Assessment FAQs

Understanding Your Assessment

Confused about the assessment process? The language of assessment can be very confusing. For a simple explanation of how your assessment is prepared, what the numbers mean, and how your taxes are calculated, please see the questions below:

Why is an Assessor visiting my property?

In order to properly assess property, the Assessment Department needs to collect accurate property data. When an Assessor visits your property, he/she is simply collecting data and classifying your property- valuations are not done during inspections.
An Assessor will visit all properties that have had changes in the current year. Assessors will also re-inspect every property in the County on a five year rotation.
Having an Assessor visit your property can be a good opportunity for you to confirm that the assessment data is correct. Assessors will be more than happy to review any of your assessment information with you.

Do I have to allow an Assessor onto my property?

No, you have the right at any time to refuse access to the Assessor. If this happens the Assessor will attempt to update your information by estimating details from outside your property. By denying access to an Assessor, you may loose the right to appeal your assessment through the Assessment Review Board.

Why has the assessed value of my residential or commercial property increased?

There are several reasons why your assessment may have increased:

• If the property values have increased in your area, the assessment will be adjusted to properly reflect the new value of your property;
• Any physical change to the property that would increase the market value will increase the assessment.(ie. New building, addition, etc.);
• If your previous property assessment did not accurately reflect market value, an adjustment may have been made to correct this.

How do I know if my assessment is accurate?

You should first attempt to determine the value of your property as of July 1st of the previous year. This can be done by looking at comparable sales, or speaking with an appraiser or real estate agent. Once you have an idea of the market value, you can compare that with your assessed value. You can also compare your property assessment with the assessments of similar properties. This information is available at the County office. Please feel free to call an Assessor for assistance with obtaining comparable property information.

What assessment information is available to me?

The assessed value and tax total of any property in the County is available to you. You can look at this information provided you have the legal description of the property. This information is available on a computer that is located in the main hall of the County office, and can be used by anyone during County business hours.
If you would like more detailed information about the assessment of your property, an Assessor can provide it to you at anytime.
Owner information is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and is not available.

What can I do if I disagree with my assessment?

First, please give a call to our Assessment Department (403-335-3311 or toll free 877-264-9754) to discuss your concerns, or send an email to: rene.boutin@mountainviewcounty.com. If there is valid evidence that your assessment information is not correct, we will update it immediately. Quite often, disagreements are the result of not understanding the assessments process. Our staff would be pleased to answer any questions you may have, and we will make every effort to address your concerns.

If, after the Assessment Department has explained your assessment, and you still have unresolved issues, you may file a complaint with the Assessment Review Board (ARB). It must be filled within 30 days from the date your assessment notice was mailed which is on your assessment notice. The ARB has the authority to review your assessment and make amendments when appropriate. The ARB is can hear evidence as to whether your property is assessed accurately and on an equitable basis with similar properties. Please note that taxes cannot be appealed to the Assessment Review Board.

• A complaint must be in writing.
• A complaint must explain why the complainant thinks that the information shown on the assessment notice is incorrect.
• A complaint must include the mailing address of the complainant.
• A complaint cannot be accepted after the "Final Date for Complaint". (Found on the top left corner of your assessment notice)
• A complaint must be addressed to the attention of the "Clerk of the Assessment Review Board" and mailed to the County address (Mountain View County, PO Bag 100, Didsbury, Alberta, T0M 0W0.