March 20 marks Ottawa’s Vacant Unit Tax declaration deadline

The City of Ottawa is reminding homeowners that this year’s Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration deadline is Thursday, March 20.

While VUT declarations are required annually, declarations made after today’s deadline will result in a $250 late fee, states the City of Ottawa on its website.

“The intention of the residential Vacant Unit Tax is to encourage homeowners to maintain, occupy or rent their properties, thereby increasing the housing supply,” staff say.

While the VUT is a tool used to address the affordable housing crisis in Ottawa, revenue from the tax supports affordable housing initiatives, they add.

“If you are a homeowner and have not yet completed your Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration, don’t delay and declare today,” notes the city.

How to submit your VUT declaration

To declare a vacant residential unit, click here and follow these steps:

• Click ‘Submit your declaration now’, and
• Log on with your roll number and access code

This information can be found on a declaration notification email or VUT information notice, as well as last year’s property tax bill or this year’s interim property tax bill, said the city.

For those registered with My SeviceOttawa, the declaration can be accessed from their property tax account.

According to the city, all residential property owners must declare, even if the property is a principal residence.

Accessible declaration options

The City of Ottawa is offering declaration options for residents who require accessibility-related supports, and for those without access to the internet or digital devices.

The following options are designed to improve accessibility for all residents:

• 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. Visit ottawa.ca/csc for locations, hours of service or book an appointment.

With so much in the news lately, it’s easy to forget about the March 20 Vacant Unit Tax deadline.
If you haven’t completed your declaration, don’t delay.
Avoid the $250 late fee.
Details: https://t.co/CDzzBRBvnN pic.twitter.com/BffIUIWIhw

— City of Ottawa (@ottawacity) March 17, 2025

Properties that are vacant for consecutive years will face an increased VUT rate after the first year, explained the city. The VUT rate rate increases by one per cent each year, to a maximum of five per cent.

“The purpose 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,” the city states.

Revenue collected from the VUT is invested in Ottawa’s affordable housing budget, working to build more affordable and supportive housing across the city.

“It is all about giving more people in Ottawa an opportunity to have a place to call home,” staff add.

To view the city’s report on first-year VUT results, click here.