Next week is deadline for vacant unit tax form

Hamilton Spectator

25-04-2025

Homeowners have one week to complete and submit their vacant unit tax declaration, a form required by anyone who owns a residential property.
In the city's bid to increase housing supply and reduce the amount of vacant homes, properties left vacant are subject to a one per cent tax of the total property value.
Failure to submit a form by the Wednesday, April 30 deadline means the property will be deemed vacant and the tax will be applied for the 2025 tax year.
The city said 85 per cent of homeowners have already submitted their forms as of Wednesday, with a majority filing online.
All owners of residential properties must submit a vacant unit tax declaration, including residents who live in their home, rent or have secondary properties.
Revenues from the tax are used to fund affordable housing initiatives after administrative costs are accounted for, the city said in a Wednesday release.
Homeowners must use the roll number and access code on their Notice or Reminder to Declare Letters, or their most recent 2025 property tax bill.
Submissions can be done online or by phone, email, mail or in person. Physical forms can be brought to any
Municipal Services Centre
, including Hamilton City Hall, which is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To submit through the online portal, go to
hamilton.ca/vacantunittax
.
If residents need help completing their declaration, contact the city by email at
[e-mail]
or by phone at
905-546-2573
.
Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator.
[e-mail]