2023 Municipal Property Tax Rates
Residential | |
Municipal | 0.0027443 |
Seniors | 0.0001600 |
School | 0.0023683 |
Non-Residential (includes M&E) | |
Municipal | 0.0082740 |
Seniors | 0.0001600 |
School | 0.0034997 |
Small Business | |
Municipal | 0.0062055 |
Seniors | 0.0001600 |
School | 0.0036621 |
Farmland | |
Municipal | 0.0045166 |
Seniors | 0.0001600 |
School | 0.0023683 |
Change of Address Form
Need to update your records with a change of address? Please complete the Change of Address Form and return it to assessment@clearwatercounty.ca
Payment Options
Online Banking: Make payments online through your financial institution. Fees may apply.
Electronic Funds Transfer: Payments can be made online with your financial institution using your financial software. Please contact us for more details and allow 2 to 3 business days for processing.
Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1A4
In-Person: You may also come in person during regular office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) to pay by cash, cheque or debit (post-dated cheques are welcome). Reminder: if cheques are returned by the bank, taxes are considered unpaid.
How do property taxes work?
Property Assessment Value ($) x Tax Rate (Class of Property) = Property Tax
- Assessing the value of your property. (Completed by Clearwater County’s Assessment Department)
- Setting the annual tax rate. (Set annually by Council based upon the County’s budget as developed by the County’s Finance Department)
- Municipal Tax: Set by Clearwater County Council, and is the only revenue generated by the municipality
- School Tax: The provincial government establishes the Educational Tax Rate, where Clearwater County is required to collect the Education/School taxes on behalf of Alberta Education, but had no jurisdiction in setting this Tax Rate)
- Seniors Foundation: Seniors tax is collected on behalf of Westview Lodge in Rocky Mountain House and the requisitioned amount is shared between Clearwater County, the Town of Rocky Mountain House and the Village of Caroline)
- Uncollectible School: This is the amount of tax dollars that were not collected the previous year, but paid to Alberta Education
Tax Certificate Request
Tax certificates show a record of yearly tax amounts, payment information and any penalties or outstanding account balances for a property. A tax certificate is often requested during the sale or purchase of a property.
You can request a property tax certificate by submitting a payment of $20.00 and a completed Property Information Request Form via email to assessment@clearwatercounty.ca or mail to PO Box 550, 4340-47 Avenue, Rocky Mountain House, AB, T4T 1A4.
Please allow three (3) business days for processing.
Payment: $20.00 (GST exempt)
- Cheque: forward a scanned copy of a cheque made out to Clearwater County, in the amount for the products requested and email to assessment@clearwatercounty.ca.
- E-Transfer: send to assessment@clearwatercounty.ca.
Section 299-300 Assessment Information Request
Contact Us
Forms
- Property Assessment Request for Information - Assessed Person's Property Information - Section 299 Form
- Property Assessment Request for Information - Comparable Property Information - Section 300 Form
- 2023 Tax Year Agent Authorization Form
- Property Information Request Form
- Non-Residential Annual Property Tenant Report/Form
- Property Tax Exemption Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the assessed value of my residential or commercial property changed?
There are several reasons why your assessment may have changed. If the values have changed in your area, the assessment will be adjusted to reflect the new market value of your property. Any physical changes to the property that would increase/decrease the market value will change the assessment. If your previous property assessment did not accurately reflect market value, an adjustment may have been made to correct this.
What Assessment information is available to me?
The total assessment and breakdown of land and improvements values is available to all property owners. The Assessment Department can provide this information at any time. Owner information is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) and is available to the property owner only or an authorized representative.
What can I do if I disagree with my assessment?
First, please give our Assessment Department a call to discuss your concerns (403-845-4444). If valid evidence is presented, regarding the accuracy of assessment information, we will update the county records immediately. Quite often, disagreements are the result of not understanding the assessment process. Our staff is more than willing to answer any questions you may have and will make every effort to address your concerns. If, after the Assessment Department has explained your assessment and you still have unresolved concerns, you may file a complaint with the Regional Assessment Review Board. It must be filed within 60 days from the date your assessment notice was mailed. The final date for appeal is on your assessment notice.
Fees for Complaints are:
Residential/Farmland | $50.00 |
NON-RESIDENTIAL | |
Assessed Value less than $500,000 | $100.00 |
$500,000--$999,999 | $300.00 |
$1,000,000--$4,999,999 | $500.00 |
Over $5,000,000 | $650.00 |
Assessment complaints must be accompanied by the assigned fee, or they will not be accepted. If an assessment complaint is successful, the complaint fee will be refunded.
Provincial legislation outlines how property assessment complaints must be made. Please contact the Regional Assessment Review Board for further information.
I just bought my property, why is the assessment different?
All assessments are based upon market value. An estimate of market value is determined by average sales prices with the municipality for similar properties using comparable sales. The assessment should reflect what the property would be valued as of July 1 year prior and any physical changes as of December 31 of that year.
Why is an Assessor visiting my property?
To properly assess property, the Assessment department needs to collect accurate data. When an Assessor visits your property, he/she is simply collecting this data and classifying your property (property valuation is not done during inspections). Provincial legislation states the County must re-assess properties annually. It is suggested that 20% of the properties be re-inspected annually. 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 questions or concerns you may have regarding the assessment information.
Do I have to allow an Assessor onto my property?
Yes, as per the Municipal Government Act. However, they must provide identification and a reason for the inspection. Allowing an Assessor on your property is a great chance to know what will be assessed and to update any physical changes since last inspection. If an Assessor is denied access, the Assessor will make an estimate on the assessment from outside the property, and the property owner may lose the right to appeal.