Town of Banff

Assessment Complaints

You may make a complaint about any of the information contained in your assessment notice.

Disagreeing with an Assessment

If you think your assessment is not accurate, check with us first at 403.762.1230.  If we have made a simple error, we will correct it immediately.

You should review your assessment in comparison to what your property would likely have sold for on July 1 of the previous year.  If that number is close to your assessment, then likely the assessment is fair.  If you think the assessment is too high:

1. Get a second opinion, in writing, from an appraiser or realtor who has knowledge of the Banff market.
2. Arrange for a meeting with the Town of Banff assessor by calling 403.762.1230.

NOTE:  Corrections to an assessment can only be made within 60 days of the mailing of the notice.

If you don't reach a resolution using the above process, you may file an assessment complaint.

Filing a Complaint

To file a complaint, fill in Assessment Review Board Complaint and drop it off at Town Hall, 110 Bear Street or mail it, along with the complaint fee, to:

Town of Banff
Attention:  Taxes and Utilities Clerk
Box 1260
Banff, AB  T1L 1A1

Assessment Review Board Complaint forms are available at Town Hall, by calling 403.762.1230, or at the link below:

• Assessment Review Board Complaint ( PDF - 1.87MB)
  

Your complaint and complaint fee must arrive at Town Hall no later than 60 days after the assessment notice was mailed. See your Assessment Notice for the specific appeal deadline

Complaint Fees

The fee for filing a complaint is:

• Single Family Residential - $50 per appeal
• Multi-Family Residential (more than three units) - $650 per appeal
• Non-Residential (Commercial) - $650 per appeal
  

Your complaint fee will be refunded if your complaint is found to be valid.

How Complaints are Decided

Complaints are heard by an Assessment Review Board appointed by Town Council. If you file complaint, you or your representative will be asked to present the reasons you believe your assessment is incorrect.  The Town of Banff appraiser will also present information.

If you wish to be represented by an agent (an agent is a person who will represent you for a fee), please return the following form with your Assessment Review Board Complaint:

• Assessment Review Board Agent Authorization ( PDF - 38 kb)
  

The Assessment Review Board has the power to lower, raise or confirm your assessment based on the arguments presented.  A written copy of the decision will be mailed to you.

What if I don't agree with the decision of the Assessment Review Board?

If you disagree with the Board's decision, you may appeal to the Court's Bench.  This appeal must be made in writing within 30 days of the mailing date of the Notice of Decision by the Assessment Review Board.

Questions? 

Contact 403.762.1230 or taxes.utilities@banff.ca or drop by Town Hall at 110 Bear Street, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.