The Unfair Vancouver Vacant Homes Tax Coalition describes its purpose in the name. The group is calling on the city to do something as the Feb. 2 deadline for the empty home tax declaration approaches.
Rainer Borkenhagen says the group is made of members that are mostly retired and live across the country, but still own homes in Vancouver.
Borkenhagen himself lives in Gibsons, but owns a condo in Vancouver.
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But if you’re thinking about trying to get around the tax, be warned. Vancouver lawyer Kyla Lee says those providing false information, or failing to declare are taking a big risk.
Failure to submit will result in an automatic assumption that the home is vacant and will be subject to the tax, which is one per cent of the assessed home value. Homeowners will also be subject to a $250 penalty for not declaring on time.
As for providing false information, Kyla warns it could lead to charges.
“You can end up with a criminal record if you’re charged with fraud and convicted, it’s a very, very, serious offence, it’s considered a crime of dishonesty. So the consequences for it tend to be more severe,” she said.
Read the full interview on Global News: