Declaring your property status

The deadline has passed to make a declaration for 2021 and prior tax years. Amendments to the Vacancy Tax By-law to file a late declaration have been enacted by Council, and we are working on putting these changes into effect. Check back later this fall for more information.

Declaration system is under maintenance from 7pm to 11pm on Friday, September 22. 

Residential property owners are required to make a property status declaration each year, to determine whether their property will be subject to the Empty Homes Tax. Even if you live in your home, you must make a declaration every year.

Late declarations for the 2022 tax year are open  

 Make sure you have paid your by-law fine. Failing to pay the fine may affect your credit rating. If you have disputed your by-law notice, please wait for up to 2 business days before submitting your late declaration.

Your declaration should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Only one declaration is required per property. For example: If you co-own a property, only one owner needs to declare.

You may give permission for someone to submit your declaration on your behalf. 

What you will need:

 Ensure you fulfill the requirements of your property status at the time you declare.

Submit declaration for 2022

Step-by-step guide to making your declaration

Audit process

All property status declarations are potentially subject to an audit process, in line with best practices for provincial and federal tax programs.

False declarations will result in fines of up to $10,000 per day of the continuing offense, in addition to payment of the tax.

Empty Homes Tax due dates

Previous years' unpaid tax added to property tax bill: December 31, 2023

Declaration for 2022: February 2, 2023

Empty Homes Tax payment for 2022: April 18, 2023

Need assistance?

Read FAQ

Phone 3-1-1 for questions or interpretations.
(Outside Vancouver: 604-873-7000)

Speculation and Vacancy Tax

Our Empty Homes Tax is separate from the provincial government’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax.

Learn about the Speculation Vacancy Tax