Plan identified for 2023 property tax clerical error

The City of Trail finance team has identified a clerical error in the compiling of its 2023 property tax notices. The error occurred when the amount of tax to be collected by the City on behalf of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) was entered incorrectly. This error resulted in a shortfall of $630,000, or 2% of the City’s total taxes to be collected for 2023.

This means all tax classes were undercharged in 2023. On the average single-family dwelling, which was $388,000 in 2023, property owners were undercharged by $94, or $.24 per $1,000 of assessed values. For business class, this mistake resulted in an undercharge of $.59 per $1,000 of assessment.

To ensure the RDKB received the correct amount to be collected for 2023, the City has paid the RDKB in full by using its General Surplus Funds to cover the $630,000 shortfall.  The City will recover these funds from taxpayers as part of the 2024 property tax calculations. Adjustments will be reflected in the 2024 property tax statements.

“I sincerely apologize for the error and the inconvenience,” said Colin McClure, Chief Administrative Officer / Chief Financial Officer. “It is my responsibility to ensure these tax calculations are correct, and I deeply regret not identifying this mistake. I want to assure Trail taxpayers that we have instituted additional safeguards and enhanced checks to prevent the recurrence of such miscalculations in the future."

Property owners can direct questions by email.