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1. Why did I receive an Assessment Notice for a property I sold?

You may receive the Assessment Notice because at the time the Assessment Notices were printed the Town had not yet received the Certificate of Title with the new owner’s information. Our records are updated twice a month with ownership changes received from the Calgary Land Titles Office. 

2. How do I view historical assessment values for my property?

Sign into your eServices account and you will be able to view historical assessment values under the assessment tab. 

3. Why didn't I receive an Assessment Notice for a property I purchased?

You may not have received the Assessment Notice if you recently purchased your property because at the time the Assessment Notices were printed the Town had not yet received the Certificate of Title with your new information. Our records are updated twice a month with ownership changes received from the Calgary Land Titles Office. You may view your assessment value at Property Search

4. Why does my assessment say “improved”?

An Assessment Notice that has “Improved” identifies that the land has a building and that it is not vacant. Improved does not mean a change has occurred it only reflects that a structure of some type exists on the land. 

5. How can I get another copy of my assessment notice or tax bill?

You may request a copy from the Tax Department. 

Visit eServices and sign into your account to view and print off account details (assessment values, tax levy, tax payments, etc).

6. How do I update my mailing address?

Complete the Change of Address Form and contact the Calgary Land Titles Office at 403-297-6511 to update your Certificate of Title. 

7. How do I update my school support declaration?

Contact the Tax Department with your update.

8. Will my taxes increase if my property assessment increases?

An increase in your property assessment does not mean your property taxes will increase by the same amount. Your Assessment indicates the estimated value of your property and is used to determine your share of the property taxes. Tax Rates are determined by Town Council in May. 

9. Why do I receive my assessment notice before my property tax bill?

Assessment notices are mailed in advance of the property tax bill to allow property owners the opportunity to review the assessed value and ensure it is reasonable prior to the tax bill being sent out in May.

10. How is Market Value Determined?

The real estate market sets the value of your property. Our Assessors measure that market utilizing mass appraisal techniques, which determine property values by grouping similar properties as of a specific date. Market value assessments may vary depending on geographic location, building style and size of property. All assessments are prepared in accordance with the Municipal Government Act and the requirements of the Matters Relating to Assessment and Taxation Regulation.

11. Is GST included in the assessment of my home?

Yes, GST is a cost incurred by a purchaser as part of the value paid. This amount should be reported to the Land Titles office. GST is typically recovered in the resale of the home, so no adjustments are made to the market value.

12. How do I know my value is reasonable?

We use a comparison of property characteristics to similar sale properties within your community. It is important to remember that the assessed value date is of July 1 of the previous year.

13. How do renovations or additions affect my assessment?

Your assessment is based on its physical condition as of December 31 of the year previous to the current taxation year. Any significant changes to your home will likely increase its market value and therefore, increase your assessment.

14. Why do I pay school taxes when I don't have children going to school?

Provincial legislation specifies that the funds for schools are to be collected by municipalities. The province and separate school boards requisition revenue they require from the Town and the total levy is distributed among taxpayers through their property tax bills. The Education Portion collected by the town on behalf of the provincial government is approximately 34% of your Property Tax Bill. People who do not own property contribute indirectly through their rental or lease payments. If you have any questions regarding school taxes, please contact Alberta Education directly at 1-780-422-7125 or toll free by dialing 403-310-0000, then enter 780-422-7125.

15. How and where can I pay my taxes?

You can pay your property tax bill at the Town office with cash, money order, personal cheque, bank draft or debit card (include the remittance portion of the notice), or through your bank’s telephone or internet banking (CREDIT CARDS & INTERAC E-TRANSFERS ARE NOT ACCEPTED). 

• In Person Visit the Town administration office at the Cochrane RancheHouse, 101 RancheHouse Road, between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

• In person after office hours Drop your money order, cheque or bank draft in the drop boxes outside of the West entrance of the Ranchehouse or FCSS; remember to include the remittance portion of your notice. Do not drop off cash.
  • Cochrane RancheHouse
    101 RancheHouse Rd
    
  • FCSS
    209 Second Ave W
    
• Mail (include your payment and the remittance portion of your notice)
  Town of Cochrane, 101 RancheHouse Road Cochrane AB T4C 2K8

• At your bank or credit union
  Set up the Town as a bill payee through your regular bill payment system; your roll number is your account number. Allow three business days before the penalty date to ensure payments are processed on time. Please retain all documentation.
  
  
• TIPP Register for the Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP)  to pay your property taxes in equal monthly installments instead of a single annual payment and to avoid penalties.  

Check our taxation page if you have any further questions.