With the rapidly developing news over the past month – with the concerns about the escalating tariff issues and Canadian sovereignty – it is easy to understand how dates and deadlines can get lost in the mix. That’s why we are just giving a reminder that the Vacant Unit Tax declaration deadline is only three days away, Thursday March 20.
If you are a homeowner and have not yet completed your Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration, don’t delay and declare today. Declarations after the March 20 deadline will result in a $250 late charge.
With these busy times, declaring is thankfully quick and simple. Visit ottawa.ca/vut, click Submit your declaration now, and log on with the roll number and access code – which can be found on your:
- Declaration notification email or VUT information notice
- Last year’s property tax bill or this year’s interim property tax bill
If you are registered with My SeviceOttawa(link is external), you can go directly to the declaration form from your property tax account.
Every residential property owner must declare, even if the property is your principal residence.
Alternate and accessible declaration options available
The City has set up declaration options for residents who require accessibility-related supports, and for those without access to the internet or digital devices – such as computers, tablets and other hand-held devices:
- Call 613-580-2444 and select option #3 where an agent will help complete your declaration over the phone
- Call 613-580-2401 for TTY
- Tell your Canada Video Relay Service interpreter to call 613-580-2444, option #3
- Get in-person assistance at one of the City’s Client Service Centres. Priority will be given to scheduled appointments. Visit ottawa.ca/csc for locations, hours of service or book an appointment.
Other Vacant Unit Tax facts
- New My ServiceOttawa dashboard: View up to five years of declarations, resubmit your declaration, print or save your declaration, and submit documents for your audit or appeal.
- Late appeal: Property owners who miss the standard deadlines to submit an appeal can complete a late appeal request form. An administrative fee of $500 will be applied regardless of the outcome.
- Graduated tax rate: Properties that are vacant for consecutive years will be charged an increased VUT rate after the first year. For each additional consecutive year, the rate increases by one per cent, to a maximum of five per cent.
VUT helps more residents to have a place to call home
The intent of the VUT is to incentivize residential property owners to keep homes occupied, increasing our housing supply and helping to stabilize market prices and rents.
Revenues generated from the VUT are directly invested in the City’s affordable housing budget, to construct more affordable and supportive housing. It is all about giving more people in Ottawa an opportunity to have a place to call home. See the report on the first-year results online at ottawa.ca/vut.
To learn more about the Vacant Unit Tax and submit your declaration, visit ottawa.ca/vut.