Property taxes represent a major annual expense for every homeowner in Quebec. The amount varies considerably from one city to another, from 0.68% to 1.20% of the property assessment. Here’s how to understand your tax bill and verify whether your assessment is fair.
1. How it works
In Quebec, property taxes (also called municipal taxes) fund local services: roads, water supply, sewers, waste collection, fire protection and recreation. The calculation formula is:
Taxes = Municipal assessment × Tax rate (per $100) × Comparative factor
The property assessment roll is filed every three years by the municipal assessor. It determines the value of each property as of July 1 of the year preceding the roll filing. The comparative factor adjusts the assessment to reflect market changes between the roll filing and the current year.
2. Rates by city
Here are the approximate residential tax rates for major Quebec cities in 2026 and the annual amount for a property assessed at $420,000:
| City | Approx. rate | Tax/year ($420K) | Tax/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 0.89% | $3,738 | $312 |
| Laval | 0.82% | $3,444 | $287 |
| Longueuil | 0.78% | $3,276 | $273 |
| Quebec City | 0.85% | $3,570 | $298 |
| Gatineau | 1.15% | $4,830 | $403 |
| Sherbrooke | 1.05% | $4,410 | $368 |
| Trois-Rivières | 0.99% | $4,158 | $347 |
The gap between Longueuil ($3,276/year) and Gatineau ($4,830/year) represents a $1,554 annual difference for the same $420,000 assessment. This is an important factor to consider when buying.
3. Detailed calculation
Let’s look at a concrete example for a property in Montreal:
Example: property in Montreal
• Municipal assessment: $420,000
• Montreal tax rate: 0.89%
• Calculation: $420,000 × 0.89% = $3,738/year
• Per month: $3,738 ÷ 12 = $312/month
For a property assessed at $420,000 in Montreal, expect approximately $3,738 per year in property taxes, or $312 per month to include in your budget.
Note that the tax bill also includes special taxes (water, sanitation, local roads) that vary by borough. The total amount may be higher than the simple calculation above.
4. Assessment vs market value
The municipal assessment and market value are two distinct concepts:
Municipal assessment
Value established by the municipal assessor as of July 1 of the reference year. Updated every 3 years. Used to calculate taxes.
Market value
Price an informed buyer would pay on the current market. Fluctuates with supply and demand. Determined by a certified appraiser or comparable sales.
Typical gap
The municipal assessment can be 10 to 30% lower than market value in a rising market, or higher in a declining market.
To explore this distinction further, read our municipal assessment vs market value guide.
5. Contesting the assessment roll
If you believe your municipal assessment is too high, you can file a review request with the municipal assessor. Deadlines are strict: generally before April 30 of the first year of the three-year roll.
Filing fees range from $75 to $300 depending on the property value. You will need to provide comparable sales, an appraisal report or any evidence supporting a lower value (major defects, easements, etc.).
If the review is unsatisfactory, you can bring the case before the Tribunal administratif du Québec (TAQ). A real estate broker can help you obtain the comparable sales needed to support your contestation.
To understand tax adjustments when buying, read our guide to municipal tax adjustments at purchase.
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