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Tax Certificates

What is a Tax Certificate?

A tax certificate is a legal document issued by a municipality confirming the current status of property taxes for a specific parcel of land.

What it shows

A tax certificate typically includes:

  • The legal description of the property
  • The name of the registered owner(s)
  • Any outstanding arrears or penalties on both taxes and utilities
  • Information on local improvement charges (if applicable)
  • Whether the account is on a pre-authorized payment plan

What it’s used for

Tax certificates are most commonly requested during:

  • Real estate transactions (by lawyers or buyers to verify no unpaid taxes)
  • Mortgage financing or refinancing
  • Due diligence for property investments

Why it matters

Unpaid property taxes can become a lien against the property, meaning:

  • They take priority over most other debts
  • A purchaser could inherit the liability if not identified beforehand

In a municipal context

In the Town of Thorsby, the finance department issues tax certificates upon request for a fee of $26.25 (incl. GST) and certifies the tax position as of a specific date.