll by July 15, 2020
  • Payments would commence August 1, 2020, with taxes owing divided over five (5) payments
  • Taxes must be paid in full by December 31, 2020
  • Payments must be made by automatic withdrawal 

 

Non-Residential & Multi-Residential (4 units or more) Additional Options

Ratepayers of Non-Residential & Multi-Residential Properties of four (4) or more units, have the additional opportunity to enter into the TIPP agreement to pay the 2020 and 2021 taxes with a lower monthly payment amount, over a longer period of time.  The following conditions apply:
  • Must enroll by July 15, 2020
  • Payments would commence August 1, 2020, and be divided over seventeen (17) payments or less if desired by the landowner, with the 2020 and 2021 taxes paid in full by December 31, 2021
  • The 2021 taxes would be estimated and the monthly payment would be adjusted once the 2021 taxes are levied
  • Ratepayers of Non-Residential & Multi-Residential Properties of four (4) or more units already enrolled in the existing TIPP program, may switch to this program, but must first enter into the new agreement by July 15, 2020
  • Payments must be made by automatic withdrawal
 


Passing of the 2020 Property Tax By-law 07-2020 May 12, 2020
Mailing of your 2020 Combined Assessment & Tax Notice June 5, 2020
Notice of Assessment Date June 15, 2020
Deadline to enroll for the TIPP program for 2020 July 15, 2020
Deadline for Filing a Property Assessment Complaint August 14, 2020
Payment Deadline for 2020 Property Taxes (For property owners not enrolled in the TIPP Program) September 30, 2020
Late Payment Penalty of 6% Applied to Unpaid Current Year Taxes October 1, 2020
Late Payment Penalty of 6% Applied to All Outstanding Taxes Remaining After December 31 January 4, 2021

A Tax Certificate is a legal document from the Town of Barrhead indicating the financial status of taxes for a particular property. The certificate indicates whether taxes for a specific property are paid, in arrears, or paid via the Town of Barrhead's monthly installment plan. 

Tax Certificates may be required by individuals, law firms, or financial institutions when a property is being sold, refinanced or as a verification of paid taxes. 

Tax Certificates cost $25 and may be purchased by submitting a written request. Requests can be faxed, emailed, or mailed and must include:

  • Legal Address or Civic Address of the property in question.
  • Contact information for the individual or firm requesting the Tax Certificate.

Assessment Concerns

The Town of Barrhead's assessors make every effort to accurately assess your property. If there is an error in your property's information or if some features are incorrect, an assessor is able to make a correction and send you an amended assessment notice.

It is advised that property owners discuss any concerns about their assessment with the Town of Barrhead prior to filing a complaint. We can arrange for an assessor to contact you to discuss your concerns. If after discussing your property assessment with the assessor you still feel your property assessment doesn't reflect what your property would have sold for in the open market, you are able to file an appeal as per the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

To File an Assessment Complaint

The Government of Alberta introduced a single system of assessment complaints for the entire province in 2010.  Some processes have changed.  The Town of Barrhead is entered into a contract with Capital Region Assessment Services Commission (CRASC) to provide assessment complaint services in 2020.  A complaint must be submitted using the Assessment Review Board Complaint Form and must adhere to the following:

  • Made on or before the final date of complaint indicated on your Combined Assessment and Property Tax Notice
  • Be accompanied by a filing fee, made payable to the Town of Barrhead
  • Include two copies of your submission for residential assessments or three copies for non-residential assessments
  • A completed Assessment Complaints Agent Authorization Form if you hire someone to represent you
All documentation and applicable fees must be received by the Town Office at Box 4189, Barrhead, Alberta, T7N 1A2 prior to the Complaint Deadline (August 14, 2020) for the Complaint to be considered.

Filing Fees

Residential 3 or fewer and farmland $50.00
Residential 4 or more dwellings Variable (as noted below)
  Assessed Value of up to $249,999 $200.00
  Assessed Value of between $250,00 to $499,999 $400.00
  Assessed Value that exceeds $500,000 $650.00
Non-Residential Variable (as noted below)
  Assessed Value of up to $249,999 $200.00
  Assessed Value of between $250,00 to $499,999 $400.00
  Assessed Value that exceeds $500,000 $650.00

 

NOTE:  If your appeal is successful or you withdraw your assessment complaint prior to the Assessment Review Board Hearing, your filing fee will be refunded as per Section 481(2) of the Municipal Government Act.


If I file an Assessment Complaint do I still need to pay my taxes prior to the due date?

YES. A complaint against your assessed property value does not exempt you from paying taxes on time or from late payment penalties.  If your appeal is successful the adjustment will be applied to your tax roll.

 

Required Forms

Agent Authorization Form (If someone else will represent the property owner in their complaint)