In 2020 a lot of deadlines were extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Included in this list was Ontario’s Property Tax Assessment appeal deadline. Now, the pandemic is still with us, but I wouldn’t count on the deadlines being extended this year.

The Assessment Review Board (“ARB”) has had almost a year at this point to adjust its processes, and they have adapted quite well to the new reality. Hearings are conducted virtually, and even some very large, complex hearings have gone forward.

On January 19, 2021 a memo was issued to ARB Stakeholders. This memo includes the following statement:

“The ARB has reviewed it discretion under the second Declaration of Emergency and confirms that its current practices and procedures allow the ARB to provide its services in a manner consistent with the “stay at home” order. The ARB will not be suspending any timelines.” (Italics added)

Now, this statement was in reference to the Schedules of Events which govern existing appeals, but it would be wise to plan to file any needed appeals before March 31. This year can be of particular importance, and could affect your property taxes for years to come. The next assessment cycle will (presumably) run from 2022 through 2025. Since property assessments phase in over the cycle, lowering the starting point (your 2021 assessment) will likely pay dividends in 2022, 2023 and 2024, if your assessment increases in the next cycle.

Now is the time to have a review done. If your commercial or industrial property hasn’t been appealed this cycle, it is worth getting a professional opinion. A preliminary review can be done electronically, with no need to meet in person.

You could be paying more than your fair share of taxes. I’m sure your business could put that money to better use in these challenging times.