Your goal is to show proof to the Board that the assessment of your property is not a fair estimate of the price your property would sell for on the market, or is not a fair estimate when compared to properties of similar value. Remember, market value is not defined as the exact selling price of a property, but the most reasonable selling price. Similar properties rarely sell for the same price. However, the sale prices for similar properties will likely fall within a range of prices. The market value of your property is within that range.
Make sure that you have enough information to demonstrate to the Board that your property is similar to those you have selected as comparable properties and the assessed value of your property differs significantly from those properties.
The following will assist you with preparing your evidence and presenting your case:
- Appraisals or assessment of similar properties located in your neighbourhood (available from the Assessment Website).
- Repair estimates from a reputable contractor from physical problems (e.g., foundation is cracked, roof leaks, etc.). Keep in mind not every defect will lower the value of your property. Some defects result from normal wear and tear and/or aging of your property.
- Look for sales data on properties similar to yours (size, age, location) that sold close to July 1st of the previous year.
- In presenting comparisons between your property and other similar and/or comparison properties, compare features such as services, landscaping, number and size of bathrooms, basement (finished or unfinished), fireplaces, garage/carports, outbuildings, repairs and environmental problems.
- For condominium units, compare features such as the floor your unit is on, view, corner, inside or end unit, floor plan, parking, elevators and building services.
- In presenting comparisons between your business and other businesses in similar premises, describe the square footage, net rent, location, age and quality of the buildings where the businesses are located.
- Photographs of your property or business and other properties or businesses you are using as comparisons provide valuable support for a verbal description.
- Maps are helpful to locate properties used in comparisons.
- If possible, use a computer spreadsheet program to create your comparison chart or prepare one by hand.
- You may have witnesses appear on your behalf if you wish.
- You may hire someone to represent you at the hearing (e.g., a tax agent or lawyer) or you may bring a friend or family member to assist you.
- You may want to attend a hearing beforehand to see how the process works. The hearings are open to the public.
- Refer to Alberta Municipal Affairs publications to assist you with the complaint process or call toll-free 310-0000, then 780-422-1377.
Don't assume the assessor knows why you are unhappy with the assessment. Call or visit the Assessment Business Unit and explain why you think your assessment is unfair or inaccurate as per the information you have gathered above. The assessor can change an assessment and issue a new notice if he/she agrees the original notice is not accurate. In that case, you would not need to proceed with a hearing.
- Hearings are open to the public.
