Tax Certificate for Property Closings - London, Ontario

Taxation and Finance Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, a tax certificate (clearance letter) confirms municipal property tax status before closing a sale. Buyers, sellers, lawyers and notaries commonly request the certificate to verify arrears, outstanding charges and payment obligations with the City of London. This guide explains who issues the certificate, how to request it, what documents or information are typically required, and the enforcement and appeal paths that apply in London, Ontario.

What is a tax certificate and who issues it?

A tax certificate is an official statement from the City of London confirming the property tax account balance, arrears and any registered charges tied to a parcel of land. The City of London Revenue Services (Property Taxes) issues the certificate and manages requests and payments for municipal property taxes Tax certificate request page[1].

When to request a tax certificate

  • Request before the closing date to allow processing time and any required adjustments.
  • Provide the property address and municipal roll number (if known).
  • Contact Revenue Services early if there are arrears or municipal charges that may affect closing.
Allow extra time if the property has tax arrears or outstanding charges.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces property tax collection through Revenue Services and may pursue arrears, interest, and tax-sale remedies where statutory provisions apply. Specific fine amounts, daily penalties or escalation amounts for failing to obtain or provide a tax certificate are not specified on the cited City pages; see the official City of London pages for current procedures and enforcement contact details Property taxes and Revenue Services[2].

  • Fines or fees for withholding a certificate: not specified on the cited page.
  • Interest on unpaid property taxes: described on the property taxes page or specific bylaws where published.
  • Escalation: actions for first, repeat or continuing arrears are handled per Revenue Services procedures; specific escalation timelines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: municipal tax arrears can lead to registration of charges, legal proceedings or tax sale under provincial legislation; details and timeframes are outlined by Revenue Services or applicable statutes.
If taxes are in arrears, a closing can be delayed until the account is cleared or arrangements are made.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a Tax Certificate request pathway and contact information on its official site; the name of a downloadable form, a published fee amount, and exact submission steps are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with Revenue Services directly Tax certificate request page[1].

How the certificate affects closing

A tax certificate identifies outstanding municipal charges that must typically be paid or addressed before registration of a transfer. Lawyers and notaries use the certificate to prepare closing statements and ensure the buyer is not assuming unexpected municipal liabilities.

Action steps

  • Request the tax certificate from Revenue Services as soon as an offer is accepted.
  • Confirm fees and payment methods with Revenue Services before submitting the request.
  • Provide the municipal roll number and closing date to avoid processing delays.
  • If a dispute arises, follow the City’s appeal or review instructions and seek legal advice for contested charges.
Keep a copy of the issued tax certificate in closing records and conveyancing files.

FAQ

Who can request a tax certificate for a London property?
Owners, their legal representatives, buyers and authorized agents can request a tax certificate from City of London Revenue Services.
How long does it take to get a tax certificate?
Processing times vary by case and workload; the City does not publish a guaranteed turnaround on the certificate request page.
Is there a fee for a tax certificate?
The City’s tax certificate request page lists request procedures; a specific fee amount is not specified on that page and must be confirmed with Revenue Services.

How-To

  1. Gather the property address and municipal roll number.
  2. Contact City of London Revenue Services to start a tax certificate request by following the instructions on the official request page.[1]
  3. Confirm any applicable fee and preferred payment method with Revenue Services before submitting documents.
  4. Provide proof of authorization if an agent or lawyer is requesting the certificate on behalf of the owner.
  5. Review the issued certificate for arrears, charges or conditions that affect closing.
  6. Address outstanding items with Revenue Services or by arrangement before completion of the transfer at closing.

Key Takeaways

  • Request a tax certificate early in the transaction to avoid closing delays.
  • Revenue Services issues certificates; confirm fees and submission steps directly with the City.
  • Outstanding taxes or registered charges can prevent registration and may trigger collection actions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London tax certificate request page
  2. [2] City of London property taxes and Revenue Services

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data