Comment posted by John A @2019/05/29 at 5:31 pm
…I come home this evening to find a Land tax bill in my mail box for the same amount I paid last year for a 12 month period, however this bill only covering the period from the last bill till now which is only roughly 7 months. So can you tell me if I should go to the Fair Trading Comission and lodge a complaint for receiving a bill for a calender year but only covering a 7 month period?
I mean I ain t got no alphabet behind my name but somehow to pay 12 months in land rental to the government for only 7 months of occupancy seem wrong to me.
Help advise a small man what to do here fellers cause the way I see it this tax period I either getting double bill per months of occupancy, or I get a 50 percent in land tax based on me paying in 7 months what I paid in 12 last year.
So wait next year bill going come out in February then and we going pay a full land tax amount for 8 months next year too?…
Comment posted by Gabriel @ 2019/05/29 at 10:00 pm
Your point is well made.The tax demand is for the Financial Year 2019-20 so that Finance would proffer that the payment can be demanded anytime after April 2019 but in that event the next payment should not be due until April 2020,one year after as you have pointed out.I was around long enough to know that these tax bills offered a 10% discount in the first instance usually in November and a 5% discount in the second instance in December before the full amount is due and payable.Now it’s a 5% discount only after which the full amount is demanded.So we have seen significant changes in the Tax Demand Notice without so much as a whimper from Mr Ryan Straughan. (1)A big increase,(2)less discount for prompt payment and (3)less than a calendar year elapsing before demanding the following year’s payment.Property owners are sitting ducks as are the PAYE class.
Two Land Tax Bills in Eight Months
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252 responses to “Two Land Tax Bills in Eight Months”
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“The opposition leader Verla Da Pieza……”
Isn’t Joseph Atherley the Opposition Leader……..
………. and Verla DePeiza just another leader of a political party similarly to Grenville Phillips II, Alex Mitchell, Neil Holder and Steve Hunte?
Anyhow, I believe it’s an honest mistake,
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@Atax
The people still regard the DLP has the official opposition.
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“The-O-Gas (H2S)
You’re a light weight. Why the Salemite behaviour? Go sit down and rest yuhself”.
Fully rested and back.
It’s been years since I went on linkedin but I had to so to view what this highly accomplished individual did.
Unimpressed,Don’t get carried away by titles. Some Directors have little or no power. It sounds good, but if you knew what they were doing, you would realized it is a title and nothing more.
You or someone, was quick to point out that he and his partner worked on seven restructurings, but in the information you provided above, he worked on 4 by 2005. That means 3 restructuring between two men in the past 15 years. Not a very busy man. Not in high demand. Not worth $27M US.
You must admit that I am punching above my weight….
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Thank you, David. When did that happen?
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@ Commander Theophillus Gazerts
You gone kill he?
Whuloss man! Straight to he Adam’s apple 🍎?
The Rented a.ss #1 said and I quote
“…For those that were a week or two ago on the White Oak bandwagon about their legitimacy and competence take a quick look at the principals in New State Partners LLP, the firm representing 55% of the foreign bondholders…”
You dun notice dat he and de next jackass conveniently forgot to mention that UNLIKE DE BIG UP COMPANIES DESE 2 menses supposed to have worked with, dese two criminals has not paid taxes pun all de big loot dat Mugabe and she mules saying dem has earned?
Theophillus dem really think we Bajans foolish
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@Donna
He said the decision was taken recently and necessary steps will be taken to operationalize, should be working days.
Bad move!
BARRY ALLEYNE, barryalleyne@nationnews.com
Added 31 May 2019
http://www.nationnews.com/IMG/548/86548/colin-jordan-0116191114-450×303.gif
Minister of Labour Colin Jordan (FILE)
MORE ARTICLES
Our mistake! The Government of Barbados has for the first time admitted a recent decision by the Treasury Department to stop persons already receiving National Insurance disability benefits from also receiving pensions from the Treasury was the wrong thing to do, and will be reversed.
Related articles“It is hurting people, and it is a decision that should not have been made,” Minister of Labour Colin Jordan told the country on a local call-in programme yesterday.
His admission came on Down To Brasstacks yesterday as president of the Democratic Labour Party, Verla De Peiza, challenged the current political administration on a number of its policies dating back to last year, inclusive of establishment of the water and sewage levy, removal of road tax, increase in bus fares and the hiring of British consultancy firm, White Oak Advisory Ltd.
“When a review was done on the matter of the Pensions Act, based on the letter from the Accountant General, it was felt that two pensions were being given, and persons were only entitled to one. We’ve made a decision as a Government that what happened before will be returned, and so that is going to be reversed,” the minister revealed. (BA)
Subscribe now to our eNATION edition for the full story.
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How many times is this Government going to be forced into reversing its position? Do they not consider the ramifications BEFORE they act? This could easily have killed persons suffering with heart ailments and high blood pressure. And why did it take them so long to respond? This should have been an easy call. I suggest that it would not have been changed without the activism that ensued.
PS. Now I recognize that lady activist. She kept the cleanest public toilets I have ever seen in this country. She was a constant presence and she checked regularly. She did it all with a smile, a hymn and a pleasant word and sometimes a reminder of bathroom etiquette to the users. This was not at all a slacker or a bad behaved person. I was wondering what happened to her. I am sure she is missed at the QEH. I sure missed seeing her.
I hope Tron sees this and understands that not all government workers are undeserving of their pay. An unforgettable MAID. How about that!
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Note to Government:
And there’s plenty more activism where that came from. I hope you are noticing that we will no longer sit quietly and watch you do as you like.
A word to the wise and to those who wish to be re-elected.
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http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/240045/bes-rich-borne
It shall not be business as usual. Not bout here!
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Donna..they still don’t get it, no one is letting them prostitute black women to diseased white tourists….
……they still don’t get it..but they will..filthy no good lowlifes.
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BTW… a female in Canada showed some beautifull patio furniture that someone stole off her patio last night
Lawson…ah hope ya not running around Canada tiefing patio furniture again..lol
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TnAl
Stupse. Red herrings! Now it is shown that the company representing bondholders is comprised of former colleagues of White Oak personnel, you grasping at non-payment of taxes. In a world of sophisticated tax lawyers and accountants, y’all focusing on the absence of tax filings in the UK. Go file a complaint with HMRC….LMBAO!! I ain’t even botheringvwith H2S. Comedyfest up in here. -
This is what happen when the two groups of house negros from DBLP REFUSES TO REMOVE THE THE EVIL SLAVE LAWS THAT MAKES THEM RICH WITH BRIBES FROM RACIST CRIMINALS..
A pity CCC did not see it necessary to remove the EVIL SLAVE LAWS, when he had the opportunity, instead of using them to also LINE HIS POCKETS.
“CARSON C. CADOGAN
It is very good news that the charges based on the 108 year old British Antiquated SLAVE LAW have been dismissed. It is rather untenable that the BLACK High command of the Barbados Defence Force chose to charge A BLACK PERSON IN BARBADOS with a Slave Law.This simply shows the whole World how far BLACK BARBADIANS still have to go in order to gain respect in Barbados.
Why was it was necessary to have a Jamaican presiding over the fate of a BLACK BARBADIAN???
Will this happen as well when CHARLES HERBERT HAS HIS DAY IN COURT???”
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The Barbados Water Authority has activated it drought mitigation plan.
There is to be no watering of gardens lawns or grounds, there are restrictions on filling tanks, baths and swimming pools and there is to be no washing of roadways, pavements or vehicles
http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/240069/bwa-announces-measures-deal-drought
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@ Hants
What did you expect? Barbados is a water scarce island. Do we factor in this datum when we plan to build more hotels and expand our cruise ships calls? Do we have a handle on the 60% leakage from the distribution system? What about the revenue stream of BWA. Are all users metered?
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Is this why many questioned the decision to build a 50 million dollar BWA headquarters given the ageing network?
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@ Vincent Codrington,
Abrahams disclosed that the Barbados Water Authority has signed a contract with Ionics Freshwater Ltd to bolster the depleted water system.
https://barbadostoday.bb/2019/06/02/relief-coming-for-water-scarce-st-thomas/
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I have carefully examined my Land Tax bill, and I can not find a due date anywhere on the face of the bill..I see a column with “Current Tax Due”, “Credits”, “Amount if paid by 26 July 2019”, “Arrears”…and there is a sentence ..”Please note Interest is accrued at the beginning of each month where the account is in arrears”
“Please note a discount of 5% will be allowed if the tax is paid within a 60 day period from the date on this demand notice.”
The notice is dated 27th May 2019.
All well and good, so I don`t pay on July 27th 2019 to get the measly 5 % discount…..but nowhere does it say when the tax is actually due!
However, on the back of the bill, there is this: “Land Tax Act Cap A Sec 28 (3) A person who fails to pay tax before the expiration of the year in respect of which it is levied shall, (a) in addition to the Tax, pay to the Commissioner a Penalty of 5 % of the amount which was not paid, and
(b)In addition to the tax and the penalty imposed by paragraph (a) , pay to the Commissioner an amount as interest at the rate of 1 % per month calculated , for each month during which any amount of tax and penalty remained unpaid.”
I am not a lawyer or financial expert, but I take this to mean that I have up to Dec 31st 2019 to pay my Land Tax bill for 2019. If I can, I can pay it on the 27th July 2019 and get a 5% discount.
Also , I think they should update the message about “payment to the Commissioner” , as payments are now made to the BRA , not the Commissioner of Land Tax, as it was in prior years.
I hope this clarifies the land tax payment situation for some people.
I think Government has been not been very clear as to Taxpayers obligations in this regard. -
So it is more economical to desalinize water than to stem the leaks of fresh water from the system? And to contain
the increase in demand on the current supply? -
@Vincent
You will recall the mains replacement project was in limbo for many years because the BWA and BWU were unable to close a labour agreement. Our inability to efficiently manage and be strategic is a worry.
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@ Yatin at 8:10 PM
Very good points. Is the relevant year ending in December 31, 2019 0r March 31 2020? Does not the invoice have 2020 some where on it. Or is this hopeful thinking/seeing on my part?
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@David at 7:45
The English would call that having a fur coat but no knickers.
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Yatinkiteasy
On your statement that you have until Dec 31st 2019 to pay your land tax,I beg to differ .The Tax Demand Notice for Financial Year 2019-20 seem to indicate the year is fiscal 2019/20 and not calendar 2019.So it would appear that you should have up to March 31st 2020 to pay the full amount of land tax due, or face the penalties in accordance with Land Tax Act Cap 78A.
Maybe John can put us right. -
@ Gabriel at 8 :44 PM
Precisely my understanding. The only loss is the 5% discount and the disruption of previous cash flow plan. How ever ,given the rate of inflation, it maybe good economics to pay closer to March 31 2020.
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To Vincent and Gabriel..you may be right , but Im paying mine by Dec 31st 2019…just in case.
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Gabriel yes you have to march next year to pay it and not be subject to any penalties. I for one and many i spoke to, including 2 attorneys have said government can keep the discount and they will pay on March 29th. This is for 2 reasons one is to send a message and the second is in the event it is revised in terms of the ridiculous increases, they wouldnt suffer the same fate as those who rushed to pay the tax Sinkler added to the land tax and then withdrew.
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@ David Bu
I do share your concerns about the quality of general management and strategic planning in both the Public and Private sectors. It calls for more thinking and insightful use of information. Too many employees find this hard to do. Independence implies taking responsibility. No one wants to do that, because of fear of failure. Why is that so?
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Also as Vincent mentioned I would bet money that between now and March next year, with all the new taxes and increases that inflation will run in excess of the 5 percent you are getting as a discount.
In economics it therefore makes no financial advantage in shelling out payment today for such a small discount, when you can run to the wire and apply it to inflationary costs.
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Vincent
The old 10% incentive might have been the spur to pay early.The present economic climate,the rate of increase in the land tax,the one time increase in bus fares instead of a phased increase to cushion the shock,the omission to have a contribution from the current free riders,the huge increase in the sewage tax,the Sandals giveaway to be recouped by more taxation on middle income earners,the Corporate tax rate reduction to be picked up by middle income earners,the strategy of the OECD,the IMF and the World Bank to,pauperize third world countries for the benefit of the Massys,the AnsaMcAls and Pricemarts to buy the goods of the big US names in trade worldwide,is one big protection racket that is meant to keep al ‘o we poor isazz. -
“Prime Minister Mottley says the BWA’s revenue base must be preserved.
Ms. Mottley believes the BWA should have a foothold in the bottled water market.”
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Gabriel it would also pay if you have credit card debt or any liability in excess of 5%, to take the land tax money and pay it in and then deal with the land tax on March 29th.
Again this is based solely on economic principal.
At 10 percent it might of made sense but at 5 no way. It would not surprise me this year if inflation didn’t clip 8 percent. This based on all the new taxes, bus fares user fees and the jump in fuel costs, which incidentally went up by 8 cents more today
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The other thing that is going to help push inflation this year is the tariffs Trump has placed on Chinese imports to the USA. Alot of what we buy out the USA is either Chinese, or has a sizeable portion of Chinese input in them. Remember the last round of tariffs would not yet of hit the US Warehouse floors.
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@ Gabriel
@ John A
I concur. The tax impositions have come fast and furious. Would you believe that VAT was designed as a blanket tax to eliminate these varieties of taxes? The VAT collection system broke down and instead of fixing it, they invented these multiplicities of collections with no real net increase in revenues.
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Vincent and we keep creating new taxes so that they hopefully will capture a few scraps that fell off the table of other taxes.
Lord when I read that back it sounds more ludicrous than when i thought of it. Lol
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@ Vincent
@ John ALet us forget about land tax for a minute (what really concerns me about the land tax and land registry is the apparent illegal changing of names on official documents by people who have access to these documents. That is why they should be computerised so we could have a trail) but that is another matter.
On economics alone, how can increased taxation, widespread redundancies and a reduction in government spending lead to growth? If the answer is yes, it can, then we have discovered a new macroeconomic theory. -
What a generalization.
The minister of labour stated last week about 1000 workers have been retrenched as part of rationalization exercise so far.
The former government was printing up to 50 million dollars a month – running a high deficit. The printing of money has stopped. As part of IMF arrangement there are expenditure /primary targets which have to be met. Dr. Mascoll has explained that government has redistributed taxation- middle class will see a tax ease in personal income tax from next month, removal of vehicle road tax, reinstatement of so-called free tertiary education, reversed tax credits etc to name a few initiatives.
The strategy was to stabilize the economy a prerequisite for growth. The minister last week mentioned projects in the pipeline and a few being implemented.
All of this information is in the public domain. What we need is robust independent analysis from the BES, Cave Hill and NGO groups to inform the public about the effectiveness of BERT and progress on KPIs.
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David to give $5 in savings to people in the left hand and take back $ 8 from their right hand does not equate to any net saving to taxpayers. It’s just good PR.
For the give backs to be worth anything to you and me the budget would have to of been tax neutral which it wasn’t. Anytime after a few so called give backs you end up with a case where post budget, more taxes will be collected than pre budget, the net effect would negate any give backs.
All this budget did was shift the economy from depending on indirect taxation to direct taxation, while at the same time taking more liquidity out of a stagnant economy that it badly needed for growth. If you go back and check any budget that was followed by economic growth, you will see that only occurred where the budget was tax neutral or slightly less tax was collected by state post budget as Arthur in the early 2000’s did.
But the IMF demands must be met at all cost so what’s the point of appearing surprised this has changed.
Finally remember the middle class who on paper were given an ease in their tax band and would of seen roughly $200 a month more in their hand, they got hit the hardest in land tax with properties between $450K – $850k going up a whopping 56%! The $200 a month they got just went up in smoke with their land tax bill in one shot..
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@John
What are the alternatives?
Continue to print money?
How does the government cut expenditure to reduce the deficit? Continue to meet the IMF targets to guarantee the balance of payment support?
Decisions being taken must be seen in context of the macro economic state.
We are all ears.
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A property valued at $1.2 million was taxed at $4275 last year, with a 10% deduction if paid by Oct 24th 2018, so a net amount of $3847.50…The 2019/2020 Tax bill is now $6600, with a 5% reduction if paid by July 26th 2019, or a net amount of $6270..The increase is therefore $2422.50, or 63%, so Mr Andrew Mallalieu can kiss my nose!
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@ John A
I have decided not to get in to arguments with economic illiterates. All it means is we go round and round in circles. They must explain how can an increase in taxation, large-scale redundancies and a cut back in government spending lead to growth? Cut out the usual waffle and argue the facts. Tell us where the growth is going to come from. This belief is ideological, not economic; it is also a memory lapse.
Most people forget that most of the developments that took place in Barbados between the end of the Second World War and 1966 were driven by the state, the very state that the preachers of austerity now want to cut back. Barrow’s much celebrated ‘free’ secondary education was/is built on the state.
The disciples of austerity still have not told us how Quantitative Easing, or wider fiscal stimulus, has failed? They still have not explained how austerity can be a route to growth. Of course, none of the pain of austerity falls on the middle class professionals and their political mates. So it is OK then. -
@ John A
By the way, what is economically wrong with printing money?
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It pressures the forex reserves and masks a system problem of a bloated public sector and SOEs.
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It pressures the forex reserves and masks a system problem of a bloated public sector and SOEs.(Quote)
What is this in plain English and what does it mean in economic terms?
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@ David Bu at 9:32 AM
David you are not” all ears” . You are (bad word) HARD EARS!!
Are you not reading John A and Hal?
The taxation policies are sucking liquidity out of the system as well as frightening away foreign investors and prospective lenders.
Current misconceived ” activities” are meeting “second guessed” targets that make no contact with the fundamental problems that affect Barbados economic recovery. -
@ Vincent
Many thanks. While you are at it, can you plse get HARD EARS to explain the purpose of foreign reserves. Let us make this Macroeconomics 101 and get away from the bizarre mantra once and for all of foreign reserves.
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@ David Bu at 10 :28 AM
What is a bloated Public Sector in a Mixed Economy that the Private sector relies on to kick start every major post WW ll development in Barbados?
You need to walk away from the Kool Aid dispenser. -
David I don’t know what else I can add. I tried explaining the point using economic reality and response to taxation in a stagnant economy. I can’t alter facts that are there or try to deflect the out fall from it. They are basic economic realities as a result of actions that I can’t alter or find facts to support.
Don’t get me wrong if others can find them and share them I am willing to debate them, using facts and proven economic practice of course.
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“It pressures the forex reserves and masks a system problem of a bloated public sector and SOEs.”
David
The former DLP administration, although admitting to the “problem of a bloated public sector and SOEs,” even after retrenching over 3,000 central and quasi government employees, continued printing money to pay salaries and wages.
Are you suggesting government’s printing money to pay a bloated civil service, was not the best way to solve the problem, but essentially “masked” it………and the problem remained?
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@ Hal at 10: 59 AM
“mantra”. What an apt description! I think the users of mantras need to look around to ensure that they are in a church rather than a temple; and that they are practicing the same religion.
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@ Vincent
Most of the discussion is one oblivious of recent economic history. Remember the 2011 debt ceiling stand off in the US which was meant to save US$2.1trn over a decade, and in the process, re-assure the foreign investors. It led to lower growth and a weak stock market. In that year the US was also downgraded by S&P from its triple AAA ratings.
Remember the crisis with Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain (the PIIGS)? They were all forced to introduced tough austerity measures, but Portuguese debt to GDP ratio jumped from 62 per cent in 2006 to 108 per cent in 2012; Ireland’s rose from 24.8 per cent in 2007, to 106.4 per cent in 2012; and in Greece, debt to GDP rose from 106 per cent in 2007, to 170 per cent in 2012.
@ Vincent, I can go on, but who on BU cares? Interestingly, despite the many speeches and press conferences, the Barbados economy is underreported. Plse remind me of the bond yields since May of last year.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.