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2009 Assessment FAQ
Q: What if the general information on my assessment notice is incorrect?
A: In order to have corrections made, you must call MPAC at the number listed on the top of your notice. They will ask you for your Roll number that is printed on the centre of the notice. All changes must be made by MPAC – township staff cannot do that.
Q: How is my property assessed?
A: About 85 per cent of your assessed value is based on five key factors – location, lot size, the living area, age of the property adjusted for any major renovations or additions and the quality of construction.
You will have to speak with the staff at MPAC to determine how the criteria is applied to your property, or, if you have access to the internet, you can go online at
www.mpac.ca and click on the AboutMyProperty™ tab. A unique user ID and password are printed at the bottom of your notice. All that information is provided on that site.
Q: What if I don’t agree with the value placed on my property?
A: First, ask yourself if you could have reasonably expected to sell your property for its assessed value on January 1, 2008, the date on which the assessed value is based.
Secondly, speak with the staff at MPAC. They will be able to help you understand how the increase was determined. Your 2008 Property Assessment Notice includes the average percentage change of residential properties in the municipality, so a similar property in East Zorra-Tavistock should be assessed at the same value. Alternately, if you have access to the internet, you can check to see that the information we have about your property is accurate by going online at www.mpac.ca and clicking on the AboutMyProperty™ tab. A unique user ID and password are printed at the bottom of your assessment notice. You can compare the value on your property and up to 24 similar properties of your choice and up to six selected by MPAC, free of charge.
Q: Why is the assessment increase being phased in over 4 years?
A: It is the Province’s mandate to make taxation more fair for property owners. The phase-in is meant to introduce stability and predictability into the assessment and taxation system. The increase becomes more equitable, and easier for the taxpayer to afford.
Q: How much will my taxes go up now that the value on my property has increased?
A: Increased assessment does not necessarily mean an increase in your taxes. If the municipality experiences increased assessment growth, it will require a lower tax rate to raise the same number of tax dollars, so depending on the cost of services to be delivered in the coming year, we may not experience a sizeable increase in the tax rate.
Q: If my assessment decreases does that get phased in too?
A: No. Assessment decreases are effective immediately.
Q: I’m a senior. How am I going to afford any more tax increases?
A: The Province is still offering Ontario Senior Homeowners Property Tax Grant. A brochure should be included with your assessment notice explaining the details, but basically, based on your net income, you would be eligible for a grant to a maximum of $250.00 for 2009, and for 2010, to a maximum of $500.00. You will make application at the time you file your annual income tax return.
Q: What if I make improvements to my property during the 4 year assessment cycle? Will I automatically be assessed at the full value?
A: No. Assessment increases will be phased in over the balance of the assessment cycle. MPAC will determine a factor based on the 2005 “starting point” and the new assessment will be incremented accordingly, bringing the entire property to full value for 2012.
Similarly, if any buildings on your property are damaged or demolished during the assessment cycle, the decrease will also be incremented using the same factoring criteria.
Q: What is the purpose of using 2005 Assessment?
A: Property values as of January 1, 2005 were the basis for the last province-wide assessment. That value was in effect for 2006, 2007 and 2008. Any market value increase as of January 1, 2008 has become the basis for 2009 through 2012 – with the difference being phased in over the 4 year period, as indicated on your assessment notice. A decrease in value will be effective immediately.
Q: If I don’t agree with the new value placed on my property, what do I do?
A: If you feel your assessed value or property classification is not correct, MPAC will review it free of charge. You may request a review any time before March 31 of the following tax year (for purposes of this notice, before March 31, 2009). You may download the Request for Reconsideration (RFR) form from the MPAC website www.mpac.ca ; by calling MPAC at the phone number at the top of your assessment notice, or by calling the Township Office at 519-462-2697.
You may also choose to file an appeal with the Assessment Review Board (ARB), an independent tribunal of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General before March 31 of the following tax year (for purposes of this notice, before March 31, 2009). However, beginning in 2009, the RFR method is the mandatory first step of appeal for residential, farm and managed forest property classes. An ARB appeal would be submitted if you were dissatisfied with the decision on your RFR. More information on this type of appeal is available from the MPAC website www.mpac.ca ; by calling MPAC at the phone number at the top of your assessment notice, or by calling the Township Office at 519-462-2697.
The RFR appeal method is not mandatory for properties in the commercial and industrial classes.
Q: Does the phase-in apply to all properties in the Township.
A: Yes. The 4 year phase-in applies to every property in every tax class, including the capped classes (commercial, industrial and multi-residential). Tax capping will be applied on top of the phase-in.
Q: What happens if I sell my property, or purchase a new one – will my User ID and password work for me and the new owners?
A: No. The User ID and password is specific to the current property owner only. MPAC had not determined how to deal with this issue at the end of October, so please contact them about it if it becomes necessary. (1-866-296-6722)
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