If your 2025 property tax bill feels higher than you expected, you are not imagining things. City Council approved a 5.7 percent municipal increase for 2025. Your total still depends on your assessment and the education portion set by the Province of Alberta, so individual results vary. Below is the plain-English version of what changed, how to estimate your number in three minutes, exactly where your taxes go, and when an appeal is actually worth it. (City of Edmonton)
What changed (and why your total may not equal 5.7 percent)
Municipal increase: Council set the municipal portion to rise 5.7 percent for 2025 (revised in April after provincial grant changes). That 5.7 percent applies to the municipal slice, not your entire bill. (City of Edmonton)
Education portion: The education tax is set by the Province of Alberta and collected on your bill. It moves separately from the municipal increase, which is why many owners see totals that differ from 5.7 percent. (City of Edmonton)
Bottom line: The headline number is municipal only. Your assessment change and the education share determine your personal result.
How your Edmonton property tax is actually calculated
Think of two stacks that get added together:
Municipal portion – funds local services (roads, transit, police, fire, recreation, libraries). Council sets the total levy; your share is based on assessed value. (City of Edmonton)
Education portion – set by the Province of Alberta, collected by the City, also based on assessed value. (Alberta.ca)
You cannot appeal the tax rate. You can question or appeal the assessment value that drives both portions. (City of Edmonton)
Three-minute walkthrough: estimate your 2025 taxes
Open the City of Edmonton Property Tax Estimator. (taxestimator.edmonton.ca)
Choose Residential and enter the assessed value from your 2025 notice.
Review the estimated total and the line items (municipal, education, other requisitions).
If monthly cash flow helps, explore the City’s Monthly Payment Plan from the same page. (taxestimator.edmonton.ca)
Pro tip: The estimator is a model. If your home is unusual (major renovation, a new legal suite, atypical condition, unique location benefits or constraints), treat the output as a baseline—then compare to truly similar homes on your street.
Simple illustration: how the municipal increase scales
These examples show how a 5.7 percent municipal change scales with value. Your actual total will depend on your final assessment and the provincial education share. Use the City estimator for precision. (taxestimator.edmonton.ca)
*Use your 2024 bill or the estimator’s “previous year” as the baseline. The point is the scaling.
Where your 2025 Edmonton property taxes go (plain-English breakdown)
A typical detached home assessed at $465,500 pays about $394 per month in total 2025 property taxes. Roughly three-quarters of that (about $296) supports City services; about one-quarter (about $98) goes to the Province of Alberta for education. Here is how that $296 for City services breaks down each month, according to the City: Police Service ($44), Fire Rescue ($24), Transit operations ($30), Parks and Roads ($23), Neighbourhood Renewal ($23), Community Recreation and Neighbourhood Services ($13), Edmonton Public Library ($5), City Planning and Infrastructure Services ($8), Boards, Agencies and Commissions excluding Police and Library ($6), Social Development ($6), Governance and Oversight ($6), Support Services such as 311, information technology, finance, and legal ($21), Fleet and Facility Services ($7), Debt repayment on past construction ($33), and Pay-As-You-Go transfers to current capital projects ($20). (City of Edmonton)
Note: The City provides the full breakdown and context on its “Where Your Taxes Go” page, including explanations for each category and how capital funding works. (City of Edmonton)
When an appeal is worth it (and when it is not)
Good reasons to request a review or file a complaint
The City overstated your living area, garage, lot size, finish level, or effective year.
The valuation missed material condition issues (foundation, roof, mechanical) present on December 31 of the valuation year.
The model leaned on stronger, non-comparable sales (different exposure, backing a park versus a roadway, heavy renovations versus original condition).
How to build a persuasive evidence package
Comparable sales: Three to five truly similar properties around the valuation date.
Documentation: Photos, inspection reports, quotes, or permits that prove condition differences.
Clarity: A calm, step-by-step narrative. Boards reward facts and organization.
If the facts on your notice are correct and your value is in the band of similar sales, an appeal rarely moves the needle. If critical facts are wrong, act within the window outlined on the City’s assessment site. (City of Edmonton)
Make your bill easier to live with
Prefer predictable cash flow? The City offers a Monthly Payment Plan with automatic withdrawals across the year. For many owners this is the simplest way to smooth expenses without risking late fees. (taxestimator.edmonton.ca)
What this means for Edmonton owners in 2025 (quick guidance)
If your assessment jumped: Do a side-by-side with three similar homes on your block. If you are clearly high, contact me. I will tell you—quickly—whether a formal complaint is worth it this year.
If your taxes are manageable but annoying: Join the Monthly Payment Plan, then revisit insurance and utilities to free up the same dollars elsewhere. (taxestimator.edmonton.ca)
If you are planning to sell in 2025: Tighten your disclosure and documentation (permits, improvements, service records). A clean paper trail increases buyer confidence and can reduce post-inspection renegotiations.
If you are planning to buy: Use this tax reality in your monthly payment math—especially if you are moving between neighbourhoods with different assessed patterns. Start with your market context and buying power articles below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is everyone paying exactly 5.7 percent more?
No. 5.7 percent is the municipal increase. Your total also includes the education portion and depends on your assessment relative to the city-wide roll. Use the City estimator for your exact situation. (City of Edmonton)
Where can I see a trustworthy estimate for my 2025 bill?
Use the City of Edmonton Property Tax Estimator. It shows the municipal and education portions based on your current assessment. (taxestimator.edmonton.ca)
What exactly does my tax bill fund?
About three-quarters of a typical bill supports City services, and about one-quarter goes to the Province of Alberta for education. The City publishes a clear monthly breakdown for Police, Fire, Transit, Parks and Roads, Neighbourhood Renewal, Recreation, Library, and more. (City of Edmonton)
Can I appeal my taxes?
You cannot appeal the rate. You can appeal the assessment value within the review period listed on your notice. Deadlines matter. (City of Edmonton)
I never received my 2025 assessment notice. What should I do?
Go to the City’s assessment page to view your information and contact the team right away. Notices were mailed on January 10, 2025. (City of Edmonton)
Who decides the education portion?
The Province of Alberta sets uniform education tax rates and requisitions; the City collects and remits that share. (Alberta.ca)
Keep learning (internal link stubs for your site)
Rent vs. Buy in Edmonton: Why Owning Your Home Makes More Sense Than Ever
Why Hiring a Realtor is Essential When Purchasing a New-Construction Home
West-End Watch: Valley Line West and the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre
Sources
City of Edmonton — Budget Frequently Asked Questions (confirms the 5.7 percent municipal increase and April revision). (City of Edmonton)
City of Edmonton — Property Tax Estimator (estimates, monthly plan link). (taxestimator.edmonton.ca)
City of Edmonton — Assessment (mailing date, how to review/appeal). (City of Edmonton)
City of Edmonton — Where Your Taxes Go (2025 monthly breakdown and shares). (City of Edmonton)
Province of Alberta — Education property tax (who sets the education portion, mill rate concept). (Alberta.ca)
