New Legislation to modernise Nevis’s Property Tax procedures!
Mark Brantley opposes...
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Parliament
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CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – A new Property Tax Bill was passed yesterday in Nevis, and when it becomes law all property owners will be taxed on their properties after assessment through a standard market value procedure instead of the traditional rental value that existed since 1913.
The Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry, tabled the Bill and explained that many Caribbean countries have already passed the legislation and have shifted to the market value system. “We were lagging behind,” Parry said, adding St. Kitts had already passed its Property Tax Legislation based on the market value assessment system.
The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Vance Amory, said the Bill was technically acceptable but called on the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to ensure that the level of tax payable was not burdensome.
“We are all aware of need for taxes,” he said, but noted tax payers would accept taxes only when they are assured that they are not in any way victims of “tax and spend arrangements. People must understand they are not worse off than they were before. Tax
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| Nominated Senator, CCM, Hon. Mark Brantley and leader of Opposition Federal Parliament |
may be equitable but not affordable”.
Hon. Parry told Parliament that 50 percent of property owners had not paid their taxes since 1986 and the new system would enable the Income Tax Department to collect revenue in a professional manner.
Premier Parry told Parliament that on advice of the Public Service Commission, the Deputy Governor-General should appoint a Chief Valuation Officer to supervise the valuation process; a Review Board would exist to ensure that those who feel unfairly treated are attended to; and the Inland Revenue would continue to disseminate the content of the Bill to members of the public to get their input.
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| Leader of Opposition, Hon. Vance Amory |
But the nominated Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) Senator, Mark Brantley, who is also the Federal Member of Parliament, St. John’s constituency, Nevis, vehemently opposed the Bill saying the legislation would burden the taxpayers due to the prevailing high cost of living.
“I agree that taxes are important but it is the timing…times are rough.” He recommended that the Bill be shelved for now.
However, Premier Parry said the Bill was drafted after consultations with members of the public and relevant experts. He said those whose property value is under EC$80 000 would be exempted from property tax. ~~Adz:Left~~
Premier Parry said the following property would be exempted: property of the government; property owned or leased or held in trust for a religious body on which is located a building used exclusively for religious worship, or on which is located a residence for the member of the clergy who officiates at a place of worship; property licensed as private burial ground; a cemetery declared to be a public cemetery; and property designated as heritage property.
Also to be exempted are: property owned or leased and occupied solely by a charity for its charitable purposes; property owned or leased and occupied solely by a non-profit, benevolent or philanthropic organisation for its purposes; property owned or leased by and used by a private educational institution as defined in section 14 of the Education Act; and property used solely by a consulate or diplomatic mission.
