Frequently Asked Questions

Property Taxes

     How are taxes calculated?

A.     Your property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of your property by the tax rates:    Property Tax Bill = Assessment (Municipal) + Provincial (School) Tax.

The Provincial (School) Tax Rate is set once the County receives the annual requisitions from the Government of Alberta. The amounts of the requisition are not subject to review or approval by County Council. County of St. Paul bills and collects this tax amount for the Province of Alberta. The Municipal tax rate is set by the County Councillors for the operation of the municipality. Your annual property tax bill covers the period of Jan 1 to Dec 31.

     How do I appeal my taxes?

A.      You cannot appeal taxes. You may complain against your assessment if you believe the value is incorrect or other information on the Assessment Notice is not accurate. See the Assessment Department for further information. Please refer to the back of your tax notice for more information. If an Issue Statement is required with the Alberta Regulation 238/2000, it must also be filled out along with your complaint.

     When are taxes due?

A.      Taxes are due by June 30th.

     When are the tax bills sent out?

A.     The annual tax bills are generally mailed out in late May.

     Why am I being charged a penalty when I didn’t      receive my tax bill?

A.      Tax bills are sent to the mailing address recorded at the Land Titles Office and it is the property owners' responsibility to keep the Land Titles record accurate. Under the Municipal Government Act, once mailed, the bill is considered to have been received within seven days.

     I have owned the property for only a few months,      why am I being billed for the full year?

A.      All charges on a tax account become the responsibility of the registered owner of the property at the time the tax notice is sent out. When you purchase a property, adjustments for taxes are made between the vendor and purchaser.

     Is there a discount for seniors?

A.      There is no discount on taxes for seniors. However, the Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors Program has been established by the Government of Alberta.
The provincial government also has the Alberta Seniors Benefit Program, a monthly income subsidy available to seniors based on income.

     I’m paying principal, interest and taxes (PIT) to my      mortgage company and have received a tax bill. Do I      need to do anything?

A.      If you are paying PIT (principal, interest and taxes) to your mortgage company, you will receive the original tax bill for your records and the company will receive an invoice for your taxes. Your tax bill will show the name of the company we are invoicing. If you believe you are paying PIT and the mortgage company name does not appear on the bill, contact your mortgage company immediately.

     Can I pay taxes through my credit card?

A.      No. This service is not available for property taxes.

     Should I pay my taxes if I have filed an assessment      complaint?

A.      Yes. If you have filed a complaint against your 2008 assessment you must still pay your 2008 taxes by the due date to avoid penalties. If the Assessment Review Board or Municipal Government Board makes a decision on your complaint that results in a lower tax levy, the reduction will be credited to the tax account. Interest will be credited to the account if the tax reduction results in a credit balance. A refund cheque will be issued for accounts with a credit balance greater that $25.00. (Credits of less than $25. will remain on the account)

     How do I join the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan?

A.      If you want to join the Pre-Authorized Payment plan, you can apply by doing one of the following:
         Email: Tax Dept
         Phone: 780-645-3301 Ext 203
         Online: Application Form. Print and fax to 780-645-3104

     Why is a written notice required to terminate      participation or change banking information for Pre-     Authorized Payment Plan?

A.      By joining the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan you have entered into a written agreement with the County of St. Paul. It’s important that we have records on file to explain why various transactions have taken place on your tax account. Having these records enables us to answer your questions quickly and accurately.

To terminate your Pre-Authorized Payment Plan participation for any reason, including sale, we must receive written notice not less than two weeks before your next payment date in order to ensure your bank account is not debited for the installment account. You can email your request to Tax Dept or print and fax Withdrawal Form to 780-645-3104.

     When can I see the list of properties for the Public      Auction?

A.      The list of properties get posted on the website at the end of April of each year. The owner of the property has until 12:00 noon the day of the Auction to pay their taxes. The Public Auction is held at the County Office on the second Tuesday of May at 1:30pm.

Landfills

     When is the landfill open in my area?

A.      The landfill hours are as follows: Hours of Operation.

Fire

     Where do I get a fire permit?

A.      You can get a fire permit at the County Office 5015-49 Avenue or print a copy of a Fire Permit and fax it 645-3104. There is no charge for a fire permit. You need a fire permit between April 1 to October 31 of each year.

Parks/Campgrounds

     When do the Parks/Campgrounds open?

A.      You can start making your reservations on May 1 of each year by calling the park of your choice. The phone numbers for each park are listed on the website under “Visitors”→”Campgrounds”. The parks are ready for campers on the long weekend of May.

Utilities

     Why are my water bills so high?

A.      Your water bill HAS to be read every month so that the consumption will be added to your bill along with the basic water & sewer fee. If the meter is not read, our staff goes out and reads the meter every three months, so now you are paying for the basic water & sewer for one month and the consumption of water for 3 months. That is why your bill is so high every three months. It is SO important to READ your meter monthly.