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1. What is an assessment?

An assessment is the value placed on your property for taxation purposes. It reflects the market value of your property based on "Valuation Day" which is currently January 1, 2011. The Town of Biggar uses the assessment to calculate your share of property taxes. These values are generated by the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency.

2. How often is my property assessed?

Property assessments are updated every four years. If you have taken out a building permit or demolition permit, then your property would be assessed for the following year.

3. Why is my assessment so important?

Your assessment plays a vital role in determining the amount of property tax you pay. It is very important to ensure that your assessment correctly reflects the physical characteristics of your property. The assessors use property detail and sales data information to determine your assessment. Your assessment is used to calculate the amount of property tax you will pay, therefore, if the assessment information is incorrect, your property tax amount will be affected

4. What is Market Value Assessment?

Market Value Assessment is one of the methods used under the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency to prepare assessments. It is the amount that a property might be expected to sell for if it is sold on the open market by a willing seller to a willing buyer. Market value assessment is not necessarily the actual purchase price of the property, but is meant to reflect the market value of the property as of January 1, 2015.
Factors that are considered by the assessors include: property location, lot size, building size, age and condition of the buildings on the property, selling prices of similar type properties in similar areas or neighborhoods. Professional assessors consider the physical characteristics of a property, study sales of similar types of property, and develop assessments based on these factors.

5. What do I do if I think my assessment is incorrect?

Compare your assessment to similar properties in your neighborhood, then consider whether you have any special features that would affect the value of your property - an oversize garage, a swimming pool, the location of your property, the size of your house. Keep in mind that the Valuation Day is January 1, 2015 - therefore, your assessment should reflect market value as of that date - not the current market value. If you have questions regarding your assessment, it is advisable to contact the Town Office at 306-948-3317.

6. How do I appeal my assessment?

If, after discussing your assessment with the assessor at the Town Office, you still feel there is an error in your assessment you may file an assessment appeal. Please contact the Town Office at 306-948-3317 and the assessor will guide you through the appeal process.