Are You Paying Too Much in Calgary or Airdrie Property Taxes? Here’s How to Appeal Your Assessment in Calgary, Airdrie & Beyond
Property taxes can be a significant annual expense for homeowners in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Strathmore. But what if your tax bill is based on an inaccurate property assessment? Many homeowners don’t realize they have the right to challenge their property tax assessments—and that doing so could save them money.
Understanding Property Taxes & Assessments
Your property tax is determined by the assessed value of your home, which is set by your municipal tax assessor. This value is based on factors like market trends, recent sales, and home improvements. However, assessment errors happen, and if your property is overvalued, you could be paying more than your fair share in taxes.
How to Check if Your Property Assessment is Fair
Before deciding to appeal, follow these steps to determine if your assessment is accurate:
- Compare Your Assessment to Similar Homes
Check what homes in your neighbourhood with similar size and features are assessed at. If your assessment is higher, there may be an error. - Review Your Home’s Assessment Record
Obtain a copy of your property assessment from your city’s website and verify details like square footage, number of bedrooms, and renovations. - Check for Market Value Discrepancies
Look at recent home sales in your area. If your home’s assessed value is significantly higher than recent sales of comparable properties, you may have grounds for appeal.
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
If you find discrepancies, you have the right to appeal. Here’s how:
- Access Your Assessment Online
Each city in Alberta has an online portal where you can review your property’s assessed value:- Calgary: Assessment Search
- Airdrie: Property Assessment
- Cochrane: Assessment Info
- Okotoks: Assessment Services
- Strathmore: Assessment Details
- Speak with Your Local Assessment Office
If you believe your assessment is incorrect, reach out to your local office during the Customer Review Period (CRP)—a specific timeframe when you can dispute your assessment. - File a Formal Appeal
If your concerns aren’t resolved, you can file a formal appeal with your city’s Assessment Review Board (ARB) before the deadline. - Provide Supporting Evidence
You’ll need data to support your claim, such as:- Recent sales of comparable homes
- Errors in the assessment details (incorrect square footage, extra rooms, etc.)
- Any factors that negatively impact your home’s value (e.g., nearby construction, damage)
Important Deadlines for 2025
Appeal deadlines vary by location. Typically, you have 60 days from the date you receive your assessment notice to dispute it. Be sure to check your city’s website for specific deadlines.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Appealing your property tax assessment doesn’t just save you money—it ensures fairness in the system. Many homeowners successfully reduce their tax bill by challenging their assessments.
Download the Full 2025 Tax Fighter’s Guide
For a step-by-step breakdown of the property tax appeal process, download our free 2025 Tax Fighter’s Guide. This guide provides everything you need to know about how assessments work and how to file an appeal successfully.
Final Thoughts
Don’t pay more property tax than you need to! If you suspect your assessment is inaccurate, take action. With a little research and the right approach, you could lower your tax bill and keep more money in your pocket. Have questions? Feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
📩 Let’s chat! Contact me today to discuss this, or any of your homeownership goals.