Tax rates and relief programs

Find current tax rates, look-up taxes on residential properties in Waterloo, and apply for tax appeal, deferral and rebate programs.

On this page

  1. How property taxes are calculated and distributed
  2. Property tax rates
  3. Online property tax look-up
  4. Tax appeals, deferrals and rebates

How property taxes are calculated and distributed

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the value of your property (assessed independently by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) by the tax rate. The rate changes each year based on the value of all properties and how much funding local governments need to provide services.

Watch: how property values affect your taxes (3:02), explaining assessment growth (2:09)

In 2024 the residential tax rate is 1.272504%. For an average home (valued at $405,000) in Waterloo this works out to about $5,153.64 per year in property taxes.

Of that total, the City of Waterloo receives 30%, the Region of Waterloo receives 58% and the school board of your choice receives the remaining 12%. The city collects on behalf of the region and school boards but does not set their tax rates.

2024 Property tax rates

Tax classDescriptionCityRegionEducationTotal
RT Residential

0.386990%

 0.732514% 0.153000% 1.272504%
MT

Multi-residential taxable

 0.754631% 1.428401% 0.153000%

2.336032%
NT

New multi-residential taxable

 0.386990% 0.732514% 0.153000%

1.272504%
CT

Commercial taxable

 0.754631% 1.428401% 0.880000% 3.063032%
IT

Industrial taxable

 0.754631% 1.428401% 0.880000% 3.063032%
FT

Farm land

 0.096748% 0.183128% 0.038250% 0.318126%
PT

Pipeline taxable

 0.449412% 0.850668% 0.880000% 2.180080%
TT

Managed forest

 0.096748% 0.183128% 0.038250% 0.318126%
Past tax rates

Online property tax look-up

Use our online look-up tool to see how much tax is paid on a given residential property in Waterloo. The tool breaks down the amounts paid to the city, region and school board. It also shows how your tax money is spent on municipal services delivered by the city.

Tax appeals, deferrals and rebates

Tax appeals
We accept applications to cancel or reduce property taxes in these circumstances:

  • if a property could not be used for its normal use because of repairs or renovations for at least three months a year

  • if the use of a non-residential property has changed since the return of the last revised assessment roll

  • if a property has exempt status after the return of the last revised assessment roll

  • if there has been a fire or demolition in a building

  • if there is a gross or manifest error in the assessment

To make an appeal, download a tax appeal application form (PDF) and submit it by the end of February in the following year. See application form for further details and conditions

In the case of a gross and manifest error, you can appeal taxes from two years prior to the current tax year.

Submit the form:

Revenue Services
City of Waterloo
100 Regina Street South
PO Box 337, Station Waterloo
Waterloo, ON N2J 4A8 
Rebates for vacancies in commercial and industrial properties

The Region of Waterloo is eliminating the vacant unit tax rate rebate program for commercial and industrial properties effective for the 2019 taxation year.

Deferrals for seniors and people with disabilities

Seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement and people with who receive support through the Ontario Disability Support program can apply for a property tax deferral. Read the Region of Waterloo policy document (PDF) for full program details.

Download the tax deferral form (PDF) and submit itel:

  • in person at the revenue counter at city hall
  • by fax at 519-747-8760
  • by mail to:

Revenue Services
City of Waterloo
100 Regina Street South
PO Box 337, Station Waterloo
Waterloo, ON N2J 4A8 

Charity rebates

Eligible charities and similar organizations occupying commercial or industrial property in Waterloo may apply for a tax rebate.

The rebate is 50% of the taxes paid by the organization either directly or through its lease payments providing all of the required conditions are met. Requirements are established by the Region of Waterloo Bylaw 98-049 (PDF).

Download the charitable tax rebate application form (PDF) and submit itel:

  • in person at the revenue counter at city hall
  • by fax at 519-747-8760
  • by mail to

Revenue Services
City of Waterloo
100 Regina Street South
PO Box 337, Station Waterloo
Waterloo, ON N2J 4A8

Applications must be received in our office by the last day of February of the year following the taxation year. 

For more information please contact 519-747-8718 or email revenue@waterloo.ca  

Provincial grants
The Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant provides low-to-moderate income seniors up to $500 off their property taxes. The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit provides help with taxes for any age over 18.