ARREARS OF LAND TAX

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1925, Page 1

ARREARS OF LAND TAX

CASKS OF HARDSHIP. WELLINGTON. Ahm-h 24. A subject that has come into prominence lately was brought before Sir Francis Bell (Attorney-General) by a deputation which debated the hardships arising from the enforcement of Repayment of arrears of land-tax on purchasers who knew nothing about the previous owners being in default. As a typical instance, Air A. L. Mon. teitli, ALP., mentioned that one of his constituents who find bought a property three years ago had been solved with a notice claiming arrears since 1011.

Sir Francis Bell pointed out that a purchaser had to find out if rales were due, and the same principle applied to land-tax, except that the Statute of Limitations did not apply to the Government, whereas if did to rates. Air Alontcith said no claims had been made fill the. passing of last year’s Act. The .Minister said big people as well as small were affected, and the Government was being asked to remit thousands. What had happened was that a. company had formed a. land syndicate for speculation purposes, but it did not pay its land-tax, and would not apply to have its valuation reduced, because that would affect sales. Complaint was subsequently made by the mortgagees that arrears of land-tax were being charged at a rate in excess of tho real value of the laud, and they asked for the valuations to ho reduced. In the ease of small people who found themselves subject to arrears provision ought to he made next session. “ We will take power to do that.” added Sir Francis. “ You know that I keep my promises. (Hoar, hear.) f will take power for tiie Commissioner to release any ease where it is obvious that the person would he under hardship were lie called upon lo pay.”