| Hemson provides extensive
services in the areas of property assessment and taxation. The following
outline four key areas in which Hemson provides expertise.
On-Line Property Tax Analysis (OPTA)
Our firm is proud to be part of the team that delivers the OPTA
system to Ontario municipalities on behalf of the Ministry of Municipal
Affairs. Hemson has an on-going role both in the client support area and
as policy analysts for the system. Since the inception of the OPTA system
our consultants have played key roles in translating complex and evolving
legislation into the user friendly format that most municipalities in
Ontario now rely upon.
Assessment Base Management
In these days of constrained budgets it is more important than
ever for municipalities to maximize revenues from the property tax base.
Hemson has a successful and proven strategy to help achieve this objective
through proactively monitoring the assessment process. Hemson’s
services include training courses for municipal staff, comprehensive assessment
roll reviews and representation of municipalities before the Assessment
Review Board.
Vacancy Verification Services
Hemson assists municipalities with vacancy rebate applications
by providing a rigorous verification program. Our vacancy verification
services range from complete municipal wide audits to specific property
reviews. In ratepayer appeals our consultants can provide expert municipal
representation before the Assessment Review Board.
Tax Policy Analysis and Support
Hemson has been assisting municipalities to develop property tax policies
since the reforms to the assessment and taxation system were introduced
in 1997. We provide assistance to treasury staff in preparing capped property
billings and in calculating post-billing adjustments as required under
taxation legislation. Our training programs are extremely effective in
enhancing municipal staff’s knowledge and understanding of taxation
and assessment legislation.
For more information about Hemson’s assessment and taxation practice
please contact John Hughes at
extension 22. |