Burlington Tax Sale and Foreclosure Process

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

This guide explains how tax arrears can lead to municipal tax sale or foreclosure in Burlington, Ontario, who enforces the rules, what typical steps the city follows, and how property owners can respond. It summarizes the official municipal framework, where to find notices, and the practical actions owners should take to protect property interests. Read closely for deadlines, appeal routes, and contact points to resolve outstanding taxes before a sale or transfer occurs.

Act early: unresolved tax arrears can lead to a public tax sale under municipal authority.

How municipal tax collection works in Burlington

The City of Burlington is responsible for billing and collecting property taxes and pursuing unpaid accounts through collection measures set out under provincial statute and municipal procedures. Outstanding taxes may incur penalties and interest and can ultimately be recovered through sale of the property to satisfy the debt. For official billing and collection practices see the City of Burlington property tax information page [1] and the provincial Municipal Act which authorizes collection and sale procedures [2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Monetary penalties and remedies are set out by the City within the framework authorized by provincial law. Specific fine amounts, interest rates, and fee schedules for late taxes are published by the City when available; if a precise figure is not shown on the cited municipal page, it is noted below as "not specified on the cited page" and the source is cited.

  • Interest and late payment charges: not specified on the cited page; see the City tax page for current rates.[1]
  • Escalation: unpaid amounts move from billing reminders to collection notices and may result in registration of tax arrears and a tax sale process; specific timelines are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the principal municipal remedy is sale of land to recover unpaid taxes as authorized by provincial statute; other non-monetary orders are not specified on the cited municipal page.[2]
  • Enforcer and contact: Revenue and Taxation / Taxation Division, City of Burlington handles accounts, notices and tax sale administration; contact details are on the city tax page.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes (payment plans, applications to council or court processes) are governed by municipal policies and provincial law; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.[2]
If you receive a final notice, contact the City immediately to confirm amounts and options.

Applications & Forms

The City posts documents and instructions for paying taxes and for account inquiries on its property tax pages. Specific forms or numbered applications for halting a tax sale (for instance a tax certificate, payment plan form, or redemption statement) are not consistently published on the general information page and are therefore noted as "not specified on the cited page"; contact Revenue and Taxation for the exact forms and submission method.[1]

Practical steps property owners should follow

  • Verify your account: confirm outstanding balances and billing dates with Burlington Revenue and Taxation.
  • Pay or arrange payment: request payment plan options or immediate payment to stop further collection steps.
  • Request documentation: obtain a tax certificate or statement of arrears in writing for your records.
  • Seek legal advice: consult a lawyer if the account is large or if title or equity issues exist.

FAQ

What triggers a municipal tax sale?
When property taxes remain unpaid after the municipal collection process and statutory requirements are met, the municipality may proceed to recover arrears by selling the property under provincial authority.
Can a tax sale be stopped?
In many cases a sale can be stopped by paying the arrears, associated costs and fees before the sale or by making arrangements accepted by the municipality; specific procedures and deadlines should be confirmed with Revenue and Taxation.
How do I find official notice or a tax sale listing?
The City publishes notices and contact information on its property tax pages and through public notices where required under provincial law; check the City website and contact the Taxation Division directly.

How-To

  1. Contact Burlington Revenue and Taxation to obtain your current tax statement and confirm arrears and deadlines.
  2. Request a written statement or tax certificate showing total outstanding amounts, costs and any interest.
  3. Explore payment options or payment plans with the city and obtain written confirmation of any arrangement.
  4. If a tax sale notice has been issued, pay full arrears, costs and sale-related fees before the scheduled sale date or follow the city's redemption procedure.
  5. If you dispute the debt or need more time, seek legal advice and notify the city in writing while pursuing administrative or court remedies where applicable.

Key Takeaways

  • Act early: early contact with the Taxation Division improves options to avoid sale.
  • Get documentation: obtain written statements and keep payment records.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burlington - Property Taxes
  2. [2] Municipal Act, 2001 - Government of Ontario

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