Vancouver's 2026 budget is built on a 0% property tax increase. That is good news, but it is not the whole story for a business that pays licences, permits, utilities and rent.
What did Council approve?
City Council approved the 2026 Budget on November 25, 2025, with a $2.39 billion Operating Budget and a 0% property tax increase. Property taxes fund about 56% of that operating budget. The City says it does not collect more tax just because property values rise, because Council sets the total levy.
What goes up in 2026?
- Most business licence fees: 4.5%
- Most permit fees: 4.5%
- Water 4.0%, sewer 5.5% and solid waste 1.6%, for a combined utility fee increase of 4.2%
- The City estimates the average annual utility bill for a business property rises about $104
Does 0% mean my property tax bill stays flat?
It means the City is not raising its own levy. The City also collects taxes for other authorities, including the provincial school tax, TransLink, BC Assessment, Metro Vancouver and the Municipal Finance Authority, and those are separate from the 0%. Your own bill can also move depending on how your property's assessment compares with others in its class.
What should law firms and clinics check?
- Business licence renewals: plan on about 4.5% more for most licences
- Permit costs if you are building or renovating an office or clinic
- Your lease: if it passes property tax and utilities through to you, ask your landlord how 2026 changes flow into your rent
- Your budget and cash-flow forecast for the year
What about not-for-profits?
In 2024 the City gave about $153 million in property tax exemptions and grants to healthcare and educational institutions, charities and not-for-profit organizations.
Is this related to the Empty Homes Tax?
No. The Empty Homes Tax is a separate annual declaration for residential property owners. See the guide to the Empty Homes Tax and the BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax.
How HJ Wu & Company Inc. helps
The Vancouver CPA firm helps businesses, law firms and clinics update budgets and forecasts when costs change. See business accounting or contact the firm.
Official sources
Reviewed October 31, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and rates change, so confirm current requirements with the official sources above and speak to a CPA about your situation.
Talk to HJ Wu & Company Inc.
Phone: 604-636-1862
Email: inquiry@hjwucpa.com
512 - 938 Howe Street, Vancouver
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The City's 2026 budget holds the property tax increase at 0%, but most business licence and permit fees rise 4.5%, and water and sewer fees rise 4.0% and 5.5%. The City estimates the average utility bill for a business property rises about $104 a year. HJ Wu & Company Inc. can help you update your budget and forecast.
It starts with an initial consultation, then a needs assessment, and then HJ Wu & Company Inc. builds a plan around your goals. Cost depends on what you need, whether that's a one-time tax return or ongoing bookkeeping and payroll, so the firm quotes after learning about your situation. Call 604-636-1862 or email inquiry@hjwucpa.com to book your consultation.