When you discover over-assessed real estate in Canada, you’ll have a reason to appeal that decision as a property tax appeal consultant using the Real Estate Appraisal and Property Tax Appeal course. As of yet, no licensing is needed in Canada.
As of April 2025, Canada has no nationwide licensing requirement for property tax appeal consultants. However, regulations can vary by province and territory. For instance, in Ontario, while there is no formal licensing mandate, individuals representing clients in property assessment appeals may need to adhere to specific guidelines set by the Assessment Review Board.
Additionally, you could join the Canadian Property Tax Association (CPTA), which can enhance a consultant’s credibility, though it is not a legal requirement.
Initiating a property tax appeal in Canada varies slightly by province or territory, but the general process is similar across the country. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works and what’s involved:
How to Initiate a Property Tax Appeal in Canada
1. Review Your Property Assessment Notice
- You’ll receive a property assessment notice from your local or provincial assessment authority every year or assessment cycle (it varies by province).
- This notice provides the assessed value of your property, which is used to calculate your property taxes.
Key Point: You can only appeal the assessment value, not the tax rate.
2. Check the Deadline to File an Appeal
- Each province has a strict appeal window — often 30 to 60 days from the date you receive your notice.
- Missing the deadline usually forfeits your right to appeal.
3. Canada Property Tax Appeals: Gather Evidence to Support Your Case
You’ll need to show that the assessed value is too high compared to similar properties.
Examples of evidence:
- Recent sale prices of comparable properties
- Photos showing the condition of your home
- Appraisals or inspections
- Details of renovations (or lack thereof)
4. Canadian Property Tax Appeals: File the Appeal
The process varies by province but typically involves:
- Filling out an appeal form (online or paper)
- Paying a small appeal fee (often refundable if you win)
- Submitting it to the local Assessment Review Board or equivalent body
What’s Involved in the Appeals Process
Step 1: Informal Review (Optional but Recommended)
Before a formal appeal, many provinces allow you to request an informal review or reconsideration with the assessment authority.
- It’s faster and less formal.
- If successful, it can result in a lower assessment without going to a hearing.
Step 2: Formal Hearing
If the informal review fails or you skip it:
- A hearing will be scheduled before a local Assessment Review Board (or equivalent).
- You or your representative present your evidence.
- The assessor may defend their valuation.
- The board makes a binding decision.
Provincial Examples
Here’s how it works in a few major provinces:
Ontario
- Agency: MPAC – Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
- Informal review: Request for Reconsideration (RFR)
- Formal appeal: File with the Assessment Review Board (ARB)
British Columbia
- Agency: BC Assessment
- Deadline: January 31
- Appeals handled by the Property Assessment Review Panel
Alberta
- Agency: Municipal Assessment Review Board
- Deadline: Typically 60 days after mailing of notice
- Appeals go through the local Assessment Review Board
Tips for Success
- Act quickly: Don’t wait until the deadline.
- Do your homework: Check recent sales in your area.
- Stay factual: Focus on property value, not emotional arguments.
- Consider purchasing a professional property tax assessment and property tax appeal course: Especially for commercial properties or high-value appeals, access that professional property tax appeal course at https://housetaxax.com for full training.
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Tips To work as a Property Tax Appeal Consultant in Canada as a very lucrative Side Hustle helping victims of Over-Assessment
In the course, I point out how to get started by sending out 50 well-written, convincing letters to a targeted area about property tax assessment appeals. Since it doesn’t cost the homeowner anything for scrutiny to see if they have a case, I get a good reply. From there, referrals begin to boomerang, and getting clients is a breeze.
Since it takes the same effort to do an analysis of a lower-priced home compared to higher-priced homes, pick more expensive areas to help over-assessed victims.
