On May 27, 2024, the City of Calgary said it had started mailing 2024 property tax bills for approximately 570,000 residential and non-residential properties.
Key dates and rules
- Property tax is due Friday, June 28, 2024.
- A 7% late payment penalty applies to any unpaid amount on July 1, even if you did not receive your bill.
- If your bill has not arrived by the first week of June, contact 311 for a statement of account.
- The deadline does not apply to the over 310,000 owners who pay monthly through the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP). Others can join TIPP online before June 28.
- Help is available for eligible low-income homeowners of any age.
Where the money goes
Property tax is split between the Government of Alberta (education tax) and the City (police, fire, transit, roads, parks and more). The City’s online tax breakdown tool shows how your municipal portion is spent.
For buyers and sellers: on a sale that closes around the due date, make sure the statement of adjustments shows who paid the 2024 tax, especially if the seller is on TIPP.
Estimated increase in 2024 municipal property tax per month, median property
What changed from 2023
Last year, the City mailed bills for about 555,000 properties, and tax was due on June 30, 2023. This year there are about 570,000 bills, reflecting a growing city, and the due date is June 28. The number of owners who pay monthly through TIPP has also grown, from about 300,000 last year to over 310,000. The penalty is the same, 7% on any unpaid amount on July 1.
Why many bills are higher
The City explained the expected changes when it mailed assessments in January. The median single residential assessment rose from $555,000 in 2023 to $610,000 in 2024. With the City’s budget changes and a 1% tax shift from non-residential to residential properties, that meant an estimated increase of $15.47 a month, or 7.25%, in the municipal portion of tax for the median home. The median condominium assessment rose from $255,000 to $295,000, for an estimated increase of $7.48 a month, or 12.89%. Condos rose more because their values grew faster: 17%, compared with 9% for single residential properties. Each property’s change will differ, and the provincial education portion is set separately.
How to pay or switch to monthly
Owners not on TIPP must pay the full amount or join TIPP before June 28 to avoid the penalty. The City says TIPP Online at calgary.ca/TIPP is the fastest way to enrol, and an email confirms the agreement. Information on help for eligible low-income homeowners is at calgary.ca/ptap.
What it means for buyers and sellers
Property tax is part of the monthly cost of owning a home, and lenders include it when they calculate how much you can borrow. Rising assessments in a hot market, such as the 10% typical residential increase this year, usually mean higher bills. When comparing homes, look at the actual tax on the listing, not just the price.
Practical takeaways
- Owners: if you have not received a bill by early June, call 311; not receiving it does not cancel the penalty.
- Sellers: tell your lawyer if you are on TIPP, so the payments can be adjusted or cancelled at closing.
- Buyers: check the statement of adjustments to see who has paid the 2024 tax and for which months.
- Condo owners: your tax rose more in percentage terms; budget for it along with condo fees.
The City also offers an online tax breakdown at calgary.ca/taxbreakdown: enter your tax amount to see how the municipal portion is spent on services such as police, fire, transit, roads and parks.
