Isle Of Man Apologises For Charity Rates Error

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

22 April 2011

The Isle of Man Treasury has confirmed that some 2011-12 property tax demands sent to charities have been issued without reductions allowed due to their charitable status, and has apologised for any confusion and inconvenience caused by this error.

The Treasury said it would contact all affected charities directly. Where there are errors, demands will be cancelled and reissued and any overpayments made by charities will be refunded.

The government said that Treasury officers are committed to attaining high standards of accuracy and are investigating the circumstances in which this issue arose.

In accordance with the Rating and Valuation Act 1953, certain charities and religious groups are exempted from property taxes (rates) charged by local authority Commissioners and Burial Authorities, however for rates demands recently issued, not all of these exemptions have been applied.

This issue has only affected charities who receive rate demands issued by the Treasury and who are entitled to the exemptions allowed under the Rating and Valuation Acts. It has not affected individual property owners or businesses.

Recommended