The City of Brampton ended 2024 with more than $151 million in unpaid property taxes, a $40.5 million increase from the previous year, according to a new municipal report.
The report, presented at last week’s Committee of Council meeting, shows that more than $1.4 billion in property taxes were billed in 2024, with over 10 per cent of properties failing to pay by December 1. In comparison, 2023 saw $1.3 billion billed and $110 million left outstanding, with 8.3 per cent of accounts in arrears.
The number of properties referred to bailiffs for collection also rose sharply, from 234 accounts in 2023 to 1,170 in 2024, marking a five-fold increase.
Officials attribute the trend to ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The report notes that inflation and rising costs for housing, childcare, and food have “placed additional pressure on Brampton homeowners’ budgets, contributing to an increase in unpaid taxes.”
At the same time, Brampton has reintroduced property tax increases after several years of freezes. In 2024, households faced an average tax hike of nearly 2 per cent, or about $118, while 2025 brought another increase of around $200. Combined with Region of Peel adjustments, the average Brampton homeowner was expected to pay more than $11,000 in property taxes in 2024, following a total increase of more than 6 per cent.
The city also identified more than 30 accounts deemed “uncollectible,” with a combined value of $253,796.25. These balances will be written off and covered through the city’s Allowance for Doubtful Taxes fund, which currently stands at $2.6 million.
Under existing rules, overdue property tax notices are issued in May and October. Accounts in arrears for two years receive collection letters, and properties with three years of unpaid taxes may be sold under a “Tax Sale” to recover outstanding balances.
City officials stressed that Brampton will continue to use all legislated tools to collect owed taxes while working with households under financial strain.