Understanding Property Assessments and Taxes in Calgary
When buying or selling a home in Calgary, one of the most important — and sometimes confusing — topics is property assessment and property taxes. Every year, the City of Calgary assesses the market value of your home to help determine the amount of property tax you pay.
What Is a Property Assessment?
A property assessment is the estimated market value of your home as of July 1 of the previous year. For example, your 2025 property assessment is based on Calgary’s real estate market conditions as of July 1, 2024.
The City uses property assessments to fairly distribute taxes among all Calgary homeowners. It does not necessarily reflect your current market value — but it’s a strong benchmark.
How Are Property Taxes Calculated?
Property taxes in Calgary are calculated by multiplying:
Your Property Assessment Value × The Municipal Tax Rate
The City of Calgary sets the tax rate each year to fund essential services such as:
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Roads and public transportation
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Fire and police services
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Parks and recreation
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Community development
Why Do Assessments Matter for Calgary Homeowners?
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Budget Planning: Understanding your property tax helps you budget your yearly homeownership costs.
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Appeals: If you believe your Calgary property assessment is inaccurate, you can file a complaint during the review period.
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Real Estate Decisions: Buyers and sellers can use assessments as a baseline when comparing homes.
How Does This Impact Calgary Real Estate Buyers and Sellers?
If you’re buying a home, reviewing the property tax is a key part of your due diligence. For sellers, providing accurate information about property assessments and annual taxes gives buyers confidence.
As your Calgary real estate agent, I help clients review these details during the home buying and selling process so there are no surprises.
Key Takeaways for Calgary Homeowners
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Property assessments are based on market conditions as of July 1 the previous year.
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They determine your share of Calgary’s municipal property tax.
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Assessments are not always equal to market value, but they impact affordability and long-term planning.
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