Today is the deadline—don’t miss it or face penalties starting tomorrow.
If you’re an Ottawa homeowner, March 20, 2025 is a date you cannot afford to miss. Today marks the due date for both interim property tax payments and Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declarations. Missing either deadline comes with financial penalties that take effect immediately, so if you haven’t submitted yet, now is the time to act.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: March 20 is the deadline for Ottawa property taxes and VUT declarations. Late property tax payments incur a 1.25% monthly penalty. Late VUT declarations cost $250. Declare online through MyServiceOttawa or call 613-580-2444.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Deadline | Thursday, March 20, 2025 |
| 💰 Property Tax Late Penalty | 1.25% added monthly |
| 📝 VUT Late Fee | $250 |
| 📞 Help Line | 613-580-2444 (option 3) |
What’s the Deadline About?
The City of Ottawa has set March 20, 2025 as the due date for two important obligations:
1. Interim Property Tax Payment
The interim property tax bill covers the first half of the year and is based on last year’s assessment. This payment is due today, and missing it triggers automatic penalties.
2. Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) Declaration
All residential property owners in Ottawa must declare whether their property was occupied or vacant during the previous calendar year. Even if your property was occupied, you must submit a declaration.
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What You Need to Know
Property Tax Late Penalties:
If you miss today’s deadline for your interim property tax payment:
- 1.25% penalty added on March 21 (the day after the deadline)
- Additional 1.25% added on the first day of each following month
- Penalties compound on the outstanding balance
Vacant Unit Tax Late Penalties:
For VUT declarations submitted after March 20:
- $250 late fee added to your final tax bill
- Late declarations accepted until April 30, 2025
- Properties without declarations may be deemed vacant and charged the VUT automatically
Understanding the Vacant Unit Tax
What is the VUT?
The Vacant Unit Tax is designed to encourage property owners to make housing available in Ottawa’s competitive rental and real estate market. A unit is considered vacant if it:
- Was not used as a principal residence, AND
- Was unoccupied for more than 184 days in the previous calendar year
VUT Rates:
| Year Vacant | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | 1% of assessed value |
| 2nd Consecutive Year | 2% of assessed value |
| 3rd Consecutive Year | 3% of assessed value |
| 4th Consecutive Year | 4% of assessed value |
| 5th+ Consecutive Years | 5% of assessed value (maximum) |
The graduated rate system means repeat vacancies become increasingly expensive.
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How to Declare & Pay
For Property Tax Payment:
You can pay your property taxes through:
- Online banking – Add City of Ottawa as a payee using your roll number
- Pre-authorized payment plan – Set up automatic withdrawals
- In-person – At your financial institution
- By mail – Send cheque to the address on your bill
For VUT Declaration:
Complete your Vacant Unit Tax declaration:
- Online: Through MyServiceOttawa from your property tax account
- By Phone: Call 613-580-2444 (press option 3) for assistance
- Accessible Options: Alternative formats available upon request
Required Information:
- Property roll number (found on your tax bill)
- Confirmation of occupancy status for 2024
- Principal residence details
Why This Matters to Ottawa Residents
Housing affordability and availability remain critical issues in Ottawa. The Vacant Unit Tax is one tool the city uses to encourage property owners to either occupy or rent out their residential properties rather than leaving them empty.
For homeowners, staying on top of these deadlines is simply good financial management. The 1.25% monthly penalty on property taxes may seem small, but it compounds quickly. And the $250 VUT late fee is an unnecessary expense that’s easily avoided with a few minutes of online work.
New for 2025: Late Appeal Option
The City has introduced a new late appeal option for 2025. If you believe your property’s vacant status was determined incorrectly, you can:
- Contest the status up to 15 months after the initial deadline
- Pay a $500 administrative fee per assessed property
- Provide supporting documentation for your appeal
This gives property owners more flexibility to correct errors, though the fee makes it important to get the initial declaration right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my property was occupied but I forgot to declare? A: You can still submit a late declaration until April 30, but you’ll face a $250 late fee. Without a declaration, your property may be automatically deemed vacant.
Q: I rent out my property—do I still need to declare? A: Yes. All residential property owners must declare, even if the property was occupied by tenants. Simply indicate that the property was occupied.
Q: How do I know if my property qualifies for an exemption? A: Common exemptions include properties undergoing major renovations, recently transferred properties, or properties of deceased owners. Check the City of Ottawa website for the full list.
Q: Can I set up a payment plan for my property taxes? A: Yes. Contact the City of Ottawa’s Revenue Services at 613-580-2444 to discuss payment arrangements if you’re facing financial hardship.
Q: What happens if I don’t pay at all? A: Unpaid property taxes can eventually lead to a tax sale of your property. The City has legal mechanisms to recover outstanding amounts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this on March 20, 2025, you still have time—but don’t delay. Both the interim property tax payment and the Vacant Unit Tax declaration are due today. Missing these deadlines means automatic penalties starting tomorrow.
The good news is that both can be completed quickly online. Log into MyServiceOttawa, make your property tax payment through your bank, and submit your VUT declaration. A few minutes of effort today can save you from unnecessary fees and complications down the road.
Source: City of Ottawa, Ottawa Life Magazine – Summarized and adapted for Via Ottawa readers.
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