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Property tax in Quebec: Are you paying more than your fair share of taxes?

Property tax in Quebec: Are you paying more than your fair share of taxes?

Synopsis
5 Minute Read

MNP’s Property Tax Services (PTS) integrates industry-leading property tax expertise with the thorough management of assessment appeal and processes across major Canadian municipalities.

MNP’s Property Tax Services - Quebec

MNP’s Property Tax Services (PTS) integrates industry-leading property tax expertise with the thorough management of assessment appeal and processes across major Canadian municipalities.

The PTS team’s in-depth knowledge, coupled with leading edge resources and well-established relationships with municipal decision makers distinguishes MNP as a leader in the property tax service industry.

Our approach

Property taxes represent a significant portion of your operating costs. Minimizing tax liability improves the competitiveness of your business and the liquidity of your assets, which is of fundamental importance to those located in challenging real estate markets.

MNP offers you effective tax strategies for each property you own. MNP values transparency in its dealings with clients which is why our services are, by nature and design, meant to keep you informed at every level of the annual assessment process.

  • Examining income statements, analyzing rent rolls, reviewing sales data and assessing levels of similar comparable properties;
  • Assessing whether the municipality has established the fair market value estimate for your property;
  • Reviewing tax property assessment details for errors or omissions to determine if you are paying your fair share of taxes
  • Meeting with the assessor to review the working papers in the municipal file.

We can help you assess your tax liability using an evidenced-based approach and help you navigate the review procedure at the administrative municipal level.

Every three years, each municipal body may adopt a new assessment for the properties on their given territory. The assessment is based on the value of the property on July 1, two years preceding the new roll. In principal, the roll comes into force on January 1 of the first fiscal year for which it is deposed. An application for review must be filed before May 1, following the coming into force of the roll.

For illustrative purposes, we have prepared a brief summary of the important dates. The table below is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal opinion or advice. We recommend you contact us if you have any specific questions regarding your tax matters.

Taxation Years Major
Municipality / 
Region
 
Assessment 
Reference Date
 
Assessment Appeal Deadline  Assessment 
Cycle
 
 
2021, 2022
& 2023
 
Outaouais & 
Eastern Townships
 
July 1, 2019 Start late 
November 2020
 
 April 30, 2021  Three-year
2022, 2023
& 2024
 
Laval, South 
Shore &
Quebec City
 
July 1, 2020 Start late 
November 2021
 
 April 30, 2022  Three-year
 2023, 2024
& 2025
 
Entire Island
of Montreal
 
 July 1, 2021  Start late 
November 2022
 
 April 30, 2023  Three-year
 2024, 2025
& 2026
 
 Outaouais & 
Eastern Townships
 
 July 1, 2022  Start late 
November 2023
 
 April 30, 2024  Three-year
 2025, 2026
& 2027
 
Laval, South
Shore &
Quebec City
 
 July 1, 2023  Start late 
November 2024
 
 April 30, 2025  Three-year
 

F-2.1 – Act respecting municipal taxation, art. 14.
2Ibid, art. 46, para 1.
3Ibid, art. 76., para 1.

We understand Canada’s diverse real estate market provides assessors with a unique challenge to accurately determine the fair market value of your property. We are here to provide you with a comprehensive review of the underlying factors used to value your property for tax purposes.

Potential Issue MNP Process
Tax fairness Review comparable properties, case law and previous tribunal decisions
Market value Perform in-house valuations, research transactions and market trends
Property description
 Review rent rolls, tenancy mix, architectural schematics, stacking plans and site inspection
Cost of development
 Review critical legislative dates to determine the optimal period to begin construction and mitigate taxation through the build cycle
 Mass appraisal applicability  Pursue site-specific issues that affect the marketability of the property
 Tax and assessment class  In-depth review of assessed, actual and market income parameters. Ensure appropriate assessment class (residential / non- residential, farmland, exemptions, etc.)
 Municipal information requests  Work with client to comply with assessor information requests
 

Property Tax Advice You Can Rely On

Minimize time spent reviewing property taxes and maximize opportunities

Our experience, adherence to best practices and a proven due diligence process decreases the likelihood of missed opportunities, unproductive appeals and increased risk. We guarantee you get the whole story — the first time around.

Secure the best possible assessment outcome

We’ll identify tax reduction opportunities and mitigate your exposure to tax increases.

Enhance potential return on investment from future tenants

We’ll assist you in achieving a competitive advantage among competing properties to attract tenants through lower operating costs.

Whether tax forecasts are required for tenants or development projects, we provide the information you need on a timely and accurate basis.

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