Property Tax

Property taxes are paid by property owners for community services such as schools, roads, maintenance, and other costs of local government.

St. Catharines property tax rates are set by City Council each year and are determined by balancing the needs for programs and infrastructure in the community with the financial needs of the corporation.

In addition to collecting its own property taxes, the City of St. Catharines is also responsible for the collection of regional taxes and school board taxes, although it is not responsible for setting the rates of these taxes.

The amount of property tax paid by a property owner is based on the assessed value and type of property. The assessed value of a property is determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

Visit the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation

Creating a Property Tax Account

The lawyer acting on behalf of the purchaser of a property normally advises the City once the sale has taken place. If you have purchased a property and wish to ensure that the correct name(s), mailing address and phone number information have been received, please contact the property tax section.

For confirmations, please contact 905.688.5601 ext. 1456.

Rates and Payment Information

Download the Approved 2012 Tax Rates

Download the Summary of Approved 2012 Tax Rates

Download the 2012 Residential Property Tax Insert

Capped Classes Information

Download Capping Clawback Percentages

Download the History of Municipal Levy Changes

Rebates, Deferral and Extension Programs

The City of St. Catharines offers programs to assist those receiving Ontario Disability Support Program benefits and pay property taxes and water/wastewater charges. More information is available by visiting the Assistance Programs page.

Information on tax rebates for charitable organizations paying commercial/industrial taxes can also be found under Assistance Programs for Residential as well as Commercial/Industrial Property Owners.

View Available Assistance Programs

Cancellation, Reduction, Refund of Taxes

There are circumstances where a property owner can apply for a cancellation, reduction or refund of property taxes. These reasons may include, but are not limited to: a change in property class; or a demolition or fire.

The application for cancellation, reduction or refund of property taxes can be found under Assistance Programs.

View Available Assistance Programs

For tax appeal information, please contact 905.688.5601 ext. 1453

Vacancy Rebates

A commercial/industrial property owner can apply for a vacany rebate.
For further information on vacancy rebates, please visit our Assistance Programs webpage.

View Assistance Programs for Commercial/Industrial Property Owners

For vacancy rebate information, please contact 905.688.5601 ext. 1435

Tax Certificates

A tax certificate is a statement of the status of taxes which is required when buying or selling a property, showing outstanding taxes or arrears.

How much is the fee for a Tax Certificate or a Verbal and who can request one?

Tax Certificates are $40.00 per roll number and anyone can request one.
Verbals are $15.00 per roll number and only available to law firms.
Separate cheques are required when requesting both services at the same time.

To obtain a tax certificate call 905.688.5601 ext.1436

Tax Sales

A tax sale is the sale of land through public tender by a governmental body for non-payment of taxes.
The City of St. Catharines currently has no properties for sale.