Are you a property owner in Toronto? It’s time to ensure compliance with the City’s annual declaration of occupancy status for residential properties. This mandatory declaration helps maintain accurate records and supports fair property taxation.
By law, all owners of properties classified within the residential property tax class in Toronto must declare the occupancy status of their properties each year. Whether your property is owner-occupied, rented out, vacant, or undergoing renovations, it’s crucial to provide this information to city authorities.
Failure to declare or providing false information can result in penalties and fines. If you do not submit your declaration by the deadline, your property may be deemed vacant and subject to the Vacant Home Tax (VHT), which is 3% of your property’s Current Value Assessment.
The City of Toronto offers several convenient methods for submitting your declaration:
- Online Portal: The fastest and easiest option.
- By Phone: Call 311 (within Toronto) or 416-392-2489 (outside Toronto).
- In Person: Visit a Tax and Utility Counter at City Hall or any civic centre.
You will need your assessment roll number and customer number, found on your property tax bill, to complete the process.
Accurate declarations help ensure fair property taxation and support housing initiatives across Toronto. The Vacant Home Tax is designed to encourage owners to rent or sell homes that might otherwise sit empty, contributing to housing availability. Mark your calendars: The deadline to declare your property’s occupancy status is April 30, 2025. Don’t miss this important date to avoid penalties and additional taxes.
For more details and to submit your declaration, visit the City of Toronto’s Vacant Home Tax page.
