This year marks an important milestone for Realtax. In 1996, Jeff Oberman founded a small but ambitious company with a clear purpose: to help Ontario municipalities recover property tax arrears with accuracy, professionalism, and care. What began as a single-founder operation quickly grew into a trusted partner for communities across the province. Today, three decades later, Realtax is proud to celebrate 30 years of serving Ontario municipalities and leading the industry in tax registration and tax sale services.

Our Beginnings in 1996

Realtax officially launched in March 1996 and welcomed its first client just a few months later, in August of that year. Even in its earliest days, the company earned a reputation for accuracy, reliability, and deep knowledge of the Municipal Act. Municipalities quickly recognized the value of outsourcing complex and time-sensitive tax registration work to a dedicated expert.

By 1998, municipalities were already taking notice. Twenty-five municipalities were using Realtax within two years, and by 2001 that number had grown to 100. This momentum set the foundation for the years that followed.

Growing With Ontario Municipalities

Throughout the 2000s, Realtax continued to expand its services and strengthen its client relationships. A major milestone came in 2005 with the launch of the OntarioTaxSales.ca (OTS) platform, which brought greater transparency and efficiency to the tax sale process and became a key part of the company’s service offering.

By 2010, Realtax had grown to serve 200 municipalities across Ontario. Over the decades, it would go on to support more than 230 municipal clients and manage over 35,000 tax registrations and thousands of tax sales, demonstrating both the scale and consistency of its work.

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact

Realtax has long been recognized not only for its technical expertise but also for its leadership in the municipal sector. The company has offered educational seminars, shared best practices, and established a reputation as the go-to specialist for tax recovery in Ontario.

Community impact has also been a core part of Realtax’s identity. Initiatives such as the Realtax Originality Scholarships at Seneca College, Inn from the Cold and the Sandgate Women’s Shelter programs have strengthened the company’s connection to the people and communities it serves. These programs were built on a belief that business success and community support go hand in hand.

Becoming the Provincial Leader

By 2020, Realtax reached a defining moment. Most of Ontario’s 444 municipalities were using its services, firmly establishing the company as the provincial leader in municipal tax registration and tax sale administration. That leadership continues today, supported by a highly experienced team with decades of combined expertise in tax administration, title searching, legislation, and municipal process. This culminated with the acquisition of Realtax by Define Capital in 2024.

Looking Ahead

Realtax’s 30-year history is built on a foundation of trust, rigorous attention to detail, and a commitment to helping municipalities operate efficiently and confidently. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to what comes next. With new technology, expanded service offerings, and future opportunities for growth across Canada, Realtax is entering its next chapter with the same commitment that shaped its first thirty years.

To every municipality, staff member, partner, and community member who has been part of this journey, we say thank you. Your trust is the reason Realtax has reached this milestone, and we look forward to continuing to serve you for many years to come.