2009 Property Tax Policy Handbook

This handbook has been prepared to provide elected municipal officials, municipal staff and property owners in the Region of Peel with a summary of the components of the current assessment and property taxation systems.

The provincial government overhauled the assessment and property tax systems in Ontario, with initial reforms implemented in 1998. Additional assessment and legislative changes have occurred since then. Further changes may still occur – staff will update this handbook as changes are made.

Property assessment and taxation involves many organizations at both the municipal and provincial levels of government. Municipal and provincial government contacts are provided at the end of the document. These references should be consulted for more detailed information about their specific duties and responsibilities regarding assessment and taxation.

Section 1: Property Taxation and Assessment Basics
Provides a brief summary of property assessment, the roles of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation and Assessment Review Board, and property tax rates.

Section 2: Pre-1998 Property Assessment and Taxation
Discusses the system prior to the implementation of reforms and provides background information on the events leading to the implementation of reforms.

Section 3: Property Assessment and Tax Reform 1998-2009
Summarizes the reforms implemented by the Ontario government during the last seven years.

Section 4: Property Tax Policy Options/Tools
Outlines the options and tools that are available to municipalities to manage the transition from the old system to the new.

Section 5: Roles & Responsibilities
Outlines the roles and responsibilities of the provincial government, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), the Online Property Tax Analysis (OPTA) system, the Region of Peel, and the lower-tier municipalities within the framework of the property assessment and taxation systems.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Revised: Friday November 27 2009

www.peelregion.ca