First Nations who wish to levy property taxes pursuant to section 83 of the Indian Act must establish their property taxation system by passing property taxation and assessment by-laws, as well as by-laws dealing with the setting of annual tax rates and the expenditure of property taxation revenue.  These by-laws come into force and take effect once approved by the Minister.

The FNTC has developed a sample for each required by-law. The samples can be used as templates that may be of assistance to First Nations in drafting their own by-laws.  The sample by-laws have been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Indian Act as well as FNTC policy to ensure an effective, fair and equitable property taxation system.

The offer of sample by-laws help reduce the timelines and costs associated with the legal drafting, review and approval of by-laws.