A tax rate bylaw is the official municipal legislation establishing property tax rates for a given year, typically passed by council following budget approval. The bylaw specifies tax rates for each property class (residential, commercial, industrial) and any special levies or service area rates. Tax rate bylaws must comply with provincial requirements regarding format, timing, and rate-setting constraints. Passing the tax rate bylaw authorizes the municipality to issue tax notices and collect taxes at approved rates. The bylaw represents the formal legal conclusion of the budget process, converting approved expenditures into tax obligations. Tax rate bylaws are public documents, ensuring transparency about the tax rates applied to properties.