Where Do My Property Taxes Go?

Your property tax levies are used to fund programs offered by the City of Lethbridge, the Provincial Education System and the Green Acres Foundation. The breakdown of your tax dollars for each of these purposes is shown on your Tax Notice. Municipal property taxes pay for services, facilities and other projects in the City of Lethbridge such as fire protection, policing, snow removal, road maintenance and other community enhancements.

Education taxes are pooled by Alberta Learning and distributed to public and separate school boards on an equal per student basis. Green Acres Foundation tax levies are used to manage the operations of their local seniors' facilities and programs in southern Alberta. Provincial Education and Green Acres Foundation taxes are not subject to control or review by the City of Lethbridge. Provincial legislation requires the City to administer Provincial Education and Green Acres Foundation tax billing, collection and school support declarations on their behalf.

Can I appeal my taxes?

No.  You may only file a complaint about the assessed value of your property.

Should I pay my taxes if I have filed an assessment complaint?

Yes.  You must still pay your taxes by the due date to avoid penalties.

Why are my Taxes not the same as last year?

If your tax bill is either higher or lower than last year, it may be due to:

Assessment change

The assessment on your property may change yearly as the City annually reassesses all property.  The yearly tax change depends on how much your assessment change varies from the average increase.  Refer to your assessment notice or contact the Assessment & Taxation office at (403) 320-3950.

Budget Increase

The cost of providing City services in 2010 has increased, as have the demands of a growing population.  Council increased the City’s 2009 operating budget accordingly.  When combined with changes in the Education and Green Acres requisitions, the overall increase in the average residential tax bill is estimated to be 3.7% for 2010.

I have a question about my Federal income taxes or GST.

The City does not have this information. Contact: http://canada.gc.ca/