Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Organizations

Official title: Property tax exemption for non-profits engagement

Closed Regulations & Permits Finance & Consumer Housing & Communities
Alberta gathered feedback on how municipalities evaluate non-profit organizations applying for property tax exemptions. The goal was to make the process more consistent and fair across the province. Based on that feedback, the government has now amended the regulations.

Why This Matters

Do you volunteer with a local charity, community hall, or sports club? These groups often struggle with property taxes. Fairer exemption rules could help them keep more money for programs instead of paying taxes on their buildings.

What Could Change

The regulations have already been amended. Non-profits providing similar community services should now be evaluated more consistently when applying for tax exemptions. The changes aim to make exemptions more equitably available across Alberta municipalities.

Key Issues

  • How can property tax exemption criteria be applied more consistently across municipalities?
  • How can the application process be made easier for non-profit organizations?
  • How can exemptions be made more equitably available to non-profits providing similar services?

What Happened

Municipalities, assessors, volunteer associations, and property owner associations provided feedback through written submissions and targeted engagement sessions. The feedback helped inform amendments to improve consistency of interpretation, ease of application, and ensure property tax exemptions are equitably available to non-profits providing similar community services.