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 ensure similar organizations get treated fairly. Based on that feedback, the province has now amended the regulations.

Why This Matters

Do you volunteer with a local charity, sports club, or community group? These organizations often struggle with property taxes. Clearer rules could help more non-profits qualify for exemptions, keeping their doors open and services running.

What Could Change

The COPTER regulation has been amended. Non-profits providing similar community services should now be evaluated more consistently across Alberta municipalities. The changes aim to make exemptions more equitably available.

Key Issues

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

What Happened

Municipalities, assessors, volunteer associations, and property owner associations provided feedback through written submissions and targeted engagement sessions. The feedback informed amendments to improve consistency of interpretation, ease of application, and equitable availability of exemptions for non-profits providing similar community services.