Toronto homeowners now have until February 28, 2023 to declare their property’s occupancy status for the Vacant Home Tax.

The city’s amendment to the Vacant Home Tax bylaw also includes a change to the payment dates for the tax. Instead of a one-instalment payment date of May 1, owners subject to the tax can submit payment in three instalments – on May 1, June 1 and July 1.

If residents own their own home, if they live in their home but go to a vacation home during parts of the year or work abroad, or even if residents rent out their property, the tax will not apply in their situation. Even so, all homeowners must submit a declaration.

As of February 8, more than 88 per cent of declarations have already been submitted. Declarations of property occupancy status can be made via the City’s online portal.

Owners require their property assessment roll number and customer number to declare the occupancy of their home. The numbers can be found on the most recent property tax bill, or the declaration notices mailed out by the city late last year. Homeowners who do not have access to a computer can authorize someone to act on their behalf to make the online submission.

Full details about the Vacant Home Tax, the available exemptions and how to submit a declaration of property occupancy status are available on the City’s Vacant Home Tax webpage.