Assessment

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Property taxes
Schedule of fees (tax notifications, reprinting property assessments & tax notices, etc.)

Questions?

Call 403-328-5525
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

What is Property Assessment?

Property taxes in Alberta are calculated based on the assessed value of the property. This value is then multiplied by the tax rate set annually by Council, which then equals the amount of property tax a landowner must pay.

In Alberta, properties are classified based on how they are used. Classes of property are:

Residential
Non-residential
Farmland
Linear
Machinery and equipment

It is important to review your tax notice when you receive it to ensure your property is under the right classification.

How does the County determine my property’s assessed value?

Your property’s assessed value may not be the same as what it was purchased for. Assessment is determined based on several factors:

The property’s classification (residential, non-residential, farmland, linear, machinery and equipment)
Size, quality, and age (for residential properties)
Ability of the land to produce income (for farmland properties)
Real estate transactions from similar properties in the area
Improvements or modifications made to the property (ie. adding a deck, garage, additional building, etc.)
Market changes caused by supply and demand

Sometimes, the County’s Assessor may need to conduct an inspection of the property to ensure a fair and accurate assessment, especially for new construction and properties that have not recently been inspected. The property owner will receive notice before the Assessor does an inspection.

Residential Properties

These properties are assessed based on market value, which is determined by reviewing the sales of properties throughout the County over the previous 12 months.

Non-Residential Properties

These properties are also assessed based on market value, and include commercial and industrial properties like stores, processing facilities, industrial plants, etc.

Farmland

Farmland assessment is based on its productive value for agricultural use, not market value. Farm buildings used for farming purposes are exempt from assessment and taxation. Any commercial/industrial buildings or machinery/equipment on the property are assessed under the non-residential or machinery and equipment classes.

The Government of Alberta has frozen farmland assessment values since 1995.

Linear Properties

These include:

Petroleum pipelines
Telecommunication and cable television systems
Railway property
Oil and gas wells
Electric power systems

Linear properties are assessed by provincial assessors using regulated rates and depreciation schedules due to their unique nature.

Machinery and Equipment

This includes items used in manufacturing, processing, and industrial facilities, such as:

Chemical injectors
Tanks, mixers, separators
Compressors, pumps
Metering and analysis equipment

The Government of Alberta sets rates for these items.

Requesting an Assessment Review

Lethbridge County issues assessment notices with the annual property tax notice in May.

If you think your property assessment is inaccurate, you must contact Lethbridge County by the date indicated on your tax notice. Call 403-328-5525 during business hours.