Updated: November 22, 2023
The 2023 federal Fall Economic Statement (FES 2023) proposed additional UHT relief on November 21, 2023. Certain types of owners would become excluded from UHT obligations starting with 2023 UHT returns if these proposals are enacted. Additionally, the minimum late-filing penalties would be significantly reduced.
Previously, the CRA also announced that so long as a 2022 UHT return is filed by April 30, 2024 and any UHT owing is also paid by that date, it will waive the late-filing penalties and interest. The deadline for transitional relief was originally October 31, 2023. Generally, an “affected owner” must file their annual UHT returns by April 30 of the following calendar year. If the UHT applies, affected owners will be required to remit payment by April 30.
The UHT is calculated as 1% of the taxable value of the property as of December 31 of the previous year. The taxable value equals the greater of the value for property tax purposes and the most recent sales price at year end. However, the owner may be able to elect to use fair market value if they obtain a qualifying appraisal report.
Note that affected owners with multiple residential properties must file separate UHT returns for each property, and if you are a joint owner, each affected owner must file separate UHT returns.
Under the UHT rules, the definition of “residential property” is narrower than the ordinary meaning and generally includes:
Other types of buildings are generally not considered residential property for UHT purposes, such as high-rise apartment buildings, hotels and quadruplexes.
Under the UHT rules, an affected owner is generally the title holder of the residential property under the applicable land registration system. However, life tenants, life lease holders or a person that has continuous possession of the land on which the residential property sits under a long-term lease may also be considered an affected owner.
Affected owners of a residential property under the current rules include but may not be limited to:
Property owners that are generally excluded from any UHT filing obligations or liabilities include:
In addition, FES 2023 proposed that specified Canadian corporations, trustees of a specified Canadian trust and partners of a specified Canadian partnership become “excluded owners” instead of “affected owners”, effective January 1, 2023. As a result, these types of owners would be exempt from the UHT fling obligations starting with 2023 UHT returns, if the changes are enacted. Accordingly, such owners must still file their 2022 UHT returns by the April 30, 2024 administrative deadline, or penalties will apply. Finance also intends to expand the definitions of specified Canadian partnership and specified Canadian trust to provide further relief.
An affected owner is liable for the UHT unless they’re eligible to claim an exemption based on:
Affected owners must file their UHT returns to claim the exemption. Furthermore, the owner must keep sufficient evidence to support the exemption or the CRA may deny it.
Affected owners must have a valid CRA tax identification number in order to file their UHT return, even if they’re claiming an exemption. If you need to apply for one of these numbers, it’s important to do so now as the registration process takes time. Note that:
Significant penalties apply if the affected owner fails to file their return even one day past the April 30 deadline. However, as previously mentioned, provided an affected owner files their 2022 UHT return(s) by April 30, 2024 and pays any UHT owing by that date, the CRA indicated it will waive the late-filing penalties and interest. This transitional relief only applies to 2022 UHT returns.
FES 2023 proposed to reduce the minimum late-filing penalty to $1,000 (from $5,000) for individuals and $2,000 (from $10,000) for non-individuals. This amendment would apply retroactively to 2022 UHT returns, if enacted.
Under the current rules, late-filing penalties are generally the greater of:
However, where the UHT return is filed later than December 31 of the following year, certain types of UHT exemptions are denied for penalty calculation purposes.
Interest would also apply to late payments.
Affected owners may be subject to additional penalties for failing to provide supporting documentation when required, gross negligence, and misrepresentation.
Furthermore, where a non-resident sells a Canadian residential property and they’re non-compliant with UHT obligations, the CRA can deny a request for a certificate of compliance under s.116 of the Income Tax Act.
Affected owners will need to file their returns using Form UHT-2900, Underused Housing Tax Return and Election Form, which can be found here on the CRA website.
The federal UHT is part of a growing trend of jurisdictions in Canada to implement taxes on non-residents and foreign investment in residential property. The UHT joins other declarative property taxes in Canada such as British Columbia’s provincial speculation and vacancy tax and other vacancy taxes in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa.
These types of tax regimes are increasing — all owners need to review the taxes and levies that apply in the jurisdictions of their properties. Owners should also ensure they complete all appropriate filings and claim any applicable exemptions. Each tax regime is unique and even though not all properties or owners are subject to taxation, some may require declarations or filings to claim an exemption.
Navigating the UHT legislation is complex—but you’re not alone. Contact your local advisor or reach out to us here.
Watch this explainer video, where Indirect Tax Leader, Sarah Noftell, discusses key points you need to know about the UHT and how it could affect you.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is general in nature and is based on proposals that are subject to change. It is not, and should not be construed as, accounting, legal or tax advice or an opinion provided by Grant Thornton LLP to the reader. This material may not be applicable to, or suitable for, specific circumstances or needs and may require consideration of other factors not described herein.
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