The First Nations Tax Commission is pleased to present this webinar which provides an overview of taxation and it's importance as a governance function. We discuss how the First Nations property tax system works and share stories from First Nations who are benefiting as a result of property taxation. We wrap up by explaining the tools and supports available through the FNTC for First Nations wishing to develop and implement a property tax system.
About SECTION 83 of The Indian Act
First Nations have the authority to pass by-laws related to taxation pursuant to section 83 of the Indian Act. While section 83 does grant powers of control over individual First Nations’ fiscal management it is limited in scope and jurisdiction. Section 83 by-laws proposed by First Nations require ministerial approval, on the advice of the First Nations Tax Commission.
The FNTC is committed to providing First Nations with the resources needed to successfully implement and maintain their property tax systems. Please check this page regularly as new resources will continue to be added as they become available.
First Nation tax authorities levy and collect taxes in the same manner as other local governments throughout Canada. First Nation tax systems base taxation on a property assessment, use market value assessment methods, use professional assessors, and set rates based on a budget. Procedures for assessment appeals and tax enforcement in First Nation tax systems are also similar to other local governments.
Under the framework of the FMA, a First Nation creates its real property taxation system by making two laws: a First Nation Property Taxation Law and a First Nation Property Assessment Law. A First Nation must have both of these laws in place before it can levy and collect property taxes. The property assessment law establishes the property assessment system.
In Canada, over 30% of First Nations have property tax powers and are responding to community needs and providing local services to thousands of property taxpayers. The First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) is a shared-governance First Nation public institution that supports First Nation taxation under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act and under section 83 of the Indian Act.
Webinar: The Role of a Tax Administrator
5th Apr 2019 | by: FNTC
In this brief webinar, Instructor Deanna Honeyman reviews the role, responsibilities, relevant processes and available resources to tax administrators. Honeyman has worked with the Tzeachten First Nation, located in the Fraser Valley of B.C., for 10 years, currently serving as its Lands and Property Taxation Manager.
