A tax certificate is an official municipal document confirming the status of property taxes, typically required during property sales to verify that taxes are current or to disclose any outstanding amounts. Tax certificates show the property's assessed value, current year taxes, any arrears or penalties, and prepayments. Lawyers or conveyancers obtain tax certificates as part of real estate transaction due diligence. The certificate protects buyers from unknowingly assuming tax debts and ensures sellers address outstanding taxes from sale proceeds. Municipalities charge fees for tax certificates. Tax certificate requests increase during busy real estate periods. Some municipalities offer online tax certificate services for faster processing.