Land tax defaulters reach out to BRA in 11th-hour effort to save properties

Property owners who owe land tax sought to avert the sale of their properties as the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) announced it would start auctioning 27 properties this week to recover the outstanding debt.

BRA announced in a press release on Tuesday that the properties would go on the auction block on Wednesday and Friday, in response to land tax non-compliance of up to ten years. The auctions follow a ‘Notice of Sale’ advertisement issued by BRA on November 12, for 44 properties with outstanding land tax of over $12.4 million.

However, in a brief notice issued later, BRA indicated that some property owners had approached the agency to pay their debt.

“At current, there are 27 properties on the auction list but as some owners have contacted the Authority today to clear their arrears, some may come off the list by the start of the auction tomorrow morning,” it said.

In the earlier statement, Revenue Commissioner Louisa Lewis-Ward urged property owners who owe land tax to address their arrears or ensure they communicate with the BRA to avoid their properties going on a ‘Notice of Sale’ list.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic still has lingering impacts on our economy, affecting households and businesses. The auctions are a last resort. However, in addition to the annual tax demand notices, we sent correspondence detailing land tax arrears to property owners to ensure they know their amounts owed and the payment plans available.

“Taxpayers can also go on to the new land tax portal at bra.gov.bb to view their accounts and make partial, periodic and full payments,” she said

She further urged people having challenges with bringing their land tax accounts up to date, whether financial or otherwise, to reach out to the BRA to make an official arrangement to settle their obligations.

The auctions will take place at the Sky Mall Seminar Room, Sky Mall, at 9:30 a.m. on both days. (BT)