Watch Your Mailbox

Property tax bills are heading to mailboxes across Saint John and the rest of the province this week. Along with your bill, you will notice an insert detailing changes to how you can pay. The provincial government has expanded the Property Tax Equalized Payment Plan for the 2026 taxation year, allowing more property owners to spread their payments out over the year.

More Owners Now Eligible

The Department of Finance and Treasury Board confirmed that the expanded plan now includes property categories that were previously excluded. If you own an apartment building, a cottage, or a business, you are now eligible to enroll in the monthly payment program.

Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy stated that expanding this program helps New Brunswickers by offering access to a convenient and simplified payment process.

How the Plan Works

Participation is entirely voluntary. If you choose to join, you pay your annual property tax bill in 12 equal monthly instalments rather than a single lump sum. The province charges no administration fee to join, and you face no penalties for paying in instalments.

To participate for the current tax year, you must complete an application before May 31.

Assessment Freeze in Effect

For the 2026 taxation year, the province has implemented a one-year freeze on the value for taxation. This measure protects eligible property owners from tax hikes caused by rising assessment values while the government continues its overhaul of the property tax system.

Despite the freeze on individual taxation values, the overall assessment base in New Brunswick—the total value of all property assessments—has grown to $99.8 billion. This represents an increase of $2.7 billion, or 2.7 per cent, since last year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to apply for the monthly payment plan?

You must submit your application by May 31 to participate in the plan for the 2026 taxation year.

Is there a fee to pay monthly?

No. There is no administration fee to join the plan, and there are no penalties for paying in instalments.

Who is newly eligible for this plan?

The expansion now allows owners of apartment buildings, cottages, and businesses to enroll in the equalized payment plan.

Why is there a freeze on taxation value?

The one-year freeze is in place to protect property owners from increased taxes due to rising assessment values while the province works on overhauling the property tax system.