How Assessment Works

What does an assessor need to know about my property to prepare the assessment?

To prepare an estimate of value the Assessor needs to know about your property. The MGA allows the Assessor the “Right to enter on and inspect property” so long as the owner/occupier has been given notice and informed the purpose of inspection is to prepare an assessment of the property. Information typically gathered on a property includes the type, size, age, and characteristics (e.g. heating type, plumbing fixtures, interior finish) of improvements, and the ‘property class' based use of the improvement/property (e.g. residential, farm, commercial, industrial/manufacturing – a property may be dual or multi-purpose, residential & industrial), etc. Data collection may be in the form of a physical inspection, in-person or phone interview, by mail-in questionnaire or survey or using electronic data available through photos, land titles, etc. The MGA also states an owner has a “Duty to provide information” to the Assessor when requested or he/she may not be able to make a complaint pertaining to the assessment. Your assessment is only as accurate as the information collected by the Assessor.

If you've recently purchased the property, the Assessor may also ask for information about the sale to determine if it can be used as an indication of typical market conditions. This may include asking: “What the use of the property was at the time of sale? Was it serviced? Was it purchased from a family member or close business associate, or an inheritance? Was there any personal property (e.g., appliances, tools, equipment) included? Have there been any changes to the property since the sale?”

What are property classes?

For the purpose of Assessment and Taxation the MGA requires properties to be classified as one or more of the following: Residential, Non-Residential, Farmland, or Machinery & Equipment based on their use.

What happens with the information the assessor collects?

Once the Assessor has gathered all the pertinent data on properties in the municipality, he/she will “stratify” or categorize the properties into comparable groups according to their location, use, age, type, characteristics, etc. For example, properties used primarily for residential purposes are classed as Residential and may be further categorized by sub-class such as Vacant or Improved. Further groupings may be based on age and type, for instance One-Story, Two-Story, Bi-level, Split-level, etc. This is important to ensure properties are valued fairly and equitably with other similar properties. Information related to properties that have sold is analyzed and then utilized to ensure assessments are comparable to typical market values as indicated by sales.

How does Lacombe County calculate my assessment?

In appraisal and assessment theory, there are three approaches to values when valuing real property.

1. The Sales Comparison Approach – evaluations are based on the actual reported sale prices of other properties. This approach is most appropriate when the sales of similar properties are plentiful and reflect the typical market conditions. Of the three approaches it is the most easily understood by the public and courts.
2. The Cost Approach – based on the assumption a property's value is set by the “cost” of replacing an equally desirable substitute within a reasonable time frame. This approach works best for newer improvements where depreciation is less of a factor and special purpose properties which do not tend to sell on a regular basis. It's important to note that cost and value are NOT necessarily the same: cost is the amount required to produce the item, whereas value is related to how desirable the item is to a potential owner.
3. The Income Approach – based on the premise a property's value is related to its ability to produce an income. This approach works best for properties that typically rent (i.e. apartment buildings, warehouses, etc).

In Alberta, Non-Regulated properties are valued according to the Market Value standard set out in the MGA and Regulations. Lacombe County utilizes both the Cost Approach and the Sales Comparison Approach in evaluating properties for assessment. Assessments are prepared by applying both cost and sales data to the specific details of your property held by the Assessor. Regulated properties such as Farmland and Machinery & Equipment are valued using the appropriate procedures, tables and rates determined by the Provincial Government.

For further information on your property assessment calculation please contact an assessor at Lacombe County.

How do I know what information Lacombe County has about my property?

Lacombe County encourages citizens to contact an Assessor at any time with inquiries about your assessment. We are always available to address your questions or concerns. Under the MGA you are entitled to see or receive any information regarding the preparation of your property assessment the Assessor possesses or controls.

You may request a summary of the assessment of any assessed property in the municipality as long as confidentiality is not breached. If you are making an "official request" (not a general inquiry) you may be asked to complete and submit an Information Request Form so the municipality clearly understands what information you are asking for and can return it to you within the prescribed timelines.

The appropriate forms to make an official request can be obtained from the Lacombe County Administration Office or you may also download it here.

You may be required to pay a fee before your request can be processed.

Please note: It is YOUR responsibility to contact your municipal office and check your property record to make sure the details are accurate.

How can I contact my assessor?

Your assessor is available Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm

Lacombe County Administration Office

You can phone or email us. If you email us, please be sure to include your name, contact number, and address of the property you are asking about.

If you are planning to visit in person, you may wish to phone ahead and confirm an assessor will be in the office, not out inspecting properties, on the day of your visit.

What's the difference between my assessment and my taxes?

Your Assessment is the estimated value of your real property for the purpose of providing a basis for a municipality to levy a property tax. You may make a complaint regarding your assessment.

Taxes are the amount of money a municipality collects from each assessed person in order to pay expenditures and transfers set out in its annual budget and meet any requisitions from various other sources (i.e. Alberta School Foundation Fund, School Boards, Subsidized Seniors housing, Recreation Associations, etc). You may NOT make a complaint about your taxes.

If I don't agree with my assessment, what can I do?

If you think your assessment isn't fair in relation to similar properties, or you suspect an error, contact the Assessment Department to discuss the issue with your Assessor.

The Municipal Government Act and Matters Relating to Assessment Complaints Regulation set out the complaint process. Property owners have the right to file a complaint within 60 days of notice of assessment date.

How to File an Assessment Complaint