During November 2002, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) mailed Assessment Notices to all properties in Ontario.
The new values are based on a date of June 30, 2001. In other words, MPAC’s estimate of your properties value on that date. If unchallenged, these values will form the basis of your property tax for 2003.
It’s now decision time. If you agree with the value, file your notice. If you don’t agree there are a few things you can do, but be prepared to put in some time. Firstly, ask MPAC, in writing, for a “Request for Reconsideration”. If the MPAC representative agrees with you, the value will be adjusted. This usually occurs when there is a factual error such as a demolition of a building or the acreage is wrong. When the question of a reduction is judgemental such as the value it will not be as easy. Remember, unless there is an error, MPAC will support the values, they have the time, information, and will, much of their success is based on how much they don’t lose.
This “Request for Reconsideration” process has some time restrictions and MPAC must notify you before the last date of appeal, March 31, 2003 if they do not agree with you. If agreement is not reached you must appeal your assessment to the Assessment Review Board (ARB) by March 31st if you wish to continue. If you miss this date your options are nil.
The ARB is an independent tribunal, the process is informal you will however be required to produce evidence in support of your position.
For more information and assistance contact your Ontario Federation of Agriculture Member Services Representative Maria Van Bommel at 519-264-1444 or 1-877-668-3276
~PJ Smith & Associates~