– Municipal property assessments and tax notices were recently mailed out to Lacombe County ratepayers. Residents can expect to receive their 2023 notices in the coming weeks. If you have not received your notice by July 15, 2023, please contact Lacombe County's Assessment Department at 403-782-6601.

“We encourage ratepayers to be proactive and ensure they have received their assessment and tax notice from Lacombe County,” said Michael Minchin, Director of Corporate Services at Lacombe County. “It is essential to review the notice promptly to verify the information and address any concerns in a timely manner.”

Property owners are required to pay their taxes by the deadline, which is August 31, 2023. Please note that penalties will be applied after this date, even if you have not received an official tax notice.

The County's assessment and tax notice is a combined document. Here are some key points to consider:

• Anyone wishing to appeal their assessment has 60 days from the notice of assessment date to do so. The appeal date is clearly indicated on your notice of assessment.

o Please be aware that a per parcel fee will be charged for individuals filing complaints against assessments.

o The fee will be refunded if the Assessment Review Board decides in favour of the complainant.

• The property tax payment deadline is August 31, 2023.

o Property owners who miss the tax payment deadline will face a 6% penalty on the outstanding taxes owed starting September 1, 2023.

o An additional 10% penalty will be added on December 1 for all unpaid taxes after November 30.

“Like other online bill payments, there may be a processing delay for online tax payments. Therefore, individuals planning to pay their taxes through electronic banking should not leave it until the last minute,” advised Minchin. “To avoid all penalties, Lacombe County must receive tax payments by the last business day in August.”

Michael Minchin, Director of Corporate Services at Lacombe County, added, "We recognize the importance of timely tax payments for the smooth functioning of our community. It is crucial for residents to fulfill their obligations and submit their payments by the specified deadline. We are here to assist and answer any questions related to property assessments and tax notices."

HOW TO PAY

Tax payments are payable to Lacombe County (no later than August 31, 2023) and can be made using one of the following options:

• By mail to: Lacombe County, RR3, Lacombe, AB T4L 2N3 Mailed payments must be postmarked by Canada Post no later than September 30th of the current year. If the postmark is illegible or missing, the actual date of receipt by Lacombe County will apply.

• In Person: At the County Office (40403 Rge Rd 274, Lacombe County, AB) during office hours.

• Deposited in the envelope mailbox located at the road entrance to the County office (Do not submit cash).

• Electronically: Through electronic payment methods, including internet banking and for businesses, electronic funds transfer (EFT). Funds must be received in the County's bank account no later than August 31, 2023.

• By Credit Card: visit www.lacombecounty.com and pay through OptionPay, a secure third-party site, to make payment by credit card. (Please note that there is a fee for this service. Lacombe County does not receive any of the credit card fees).

• Tax Installment Payment Plan: Those enrolled in the County's tax installment plan (TIPPs) will see their payment adjusted to reflect the new tax rates for 2023 on their next monthly payment.

**The above due date and penalties DO NOT APPLY to ratepayers enrolled in the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP), which allows property taxes to be paid on a monthly basis instead of one single payment. Enrollment application forms are available at the Lacombe County Administration office or on the Lacombe County website