Blog > Markham 2026 Property Tax: The 3.90% Increase and What Owners Actually Pay
Markham 2026 Property Tax: The 3.90% Increase and What Owners Actually Pay
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Markham's 2026 residential property tax rate totals 0.722889% of your MPAC assessed value: 0.177477% for the City of Markham, 0.392412% for York Region and 0.153000% for education. On the City's example home assessed at $822,671, the 2026 bill is $5,947. The 3.90% increase applies to the City's portion only, about $54.99 for an average home. York Region's 2026 levy rose 3.28%, plus a 1% rapid transit and infrastructure levy.
Every spring, the final tax bill arrives and many Markham owners wonder why the number moved, and where the money goes. This guide breaks down the 2026 rate, the increase and what it means in real dollars.
Michael John Lau is one of Markham's top real estate agents, with 430+ homes sold, a 5.0 rating across 81 Google reviews, and eXp ICON Agent awards in 2024 and 2025. He walks every buyer through carrying costs, including property tax, before they make an offer. Here is the plain-language version for 2026.
| MPAC assessed value | City (0.177477%) | Region (0.392412%) | Education (0.153%) | Total 2026 tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $887 | $1,962 | $765 | $3,614 |
| $822,671 (City example) | $1,460 | $3,228 | $1,259 | $5,947 |
| $1,000,000 | $1,775 | $3,924 | $1,530 | $7,229 |
| $1,250,000 | $2,218 | $4,905 | $1,913 | $9,036 |
| $1,500,000 | $2,662 | $5,886 | $2,295 | $10,843 |
Key takeaways
- 2026 total residential rate: 0.722889% of assessed value.
- City of Markham 0.177477%, York Region 0.392412%, Education 0.153000%.
- On a home assessed at $822,671, the 2026 tax is $5,947.
- City increase: 3.90%, about $54.99 for an average home. York Region levy: 3.28% plus a 1% transit and infrastructure levy.
- Assessments are still based on January 1, 2016 values for the 2026 tax year.
How is Markham property tax calculated?
The formula is MPAC assessed value × total tax rate. Your assessed value is on your MPAC notice, not your home's market price today. For the 2026 tax year, MPAC assessments are still based on January 1, 2016 values, so most assessments are well below current market prices.
The 2026 rate has three parts: the City of Markham (0.177477%), York Region (0.392412%) and the provincial education rate (0.153000%), for a total of 0.722889%.
Note: the City's FAQ page lists a total of 0.700278%, but its three rates add to 0.722889%, and the City's own $5,947 example on $822,671 only works at 0.722889%. We use the sum of the three published rates.
What does the 3.90% increase mean?
The 3.90% increase applies to the City of Markham's portion of your bill, which is about a quarter of the total. For an average home, that is about $54.99 more in 2026. The City keeps about 24% of what you pay, York Region receives about 52%, and education about 24%.
York Region set its own 2026 levy increase at 3.28%, plus its separate 1% rapid transit and infrastructure levy, which York Region estimates adds about $129 for the average household across the region.
Your water bill is separate. Markham's 2026 water rate rose 4.98%, about $52.99 for an average home.
Where do Markham property taxes go?
Of the City's share, Markham reports spending roughly:
- Fire and emergency services: 29%
- Roads, sidewalks and bridges: 22%
- Libraries: 11%
- Parks maintenance: 11%
- Waste, recycling and environment: 11%
- Recreation: 11%
- Arts and culture, planning, and by-law: the rest
York Region's share funds services such as police, paramedics, transit, regional roads, water infrastructure and social services.
When are tax bills due?
- Interim bill (January): about 50% of last year's total taxes.
- Final bill (June): the rest, reflecting the new rates.
- New homes: may receive supplementary bills based on the value at occupancy.
Pre-authorized payment plans are available through the City.
Is there property tax relief in Markham?
- Low-Income Seniors Property Tax Assistance: for owners 65+ who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Forgives late payment charges on arrears and offers an interest-free repayment plan.
- Seniors and Low-Income Tax Deferral: lets eligible seniors receiving GIS, and eligible low-income persons with disabilities, defer all or part of the year's tax increase. Deferred amounts are due when the home is sold or transferred, except to a spouse.
Contact the City's tax department at 905-477-5530 for details and deadlines.
What property tax means when you buy or sell
- Buyers: ask for the most recent final tax bill, not an estimate. Taxes are adjusted between buyer and seller on closing day.
- Sellers: share the current bill early. Clear carrying costs help buyers decide.
- Townhome buyers: the rate is the same for POTL and freehold homes. See POTL vs freehold property taxes.
Thinking about your home's value today? Start with a free home evaluation.
General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Figures are from the sources listed and may change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Markham for 2026?
The 2026 residential rate totals 0.722889% of MPAC assessed value: 0.177477% for the City of Markham, 0.392412% for York Region and 0.153000% for education.
How much did Markham property taxes go up in 2026?
The City of Markham's portion rose 3.90%, about $54.99 for an average home. York Region's levy rose 3.28%, plus its 1% rapid transit and infrastructure levy.
How much is property tax on a $1 million home in Markham?
Property tax is based on MPAC assessed value, not market price. A home assessed at $1,000,000 would pay about $7,229 in 2026.
Why is my assessment lower than my home's value?
For the 2026 tax year, MPAC assessments are still based on January 1, 2016 values, so most assessments are below today's market prices.
When are Markham property taxes due?
The interim bill arrives in January, based on about half of last year's taxes, and the final bill arrives in June. Pre-authorized payment plans are available.
Is there property tax relief for seniors in Markham?
Yes. Eligible low-income seniors receiving GIS can apply for tax assistance and tax deferral programs. Eligible low-income persons with disabilities can also apply for deferral.
Talk to a Markham REALTOR® who knows these streets
Want to know your true carrying costs before you buy or sell? Michael John Lau can walk you through taxes, utilities and fees for any Markham home.
Call (416) 700-0286Free home evaluationKeep reading
Sources
- City of Markham: Property tax FAQ
- Markham Review: Budget 2026 presentation
- York Region: Regional Council approves 2026 budget
- City of Markham: Tax relief and rebates
- MPAC: The assessment cycle
Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of October 23, 2026 and may change. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
