NOW OPEN: Hamilton Vacant Unit Tax Declaration Form
- Crista Cooper
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 24
Hamilton Vacant Unit Tax Declaration Period Now Open
The City of Hamilton Vacant Unit Tax declaration period is now open. All residential property owners must submit their declarations by April 30, 2025.
The Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) is part of the City’s strategy to address Hamilton’s affordable housing crisis by encouraging property owners to keep their units occupied. The tax revenue, after administrative costs, will be reinvested into affordable housing initiatives.
What You Need to Know About the Hamilton Vacant Unit Tax Declaration:
A 1% tax will apply to any residential property that was vacant for more than 183 days in the previous year (2024).
Hamilton joins other major cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa, in implementing this tax.
Failure to submit your Hamilton Vacant Unit Tax declaration by April 30, 2025, will result in the property being deemed vacant, and the tax will be charged. (late fee waived for the 2025 year only due to Postal strike delays)
Your Primary residence will not be subject to the tax, but all property must be declared, including your primary residence.
How to Submit Your Declaration
You will need:
✅ Your roll number and access code, found in the Notice to Declare letter sent in February or on your latest property tax bill.
Online Submission:
🔹 Visit Hamilton.ca/VacantUnitTax to complete your declaration easily online.
(You will need to Register for My Hamilton or Log In to submit your declaration.)
🔹 Watch the Declaration Submission Video Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Declaration by Phone:
📞 Call 905-546-2573 to declare over the phone.
💡 Need Help?
For any issues, contact the Vacant Unit Tax team:
📞 905-546-2573
Key Dates to Remember:
📆 Declaration Period Opens: February 10, 2025
📆 Deadline: April 30, 2025
💡 Non-submission Consequences:
If you do not submit your declaration by the deadline, your property will be considered vacant, and the Vacant Unit Tax will be charged.
For more details, review the Vacant Unit Tax By-law and access the Detailed Step-by-Step Declaration Guide.
Stay informed and submit your declaration today to avoid penalties! Please reach out to my office if you have any further questions and my staff will be happy to assist you.
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