The Finance Department is responsible for coordinating all the financial activities of the Municipality. The major areas of responsibility of the department are property taxation, water utility billing, other source revenues, accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, accounting and financial management. The staff of the department comprises of a Finance Manager, Financial Accountant, Accounts Payable/Payroll Clerk, Property Tax Clerk, and Administrative Support Clerk/Reception. The Finance Department is located on the main floor of the County Courthouse, 1 Church Street, Truro. You can call the department at 897-3150, contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., fax at 843-4067, or drop by the office.

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Property Taxation

Property Tax Commonly Asked Questions

View a list of commonly asked questions.

Property Tax Billing and Interest Rates

The Municipality's tax bills are issued in June of each year and are due on the last business day of August. All tax account balances not paid by the due date accrue interest at a rate of 1.00% monthly. Tax bills are for the period of April 1 to March 31. Reminder notices are sent out annually in September, November and February.

If you have not received your annual tax bill, please contact the tax office to verify your mailing address and status of your account(s). Property owners are responsible for informing the Municipality of a change of address. You can change your mailing address using our online Address Change Form, calling 902-897-3150 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tax and Area Rates

The 2023-2024 Residential/Resource tax rate in Colchester County is $0.885 per $100 of assessed value. The Commercial tax rate for 2023-2024 is $2.28 per $100 of assessed value. The majority of properties in Colchester also attract tax rates. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions in regard to the tax rate or area rate that apply to your property.

Other Tax Information

Low Income Municipal Tax Assistance Program

Each year, general exemption rates are set in accordance with Section 69 of the Municipal Government Act.

This exemption applies to taxpayers in the Municipality whose household taxable income does not exceed the limits set out by council. Applicants must reapply annually.

The 2024 program is now closed.

Property Tax Sale

In accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, part 6, section 134, the County conducts a tax sale in the spring and fall month of each year. Tax sales are advertised 30 days prior to the tax sale date. Access current tax sales.

Land Transfer Tax

As of January 1, 2024, the Municipality of Colchester will increase the Deed Transfer Tax from 1.0% to 1.5% of the value of the property transferred.

This increase will only apply to agreements entered into after January 1, 2024. Agreements entered into prior to January 1st, but not closing until after that date, will still be subject to a Deed Transfer Tax of 1.0%. 

Tax Certificates

Lawyers, Realtors and Mortgage Holders are encouraged to obtain a tax certificate to confirm outstanding tax balances and liens on a property. The fee is $25 per assessment account number. You can mail a request, call our tax office at (902) 897-3162, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Water Utilities

The Municipality owns and operates two water utilities serving the residents of Debert and Tatamagouche. The utilities are regulated by Nova Scotia Environment and must meet water quality standards as per the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. If you have any questions related to the water utilities, please contact the Public Works Office at 902-897-3175 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you have any questions regarding your water bill, please contact the Tax Office at 902-897-3150.

Water rates are approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.