Permissive Tax Exemption

Important Note:

The Permissive Tax Exemption policy update process is currently underway and staff are planning to start discussions with Council as of April 2023. Any updates, as approved by Council, will be applied to the next tax year (2024) Permissive Tax Exemption applications. Once the updated Policy is approved by Council, it will be posted on the City’s website.  Staff will be updating the website with new application forms and deadline dates in May 2023.

As the Permissive Tax Exemption program is currently on hold please do not submit application forms for the 2024 tax year at this time.  Please check the City website in May 2023 for updates.

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)

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.

  • 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.
  • Eligible Organizations

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 non-profit organization
    • Athletic or service club or association
    • eligibility criteria are met.