TIPP - How does TIPP work?
TIPP is The City’s most popular property tax payment method. With TIPP you pay the same amount as your annual property tax bill. But instead of paying one large lump sum payment in June, smaller monthly payments automatically come out of your bank the first day of every month. Smaller monthly payments help you save time and money by making your budgeting easier and removing the risk of late payment penalties.
Each year property tax is billed in May, due at the end of June and covered the period from January 1 to December 31. If you pay through TIPP, you don't need to worry about the payment deadline or late payment penalties. Your property tax is spread over 12 months, starting January 1, with your account being paid in full after your December 1 instalment.
Visit the TIPP recalculation page for a video and more information on how monthly instalments are calculated
Many frequently asked questions regarding TIPP are covered below.
Questions about joining?
I just received my property tax bill, can I join TIPP?
Yes, but don’t delay. Join today before the tax payment deadline.
I haven't paid last year's tax. Can I join TIPP?
Yes, you can join TIPP once last year's tax has been paid.
Can I join at any time?
Yes, you can join TIPP at any time, provided:
Any prior year’s tax arrears balance has been paid in full. This includes any charges or penalties.
Your property has previously been billed. Your monthly TIPP instalment amount is based on the most recent tax.
Your property taxes are not part of your mortgage payment. If you are unsure if you are paying Principal, Interest and Tax (PIT), contact your mortgage company/bank.
Do I have to be the property owner to join TIPP?
No. Anyone can join TIPP to pay the taxes on a property.
Do I need to sign up each year?
No. Once you’ve enrolled a property on TIPP, you do not need to re-join each year. Your participation in TIPP for that property automatically continues from year to year.
Are there any fees to join TIPP?
There is no fee to join TIPP.
When is the best time to join the plan?
You can join TIPP at any time during the year.
The earlier you join the better as then your taxes can be spread out over more monthly payments, making them smaller.
Don’t delay, join today.
How are the monthly instalments calculated?
Visit the TIPP recalculation page for a video and more information on how monthly instalments are calculated
Will my monthly instalment change during the year?
Yes, your monthly instalment may also be changed during the year if any adjustments are made to your property tax. If a change in your instalment occurs you will be notified by mail of your new monthly payment amount and the date the new payment will start.
TIPP instalment changes don’t impact the amount you pay per year, they are only adjusted to reflect changes to your tax bill.
Visit the TIPP recalculation page for a video and more information on how monthly instalments are calculated
I own more than one property in Calgary. Can I pay my property tax for all of them through this plan?
Yes. As TIPP agreements are unique to each property, you will need to request, complete and return an agreement for each property you would like to enrol in the plan.
If you provide the same chequing account information for all your TIPP agreements, your monthly payments will be combined and withdrawn as one transaction.
Condo owners please note: An agreement is required for your condo unit and a separate agreement is required for each parking stall(s) and storage unit(s).
I requested an agreement before the end of June to join for the first available plan start month. Why is there a July 1 penalty showing?
Until you successfully join TIPP, the July 1 penalty under Bylaw 8M2002 is valid.
You have successfully joined TIPP when:
- The completed and signed agreement has been received by The City of Calgary by the “Return by Date” on the agreement.
- The first automatic monthly withdrawal has been completed on the “start date” shown on the agreement.
Note: The penalty amount showing was not included in the calculation used to determine your monthly TIPP instalment. The penalty amount will be adjusted after both steps noted above have been completed by the date specified on your TIPP agreement.
Questions about your account?
I am enrolled on TIPP. Why did I get a property tax bill?
The City of Calgary is legislated to mail an annual property tax bill.
As a TIPP participant, your bill will include information on the annual tax levy as well as information about your TIPP enrolment including the TIPP credit to date, the new instalment for the remainder of the year and the date we will start withdrawing the new instalment amount.
I’m on TIPP, why does my property tax bill show a balance owing?
Each year property taxes are billed in May and cover the period from January 1 to December 31.
When property taxes are billed in May there is a balance still owing on the account. By being enrolled in TIPP you are spreading your tax balance into 12 monthly payments over the calendar year without penalty. The final payment withdrawn on December 1 will ensure your tax account has a zero balance.
I am paying on TIPP for more than one property, why is only one payment being taken?
In order to reduce the fees associated with withdrawing payments, all instalments from the same bank account are combined and withdrawn as one amount. If you require a breakdown of the single instalment taken, contact Property Tax.
How do I show I’m enrolled on TIPP and what the balance is on my account?
Property Owners can request documents showing proof of TIPP enrolment by calling 311 or 403-268-CITY (2489) if calling from outside Calgary.
I’m having difficulty making my monthly TIPP payment, can I skip a payment?
There is no option to skip or pause monthly TIPP instalments. You have the option to cancel TIPP however keep in mind, if you cancel your Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) participation, all unpaid taxes are due immediately and subject to non-payment penalties in accordance with the Penalty on Unpaid Taxes Bylaw 8M2002.
If you are a residential property owner experiencing financial hardship, there are a number of programs offering assistance. Under The City's Property Tax Assistance Program, residential property owners of any age may be eligible for a credit/grant. You can find more information at calgary.ca/ptap, calgary.ca/fairentry or by calling 311 or 403-268-CITY (2489) if calling from outside Calgary
For information on programs for seniors such as the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program, contact the Government of Alberta at 310-0000. For more contact options visit alberta.ca/contact.
I’m not sure I can afford the monthly TIPP payment. Can I change the amount of my instalment instead of cancelling TIPP?
Your monthly TIPP payment has been calculated to ensure your tax account has a zero balance with the final payment withdrawn on December 1.
Your monthly payments can be lowered by making a lump sum payment and requesting a recalculation. If you decide to make a lump sum payment, it cannot be automatically withdrawn. Visit property tax payments for all payment options including online banking.
- If you use TIPP to pay for more than one property, a lump sum payment must be made to each roll number, not as a lump sum payment to one roll number.
- Once your lump sum payment(s) has been made, contact Tax to request a recalculation of your TIPP payment(s). It will not happen automatically.
If you are a residential property owner experiencing financial hardship, there are a number of programs offering assistance. Under The City's Property Tax Assistance Program, residential property owners of any age may be eligible for a credit/grant. You can find more information at calgary.ca/ptap, calgary.ca/fairentry or by calling 311 or 403-268-CITY (2489) if calling from outside Calgary.
For information on programs for seniors such as the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program, contact the Government of Alberta at 310-0000. For more contact options visit alberta.ca/contact.