Property Tax
Property Tax is an important source of revenue for the government of Anguilla and must be paid by all Anguillians and residents who own property in Anguilla. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is writing to you today to share information on Property Tax.
Property Tax was reformed in 2016 in order to modernize and align our country with the best practices observed in the region and the world. This resulted in a much needed increase in revenue and compliance. Compliance continued to increase during the recovery of Hurricane Irma, demonstrating that Anguillians are keen to contribute when a fair and efficient system is in place.
IRD is still facing certain challenges as we have moved to new offices and finishing up, as all Anguillians, the tedious work following Hurricane Irma. However, we are pleased with our progress on numerous fronts, namely addressing the received objections and the known registration issues.
Property owners who believe the value of their property is incorrect can file an objection request directly at IRD. Valuation Officers may be required to perform site visits to assess building characteristics and review its value. We appreciate your continuous cooperation during these visits by allowing our staff to complete the assessment of your property.
IRD is working diligently to ensure that all properties are justly valued in relation to each other, that the data on properties and owners are up to date and to increase collections and compliance. The Department is working closely with various Government Departments, such as Lands and Surveys and Physical Planning, by tracking building permit approvals and updates to the land register as triggers to assess new properties and value changes to existing ones. Information is also exchanged with the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC) to know when a new property receives electricity.
The Government of Anguilla understands that some Anguillians are struggling to pay property tax including the elderly. A reduction of EC$250,000 is given to a single building owned by Belongers over 65 years of age. This equates to a maximum deduction of EC$750 on their property tax bill. This reduction applies to ONE residential building. Other residential buildings will continue to benefit from the reductions of EC$50,000. Individuals who qualify for the Senior Exemption are required to visit the Property Tax Unit at the Inland Revenue Department and provide proof of age (photo ID), proof of ownership of property and citizenship.
It is important to note that there is a minimum taxable amount of EC$250 for all residential building which applies for all property owners, including persons 65 years of age and older. A minimum taxable amount of EC$500 applies to other properties.
This year, to encourage compliance and early payment of bills, all customers receive 10% discount if their Demand Notice is paid in full (in a single payment) including any arrears by 1st June 2019. The 10% discount will apply to the total of arrears and the 2019 tax.
Property tax bills were mailed between 25th to 30th of April, 2019 and can be paid in two instalments. The first instalment is due on 1st June 2019 and the second instalment on 1st December 2019. Customers can also speak to a staff member at the Inland Revenue Department about starting a monthly payment plan, or about setting up a standing order with their banks for payments. Interest will be charged on late payments and arrears.
Some properties are exempt from property tax. These include property in the name of the crown or government agency, or in the name of a religious body if it is used primarily for religious worship, education or activities. Burial grounds and public cemeteries are also exempt. Properties registered to the National Trust or registered for charitable purposes may also be exempt.
The IRD and Customs are the Government’s main revenue collection agencies and play a mission-critical role in helping Anguilla to achieve its revenue targets. Property Tax is an important revenue source for Anguilla. As a country, our goal is to pay our own way. The collected revenue allows the Government of Anguilla to provide services to the public such as schools, health care, security and often overlooked, but necessary and unavoidable, expenses such as trash collection and road maintenance.
If you have not received a property tax bill for 2019, we encourage you to visit us so that we may update your registration records. The customer shares responsibility in ensuring that the contact information is up to date and we appreciate your visit in helping us do so. Thanks are extended to all law-abiding citizens who continue to pay their property tax annually.
During the last year, the Department has been committed to a monthly “IRD For You”, Radio Programme, and Tax Column in The Anguillian also called “IRD For You” to boost awareness. We also have an active Facebook page with regular updates on all obligations and news from IRD. Like and share @AnguillaIRD. We are continuously improving our communication with you and appreciate your positive reactions and encouragement in these efforts!
Persons who have any concerns about their property tax bills are encouraged to contact IRD at (264) 497-8334, email us at inlandrevenue@gov.ai or visit the Office at our new location in the former NBA Building (ground floor, main entrance). The Department looks forward continual increases in compliance for Property Tax in 2019 and in the years to come.
