Property Tax Assessment

The new property tax assessments have left many Kingston homeowners confused and seeking information about potential tax increases.

Have my property taxes actually gone up?

An increased assessment does not necessarily mean increased property taxes. Your property taxes may increase if your property assessment increased by more than the city average of 22%. The tax rate is related to the budgetary needs of the City of Kingston and is a percentage of a property's assessed value. The Property Assessment Notice only tells you the assessed value of your property. The amount of your property taxes will not be known until the city sets its tax rates and sends out the final tax bill.

How do I fight my assessment?

You can ask an Ontario Property Assessment Corporation property assessor to have another look at your assessed value through a process called Request for Reconsideration. An owner can request a reconsideration at any time during the taxation year. If the reconsideration does not result in a change, an owner can file a complaint to an independent tribunal called the Assessment Review Board.

What is a Request for Reconsideration

This is a process which allows property owners to have their assessed values reviewed at any time during the taxation year without having to file a formal appeal. These forms are available at our office or through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation site at www.mpac.ca.

For further information or assistance you can contact the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation at 1-866-296-6722.