Under Provincial legislation, commercial and industrial buildings with vacant areas may be eligible for a tax rebate. Ontario Regulation 325/01 details the rules that municipalities must follow in providing rebates of property taxes for 2001 and subsequent years.
In accordance with changes to Provincial legislation, City Council is considering phasing out the vacancy rebate program beginning in 2018. The Council Resolution letter as well as the related report are available for viewing on this page. If you wish to participate in the consultation process please read the Vacant Unit Rebate and Vacant/Excess Land Subclass Tax Reductions report and resolution letter.
As described in the Vacant Unit Rebate and Vacant/Excess Land Subclass Tax Reductions report the consultation process suggested is for the London Economic Development Corporation, the boards of management of Business Improvement Areas in the City and the London Chamber of Commerce to provide comments back to City Council on behalf of their clients and members on the proposed changes. The deadline for any comments to City Council and the completion of the consultation process as indicated in the report is August 31, 2017.
To qualify for a rebate under current legislation, the vacancy duration must be at least 90 consecutive days (89 days if the entire month of February is involved).
Applicants for vacancy rebates may submit two applications per tax year. If you wish to make an interim application for the first six months of the current year the rebate application will be accepted until July 31 of the current year. Otherwise the vacancy tax rebate application for any given year must be submitted by February 28 of the following tax year.
The amount of the rebate is 30% of the fully occupied taxes for commercial properties and industrial properties. Rebate amounts will also depend on the number of days of vacancy and the portion of the assessment of the building not occupied.
Mail completed application forms to:
City Hall, Assessment Section, Room 407
PO Box 5035, 300 Dufferin Avenue
London ON N6A 4L9