Property Assessment Appeal - Burlington, Ontario

Taxation and Finance Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Burlington, Ontario, property assessments are determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and disputes are resolved through provincial appeal processes. This guide explains how to request a review, file an appeal, meet deadlines, and what local offices and tribunals handle assessments and hearings.

Before You Start

Confirm your assessed value on the notice from MPAC, gather recent sales and property records, and check whether your property class or exemptions are correct. Many successful disputes hinge on clear evidence of comparable sales and factual errors in MPAC records.

Start with MPAC documentation and an organized evidence file.

How the Process Works

Typical steps are: request a review with MPAC, review MPAC's response, and if unresolved, file an appeal with the provincial tribunal. Exact forms, deadlines, and where to submit are provided by MPAC and the Assessment Review Board. MPAC request-a-review[1] and Tribunals Ontario - Assessment Review Board[2] explain procedures and hearing formats.

Penalties & Enforcement

Property assessment disputes are administrative and do not typically carry municipal bylaw fines; monetary penalties for assessment appeals are not specified on the cited pages. For false or fraudulent statements in filings, provincial or federal statutes may apply; specific fines or sanctions are not specified on the cited pages.

  • Enforcers: MPAC handles assessments; the Assessment Review Board issues final decisions and orders.[1]
  • Inspections and complaints: start with MPAC's review request process and use the tribunal for formal appeals.[1]
  • Time limits: see MPAC and the Assessment Review Board pages for official filing deadlines; where not shown, timelines are not specified on the cited pages.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: tribunal orders can confirm assessed values, direct refunds or adjustments, or order other corrective measures; specific sanction lists are not specified on the cited pages.[2]
Administrative appeals resolve valuations rather than impose routine bylaw fines.

Applications & Forms

The main starting form is MPAC's Request for Reconsideration (RFR) or online review request; details and submission methods are provided by MPAC. Fees, if any, are not specified on the cited page; consult the MPAC page for the current process and any downloadable forms.[1]

Action Steps

  • Gather evidence: recent comparable sales, property sketches, permits, and photographs.
  • Submit a Request for Reconsideration to MPAC within the timeframe stated on your assessment notice.[1]
  • If MPAC's response is unsatisfactory, file an appeal with the Assessment Review Board following their instructions and deadlines.[2]
  • Pay any administrative fees required by the tribunal, if applicable; check the tribunal page for current fee information.
Keep clear records of dates you received notices and dates you submitted documents.

Common Issues That Trigger Appeals

  • Incorrect property class or tax class assignment.
  • Errors in measured square footage or lot size.
  • Omitted or misrecorded exemptions, assessments for outbuildings, or unpermitted changes.
Small factual errors can materially affect an assessed value.

FAQ

How do I start an appeal?
Begin by filing a Request for Reconsideration with MPAC, then appeal to the Assessment Review Board if you remain unsatisfied.[1]
Is there a fee to request a review?
Any fees for MPAC review or tribunal appeals are not specified on the cited pages; check MPAC and the Assessment Review Board pages for current fee information.[1]
Who enforces assessment decisions?
MPAC administers assessments and the Assessment Review Board issues binding decisions on appeals.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm the assessment notice details from MPAC and note the mailing date.
  2. Collect supporting evidence: recent comparable sales, property plans, photos and permit records.
  3. File a Request for Reconsideration with MPAC using their online portal or mailed form as instructed.[1]
  4. If MPAC's decision is unsatisfactory, prepare and file an appeal with the Assessment Review Board following their filing instructions.[2]
  5. Attend the hearing, present evidence, and follow post-hearing directions to implement the decision.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with MPAC; deadlines are strictly applied.
  • Clear, comparable evidence improves appeal outcomes.
  • Tribunal decisions are binding; prepare for hearings accordingly.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] MPAC - Request a review / Request for Reconsideration
  2. [2] Tribunals Ontario - Assessment Review Board

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