Tax Certificates
Lawyers, notaries, and lenders order these to confirm a property’s tax status, plus any outstanding City charges that could delay closing, before a sale or refinance goes through.
What a tax certificate is
A tax certificate is an official statement from the City showing the current property tax status of a specific parcel: how much (if anything) is owing, whether penalties have been applied, and whether any other municipal charges (utility arrears, local improvement charges) are registered against the property.
Who needs one
Most tax certificates are ordered by:
- Lawyers and notaries handling a real-estate transaction, before transferring title
- Lenders processing a mortgage or refinance
- Property owners who want a formal record of their tax status
Good to know
Homeowner just checking your account?
How to order
Submit your request to the Finance Department. The City accepts requests by email, phone, mail, or in person at City Hall. Provide:
- The property's roll number (8-digit identifier on the tax notice) or full civic address
- Your name, firm, and contact info
- The closing date or the date you need the certificate by
Finance will confirm the current fee and provide payment instructions when you contact them. Allow a few business days for processing depending on workload.
Common questions
How quickly can I get a tax certificate?
What does it cost?
Can a homeowner request their own certificate?
I'm not selling, just want to check my account. Do I need a certificate?
What about utility arrears, are those on the certificate?
What to do next
Still need help?
Talk to Finance
- Phone
- 250-555-0100
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- In person
- City Hall, 100 Lakeshore Avenue, Silvermere, BC
Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.
Tax certificate requests are processed by the City of Silvermere Finance Department.