City of Toronto officials unveiled several proposed changes and enhancements to the vacant home tax program. About 820,000 properties currently require an annual declaration of occupancy status as part of the program.

Property owners will have a longer time to declare occupancy, from November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025, and be able to do so through a more user-friendly online portal.

The city is also introducing a dedicated Customer Care Centre for declaring by phone through 311, with support available in 180 languages. There will also be an option to submit declarations in person at tax and utility counters located at Toronto City Hall and the civic centres.

Property owners who don’t provide their email address during the online declaration can print or save the confirmation page, which now includes a confirmation number. Those declaring by phone will also receive a confirmation number. Owners who declare by phone or those without access to a printer can call 311 to request a printed confirmation be mailed.

City staff said the late declaration fee remains waived for now, while the process for issuing vacant home tax bills is more data-driven so the City’s CFO can delay sending bills if the overall declaration rate falls short of expectations.

The staff report, Redesigning the Vacant Home Tax Program and Supporting Housing Supply,  will be presented to Toronto City Council in October for consideration.