Updates to speculation and vacancy tax
Last updated on January 2, 2026Not subscribed for tax updates yet? Sign up here.
Speculation and vacancy tax
January 2, 2026
Information about the speculation and vacancy tax has been updated to include payment due dates for 2026.
The Taxable areas for the speculation and vacancy tax page and interactive location map have been updated for 2026.
Important dates, including the opening and closing dates for the 2026 speculation and vacancy tax declaration period, have been updated on the page How to declare for the speculation and vacancy tax.
June 12, 2025
The Tax rates for the speculation and vacancy tax page has been updated to include tax rates for 2026 and subsequent years.
The Tax credits for the speculation and vacancy tax and Speculation and vacancy tax credit for B.C. residents pages have been updated to include maximum credit amounts for 2026 and subsequent years.
June 4, 2025
FIN 562, Treatment Certification (PDF, 250KB), has been revised to allow nurse practitioners to certify that a patient is participating in a non-elective course of treatment.
FIN 572, Separate Residence Medical Certification (PDF, 210KB), has been revised to allow nurse practitioners to certify that an individual has a health condition requiring them to live in a different residence than their spouse.
April 30, 2025
The Audit process for the speculation and vacancy tax has been updated with information about waiving the general assessment period.
March 24, 2025
- FIN 559, Waiver of Assessment Period (PDF, 180KB), is used to extend the assessment period beyond the standard 6-year limit for the Speculation and Vacancy Tax.
- FIN 565, Notice of Revocation of Waiver (PDF, 180KB), is used to revoke a previously granted waiver of assessment period, effective 6 months after the revocation is submitted.
March 4, 2025
The provincial government announced its 2025 Budget on March 4, 2025. As a result, amendments to the speculation and vacancy tax were made. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
January 20, 2025
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 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.