Part of Local Issues Explained
Quick answer: Your Coquitlam property taxes can go up even if your assessed value goes down because your tax bill is not based only on your property’s value. It also depends on the city budget, tax rates, regional charges, and how your property’s assessment changed compared with other properties.
Why did my Coquitlam property taxes go up if my assessment went down?
This is one of the most common questions residents ask about property taxes.
It feels natural to think that if your home assessment goes down, your property taxes should also go down. But that is not always how property taxes work.
Your property tax bill depends on several things:
- the total amount of money the city and other taxing authorities need to collect,
- the tax rate set for your property class,
- your property’s assessed value,
- how your assessed value changed compared with other similar properties, and
- other charges, utilities, levies, or regional costs included on the bill.
The simple explanation
If the City needs to collect more money overall to pay for services, infrastructure, policing, fire services, parks, recreation, roads, and other costs, the tax rate may change.
That means your taxes can increase even if your individual assessed value has gone down.
Your taxes may also increase if your property value went down by less than the average property in your class. In that situation, your share of the overall tax burden may still increase compared with other properties.
Example: why a lower assessment can still mean higher taxes
Imagine the average residential property in Coquitlam goes down in assessed value by 8%, but your home only goes down by 2%.
Even though your assessment went down, your property may now represent a larger share of the total residential tax base than before. That can increase your share of the tax burden.
This is why the most important question is not only:
Did my assessment go up or down?
The better question is:
How did my assessment change compared with the average property in my class?
Who decides my property assessment?
Property assessments are determined by BC Assessment, not the City of Coquitlam.
BC Assessment estimates property values based on market value as of July 1 of the previous year and considers factors such as location, property size, age, building features, and comparable sales.
Who sets the property tax rate?
The City of Coquitlam sets annual tax rates after BC Assessment information is available. Other taxing authorities may also affect the total amount shown on your property tax notice.
Property taxes help fund local services such as police protection, fire and rescue, road maintenance, parks, trails, recreation, culture, programs, events, and city operations.
What should residents look for on their tax bill?
When reviewing your Coquitlam property tax notice, look at:
- the municipal tax portion,
- regional or other authority charges,
- utility charges,
- any levies or special charges,
- whether your Home Owner Grant has been claimed, and
- the payment due date and penalty dates.
If something looks wrong, check the official City of Coquitlam property tax page or contact Revenue Services.
Benjamin Perry’s view
Residents deserve clear explanations about property taxes. If taxes are going up, City Hall should be honest about why, what residents are paying for, and how costs are being controlled.
I believe Coquitlam needs responsible budgeting, stronger cost accountability, and a clearer connection between growth, infrastructure, services, and taxes.
Read Benjamin Perry’s position on property taxes and responsible budgeting
Frequently asked questions
Can my property taxes go up if my assessed value goes down?
Yes. Property taxes can go up even if your assessment goes down because taxes also depend on the city budget, tax rates, relative assessment changes, and other charges.
Does BC Assessment set my property taxes?
No. BC Assessment determines property values. The City and other taxing authorities set rates and collect taxes based on those values.
What matters more: my assessment change or the average assessment change?
Both matter, but your assessment change compared with similar properties is especially important. If your property value falls less than average, your share of the tax burden may increase.
Can I appeal my property tax bill?
You may be able to appeal your assessment through BC Assessment during the assessment appeal period, but the tax bill itself is based on rates and charges set by taxing authorities.
Is this an official City of Coquitlam page?
No. This page is provided by Benjamin Perry’s campaign as a local issues explainer. For official information, check the City of Coquitlam and BC Assessment websites.