The Government of Ontario has made a number of changes to the property assessment system, which will begin to take effect in the 2009 tax year. Included in the changes to the system are the introduction of  a four-year assessment update cycle as well as a phase-in of assessment increases.
 
With the recent market changes, however, many people are concerned the new assessments will not accurately reflect their property value. To resolve your assessment concerns the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has provided steps on their website for you to take in order to do so. Below are the basic information you need. To find out more information you may also visit their website at mpac.ca

How MPAC Assesses Properties

MPAC's job is to accurately value and classify all properties in Ontario in compliance with the Assessment Act and related regulations.

To establish your property's assessed value, MPAC analyzes property sales in your community to determine the Current Value Assessment (CVA). This method is used by most assessment jurisdictions in Canada and throughout the world. When assessing a residential property, MPAC looks at all of the key features that affect market value.

Five Major Factors that Account for 85% of the Value:
1) Location
2) Lot Dimensions
3) Living Area
4) Age of the Property, adjusted for any major renovations or additions
5) Quality of Construction

Other Features that May Affect Value:
- Finished Basements
- Garages
- Pools
- Fireplaces
- Number of Bathrooms
- Type of heating and air conditioning

Site Features can also Increase or Decrease the Assessed Value of Your Property:
- Traffic patterns
- Being situated on a corner lot
- Proximity to a golf course, hydro corridor, railway or green space

What to do if you have questions about your property's assessed value

Review your Property Assessment Notice to make sure that it contains the most up-to-date information about your property. Ask yourself this question - could you have sold your property for its assessed value on the valuation date listed on your Property Assessment Notice? If you have more questions about your property's assessed value, there are steps you can take to have your concerns addressed.

STEP 1: Contact MPAC

You may call the Customer Contact Centre at 1-866-296-MPAC (6722).

STEP 2: Review the Value of Properties Similar to Yours

Comparing your assessment to similar sold and unsold properties in your area will help you determine its accuracy. You can obtain information about your property and information on up to 24 additional properties of your choice and up to six selected by MPAC, Free of Charge.

To do so, please:

Visit AboutMyProperty
Enter your personalized User ID and Password for AboutMyProperty included on your Notice and follow the instructions to register and obtain the information.

Send a Written Request:

Mail:
MPAC
Attention: GRAD
P.O. Box 9808
Toronto, ON. M1S 5T9

Email:enquiry@mpac.ca

Fax(Toll-Free): 1-866-297-6703

STEP 3: Ask MPAC to Review Your Assessment Through a Request for Reconsideration (RfR)

If you still do not believe your assessed value or classification is accurate, MPAC will review it Free of Charge. The deadline to file your RfR is March 31 of the tax year.

There are two ways to file a RfR:

1) The preferred method is to complete a RfR form. Forms are available at www.mpac.caor you can call and have a copy sent to you. You may also choose to file your RfR electronically through AboutMyProperty. You will be able to attach documents, pictures and reports to accompany your RfR.

2) Write a letter requesting a RfR. In your letter you should include: the 19-digit roll number on your Property Assessment Notice; your full name, address and phone number, and all the reasons why you feel your assessment is incorrect. Send your letter to:

MPAC
P.O. Box 9808
Toronto, ON.
M1S 5T9

You may request a RfR any time before March 31 of the current tax year. MPAC makes every attempt to review each request within 60 days. However, properties with unique or complex circumstances could take longer. Once the RfR is completed, MPAC will notify you of the results of the review in writing. If an adjustment needs to be made, the municipality will also be informed of the change so that your property taxes can be adjusted accordingly.