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PROPERTY TAXATIONIn 2001 the Chief and Council of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) enacted tax jurisdiction over OIB reserve lands thereby taking an important step towards self-reliance. In 2006 the First Nation Statistical Management Act was passed in Parliament, this Federal legislation allows the First Nation to become taxing authority for property on Reserve. This also allows the Osoyoos Indian Band to borrow from issuing debentures in the open financial market for purposes of Infrastructure development for social and economic development needs. OIB’s taxation department is responsible for the collection of property taxes from leased lands occupied by non-band members. Properties are located on two reserves (I.R. #1 & I.R. #3). OIB uses the mill rates of the two local municipalities for calculating their tax rates. Tax revenue is used to pay for the services provided to the residents on commercial properties, such as fire protection, water & sewer infrastructure, and road maintenance. OIB sets aside 10% of taxes each year for future capital infrastructure needs. Pursuant to OIB’S Property Taxation Law 2009 and Amendments, spending is governed by an Annual Expenditure Law. BC ASSESSMENTBritish Columbia Assessment Authority (BCAA) is contracted to provide assessment services. Assessments for property are sent out every year in December. Any appeals need to be sent to BC Assessment Authority by the end of January. (See the back of the Assessment Notice for more details). THE ASSESSMENT PROCESSBCAA uses the guidelines as set out in the OIB Property Assessment Law 2009 and Amendments. Properties are assessed at actual value as of July 1st of the year during which the assessment roll is completed. The value is determined considering the physical condition and permitted use of the property on Oct. 31st, (Dec. 31st for manufactured homes). YEARLY TAX NOTICES
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CONTACTSSteve Bryson, Lands & Taxation Melinda Nunez-Shular, Taxation/ISO Management Rep Mail to: |