The Town of Edson issues an annual combined tax and assessment notice to all property owners during the month of May each year. This notice contains the levy for municipal tax as well as the school tax levy which is collected on behalf of the Province.
On May 5th, 2019, Council gave three readings to the 2020 Mill Rate Bylaw. The Town of Edson’s overall taxable assessment has decreased by 2.6%. This is used to generate the taxation revenue and is what drives the mill rate calculations for Municipal taxes, School, and Evergreens Requisitions. In the Emergency Budget, Council decreased the amount of tax revenue to be collected by 5% from the original 2020 budget passed in December 2019. The 5% reduction has been split 20/80 between residential and non-residential respectively.
The Emergency 2020 Municipal Budget decrease has led to a slight increase in residential mill rates and a decrease in non-residential mill rates. An increase in the Evergreens Foundation (10.83%) and a decrease in the Provincial School Requisitions (due to an over levy in 2019 with a later than normal Provincial budget) have led to an overall change in the mill rates as shown below.
The chart below provides a comparison of the 2019, 2020 (original), and 2020 (actual) combined tax levies per $100,000 in assessment. Individual tax notices will go out in mid-May.
*combined tax levy per $100,000 in assessment
2019
2020 original
2020 actual
residential
$ 873.00
$ 886.70
$ 872.68
non-residential
$ 1,826.00
$ 1,814.89
$ 1,711.70
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:
Edson’s internal checks and balances,
The Alberta government's annual assessment audit process and
Individual property owners’ review of their notice.
*This is a unique year within the Town of Edson as a new assessor has been named after having utilized the same firm for many years. There have been some large adjustments, both increases and decreases, to bring assessments closer to actual market value.
Your tax bill arrives in May and property tax payments are due by June 30.
Those with concerns regarding assessment are encouraged to contact the Town’s assessor first. If still unsatisfied, please contact the Town Office for details on the appeal process.
Payments and Penalties
NOTICE - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of changes have been made for tax due dates and penalty dates. For 2020 the following dates apply.
Taxes due – September 30, 2020.
First penalty run – October 1, 2020
Second penalty run – November 1, 2020
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Payment Options: A monthly pre-authorized payment plan by automatic bank withdrawals is available for your convenience. The monthly plan runs from January to December each year. Contact the Finance Department by December 1st of the preceding year to enroll for the following tax year. Lump sum payments may be made at the Civic Centre, internet banking or through the mail by June 30th of the current tax year.
If you have appealed your current year property assessment, payment in full is still required by June 30th to avoid penalty. In the event that your appeal is successful an adjustment will be made and a refund will be issued to you.
Late Payment Penalty: There are three important dates to remember when it comes to tax penalties. On January 1st and July 1st any outstanding balance on your tax account is subject to a 6% penalty. On August 1st a 6% late payment change will be applied to the current year’s taxes.
Market Value
Factors that affect residential market value may include
Location
greenspaces
community services
commercial properties
multi-family properties
waterways
schools
trains
transmission lines
communications towers
fire hydrants
Land Use (zoning)
Size of home/lot
Other influences (restrictions, environmental concerns, access, servicing, etc)
Total finished living area
Quality of structure
Age of structure
Modernization level
Building type (i.e. duplex, etc.)
Unit type in condominiums (i.e. townhouse, apartment, basement unit, end unit, penthouse unit, etc.)
Garage type and size
Questions?
For specific assessment information please contact the Town of Edson Assessor: