Starting in 2026, certain notarized legal transactions — including real estate deals — require a tax clearance certificate confirming the fiscal status of the individuals involved. The measure applies both in Bucharest and throughout Romania and aims to verify that the parties do not have outstanding local tax debts.

According to the Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 146 of February 25, 2026, Emergency Ordinance no. 7/2026 was published to amend several normative acts and introduce measures intended to increase the financial capacity of local administrative authorities. The ordinance entered into force on the date of publication, in accordance with Article LX.

Local tax certificate: where it is actually obtained

The tax clearance certificate confirming that a person has no outstanding local taxes must be obtained from the relevant local public authority, not from the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF). In most cases, this is the Local Taxes and Duties Directorate in the city or sector where the taxpayer is registered.

The certificate required by notaries, particularly for property transactions, is issued by this local authority and confirms the fiscal status regarding assets such as homes, land, or vehicles.

In Bucharest, each sector has its own tax authority and dedicated digital platforms. Typically, the process involves creating an online account, submitting a registration request, and confirming identity through a public officer. Once validated, tax certificates can usually be requested exclusively online.

For example, in Sector 5, the Avansis platform allows users to submit an account activation request. After identity verification, tax certificates can be requested without visiting the office.

👉 Bucharest Local Taxes Directorate:
 https://www.dgitl.ro

👉 Ghiseul.ro – online tax payments and services:
 https://www.ghiseul.ro

When a tax clearance certificate is needed

The tax clearance certificate is an official document confirming a person’s fiscal status at a given moment. It is commonly required for:

• buying or selling real estate;
• notarized documents involving ownership transfers;
• vehicle deregistration;
• administrative procedures or government programs;
• various legal formalities.

In real estate transactions, the notary typically requests the certificate issued by the local tax authority corresponding to the property involved.

How to obtain the certificate step by step

There are two main ways to obtain the document: online or at the counter.

Online method

Procedures vary depending on the locality or sector, but the general steps are:

1. Create an account on the local tax authority’s online platform.
2. Submit an activation request and confirm identity.
3. Log into the account.
4. Select the “Tax clearance certificate” option.
5. Download the document once issued.

In many cases, the certificate can be issued quickly, sometimes even on the same day.

In-person request

For those who prefer direct interaction:

1. Submit a standard application at the local tax office.
2. Present a valid ID.
3. Pay the applicable fee (usually around 18–20 lei).
4. Collect the certificate within the timeframe set by the institution.

Costs, validity, and required documents

The issuance fee is generally modest and may vary slightly depending on the local authority. Typically, the certificate remains valid for about 30 calendar days.

Common required documents include:

• completed application form;
• identification document;
• notarized authorization if requested by another person;
• proof of payment where applicable.

It is advisable to request the certificate a few days before a notary appointment to avoid delays.

What to check before applying

To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to:

• make sure all local taxes are fully paid;
• verify that fiscal records are up to date;
• check the certificate’s validity before submitting it to the notary.

In Bucharest, the certificate is usually obtained from the sector where the taxpayer or the property is registered, even if the residence address differs.

The tax clearance certificate remains an important document in dealings with authorities and notaries, while the ongoing digitalization of public services has made obtaining it faster and more accessible, especially in large cities.

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