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Tax Information for Newcomers

Alberta has a very competitive tax system, with a low single-rate income tax, the highest basic and spousal exemptions in the country and is the only Province in Canada with no provincial sales tax.

Residents of Wood Buffalo pay taxes similar to all residents of Alberta.  These taxes include property taxes and income taxes. Property taxes are paid to the Municipality and to the Province, and income taxes area paid to the Government of Alberta (provincial income tax) and to the Government of Canada (federal income tax).

Albertans pay a federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% on most purchases. There is no provincial sales tax in Alberta, except on gasoline and hotel accommodations and a few specific items like tobacco.

Income Tax


Residents of Alberta pay income tax to the Government of Alberta and to the Government of Canada. For newcomers to Canada, there are some differences in federal income tax the first year that immigrants arrive. After the first year, newcomers are taxed in the same way as all Canadians.

Residents of Wood Buffalo qualify for up to $3,000 in income tax deductions based on travel and living costs. To qualify for the Northern Resident Deduction you must live, on a permanent basis, in a prescribed northern or intermediate zone.


Property Tax


All residents of Alberta pay property taxes based on the value of their residential and commercial property. This tax is paid to municipalities (for municipal services) and to the Government of Alberta (for public education). Residents of Wood Buffalo pay lower taxes than most other regions throughout the Province. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Assessment & Taxation Department is responsible for assessing the value of homes and other buildings each year for tax purposes. Taxes can be paid on annually or monthly basis.


Corporate and Business Tax


Businesses and corporations also pay taxes to the federal and provincial governments, as well as property taxes to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.