What is this Service?

Taxation services provide the efficient and effective collection of all taxes owing to the municipality. Municipalities are mandated by provincial legislation to levy and collect property taxes for municipal and education purposes. It is the municipal portion of the property tax bill that provides municipalities with the major source of revenue they require to operate on a day-to-day basis.

Property tax revenue is based on the total assessed value of all properties within the municipality. Municipal tax rates are set by municipal Council each year based on their budgetary requirements while the Province sets the education tax rates.

Influencing Factors:

• Economic Conditions:  High growth municipalities may require additional billing processes, i.e. supplementary and omit bills, interim and final runs.  The strength of a local economy may also impact tax arrears, collections, penalty and interest charges.
• Local Economy: Local conditions may influence measures related to receivables, collections and others.
• Government Policy:  Ministry required standardized billing and changes in capping methodology requires municipalities to continually upgrade software systems to maintain compliance with legislation.
• Policies and Practices:  Differences in how each municipality defines a bill, administration of pre-authorized payment plans, internet-based payment options, collection processes; and the number and treatment of Payment in Lieu (PIL) accounts.