Nova Scotia Update – 2025 Preliminary Roll
Submitted by: Giselle Kakamousias, Turner Drake & Partners Ltd., Halifax, NS
Look, if you had one shot or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment
Would you capture it, or just let it slip?
~ Eminem (Lose Yourself)
As discussed by the industry professionals on our Cross-Canada Assessment Panel at this year’s Calgary Workshop, assessing authorities across the country are generally willing to discuss assessments prior to those values being inserted onto the official assessment rolls.
Nova Scotia is no exception; in fact, I consider our assessing authority- the Property Valuation Services Corporation (“PVSC”) a pioneer in this arena. Its predecessor, Service Nova Scotia, introduced the practice way back in 1996, and then PVSC then enthusiastically embraced it, continuing the practice since its inception in 2007; all to the benefit of taxpayers, assessors, and municipalities alike. In our experience, such preliminary consultations often produce better results- at lower cost- that waiting to file formal appeals. Resolution at this juncture also provides greater budgetary certainty to municipalities and taxpayers alike- a win-win in my books.
PVSC released its preliminary 2025 values for many investment, commercial and industrial properties on October 16th. While not publicly available, owners (or their agents) can take a peek under the hood at what PVSC has in store for next year by logging into its website and entering the Assessment Account Number (“AAN”) and PIN Access Number using the following link: Multiple Property Search – Property Valuation Services (pvsc.ca).
Not all assessments are available (some property types and neighborhoods are still under review), but where the opportunity presents itself, my advice is always to be proactive, and to address a problem before it becomes one. A stitch in time really does save nine.
The pre-roll window will close on November 27th. Carpe Diem.