Inland Revenue Department (IRD) reveals Vincentians hold a debt of $40 million in unsettled property taxes. This stagnancy has led to a significant drop in the island’s primary revenue flow and risks destabilizing the national economy. The country’s government has expressed serious concerns regarding the heightening overdue amount, predicting drastic consequences on the national budget.
The recipient of these taxes, IRD, has been observing a consistent decrease in tax payments over time that directly impacts the government’s capability to fund public services and investments. It’s alarming that many Vincentians remain ignorant of the severity of the situation, continuously evading their tax responsibilities which could potentially aggravate the nation’s economy.
IRD now takes stringent steps to enlighten the public and enhance tax compliance, incorporating stricter measures to retrieve this substantial amount of outstanding tax payment. The situation emphasizes the crucial role of every citizen in maintaining their nation’s economic stability by fulfilling their tax obligations promptly.
The considerable debt is primarily due to the failure of house and business owners to pay their annual property tax dues. This neglect leads to the accumulation of debt and financial instability, thereby straining the local government since it relies heavily on the revenue generated from these taxes to maintain public infrastructure and safety services.
In an API interview, the IRD Comptroller, Kelvin Pompey, revealed plans to enforce stricter compliance regulations from April 1, 2024, specifically targeting individuals and business owners lagging in their property tax payments. He further emphasized that the intention behind these severe compliance measures is to ensure every taxpayer is treated equitably, and everyone contributes their fair share.
For consistent non-compliance, there could be dire consequences such as wage garnishment, seizing rental incomes, and potentially, personal assets of directors and primary officers could be impounded. It is thus critical to adhere to regulations and compliance norms to avert such severe outcomes.
However, these extreme measures will only be a last resort. Pompey underscores the need for voluntary compliance, expressing that the department’s preference is to foster cooperation and shared responsibility rather than resort to punitive actions. Yet, it is clear that necessary actions will be taken to protect public health.
Pompey urged those with outstanding property taxes to communicate with the IRD to find ways of returning to good standing. Incentives for cooperation may include waiving interest or offering adjustable payment plans as the IRD aims to help Vincentians resolve their tax debt quickly and evade punitive action.
