BRITS POS – BRITS - Madibeng has gone crazy with property tax charges with their revaluation of properties, as many municipalities throughout South Africa got away with, as property owners do not take the time to investigate by how much their property tax will increase.
That is not the only increase as it excludes the annual inflation-related increases on top of this over the following years.
The valuation roll is specific to each property and based on Madibeng’s own assumptions and processes. In an interview with Cllr Eugene van der Schyff, he said that on 11 April he informed property owners about the Section 189 that had been published by Madibeng Local Municipality with the revaluation of property and increase in property tax.
“I also informed residents of Elandsrand that objections to the valuation roll closes on 31 May. On 10 May, I posted an example of the effect the property valuation will have on you and the objection process.”
Residents were invited to a budget public participation process in May and only 25 people attended.
Property values in Elandsrand were increased between 48 and 65.6%. “Another reminder of the effect the property revaluation plus the tax rate increase will have on your pocket:
If you currently pay for example R1000 per month, it will change as follows:
Current property tax of R1000
+ add revaluation of 48% (the lowest increase for resident owners in Elandsrand.)
(See on your account what you are actually paying).
Add revaluation of 48% and remember it could be as high as 65.6%:
R480
New tax:
R1 480
Add tax rate increase of 4.9%:
R72.52
New monthly tax:
R1552.52 per month.
You have until 31 May to lodge an objection.
“The 4.9% tax rate increase is fair and acceptable. The revaluation is ridiculous. You have now been properly informed again – take action.
“The saying goes: ‘You can take a horse to the water, but you can’t force it to drink’. This is in your own hands now,” Van der Schyff concludes. (Image: Fitzanne Estates)
