Assessment Appeals

When Should I File a Complaint?

Assessment Notices are mailed each year at the beginning of January.

If you have questions about the assessed values assigned to your property, you are encouraged to compare them with other similar properties in your neighbourhood using the online City Explorer tool on the City's website. For land comparisons, ensure similarity of location, lot size and zoning. For building comparisons, ensure similarity of age, quality, style and size.

You can also call 867-920- 5625 or 867-920-5664 to speak to someone about the assessed values, or attend the Assessment Open House, which typically takes place in mid-January, to meet with the Assessor.

 If you wish to dispute the assessed values assigned to your property, you must file a complaint within 45 days of the mailing date noted on the assessment notice. Factors that warrant filing a complaint include:

• Factual errors such as structure description, quality or property classification, size, depreciation, land zoning, etc.
• Differences between your assessment and similar properties in your neighbourhood.
• Errors in the School Support Declaration.

The Complaint Process

If you have questions about the assessed values on the assessment notice for your property, or disagree with them, you are encouraged to call 867-920-5625 or 867-920-5664 to speak to someone about the assessed values. You are also invited to attend the Assessment Open House, which typically takes place in mid-January, to meet with the Assessor.  

If you are not satisfied with the response, you may file a complaint with the Board of Revision.  The Board is made up of local citizens and a City Councillor.  The City Clerk serves as Secretary to this quasi-judicial body. 

To file a complaint, complete an Assessment Complaint form to:

• Specify the address and roll number of the property;
• Identify whether the complaint is against the land assessment, the improvement (building) assessment, or both;
• Provide the specific reason(s) for the complaint:
  • Factual errors such as structure description, quality or property classification, size, depreciation, land zoning, etc.;
  • Differences between your assessment and similar properties in your neighbourhood (please provide the addresses of the properties you are making comparisons to);
  • Errors in the School Support Declaration.
• Indicate the address correspondence should be sent to, if it is different from the mailing address on the assessment notice; and
• Specify the telephone number where can you can be reached about the complaint, and an email address.

Sign and date your complaint and submit it in writing to:

     Secretary of the Board of Revision
     PO Box 580
     Yellowknife, NT
     X1A 2N4

If you are unable to access the online Form, contact the Board of Revision Secretary at 867-920-5436 to get a copy.

Please note that complaints must be submitted within 45 days of the mailing date shown on the assessment notice. 

Important Reminders

• City staff are available to discuss the assessed values assigned to your property.
• Complaints can be filed against assessed values, not property taxes.
• Complaints must be submitted in writing within 45 days of the mailing date shown on the notice of assessment.

What Will Happen After?

About two weeks after a complaint is filed, you will receive an acknowledgement from the Secretary of the Board of Revision.

The Board of Revision generally hears complaints the first week of April. Once the date is finalized, you will receive a Notice of Hearing, advising you of the date, time, and location of your hearing; it will be mailed to you at least 21 days prior to the hearing.

At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case to the Board of Revision, which is composed of members of the public and a City Councillor.

The Board of Revision will make a decision on each complaint, and the Secretary will inform you of the decision(s) regarding your property within as soon as possible after the hearing.

Please note that changes to school support declaration will be handled administratively and do not require a hearing.