Permissive Tax Exemption

Important Note:

Please submit application forms for the 2024 tax year by August 15, 2023.

Background

A permissive tax exemption is a means for Council to support eligible organizations within the community that align with Council’s strategic goals and objectives. For a list of organizations approved for the 2023 Permissive Tax Exemption, please refer to the 2023 Bylaw:  Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw, 2022 (gov.bc.ca)

  • Extent of exemptions approved each year is dependent on the City’s annual budget. Council, at its discretion, may reject or cancel any or all applicants in a given year. 
  • Interested organizations are encouraged to review Council Policy C008-05, Permissive Property Tax Exemption prior to applying to ensure all eligibility criteria are met.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a permissive tax exemption, an organization must qualify under Section 224 of the Community Charter and comply with the City’s policies, plans, bylaws and regulations. 

Organizations must contribute to the Abbotsford community and be a registered charity or society under one of the following categories:

  • Place of worship
  • Independent school
  • Charitable, philanthropic or other not-for-profit organization
  • Athletic or service club or association
  • Community Care Facility

Application Deadline

Deadline for applications is June 30 of each year except for the 2024 tax year applications. The 2024 submission deadline has been moved to August 15, 2023. Applications, using the prescribed forms below, may be submitted by email to pte@abbotsford.ca or  mail to: 

Collections Division Abbotsford City Hall 32315 South Fraser Way Abbotsford, BC V2T 1W7 

The City will only process complete applications. Late applications will not be accepted.

Application Forms

Applications are required annually from all eligible organizations. For organizations currently receiving a permissive tax exemption, a renewal application is necessary to confirm ownership and property use has not changed. 

The City will confirm receipt of applications by sending an email reply. If you do not receive a confirmation from the City within 5 business days of submitting your application, please contact the Property Tax Division.

Application Cycle

Charity or not-for-profit organizations, community care facilities and athletic or service clubs must complete a Comprehensive Exemption Application every four (4) years, and must  complete a Renewal Application in the interim years.

List of Organizations Required to Submit Comprehensive Exemption Applications for 2024

Places of worship and independent schools must complete a Comprehensive Exemption Application every ten (10) years, and must  complete a Renewal Application in the interim years.

Comprehensive Exemption Application Forms

First-time applicants must complete one of the below forms: 

Renewal Application Form

Applicants that received a permissive exemption in the current year must complete the form below, to be considered for an exemption in the upcoming tax year.