Assessment FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Assessment:

Who assesses my property?

Assessments are conducted by professional, skilled and experienced assessors working for the City of John’s. Their work is governed by the Assessment Act using a mass-appraisal process. This results in assessments that are accurate in comparison to the market standard and uniform in comparison to similar properties.

What is the “base date” and why does it matter?

For the purpose of assessment and taxation, the City of St. John’s must determine the market value of all property within the city as of a single date, known as the base date. The base date for the 2024 and 2025 assessment notices is January 1, 2022 Assessors will determine the market value of your property as of this date. When reviewing your assessment notice it is important to remember this represents what the property is worth as of January 1, 2022 - not what the property is worth today.

What does “market value” mean?

Market Value is the price that would be paid to purchase a property, as of the base date. Market value assumes the property has been marketed for sale in a competitive market with a willing buyer and seller.

I have a question or concern about my assessment. Who can I contact?

If you have questions about the assessed value of your property, contact the Assessment Division at assessment@stjohns.ca or 709-576-8929 and an assessor will be happy to discuss any questions you have.

I do not agree with my assessment. What can I do?

Property owners who disagree with their assessment have the right to appeal to the Assessment Review Court. When submitting an assessment appeal, it is important that information be completed in full including:

grounds for the appeal
Contact information
payment of the appeal fee: $60 for residential properties and $200 for commercial properties. (If the appeal is successful the appeal fee will be returned.)
Whether you would like the appeal hearing to be virtual or in-person

It is important to ensure that your appeal form and payment is received by the City Clerk’s office by the appeal deadline. Appeals received after the deadline will not be processed.

My assessment has changed. Will my taxes change, too?

An increase or decrease in the assessed value of your home may affect the amount you pay in property tax. To determine your property tax, you must multiply the municipal mil rate by the property assessment and add the water tax fee. The mil rate for 2025 has not yet been set by Council. This will be announced as part of the budget announcement, typically in early December every year.

For information on mil rates, please visit Taxation - City of St Johns.