Each year the BC Assessment Authority, which is part of the Provincial Government, determines the market value of all real properties (business and residential) in British Columbia.
After determining the value of every property, BC Assessment provides the City of Coquitlam with an assessment list, which lists all properties, names of the owners and the taxable values of the land and any improvements (buildings). It also sends the same notice to landowners. (If you would like to know how properties are assessed, please contact the BC Assessment Authority at 604-294-6441).
The City of Coquitlam determines the property tax rate (% of assessed value) to raise the revenue needed to pay for public services. The City of Coquitlam finances public services, like recreation, roads, snow removal etc. through property taxes, which are based on assessed value. The City of Coquitlam then applies this rate to the assessed value of properties and sends property owners a Tax Notice.
For more information, contact your local BC Assessment area office or visit www.bcassessment.ca.
What does this mean to me?
If you feel that your assessed property value does not accurately measure its real value, you will need to contact BC assessment before January 31 to file a notice of complaint. Once tax notices are sent out in June it is too late to make changes to your assessed value.
What should I do with my assessment?
Look for your notice of assessment in the mail beginning on December 31 (when BC Assessment sends out its notices). Check all details on your Assessment Notice. Ask yourself: “Is the information correct and does the actual value represent a fair estimate of my property’s market value on July 1 of last year?” If you do not think the information is correct or represents a fair value visit BC Assessment’s website to find out how you can apply for an independent review of your property.
What is my % change in assessed value since last year?
All questions about changes in assessed values over the years need to be addressed to the BC Assessment Authority.
What is the average % change in assessed value for my property?
All questions about changes in assessed values over the years need to be addressed to the BC Assessment Authority.
Timeline of Tax Notice and Budget Determination
July 1 — Valuation Date
The date the market value of all properties is determined for the purpose of assessment rolls.
September 1 – City of Coquitlam Budgeting
The City of Coquitlam begins its annual budgeting process each fall to determine how much money it will need to operate for the following year. This includes things like firefighters, police officers, parks and recreation operating funds, capital projects, road construction etc.
December 31 — Assessment Rolls and Notices
Assessments are produced by BC Assessment. Notices are mailed to property owners/agents. Assessments are delivered to the City of Coquitlam as well.
January 31 — Property Assessment Review Panel (PARP) Deadline
All persons wishing to request an independent review of their assessed value must file their written notice of complaint with the BC Assessment Authority by this date.
June 15 – Local Municipal Tax Notices Distributed
The City of Coquitlam mails out tax notices to all residents and businesses indicating the amount due to the City based on the assessed amounts determined by BC Assessment. Find out how to pay your taxes.
For more information visit the links below:
You are now able to find property assessments and view Property Assessment and Legal Property Descriptions for Coquitlam.
About the 2011 Municipal Tax Season
2011 Property Tax Due Date - July 4, 2011
(see penalty message below regarding second due date)
2011 Municipal Tax Rates
- Residential - 2.9606
- Utilities - 38.8354
- Major Industry - 48.4267
- Light Industry - 11.9581
- Business - 14.3558
- Recreational - 14.0531
- Farm - 15.6918