Homeowners in Kelowna and West Kelowna are running out of time to claim their exemption from the speculation and vacancy tax (SVT). 

The B.C. government has imposed a March 31 deadline for homeowners to complete their declaration either online or by phone. 

Those who do not complete the declaration by the deadline will not be able to appeal and will be forced to pay the tax.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.

All owners who have properties in areas where the SVT applies need to declare to claim their principal residence (or other) exemption for the SVT.

If a property has more than one owner on title, including a spouse or family member, separate declarations must be made for each owner.

Those requiring assistance can complete their declaration over the phone via the SVT call centre at 1 833 554-2323 (toll-free Canada/U.S.) or 604 660-2421 (international) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. 

All residential property owners should have received a declaration letter via mail by February with a unique declaration and identification codes.

For more information, click here.