The UHT May Be Cancelled, But Vacancy Taxes Remain

As tax professionals, you are keenly aware of the constant changes our federal government makes to the Income Tax Act. Adjustments are made, and you must adapt. Not often, though, is a tax eliminated altogether. But in the case of the Underused Housing Tax (UHT), that is exactly what has happened – it was cancelled in the federal budget of November 4, 2025, but Canada’s underused housing taxes have not been eliminated. Here’s what you need to know for tax season 2026.

Tax breaks and economic incentives have been peppered throughout Canada’s pre-election budget document with savers, seniors and small business corporations emerging as big winners. 

Self-sufficiency in self-funding future retirements is clearly an issue and the big news coming out of this budget is the opportunity to do so.

How did the Pre-Election Budget help you? We've included several scenario's in this report to help you consider whether you were a winner. 

Michael and Jessica are a young couple living in their condo in Vancouver.  How will the budget affect them?

Matthew and Ashley live in Winnipeg. They have two children, ages 3 and 5.  They own their own home. 

Brian and Patricia retired a few years ago.  Brian is 74 and Patricia is 72.  The couple live in Halifax, NS and have RRIF balances of $300,000 and $400,000 respectively.