Frequently Asked Questions

What is my tax rate?

To view the current tax rate structure click here .
For more information regarding your tax rate please call (902) 787-3510.

How is my tax rate determined?

The Municipal Council have developed a tax structure. Under this system, taxes vary according to the level of municipal services available to your property and your property assessment.

When can I expect my tax bill?

All property owners and businesses receive their tax bill by the end of June each year. You have until 4:00 p.m. on the due date before any interest will be charged on the tax bill. Interest will continue to be charged on tax arrears at a rate of 12% annually.

How can I pay my municipal tax and/or water bill?

Cheque or Money Order via postal service
Debit at office location (sorry we do not accept credit card payments at this time)
Post dated cheques
Internet Banking (see below for payee set up):

For taxes use: INVERNESS NS, COUNTY OF - TAXES

and for water use: INVERNESS NS MUNICIPALITY - WATER

Be sure to reference your account number when making payment.

For more information contact Bev MacDonald at 787 - 3510 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How can I apply for the low income municipal tax exemption?

The Low Income Tax Exemption is available to residential property owners living in their own homes, whose taxes are not in arrears. The exemption is granted based on income guidelines as follows:
Combined Taxable Income less than $12,000
(Proof of income is required)

Application forms will be accepted after the September bill is issued. To download a copy of the application form
Applications can also be obtained at the Municipal Tax Department or through the mail by phoning (902) 787-3510.

The Application must be completed in full and returned to the Tax Department (before March 31) or mailed to:
Municipality of the County of Inverness
375 Main Street
Port Hood, Nova Scotia
B0E 2W0

Who do I contact to get information on the Senior Citizen property tax rebate?

To get information on the Senior Citizen property tax rebate contact:
Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations
Business Registration
PO Box 283, Halifax NS
B3J 2N7
Toll Free - 1-877-296-9338

Where can I call to get information on Residential Taxes, Commercial Tax, Business Occupancy or Service Rates?

To get information on Residential Taxes, Commercial Tax, Business Occupancy or Service Rates contact:
The Finance/Tax Department at:
Municipal Building
375 Main St.
Port Hood, NS
Phone: (902) 787-3510

When can I expect my water bill?

Water bills in Inverness County are sent out quarterly.
For more information regarding water billing please contact the Public Works/Water Utilities Department at

(902) 787-3503.

Who do I contact regarding problems with my municipal water?

For more information regarding water problems please call (902) 787-3503.

For emergency purposes call (902) 258-3335.

Where can I get my well water tested?

For information regarding the testing of well water contact:
Cape Breton Regional Hospital Lab.
St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Lab
1482 George Street
25 Bay Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
B1P 1P3
Phone (902) 567-8000

Who do I contact to change the ownership of my property?

To change the ownership of land and dwelling or land (commercial or residential) contact Land Registration Services at phone number (902) 787-2281 or fax number (902) 787-3352

To change ownership of mobile homes only (i.e. Mobile Park) contact the Province of Nova Scotia Property Valuation Services office at phone number: 1-800-380-7775

For inquiries regarding business occupancy tax assessment (opening and closing dates) contact, Province of Nova Scotia Property Valuation Services office at phone number: 1-800-380-7775.

For inquiries regarding Assessment appeals, history and related information, contact the Nova Scotia Property Valuation Services office at the number above.

How would I go about changing the address on my tax and/or water bill?

For any inquiries regarding tax address or water bill name and/or address changes, please contact the Tax Department at (902) 787-3510 or (902) 787-3509

What is the deed transfer tax rate for Inverness County?

Deed transfer tax for Inverness County is 1.5% payable to Land Registry.
To view the current deed transfer tax policy for the Municipality of Inverness County, please click here.

What is a tax sale?

Tax Sales are public auctions. Bidding starts at the amount of taxes due at the date of the sale. Bidding does not start at zero. We cannot accept partial payments or a percentage of the bid. Payment must be made in full.
A bidder must be present and can use one of the following methods of payment:

Cash
Money Order
Certified Cheque
Lawyers Trust Cheque

If the property has six (6) years or less taxes owing, the property is subject to a six-month redemption. If the property has taxes owing over six (6) years, the deed is immediate.
If the successful bidder bids over the amount due, they have three (3) working days to submit the balance due by the same certified means as above.
You may view the Inverness County tax sales listings on our web site by clicking here.

How do I acquire a property at a tax sale?

To view information on the process of acquiring property at a tax sale, please click here.

When is the next tax sale?

Information on the next tax sale can be found by clicking here.

How do I get a new or confirm a civic house number?

To get a new civic house number or to confirm an existing one, please call the Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission at (902) 625-5366

Where can I purchase a civic house number for my home or business?

You can call the Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission at (902) 625-5366 for information on where to purchase a civic house number.

How can I purchase Inverness County-owned property?

To get information on purchasing Inverness County-owned property contact CAO, Mr. Joe O’Connor at (902) 787-3500.

Where can I purchase a dog tag?

Dog tags can be purchased at the Tax Office located at 375 Main St, Port Hood, telephone (902) 787-3510 fax (902) 787-3110

How often do I purchase a dog tag?

Dog tags must be purchased yearly and are valid from January 1 to December 31. For more information on dog tags, contact (902) 787-3510
What is the fee for a dog tag?
Spayed or neutered dog tags - $10.00
Unspayed or unneutered dog tags - $25.00

Is there bus service in Inverness County?

There is currently bus service in Strait area which covers a portion of Inverness County, including Route 19 to Inverness. Click on link provided below for contact information and schedule.

Strait Area Transit website

Municipality ..., Nova Scotia