Alberta’s 2026 provincial budget was tabled on February 26, 2026. The government projects a deficit of $4.1 billion for 2025–26, $9.4 billion for 2026–27, and $7.6 billion for 2027–28. The budget does not introduce any new personal or corporate income tax rate increases. However, it includes several targeted tax measures that affect households, property owners, and businesses.
Below is a summary of the main tax and levy changes.
Personal Income Tax Rates Remain Unchanged
The 2026 budget does not change Alberta’s personal income tax structure. Alberta’s existing six‑bracket system, with a bottom rate of 8% and a top rate of 15%, remains in place for 2026, with normal indexation applied to the bracket thresholds.
The budget does not change the way capital gains, eligible dividends, or non‑eligible dividends are taxed at the provincial level. No changes were announced to the basic personal amount or Alberta’s indexation policy for provincial income tax.
Corporate Income Tax Rates Remain the Same
The budget does not introduce changes to corporate income tax rates.
For 2026:
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The Alberta small business tax rate remains 2% on the first $500,000 of active business income.
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The general corporate tax rate remains 8%.
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The combined federal and Alberta corporate tax rate is about 11% for eligible small business income and about 23% for general active business income.
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There are no changes to the $500,000 small business limit.
Alberta Caregiver Credit Introduced for 2027
The budget introduces a new Alberta Caregiver Credit effective for the 2027 and subsequent tax years.
This credit will replace the existing caregiver credit and infirm dependent credit. It will be available to individuals who care for an eligible adult relative who is dependent due to a physical or mental infirmity, including an infirm spouse or common‑law partner.
The structure of the new credit is based on Alberta’s current caregiver‑related credits and is intended to align more closely with the federal Canada Caregiver Credit. Under the current framework for 2026, the underlying maximum caregiver‑related amount is $13,180, and the credit begins to be reduced when the dependant’s income exceeds $20,956. Both the credit base and the income thresholds will continue to be adjusted annually in accordance with Alberta’s indexation (escalator) policy starting in 2027.
The new credit will not be available for non‑infirm senior parents or grandparents who reside with the individual.
Vehicle Rental Tax Effective 2027
The budget introduces a new 6% tax on passenger vehicle rentals, effective January 1, 2027.
This tax applies to vehicles designed primarily to transport eight or fewer passengers. It will be calculated on the rental price, excluding federal GST. Itemized charges for insurance and fuel will also be excluded from the tax base.
Further legislative details are expected to be released later in 2026.
Tourism Levy Increase
The tourism levy rate will increase from 4% to 6% effective April 1, 2026.
The tourism levy applies to short‑term accommodation, including hotels, motels, and similar lodging providers. The levy is charged on the price of accommodation.
Education Property Tax Rate Increase
The 2026–27 budget increases education property tax rates as follows:
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Residential and farmland properties will increase to $2.84 per $1,000 of equalized assessment (up from $2.72).
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Non‑residential properties will increase to $4.17 per $1,000 of equalized assessment (up from $4.00).
These changes apply to the education portion of property tax collected through municipal property tax bills.
Data Centre Levy Clarification
The budget confirms amendments related to the data centre levy framework introduced in 2025.
The levy will apply at a rate of up to 2% of the value of computing equipment in large, grid‑connected data centres and co‑location facilities. A corresponding non‑refundable tax credit will be available to offset the levy against Alberta corporate income tax so that, once profitable, affected businesses can use the credit to reduce their net provincial corporate tax.
The government also intends to clarify that:
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The levy will effectively be calculated based on actual power consumption.
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Power not drawn from Alberta’s existing power grid will be eligible for a 0% levy rate.
Deficit Projections
The government projects:
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A $4.1 billion deficit for 2025–26.
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A $9.4 billion deficit for 2026–27.
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A $7.6 billion deficit for 2027–28.
The budget documents state that no new income taxes or income tax rate increases are being introduced as part of this fiscal plan.
Summary of Key Measures
For families:
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No change to personal income tax rates or the basic personal amount.
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New Alberta Caregiver Credit beginning in 2027, replacing existing caregiver‑related credits.
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Tourism levy increasing to 6% on short‑term accommodation.
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Higher education property tax rates on residential properties.
For business owners:
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No change to corporate tax rates.
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Small business rate remains 2% on the first $500,000 of active business income.
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Education property tax increase on non‑residential properties.
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New 6% vehicle rental tax starting in 2027.
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Clarification of data centre levy rules and corresponding corporate income tax credit.
The 2026 Alberta budget maintains existing income tax rates while introducing targeted changes to levies, property taxes, and tax credits.
If you would like to review how these updates affect your household or business situation, please don’t hesitate eto reach out.
Sources:
Alberta Budget 2026.” Government of Alberta, https://www.alberta.ca/budget.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice, and should not be relied upon as such.