Sir, – Many commentators are getting very exercised about the introduction of a property tax, but I do not know why the Irish State should be one of the very few in the world not to have a property tax.
Here in British Columbia property taxes pay for city services such as roads, street lighting, garbage collection, water, sewer, the regional hospital, the library, schools, recreational facilities such as ice arenas, swimming pools, baseball diamonds, and parks.
The taxes are levied on the value of the property, which is calculated based on the sale price of similar properties in the area. This assessment is carried out yearly to take into account rises or falls in the property market. There is an appeals procedure for any home-owner who disagrees with his assessment. However, failure to pay the property taxes on the due date can result in the property being seized by the taxing authority and sold by public auction for the amount of taxes owing.
For example, my three-storey house, which is valued at just under $300,000, is subject to a property tax of $192 per month. This can be paid by monthly instalments (automatic withdrawals) or as a lump sum due every July 4th.
There is also a grant system which reduces taxes somewhat for the owner-occupier and for those over the age of 65.
Property taxes give the taxpayer a feeling that he has some say in how the money is spent as he can see on a daily basis the standard of service he is paying for, and of course there is always retribution for failing politicians at the annual local government elections It’s a system that works. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – The IFA comment on property tax taking account of the public services supposedly available free in urban regions is no longer valid. Since virtually all utilities and “public services” are now paid for by individual households whether in rural areas or in towns and cities, then there should be in no way any consideration given to mythical free services.
All households will soon be paying for all services, and any proposed property tax should not factor in the prejudice against town dwellers in the way the IFA propose. – Yours, etc,