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Understanding where your taxes go

How is my tax bill calculated?

Each year, Council approves the amount of expenditure required to support City services. From this amount, sources of revenue other than property tax, such as sales and user charges, license fees and provincial grants are subtracted.

The remaining balance, approximately 40 per cent of the City's total operating budget, represents the amount to be raised through property taxes.


What is the formula used to determine the municipal tax rate?

Tax rate = Total revenue required by the City of Airdrie from property taxes (Municipal budget) / Total market value assessment

Where do my tax dollars go?

31%: Provincial Education Tax

The City of Airdrie is legislated to collect and remit a fixed Education Tax amount from its property owners on behalf of the Province of Alberta. As it is set by the Province of Alberta, the City has no control over the amount of the Education Tax.


1%: Rocky View Foundation

The City is also legislated to collect funds for the Rocky View Foundation, a not-for-profit association dedicated to providing low rental housing units for seniors in Airdrie.


68%: Municipal Property Tax

The City uses property taxes to assist in funding the following services:

  • Community growth & protective services (policing, fire protection, etc.)
  • Administration (information technology, assessment, procurement, etc.)
  • Community infrastructure (parks, roads, engineering, etc.)
  • Community services (recreation centre, transit, etc.)
  • Council

How does Airdrie compare to other cities?

Residential municipal tax comparison

Residential Municipal tax comparison chart showing Airdrie is the second lowest compared to Calgary, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Red Deer, St. Albert, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie

*Based on a $400,000 home at 2022 municipal tax rates, excluding education tax.


Non-residential municipal tax comparison

Non-residential municipal tax comparison chart showing Airdrie is the lowest compared to Calgary, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Red Deer, St. Albert, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie

*Based on a $600,000 business at 2022 municipal tax rates, excluding education tax.