M&CC extends amnesty to defaulting taxpayers

Aug 26, 2015 News

The Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC) of Georgetown is once again giving defaulting taxpayers an opportunity to honour their civic obligation and pay their rates and taxes, interest-free.
Over the years, delinquent taxpayers have been responsible for the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars of council’s revenue.
Ever since, officials of City Hall have extended the waiver on taxes to citizens with the hope that it would lead to the collection of much needed revenue, and alleviate municipality’s burden in fulfilling its numerous financial obligations.
There has been a number of amnesty programmes aimed at encouraging defaulting property owners in the city to pay their dues.

M&CC Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis

According to Debra Lewis, M&CC Public Relations Officer, this year’s amnesty will be granted from September 1- 30.
Lewis noted that while residential properties will receive 100% amnesty on interest, companies and businesses must apply to the council for between 50% to 75% amnesty on tax interest.
“Property owners are advised to check with the City Treasurer’s Department so that they can be guided on the use of the facility offered,” she explained, adding that the council has taken into consideration the socio-economic issues of citizens in Georgetown, which can affect their ability to honour their civic obligation.
“Also, the Council is cognisant of the fact that many of the property owners are pensioners and retired public servants,” Lewis added.
The Public Relations Officer reiterated that all properties used solely for public religious worship, those properties used exclusively for the purpose of education, burial grounds, cemeteries or crematoriums are also exempted from paying property taxes to the council.