Small businesses in Nova Scotia are paying far more than their fair share in property taxes. On average, a small business in Nova Scotia pays between $3,700 and $13,471 more than a residence of the same value, and in some cases, commercial properties are taxed up to 5.5 times higher than residential ones. This unfair gap makes it harder for small businesses to grow, hire employees, and contribute to their communities.
Across the province, businesses pay 1.8 to 5.5 times higher rates than residents. More than half of small business owners report raising prices to manage rising property taxes, 60% say property taxes are unpredictable, and 76% feel they don’t receive good value for their money.
For example, in Halifax, an average residential property is taxed at $2,731, while an average commercial property of the same value pays $11,838. That’s 4.34 times more. In Cape Breton’s largest city Sydney, an average commercial propertiyes isare taxed at $21,835 compared to $8,365 for residential ones, and in Amherst, the rates are $19,239 versus $7,188. These figures show how disproportionate and burdensome commercial property taxes are across the province.
This gap puts real pressure on small businesses. Unlike residential properties, commercial properties do not have access to the Capped Assessment Program (CAP)
aren’t capped, meaning their assessed values and taxes can increase dramatically each year. Disproportionate property taxes strain budgets, limit growth, and reduce the ability of businesses to invest in employees and communities.
We created this petition to push municipal and provincial governments to close the property tax gap, lower commercial rates, and make future increases fair and predictable. On top of that, we’ve engaged with mayors, municipal councils, the provincial government, and the media, releasing multiple reports that highlight the unfair tax gap across Nova Scotia.
The goal is clear: small businesses should pay a fair share, receive better value for their money, and have the space to grow and thrive. We’re standing up for small businesses, advocating for changes that make property taxes equitable, predictable, and supportive of local communities.
Sign the petition to support small businesses in Nova Scotia, and join CFIB today to access these same benefits.
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