What’s New in Speculation and Vacancy Tax

March 9, 2020

The B.C. Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code is now available online.

February 11, 2020

The speculation and vacancy website has been updated to clarify the definitions and examples for the following terms:

• Commuter spouse
• Corporate interest holder
• Provincial Nominee
• Resident of B.C. for income tax purposes
• Untaxed worldwide earner (satellite family)

January 20, 2020

The speculation and vacancy tax declaration period is now open. 

Declaration letters begin mailing this week. You’ll need your letter before you can declare.

Check out our updated website at gov.bc.ca/spectax to find out when you can expect your letter, what to do if you’ll be away and for help declaring.

We’re working hard to make our information easier for you to find and understand, so you’ll see some changes to our website now and in the coming months. 

Still can’t find what you need or need translation services? Look for Get Help on most pages.

December 17, 2019

The speculation and vacancy tax website has been updated to:

• Clarify that spouses declare as individuals not as a partnership
• Clarify how the 10-year period applies in the away from home for other reasons principal residence exemption
• Clarify exemptions, including the secondary residence exemptions, previous residence exemption, and away from home for any other reasons
• Clarify details about the exemption for spouses who are separated or divorced

The government announced it intends to introduce new speculation and vacancy tax exemptions for:

• Canadian Armed Forces members and their spouses, where the military member is away from B.C. due to service requirements
• Homeowners whose property can only be accessed by water

The government also intends a longer phase-out for these temporary exemptions:

• The exemption for rental restricted stratas will now end December 31, 2021
• The exemption for strata accommodation properties will now end December 31, 2020
• The exemption for vacant land will end December 31, 2019

June 10, 2019

The speculation and vacancy tax website has been updated to include:

• a new Audits for Speculation and Vacancy Tax page that explains the audit process

March 28, 2019

The speculation and vacancy tax website has been updated to:

• Include:
  • new information on refunds
  • information on late payments
• Clarify what you can't appeal
• Explain the following about the declaration process
  • the online declaration application is secure and approved to protect taxpayer information
  • you declare as a partnership only if you're in a business partnership
  • you aren't required to provide an email address on your application
  • who to contact if you need to update information, such as your mailing address
  • call us for assistance with your declaration if a deceased owner is on title

March 15, 2019

The speculation and vacancy tax website has been updated to:

• Clarify the tenancy exemption requirements for buildings or properties with more than one residence by including two examples

• Expand the speculation and vacancy tax credit web content to explain how it applies to B.C. residents and non-B.C. residents. This includes calculation examples and instructions for how to apply for the credit.

March 5, 2019

The speculation and vacancy tax website has been updated with information about what you can appeal, and when and how to file an appeal.

February 14, 2019

The speculation and vacancy tax website has been updated with new information on:

• How to pay the tax
• Tax credits

January 23, 2019

Speculation and vacancy tax declaration letters are now being mailed to owners of residential property in the taxable regions of B.C. Once you receive your letter, you can declare online or call us at 1 833 554-2323.

The speculation and vacancy tax website has been expanded to:

• Clarify available exemptions and add examples
• Clarify tenancy exemption requirements

October 16, 2018

Learn about the proposed speculation and vacancy tax.