Collins Barrow reviews municipal property tax report

DARTMOUTH, NS, Oct. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Collins Barrow partnered with the Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce on a municipal property tax report revealing gaps in fairness that impact all municipal taxpayers, particularly business property owners. The report found that in Halifax commercial taxpayers are charged an average 234% more than residential property owners with the same assessed value.

"Our analysis confirms that commercial enterprises are shouldering much of the tax burden in the Halifax region, which already has one of the highest property tax rates in all of Canada. Further, there is limited consistency or equality between jurisdictions throughout the Maritimes," says Grant Galbraith, Managing Partner of Collins Barrow Nova Scotia.  "This is a clear indication that a review of the property tax system is warranted."

"Collins Barrow takes pride in providing greater clarity for our clients' tax issues and concerns," he adds. "Studies like this one are crucial to demonstrating the need for changes and improvements, so that businesses can continue to grow and thrive throughout our region."

The full study, Municipal Property Taxation: Time for real change, includes commentary from Collins Barrow and can be accessed through the Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce website at www.nschamber.ca.

SOURCE: Collins Barrow National Cooperative Incorporated

Grant Galbraith, Managing Partner, at [phone]