Filing a Complaint

You may submit a complaint about any information on your Property Assessment Notice:

Description of the property;
An assessment amount;
An assessment class;
The type of property;
School Support*;
Name or address of an assessed person or taxpayer*;
An assessment sub class;
The type of improvement; and
Whether the business or property is exempt from taxation.

*You can contact the Assessment and Taxation Office at 1-800-973-9663 to resolve these issues without filing a complaint.

Complaints about tax rates are not accepted.

How to submit a complaint

Fill out a complaint form and submit it to:

arb@rmwb.ca

Clerk of the Assessment Review Boards
Legislative Services
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
7th Floor, 9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4

If you have trouble downloading, please find the form and follow the download instructions on the Municipal Affairs website

What to include in a complaint

Complaints must be in the form prescribed by the regulations.
If you are represented by an agent, the agent representation form must be filled out and filed with the complaint form.
Filing fee must be submitted at the same time as the complaint.
Cheques are to be made payable to Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; debit and cash are accepted at the Cashier Counter in the Jubilee Center.
Complaint must indicate what information shown on an assessment notice is incorrect.
Complaints must include an explanation as to why the information is incorrect and indicate what the correct information should be.
Identify the requested assessed value, if the complaint relates to an assessment.
Include the mailing address of the complainant if the mailing address is different than the address shown on the assessment notice.
Contact information, including telephone numbers where you can be reached at during weekdays.

Deadline

The original complaint form and accompanying filing fee must be received on or before the final date of complaint shown on the Property Assessment Notice. Faxed complaints will not be accepted.

Filing fees

Complaint filing fees
Complaint type	Fee
Local Improvements	$30
Business Tax	$50
Residential, 3 or fewer dwellings	$50
Farm Land	$50
Residential, 4 or more dwellings	$650
Non-Residential	$650

What happens after filing

A Notice of Hearing will be mailed at least 35 days prior to your scheduled hearing date if your hearing will be heard by a Local Assessment Review Board.

A Notice of Hearing will be mailed at least 70 days prior to your scheduled hearing date if your hearing will be heard by a Composite Assessment Review Board.

Forms

Agent Authorization Form

Complaint Form

Compliance Review

Request for Postponement

Withdrawal of Complaint Form

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Local and Composite Assessment Review Board?

A Local Assessment Review Board hears matters relating to residential properties with up to three dwelling units and farmland.

A Composite Assessment Review Board hears matters relating to residential properties with four or more dwelling units and non-residential property.

Can I withdraw my complaint before the hearing?

Yes. A withdrawal form is available on the website under Forms or from the Clerk’s office. The withdrawal notice must be received in writing (mail, email or fax are acceptable). If you are withdrawing because you and the assessor have reached an agreement, the withdrawal notice must be signed by yourself and the assessor prior to your hearing date.

Should I still pay my taxes?

Yes. Taxes should be paid prior to the due date to avoid any late penalties set in accordance with municipal bylaws.

If the Assessment Review Board rules in my favour, how do I get my money back?

Contact the Assessment and Taxation department to make any arrangements regarding refunds of taxes.

What if I don’t like the decision of the Board?

You can apply for a judicial review by the Court of King's Bench, the application must be filed and served not more than 60 days after the date of the Boards decision.

The Court of King’s Bench can be contacted at:

Court House
9700 Franklin Ave.
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4W3
Phone: 780-743-7136
Fax: 780-743-7135

Do I have to be present at the hearing?

No. Attendance is not mandatory, but it is recommended, as you will be able to answer questions and give clarity to your case if you are present. If you are unable to attend, the Board will make its decision based on the written information you have provided.

When should I expect to receive the board’s decision?

As bound by legislation, the Board is responsible to have its written decision to you within 30 days from the last day of the hearing.