Understanding Calgary Property Taxes: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

The Importance of Property Taxes for Homeowners

Property taxes are a fundamental component of homeownership in Calgary. These taxes support essential city services and contribute to the growth and well being of the community. Understanding how property taxes function helps homeowners appreciate their role in maintaining Calgary's quality of life.



Use our quick navigation guide below to jump to any point of our blog on Calgary Property Taxes Explained: 


City Services Funded by Property Taxes

Calgary property taxes finance a variety of services and infrastructure projects that benefit residents. Key areas funded by property taxes include:

  • Garbage Collection and Recycling:  Ensuring clean neighborhoods with regular waste disposal and recycling programs.
  • Road Maintenance and Snow Removal:  Keeping streets safe and functional year round, especially during winter.
  • Public Parks and Recreation Facilities:  Offering green spaces, playgrounds, and community amenities for residents to enjoy.
  • Fire and Police Services:  Supporting public safety and emergency response with well equipped fire and police departments.
  • Public Transit:  Providing accessible and efficient transportation options through Calgary’s transit system.
  • Schools and Education:  Funding public education and related services to support community learning.
  • Infrastructure Development and Maintenance:  Investing in roads, bridges, and public facilities for long term city sustainability.
  • Public Libraries:  Delivering educational resources and programs for all age groups.

Calgary's Annual Assessment Process

The City of Calgary's annual assessment process is a key part of determining property taxes. Each year, the City conducts a thorough review of all properties within its boundaries to establish their market value for tax purposes. This process involves collecting data on property sales, improvements, and other relevant factors, which are then used to estimate the value of each property. The assessments are designed to be fair and equitable, reflecting the current market conditions. Property owners receive their assessment notices, and they have the opportunity to review the details and appeal the assessment if they believe it does not accurately reflect the value of their property. The final assessment value is then used to calculate the property taxes owed for the upcoming year.

Understanding Property Tax: Tax Rate and Bill Calculation

How Property Tax Rates Are Determined

Each year, the City Council approves a budget that outlines the funding necessary to support municipal services. To determine how much money needs to be collected through property taxes, the City first subtracts other revenue sources—such as license fees, permits, user fees, and provincial grants, from the overall budget. What remains is the amount that must be raised through municipal property taxes.

The next step in this process involves setting the property tax rate, which dictates how much tax is owed for every dollar of a property’s assessed value.

The municipal tax rate is calculated by dividing the total property tax revenue needed by the City of Calgary by the city’s total assessment value.

To better understand this process, you can watch a video explaining how the City calculates the property tax rate, or you can use the Property Tax Calculator to see a detailed breakdown of how your tax dollars are allocated.

The Role of the Provincial Tax Rate

In addition to municipal taxes, the Province of Alberta also imposes a property tax rate, which is used to generate the revenue it requires. This rate is determined by dividing the total revenue needed by the Province by its total assessment. The City of Calgary is responsible for billing and collecting this provincial tax on behalf of the provincial government.

Calculating Your Property Tax Bill

Your property tax bill is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of your property by both the applicable municipal tax rate and the provincial tax rate. The City of Calgary collects the provincial property tax as part of your total property tax payment.

Steps to View and Understand Your Property Tax Assessment

Calgary property assessments are conducted annually to determine the market value of homes. Here’s how to review and understand your assessment:

1. Receive Your Assessment Notice:

Notices are sent each January and reflect the market value of your property as of July 1 of the previous year.  If you have not received yours in the mail, you can use the online service:

eNotice: Go Paperless with Your Property Assessment Notice

The City of Calgary has invited property owners to switch to eNotice for their Property Assessment notices. Embrace the convenience, safety, and eco-friendliness by opting for the digital option.

To enroll in eNotice, follow these steps to create an Assessment Search account and safeguard your personal information:

  1. Sign in to Assessment Search using the Secure Access option.

  2. Create an Assessment Search account if you don't have one already. You will need a myID account, as well as your access code and roll number from your assessment notice.

  3. Switch to eNotice by setting your Notice Delivery Preference to electronic.

View Sample Notice

2. Review Your Assessment:

Verify the property details and market value. Factors considered include property size, location, and comparable sales.

Understanding Your Calgary Property Tax Documents

Calgary property tax documents play a crucial role in providing detailed information about your property, its assessed value, and your tax obligations. Here’s what you need to know about the two key documents: the Annual Property Tax Bill and the Property Tax Statement of Account.

The Annual Property Tax Bill

Your annual property tax bill is more than just a payment request—it’s a comprehensive overview of your property and its tax details. It includes:

  • Coverage Period: The bill covers the property tax period from January 1 to December 31 of the current year.
  • Property and Assessment Details: It provides the property details, including the assessed market value, which determines your tax amount.
  • Legal Identifiers: Key legal identifiers such as the LINC (land identification number) number, Title number, and Legal Land Description are included to ensure precise identification of the property.
  • Tax Breakdown: The bill separates the municipal tax (funding city services) and the provincial tax (supporting provincial education).

The Property Tax Statement of Account

For a detailed record of your tax related transactions and account status, the Property Tax Statement of Account is essential. This document includes:

  • Current Account Balance: Displays the remaining balance on your account, reflecting any unpaid taxes or recent payments.
  • Land Title Information: Key details such as the LINC number, Title number, and Legal Land Description are repeated here for reference.
  • Last Assessed Value: Highlights the property’s most recent assessed value used for tax calculations.
  • Transaction History: Provides a record of all transactions related to your property taxes from January 1 of the current year up to the date the statement is generated.
  • Payment Receipt: Serves as proof of payment for use with mortgage companies, federal income tax filings, or for your personal financial records.

Why These Documents Matter

Understanding and maintaining these documents is critical for:

  • Ensuring accurate payment records.
  • Tracking your tax obligations and property assessment details.
  • Providing essential information for legal, financial, or tax-related purposes.

By regularly reviewing your Annual Property Tax Bill and Property Tax Statement of Account, you can stay informed and ensure your property tax responsibilities are managed efficiently.

3. Use the Property Tax Calculator:

The City of Calgary provides an online tool to estimate your tax bill based on the assessed value. 

Using the Calgary Property Tax Calculator

Understanding and estimating your property tax responsibilities is simpler with the City of Calgary’s Property Tax Calculator. This convenient tool allows homeowners to estimate their property tax based on their property’s assessed value.

How to Use the Calculator

  • Visit the Property Tax Calculator: Access the tool on the City of Calgary’s official website here.
  • Enter Your Assessed Value: Input the assessed market value of your property, which you can find on your annual property assessment notice.
  • Select Your Property Type: Choose the category that corresponds to your property (e.g., residential or non-residential).
  • View Your Results: The calculator will provide an estimate of your annual property tax, broken down into municipal and provincial education taxes.

Benefits of Using the Tax Calculator

  • Budgeting: Plan your financial commitments by estimating your tax obligations early.
  • Transparency: Understand how your property taxes contribute to Calgary’s municipal services and provincial education funding.
  • Comparison: Evaluate tax estimates for different properties or areas within Calgary to inform your real estate decisions.

Important Considerations

The Property Tax Calculator offers an estimate based on the current year’s rates and your property’s assessed value. However, actual taxes may differ due to factors such as changes in tax rates or adjustments to your property assessment. For exact figures, always refer to your official tax notice or contact the City of Calgary’s tax department.

By utilizing this tool, homeowners in Calgary can better understand their property tax responsibilities, empowering them to manage their finances effectively and make informed decisions about their investments.

4. Register for an Assessment Search Account:

Access detailed property information and compare your assessment to similar properties on the City’s website.


How to Access and Use the Assessment Search Tool

Visit the Assessment Search Portal:  Go to the City of Calgary’s official website and navigate to the Assessment Search Tool section.

Create an Account:  Sign up for a secure account by providing your property’s roll number (found on your assessment notice) and other required details.

Log In:  Use your credentials to access the platform and view your property’s detailed assessment information.

Explore Your Assessment:  Review data on your property’s value, size, location, and other influencing factors.

Compare Properties:  Use the tool to compare your property’s assessment with similar properties in your area to ensure accuracy and fairness.


Key Features and Benefits

Transparency: Gain a clear understanding of how your property’s value was assessed.

Comparison Tools: Easily compare your assessment with neighboring properties.

Preparation for Appeals: Gather valuable information to support your case if you decide to appeal your assessment.

Watch: How to Use the Assessment Search Tool

Learn more about navigating the Assessment Search Tool with this helpful tutorial video provided by the City of Calgary:

Property Tax Due Dates and Payment Options

Property tax bills are issued in May, covering the period from January 1 to December 31. Payments are due by the last business day of June. Homeowners can choose from the following options:

      • One Time Payment: Pay the full amount by the due date.
      • Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP): Spread the cost over monthly instalments withdrawn from your bank account on the first of each month.

Learn More About TIPP

Discover the benefits and details of the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) with this informative video:

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

Valid Reasons for an Appeal

If you believe that your property tax assessment is incorrect, you can appeal the valuation. Here are some valid reasons for filing an appeal:

  1. Overestimated Property Value: If you feel that the assessed value of your property is too high compared to the current market value or similar properties in your neighborhood, this is a strong reason to appeal. Overestimations can lead to higher property taxes than you should be paying.

  2. Incorrect Property Information: If the city has inaccurate data about your property, such as the square footage, number of rooms, or features (e.g., pool, garage), this can result in an overvaluation. You can appeal if you can demonstrate discrepancies in the property details listed on the assessment.

  3. Market Conditions: Sometimes, property values can fluctuate based on broader market conditions. If there has been a significant decline in the local real estate market or changes to the neighborhood that have lowered property values, this may justify a reassessment.

  4. Errors in Comparable Property Assessments: If properties similar to yours are being assessed at lower values, this could indicate that your property has been overvalued relative to the market. Comparing your property’s assessed value with those of similar homes in the same area can help support your case for an appeal.

  5. Property Condition: If your property has significant issues that have not been accounted for in the assessment, such as damage or depreciation, you may be able to argue that the value should be lower.

Tips for a Successful Appeal


Review Your Assessment Notice Carefully: Make sure you fully understand the assessed value and all the details provided in your notice. Verify that the property characteristics listed are accurate and that they match the actual features of your home.

Gather Supporting Evidence: When appealing, you need evidence to support your claim. This can include:

  • Recent sale prices of comparable properties (comps) in your area.
  • Photographs or documentation showing discrepancies in property features or condition.
  • A professional appraisal from a licensed appraiser that supports your argument.

Compare Market Data: Look at the current real estate market in your neighborhood and identify trends that could indicate your property’s assessed value is too high. If homes similar to yours have sold for less than the assessed value, this can be a powerful argument in your appeal.


File Your Appeal on Time: Be aware of deadlines for filing an appeal. Missing the deadline can forfeit your opportunity to challenge the assessment, so make sure to submit all necessary paperwork within the specified time frame.


Be Clear and Concise: When presenting your appeal, focus on clear, factual evidence. Avoid emotional arguments and instead stick to objective data, such as comparable property sales, market trends, and assessment errors.


Consider Hiring a Professional: If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about the process, you might want to consider working with a property tax consultant or lawyer who specializes in property assessments. They can provide expert guidance and help strengthen your case.

If you believe your property tax assessment is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. Follow these steps:

      1. Review Your Assessment: Ensure you understand the assessed details and property value.
      2. File an Appeal: Submit your appeal by March 21 of the assessment year. Appeals can be filed online, by mail, or in person at the Assessment Review Board office.
      3. Prepare for the Hearing: Gather evidence like recent sales data or discrepancies in the assessment.
      4. Attend the Hearing: Present your case to the Assessment Review Board, which will review the evidence and issue a decision.
      5. Receive a Decision: The Board's written decision may adjust your property’s assessed value.

Property Tax Penalties in Calgary


Overview The City of Calgary's Bylaw 8M2002 imposes penalties for unpaid property taxes. Penalties are calculated as a percentage of the unpaid amount, with distinctions made between current taxes (levied in the current calendar year) and tax arrears (levied in previous years).

Penalties for Current Taxes

  • July 1 Penalty: If you have an unpaid balance for the current year by July 1, a 7% penalty is applied. For example, if $2,000 is unpaid, the penalty will be $140.

  • October 1 Penalty: An additional 7% penalty is applied to any unpaid balance as of October 1.

Penalties for Arrears

  • Any unpaid taxes from previous years are considered arrears. A 1% penalty is charged on the first day of each month until the arrears are paid in full.

  • Payments are applied in the following order: arrears penalties, arrears, current penalties, and current arrears.

  • Not receiving your property tax bill does not exempt you from these penalties.

Detailed Penalty Rates

  • City of Calgary: 7% on July 1 and October 1 for unpaid current taxes, 1% monthly on arrears starting January 1.

  • M.D. of Rocky View #44: 4% on July 1, September 1, and November 1 for unpaid current taxes, 12% on January 1 for arrears.

  • M.D. of Foothills #31: 6% on October 2 for unpaid current taxes, 12% on January 1 for arrears.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

      • Why did my property taxes increase? Changes in market value, municipal budgets, or tax rates can impact your property tax bill.
      • Can I pay property taxes online? Yes, Calgary offers online payment options through its property tax portal.
      • What happens if I miss the payment deadline? Late payments incur penalties. It’s advisable to set reminders or enroll in TIPP to avoid missing deadlines.

Calgary Property Tax Rates (2024)

Understanding property tax rates is crucial for homeowners and investors alike. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of Calgary's property tax rates and a comparison with other major Canadian cities.
Property TypeCity Tax RateProvincial Tax RateTotal Tax RateSource
Residential 0.406% 0.175% 0.581% Source
Non-Residential 0.018% 0.003% 0.021% Source

Property Tax Rates in Other Major Canadian Cities

To provide context, here is how Calgary's property tax rates compare with other major Canadian cities.
CityResidential Tax RateEducation Tax RateTotal Tax RateSource
Toronto 0.715% 0.153% 0.868% Source
Vancouver 0.55% 0.15% 0.70% Source
Montreal 0.88% 0.10% 0.98% Source

Stay Informed and Proactive

Property taxes are a cornerstone of maintaining Calgary’s thriving community. They fund vital services and infrastructure that enhance our daily lives. By understanding how property taxes work, reviewing assessments, and knowing your rights, you can ensure your contributions are fair and beneficial to your community.

Keep yourself informed, take advantage of available resources, and actively engage in the process. Whether you are a homeowner, investor, or someone considering a move to Calgary, staying on top of property taxes is key to your financial well being and the growth of our city. By understanding how assessments are conducted, knowing payment options, and staying informed you can ensure that your property taxes contribute to the city’s development while aligning with your financial plans.

For further assistance or to resolve property tax queries, contact the City of Calgary or visit their official website for detailed information or at the contact info below:

Customer Review Period & Assessment Questions
Phone: 403-268-2888 (Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Hearing Impaired: Contact 711 to request 403-268-2888
Online: calgary.ca/assessment
Mail:
The City of Calgary Assessment (#8002)
P.O. Box 2100, Stn. M
Calgary, AB T2P 2M5

Assessment Review Board (ARB) Complaints
If you wish to file a complaint with the ARB, please note the final date to file is on the front of your notice.

Phone: 403-268-5858
Online: calgaryarb.ca
Mail:
Assessment Review Board (#222)
P.O. Box 2100, Stn. M
Calgary, AB T2P 2M5
Drop Box:
First Floor, Deerfoot Junction 3 Building
1212 31st Ave. N.E.

Additional Services
For School Support: calgary.ca/schoolsupport or call 311
Change Your Mailing Address:
Alberta Land Titles
Call: 780-427-2742 (Toll-Free in Alberta dial 310-0000 first)
In-person: Land Titles Office South, 710 – 4th Ave. S.W., Calgary, AB T2P 0K3
Visit: alberta.ca/land-titles

For more information, visit the Property Assessment page at calgary.ca/assessment.

Posted by Cody Tritter on
Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.