Exemptions for the speculation and vacancy tax
Last updated on March 25, 2025Residential property owners within designated taxable areas of B.C. may be eligible for an exemption from the speculation and vacancy tax.
Review the details of each exemption and see examples for:
Some entities are always exempt from the speculation and vacancy tax under a special provision. These groups do not need to complete a declaration, including:
- An Indigenous Nation or a corporation owned by an Indigenous Nation
- Registered charities
- Housing co-ops
- Municipalities, regional districts, governments and other public bodies
- Corporation owned by municipalities or regional districts
- Corporations incorporated or continued through an enactment ("crown corporations")
- Corporations designated as "agents of government" by legislation, and their wholly owned subsidiaries
This information is provided for your convenience and guidance and is not a replacement for the legislation.
You may be contacted by our audit department by phone or email. Audits are routinely conducted to ensure:
- Exemptions have been claimed correctly
- Taxes have been paid correctly
Find out more about our speculation and vacancy tax audit process.
These definitions may help you understand certain exemptions:
Contact us if you have any questions about the speculation and vacancy tax or if you need translation services.