Market value is the price a property would likely yield if sold after adequate time and exposure on the open market by a willing seller to a willing buyer.  The Assessor finds this figure by extensively analyzing sale transactions from July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009 for similar property types to determine market trends and patterns and thence uses mass appraisal techniques to finalize market values to be used for the 2010 taxation year. Your 2010 property assessment notice is based on mid-range values as of July 1, 2009 real estate market conditions and reflects the physical condition as of December 31, 2009.

Properties not assessed on a market value standard such like farmland, railway, machinery and equipment, and linear are assessed at prescribed regulated rates and standards mandated by the Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs, Minister's Guidelines of Regulated Property.

Mass appraisal is not a site-specific appraisal of property. It is an averaged or mid-ranged market value for similar types of properties. Mass appraisal takes into account a greater sampling of properties with common features and characteristics to perform statistical analysis. Common features include location, proximity to urban centers, age, parcel size, building size, quality of construction and zoning.

Yes, your property assessment is based on market value that was established for July 1. Depending on the current market conditions on July 1, your assessment may increase of decrease.

Private appraisers evaluate your property based on the market conditions that exist at the time of the appraisal report. The County's property assessment calculation is based on the market conditions as existed of July 1 and reflects the physical condition of your property as of December 31 of the same year.

Tax payments can made by Cash, Cheque, Debit Card, Telephone Banking or Internet Banking.  For after hours payments, please use our payment drop off box located at the County Office in Kitscoty.