1. Why do I pay property tax?
Each year the City determines the budget required to pay for the services and programs for the year. As part of this process, it determines the amount of the total budget that the City must receive from property taxes. The City of Camrose relies on property taxes as a major source of revenue to fund protective services, engineering services, roads, administration, parks / recreation, and culture. The total property taxes collected is commonly known as a municipal levy.
2. How are my property taxes determined?
Individual property taxes are determined by applying a tax rate to your property’s assessed value.
3. How is the tax rate determined?
A tax rate is determined by dividing the total assessment for a municipality into the total budgeted requirements.
4. Why is there more than one tax rate on my Tax Notice?
The Taxation Notice contains three separate tax rates: a municipal tax rate, an education tax rate and a lodge authority tax rate. The municipal tax rate is set by Camrose City Council and funds the cost of providing local government services. The education tax rate is based on a required funding amount set by the Provincial Government and funds the school system. Camrose City Council has no control over this amount. The Lodge authority tax rate is based on required funding amount set by the Lodge Authority and funds lodges. Camrose City Council also has no control over this amount.
5. How will my property taxes be changing for the upcoming year?
Your share of the municipal property taxes is based on two factors:
- The City Budget – The cost for offering municipal services and programs. For details or changes to the budget, visit our Budget and Financial page.
- The total assessed value of all properties in the City of Camrose.
You can visit the Assessment webpage to learn more about how property assessments are determined.
The costs of services are distributed among all properties in the following manner:
Budget ÷ total assessed value of all properties = municipal tax rate
The municipal tax rate is then multiplied by your assessed value to determine the amount of taxes you will be required to pay for that year.
Your annual property tax bill covers the period of January 1 to December 31.
6. Why are property taxes lower in another municipality?
The amount of tax dollars required to operate a municipality can differ greatly. The services offered, as well as service levels, vary from municipality to municipality. The other factor to consider is who is paying the majority of the property taxes. Some municipalities have properties like pipelines paying large amounts of property tax, while others municipalities do not.
7. Why does my neighbor pay less property tax than I do?
Property taxes are determined by applying the tax rates to the assessment. If your neighbor is paying less tax than you are, that property must have a lower assessed value. Considering that assessments are based on market value, the assessment department has determined that property has a lower market value than your property.
8. What should I do if I feel my taxes or other information on my Tax Notice is incorrect?
You should contact the Taxation staff:
Taxation Staff
P. 780.672.4426
E. taxes@camrose.ca
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