Changes to your Interim Tax Bill Calculation

Traditionally your interim tax bill, due the last business day in April, was calculated at 50% of your total taxes for the previous year.  Starting in 2010, your interim tax bill will be based on 50% of your current year's estimated taxes.  The estimated taxes are calculated using the prior year tax rate multiplied by your current year assessment value.  This change means that your interim bill will be more accurate reflection of 50% of your tax amount for the year.  This will help eliminate a larger sum due on the final bill that may have resulted from a new assessment account or current year assessment increases.

Final Tax Bill Due Date Change

In Previous years, the final tax bill was issued in August, and due the last business day of September.  Starting in 2010, your final tax bill will now be issued in September, and due on the last business day of October.  For HRM residents, this change in due date makes the tax billing cycle more reflective of a bi-annual billing (two bills - six months apart).  HRM also realizes that September, can be demanding on household budgets with children heading back to school and registrations in new fall and winter recreation programs.  Other benefits to residents are adjustments to tax accounts, such as assessment value adjustments due to appeals, ownership changes and residential tax rebates will be reflected on the final bill as opposed to a subsequent refund or adjustment after the tax bill has been issued.

Assistance for Homeowners

The Halifax Regional Municipality can help homeowners pay their property tax through a payment plan, a property tax rebate, or a deferral of property tax (payment is put off to a later date).  A homeowner with a local improvement charge may also be able to apply for a deferral of their charges.  Application forms for the 2010 - 2011 rebate and deferral programs will be available in early May.  If your total household income is below $30,000, you may be eligible.