Property Assessments

Property assessment is the process of assigning a dollar value to a property for taxation purposes. In Alberta, property is taxed based on the ad valorem principle - meaning "according to value." This means the amount of tax paid is based on the value of the property.

Property assessments are completed annually based on the previous year's market values. The assessment determines the amount of municipal and education tax each property owner pays. Municipal assessments are audited by the Provincial Government to ensure that proper valuation practices have been followed.

County residents receive assessment and tax notices in the beginning of May.

Market value

Market value assessments were introduced in 1998 as a fair and more equitable way to calculate property values. Market value is the probable price a property could sell for on the open market as of a specific date.  An assessor analyzes the real estate market to establish typical market value, based on mass appraisal.  

Mass appraisal

Mass appraisal is the process of valuing a group of properties as of a specific date, using standard methods and allowing for statistical testing. Mass appraisal differs from single appraisal where a single property is the focus of the appraisal, rather than groups of comparable properties.

Determining the assessed value of your property

Market sets the value of your property.  Market value assessments depend on variables such as:

• geographic location
• building style
• size of land
• buildings sizes
• number of bathrooms
• basement finish
• qualities of finish

2024 real estate market conditions determine the assessed value on your 2025 Property Assessment & Taxation Notice.  This includes the examination of real estate market conditions from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, and a physical characteristics date of December 31, 2024. Mass appraisal is then applied to all properties to determine the assessed value for your property.

All property values do not increase or decrease uniformly. Groupings of properties vary by quality, area, building type, and other factors. One group of properties may go up in assessment more than other groups of properties.

Related external links

• Assessment Complaints and Appeals
• Education Property Tax Facts and Information
• Guide to Property Assessment and Taxation in Alberta
• Matters Relating to Assessment and Taxation Regulation
• Municipal Government Act
• Seniors Tax Deferral Program

Don't agree with the Assessment value you received? You have 60 days to file an appeal.