Taxation FAQs

A convenient option is to enrol in the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan (PAP) which allows you to pay your taxes in 12 monthly instalments with no additional charges. You can enrol in the program at any time during the year. Simply return a completed application form along with a void cheque to City Hall. You may pick up an application form by stopping at City Hall, by phoning 778-2703. Call 778-2703 for additional details.

You can also pay your taxes in person at City Hall.   Pay by cash, cheque, money order or debit (bank) card.  However, you cannot pay your taxes by credit card.

Payment for current year's taxes received after the due date, but postmarked before the due date, are considered on time as well as any payments placed in the overnight deposit box at City Hall. All other payments are considered to be late and subject to penalty (1.0% per month compounded).

Under The Urban Municipality Act and other legislation, the City can add special charges to your tax bill, such as:

• Unpaid public utility bills.
• Local improvement charges.
• Hospital Levy.
• Costs incurred by the City to perform work on your property.

Under one of several bylaws, costs related to noxious weeds, junked vehicles, or untidy and unsightly land are incurred when the property owner has failed to complete these tasks.

Each property is assessed according to the guidelines established by The Urban Municipality Act (UMA) and the Saskatchewan Assessment Manual.

Homes may have different assessments based on these guidelines. A building's value is impacted by factors such as:

• the size and quality of the structure.
• garages, additional decks and buildings on the property.
• renovations, extra bathrooms.
• construction or renovation date.

In addition, the location of the lot within the city and/or the size and shape of the lot may affect the assessed value of the land.  See -  "Assessment" Section for more information. 

If you have recently purchased a home, please see "Tax Certificate".

If you have recently built new, added on,  renovated,  added a deck, shed, or garage,  please see " Supplementary Taxes". 

All property owners - whether they have children attending school or not - are required by Provincial law to pay school tax.

The prosperity and general well-being of society, or the community at large, is directly related to the education of its people.  For that reason, the costs of education are deemed to be the responsibility of everyone.

Provincial legislation specifies that the funds for schools are to be collected by municipalities. While the City of Swift Current bills and collects school taxes, the municipality has no jurisdiction or control over school board budgets or operations.  Please see "Tax and Assessment Contacts" for city and school board contact information.

Yes. Your taxes must be paid in full by the due date.  If after your appeal, the Board of Revision decides to lower your assessment, an adjustment will be made to your tax account and you will receive an amended tax notice stating the new tax amount.

If you wish to enrol in the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan (PAP) please return a completed application form along with a void cheque to City Hall. You may pick up an application form at City Hall. 

Once you have enrolled in the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan (PAP), monthly payments are withdrawn from your bank account beginning on the 15^th of January until the 15^th of December. The Pre-Authorized Payment Plan (PAP) allows you to begin paying your taxes six months early so you do not have to make a single lump sum payment at the end of June.