Property Taxes
Get the basics on property taxes in Ontario
If you own property in Ontario, you receive a property tax bill each year. Typically, your property taxes are determined by your municipality, based on your property value, the applicable municipal tax rate(s) and education tax rate.
For example, the property taxes for a home which has been assessed at $300,000 this year may be calculated as follows:
Property’s current value assessment $300,000.00
Tax rate* x 1.100000%
Property taxes = $3,300.00
*Sample municipal tax rate plus the education tax rate.
Note: this example is for illustration only.
If your property is located in the unincorporated territory of Ontario, the Provincial Land Tax Administration Office in Thunder Bay sets your property tax rate.
Did you know?
Property tax is the main revenue source for municipalities in Ontario. It generates approximately $19 billion annually for municipalities.
Municipal tax rates are set by each municipality based on their own individual tax revenue needs as part of their annual budget process.
- Education tax rates are set by the province
- Provincial land tax rates are also set by the province
- The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) assesses property values across Ontario
Questions or concerns?
If you have questions or concerns about your property assessment, contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). The assessment notice you received from MPAC includes additional information about the assessment process. Staff at MPAC can explain how the review process works and the role of the Assessment Review Board.
For questions or concerns about the calculation of your taxes, contact your local municipality or the Provincial Land Tax Administration Office in Thunder Bay if you own property in the unincorporated territory.
Find out more about:
- Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)
- Assessment Review Board
- The finance or treasury department of your local municipality
- Provincial Land Tax program
FAQ
How do I get a copy of my property tax bill?
To get a copy of your property tax bill, contact the finance or treasury department of your local municipality or the Provincial Land Tax Administration Office.
Who prepares my tax bill?
Generally, your local municipality prepares your tax bill. Please contact the finance or treasury department of your local municipality.
However, if your property is located in an unincorporated territory of Ontario, the Provincial Land Tax Administration Office in Thunder Bay prepares your tax bill.
Who prepares my property assessment?
In 2016, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) sent property owners Assessment Notices. These show the updated assessed values and the phased-in values that will be used as the basis for property taxation starting January 1,2017. Your assessment notice also includes contact and other important information should you have questions or concerns about your assessment.
Remember that this assessment notice is NOT a tax bill – you receive a tax bill from your municipality or the Provincial Land Tax Administration Office each year.
What does a higher assessment value mean for my property taxes?
If your property’s assessment value increases, it does not necessarily mean that your taxes will increase. Municipalities can, for example, adjust municipal tax rates to address the average impact of reassessment. As well, municipal budgetary decisions may result in changes to municipal tax rates. Please contact your local municipality if you have questions regarding the calculation of your taxes.
Is there any relief for tax increases?
If you or your spouse is a low-income senior or low-income person with a disability, and you experience a tax increase due to reassessment on your residential property, you may be eligible for a municipal tax relief program. Your municipality may also have other programs in place to provide tax relief in special circumstances which are applicable to both non-residential as well as residential properties. Your municipality would be able to provide more information regarding these programs.
Contact your municipality to find out what types of tax relief may be available in your community.