Burnaby Property Tax Rate - City Bylaw Guide

Taxation and Finance British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia · By Daniel Roy

In Burnaby, British Columbia, property tax rates are set annually by Council through a tax rates bylaw and tied to the assessed value roll used for that taxation year. This guide explains the steps municipal staff and Council follow, how to calculate the effective tax rate for a home, where assessed values come from, and the enforcement and appeal routes available to property owners in Burnaby, British Columbia.

How the municipal property tax rate is set

The City of Burnaby adopts a tax rates bylaw each year after Council approves the annual budget and establishes the total municipal levy. The assessed values used to distribute that levy across property classes are provided by BC Assessment. To calculate a homeowner's municipal tax rate, divide the municipal levy for the applicable property class by the total assessed value for that class and apply the resulting rate to your assessed value.

Check your BC Assessment notice each spring to confirm your assessed value.

Key official sources explain the components used in setting the rate: the City of Burnaby's property tax information and the provincial assessment roll process.City property tax information[1] BC Assessment[2]

  • Municipal levy - the total dollars required from property taxation to fund services.
  • Total assessed value - the sum of BC Assessment values by property class for the city.
  • Class rate calculation - levy divided by total class assessment gives the class tax rate.

Penalties & Enforcement

Municipal property taxation enforcement in Burnaby is administered by the City's Financial Services / Taxation and Collections functions together with statutory remedies under provincial legislation. Specific penalty schedules or dollar amounts for late payment or other tax infractions are not specified on the cited City page and must be confirmed with the City or the controlling statutory instrument.City property tax information[1] Community Charter (provincial statutory framework)[3]

  • Fine amounts or interest on unpaid taxes - not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation - information on first, repeat, or continuing offences is not specified on the cited City page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions - municipal orders, tax registration, and tax sale remedies are available under provincial law; exact procedures should be confirmed with the City Financial Services or by reference to the Community Charter.
  • Enforcer and inspection - the City of Burnaby Financial Services / Taxation and Collections administers billing and collection; By-law Enforcement may assist with compliance matters for related municipal bylaw contraventions.
  • Complaints and enquiries - contact the City Finance/Property Tax office via the official contact page for deadlines and payment options.City property tax information[1]
If you receive a notice for unpaid tax, act promptly to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes the annual tax rates bylaw when Council adopts it; the City website provides guidance on tax notices and payment options. Specific application forms for tax relief, tax deferment, or other concessions are not listed on the primary City tax information page and may be administered provincially or through distinct City service pages.BC Assessment[2] Community Charter[3]

  • Tax rates bylaw - adopted annually by Council (see City publications for the current bylaw).
  • Tax deferment and provincial relief programs - forms and eligibility are generally provided by the Province and BC Assessment links explain assessed value; City-specific forms are not specified on the main tax information page.
Appeals of assessed value are handled through BC Assessment's review and formal complaint processes.

FAQ

How is my Burnaby municipal property tax rate calculated?
The municipal tax rate equals the municipal levy for your property class divided by the total assessed value for that class; multiply that rate by your assessed value to get your tax payable.
Where do assessed values come from and can I dispute them?
BC Assessment provides assessed values; disputes begin with BC Assessment's review and complaint process, with options to appeal further under provincial procedures.BC Assessment[2]
What happens if I do not pay my property taxes on time?
Late payment may lead to interest, penalties, registration, or tax sale remedies under provincial statute; exact penalty amounts and procedures are not specified on the cited City page and should be confirmed with City Financial Services.City property tax information[1]

How-To

Follow these steps to calculate your approximate municipal property tax for a Burnaby home.

  1. Obtain your assessed value from your BC Assessment notice or their online search.BC Assessment[2]
  2. Find the City's municipal levy or published tax rates by class in the City's annual budget or the adopted tax rates bylaw.City property tax information[1]
  3. Calculate the class tax rate: municipal levy for the class ÷ total assessed value for that class.
  4. Multiply the class rate by your assessed value to estimate your municipal tax owing.

Key Takeaways

  • Burnaby sets rates annually after Council approves the budget; BC Assessment supplies values.
  • Contact City Financial Services for billing, payment, and collection details.
  • Appeals on assessed value start with BC Assessment's review procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Property Taxes
  2. [2] BC Assessment
  3. [3] Community Charter (Province of British Columbia)

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.