Toronto's Vacant Home Tax Portal: What You Need to Know

The City of Toronto has launched its Vacant Home Tax declaration portal, requiring all homeowners to submit declarations, regardless of whether their property was vacant. Meeting the deadline is essential to avoid penalties. While last year’s rollout had challenges, the process is now more streamlined, and we’re here to help you navigate it.

How to Make Your Declaration

The easiest and fastest way to submit your declaration is online via the city’s dedicated portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to complete the process:

Visit the Portal:
Start by clicking on the Vacant Home Tax Declaration Portal link. This will take you to the official website where you can make your declaration.
Gather Your Information:
You will need both your Assessment Number and Customer Number to proceed. These numbers can be found on your property tax bill.
Complete the Declaration:
Once you’ve entered your information, follow the prompts on the portal to make your declaration. It’s simple, and the system will guide you through the steps.
Save and Confirm:
After submitting, you can save a copy of your declaration for your records. You’ll also receive an email confirmation from the City of Toronto confirming that your declaration has been successfully submitted.

Important Notes

Deadline: Submit your declaration by April 30th, 2025, to avoid penalties. If a declaration is not submitted by the deadline, the property will be deemed vacant and subject to a 3% tax (based on the property’s current value assessment). Interest charges will also apply to any overdue Vacant Home Tax amount. False declarations of occupancy status, or failure to provide information when requested, may also result in a fine of up to $10,000 (in addition to payment of the tax owed).
Exemptions: There may be exemptions based on specific circumstances (such as if your property was occupied for a certain number of days during the year), so be sure to read the full guidelines on the portal for more details.
Record Keeping: Always keep the email confirmation of your submission in case there are any discrepancies down the road.

Why It’s Worth Doing

Though it may seem like a hassle, completing the declaration is straightforward and ensures compliance with Toronto’s regulations, helping you avoid fines and unwanted taxes. Accurate declarations also contribute to addressing the city’s housing affordability issue.

We hope this guide helps simplify the process for you. If you need more information, visit the City of Toronto’s Vacant Home Tax page. Have questions? Contact one of our trusted and experienced agents today. We’re ready to help!