The Speculation and Vacancy Tax has come into force for the 2018 tax year, and homeowners can expect to get declaration letters from tomorrow (January 18) until the end of February. All homeowners – not just owners of second or vacation homes – in applicable regions of B.C. can expect to receive a declaration letter. They have until March 31 to complete their declaration and apply for an exemption if applicable.The declaration will establish whether the home is being used as a primary residence or being rented out at least six months of the year. If one of those requirements is met, the property is exempt from the Speculation and Vacancy Tax. Other exemptions are also applicable for individuals, land under development or corporations.In most cases, for a non-primary residence that is not rented out at least six months of the year, an annual tax of 0.5 per cent of the home’s assessed value is applicable. Owners who are liable for the tax will have until July 2, 2019 to pay their 2018 bill.Homeowners who do not complete their declaration, even if their home is exempt from the tax, will receive a tax notice of assessment after April 1 charging the full tax rate.The affected regions in B.C. are:

• Municipalities in the Capital Regional District, EXCLUDING Salt Spring Island, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area and the Southern Gulf Islands

• Municipalities in the Metro Vancouver Regional District, EXCLUDING Bowen Island, the Village of Lions Bay and Electoral Area A, but INCLUDING the University of British Columbia and the University Endowment Lands

• The City of Abbotsford

• The District of Mission

• The City of Chilliwack

• The City of Kelowna 

• The City of West Kelowna

• The City of Nanaimo

• The District of Lantzville

Homeowners can go online and complete their declaration here – but you’ll need to wait to get your letter, which will contain a unique ID and a declaration code.