Finance and Tax

Each year, the Town of Hawkesbury conducts an exhaustive review of its needs in order to determine an operating budget that takes requests into account and enables us to offer the necessary services. This process is then reviewed by members of the Town Council. The process is always open and accessible to the public; simply go to the events calendar to see the scheduled meeting dates.

Budget 2024
Budget 2023
Budget 2022
 

An audited financial statement is an accounting document that has been examined and verified by an independent auditor, usually a chartered accountant or an auditing firm. The purpose of the audit is to ensure that the financial statements faithfully reflect the financial situation of the entity in question, in accordance with current accounting standards.

The main characteristics of an audited financial statement are :

Objectivity: The auditor is independent of the entity being audited, thus guaranteeing an impartial assessment.
Compliance: The auditor verifies that the financial statements comply with applicable accounting principles and standards.
Reliability: Audits enable stakeholders (investors, creditors, regulators, etc.) to have confidence in the accuracy of the presented information.

In short, an audited financial statement provides greater assurance of the accuracy and reliability of an organization's financial information.

Consolidated financial statements 2024
Consolidated financial statements 2023
Consolidated financial statements 2022

A municipal financial plan is a strategic document that describes a municipality's financial forecasts and economic objectives over a specific period, usually several years. The plan serves as a roadmap for the management of local public finances, and aims to ensure the long-term financial health of the municipality.

A municipal financial plan is essential for annual budget planning, and enables elected municipal officials to make informed decisions regarding the management of the municipality's financial resources. It aims to ensure the efficient use of public funds, while meeting the needs of citizens and maintaining long-term financial viability.

The last financial plan was prepared for a 5-year period, and provides a comprehensive overview of the Town of Hawkesbury's situation.

View the 2020-2025 Financial Plan
 

Ontario's property tax system is a mechanism used by municipalities to generate revenue by taxing property. These funds are essential to finance municipal services, such as road maintenance, emergency services, parks and public schools. Here's how it works:

1. Property assessment :

• MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation): In Ontario, property values are assessed by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). This assessment determines the estimated current value of each property, which serves as the basis for calculating property taxes. Visit the MPAC website
• Assessment Cycle: Property assessments are updated periodically (usually every year). However, reassessments are spread over several years to avoid sudden tax fluctuations.

2. Tax rates :

• Setting rates: Each municipality sets its own property tax rate, according to its budgetary needs. The rate is expressed as a percentage of the property's assessed value. The rate is ratified during the budget process by the municipal Council.
• Property classes: Properties are sorted into different categories (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.), each with its own tax rate. Residential properties, for example, may have a different tax rate than commercial properties.
• Consult the entire list of the 2024 tax rates

3. Property tax calculation :

• Property tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of the property (as appraised by MPAC) by the applicable tax rate.
• Formula: Property tax = Assessed value of property × Tax rate

4. Billing and payment :

• There are two tax bills per year; for a total of four payments.
• The interim tax bill is paid in two instalments due at the end of March and June;
• The final tax bill is paid in two instalments due at the end of September and November.
• The tax bill is sent by mail and is not eligible for e-billing at the moment.

5. Tax relief programs :

• Various tax relief programs are available to charities, low-income seniors and low-income disabled persons. Please consult the United Counties of Prescott-Russell tax relief by-law. If you have any questions, please contact the UCPR finance department for more information on this program. 

6. Appeal:

• If a homeowner believes their property assessment is incorrect, they can file an appeal with MPAC. An appeal process is in place to resolve assessment disputes. Ontario's property tax system is essential to ensure that municipalities have the resources they need to provide public services, while taking into account property owners' ability to pay.

It's important to change your address with the Town and MPAC to ensure that your assessment is sent to the right place. Please consult the form below to declare an address change.

User fee rates for water, sewage and garbage collection services

Fees charged for these services are not considered taxes, but are rather called user fees. These services are self-financed, meaning that all costs of operations are covered by user fees. For water and sewer services, rates are established on a fixed and consumption cost formula that represents the infrastructure and operating costs.

Consult the water and sewer user fee By-law on the Municipal By-Laws page, in the Fees section.
Consult the waste user fee By-law on the Municipal By-Laws page, in the Fees section.

Dates to remember:

The water, sewage and garbage services are billed quarterly, with four billings per year. Due dates are set on the last work day of January, April, July and October. 

You can cut down on paper by subscribing to e-mail billing.  All you need is to fill the E-billing Authorization form.
 

The payment methods available are:

1. In person at Town Hall, Door 3, at 600 Higginson Street. After hours, you can drop your envelope in the mailbox.
2. Online banking¹ under the Tax category, select Hawkesbury Taxes and enter the 15-digit roll number;
3. At your financial institution¹
4. Paymentus (Secure online payment): Pay your bill in 3 easy steps without having to register. All you need is the account number printed on your paper bill.                     Payments made before midnight will be posted to your account the next day. Payments made after midnight will be posted within 48 hours. For each payment, you'll receive a confirmation number for your records. Please follow this link: https://ipn.paymentus.com/cp/hawk?lang=en
5. Pre-authorized debit plan: Payment by pre-authorized debit is also available. Please complete the form below, include a copy of a void cheque and e-mail it to infotaxes@hawkesbury.ca.  If you have any questions or wish to know more about the procedures, please contact the finance department at (613) 632-0106.
6. Postdated cheque: Please make cheques payable to the Corporation of the Town of Hawkesbury.

1 - Please note :

When you choose to pay your bill by internet or via your financial institution, make sure your payment will be received by the Town before or by the due date to avoid late fees. Plan to pay the bill a minimum of 4 or 5 business days before its due date.