Valuator Afra Raymond is advising citizens to “not panic” about the property tax and there is no need for citizens to pay a valuator to assess their property.
While there is widespread panic and public concern about the list of information requested from property owners Raymond said “it is just that a request and not a requirement.”
Raymond is advising citizens to fill out the basic information required for the form, “name, address, property address, phone number, email address and if you have a bill for the old land and building tax there is an assessment number on it, that is a unique number which will lead officials to your file.”
There are also concerns that officers may visit the property to verify the information but Raymond said that would only be triggered “if you do not submit the form or if the information on your form does not match other persons in the same area, then they could send someone to look at your property.”
The penalty under the law for failing to submit the form by the deadline date is $500. He is advising citizens to submit their forms.
Both Raymond and President of the Real Estate Association Sally Singh said they have no issue with the property tax.
Singh said “property tax is natural and is done in most countries. We have no problem with the property tax.”
She said people who are purchasing properties know that they need to get all the documents in hand “to ensure they meet all the requirements to send in.”
Singh said there have been questions from a lot of people who are unsure how to assess the rental value of their property, “that is a major concern because nobody wants to defraud the government. They want to do what is right, but they do not know what is the best assessment for the property.”
She said an “option is for people to get private valuator, but not everybody can afford that.”
Raymond said “there is no need to get your own private valuation.”
Raymond said there is a lot of information on the Ministry of Finance website where citizens can also fill out the form online to meet the May 22nd deadline.
Chartered Valuation Surveyors GA Farrell & Associates Ltd has also taken to Facebook to assist people. The company said “with lots of misinformation and confusion surrounding the property tax, we continue with our efforts to provide clarification to our Facebook page visitors with a series of posts.”
It noted that one of the most asked questions is — “How will I determine the value of my property?
The company refers to the Ministry of Finance website which states that the technical and professional staff of the valuation division is responsible for valuing all properties. The Valuation Return Form is simply a way to aid the division in making the valuation. The rental value you put on your form is simply your best (honest) estimate of the rental value.
The accompanying documents (as many of those requested on the form that you have available) will also assist the division in making an accurate valuation.”
Raymond said once the valuation is completed the Commissioner of Valuations will “issue a notice of assessment, so for example they would say John Doe you live at Mango Street your property tax is $1,500, you have 30 days to object. If no objection is lodged after 30 days it is accepted and that is what you will pay.”
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