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City of Hamilton to begin implementing new Vacant Unit Tax

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The City of Hamilton has picked a new day to begin rolling on its new Vacant Unit Tax with it’s first deadline set for Apr. 30.

Notice letters about the program were supposed to be mailed to households in December, but it was pushed back due to delays from the Canada Post strike.

The declaration period will now begin Feb. 10, with homeowners needing to submit occupancy details before the first deadline.

This initiative was meant to address the housing crisis in the city.

City staff have been directed to waive the penalty for late declarations made after Apr. 30, for the 2024 self-declaration year only.

Anyone who keeps a home vacant for more than 183 days will have to pay an extra 1 per cent on their property taxes.

The initiative mirrors similar programs in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver.

More information can be found on the city’s official website here.

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