Assessment complaints

Filing a complaint

The ARB clerk must receive your complaint and the appropriate fee within 60 days of the Notice of Assessment Date listed on your Assessment Notice.  

• Key dates and deadlines — check mailing dates and deadlines  

To file a complaint: 

1. Complete an Assessment Review Board Complaint form (PDF). Explain why you believe the information on your assessment notice is incorrect and what you believe the correct information should be.  
2. Obtain agent authorization (if applicable). If you would like an agent to file a complaint on your behalf, complete the Assessment Complaints Agent Authorization form (PDF) and submit it with your complaint.  
3. Ensure your form is complete. The ARB will determine the validity of any incomplete forms, late submissions or those filed without the required fee.  
4. Submit the form and fee. Complaints must be submitted by the deadline.  

The ARB Clerk will use the information in your complaint to schedule the appropriate amount of time for your hearing. The ARB cannot hear any matter regarding an issue that was not identified on the complaint form. This means you cannot introduce new evidence or issues at the hearing if they have not been previously disclosed.  

Learn how to prepare for your appeal hearing (PDF).  

Filing fees

A filing fee must accompany the ARB Complaint Form for each property under the appeal. The fee will be refunded if: 

• the ARB makes a decision in your favour
• an agreement is reached with the assessor prior to the hearing
• the complaint is withdrawn

Filing fees for complaints are payable by cash, credit/debit or cheque (payable to Town of Cochrane): 

• Residential (three or fewer dwellings — $50 per complaint
• Residential four or more dwellings —  $600 per complaint
• Non-residential — $600 per complaint

Submit your form(s) and filing fee(s) by the specified date using one of the following options:  

Email: legislative@cochrane.ca

Mail or in person: 101 RancheHouse Rd. Cochrane, AB  T4C 2K8 (Attention: Clerk, Assessment Review Board) 

Note: To avoid penalties, property taxes must be paid on or before the deadline specified on your tax bill, even if a complaint is filed. 

Section 299/300 requests

Under Sections 299 and 300 of the Municipal Government Act, you have the right to access information about your property assessment and view a summary of other property assessments.  

After you have spoken with an assessor, you can make a formal request by submitting the following forms: 

• Assessment Information Request Reference (PDF) 
• Assessed Person’s Property Information Request (MGA Section 299) 
• Comparable Properties Information Request (MGA Section 300)