12 August 2014
A public consultation has been launched to gather Islanders’ views on Jersey’s property tax system.
The Property Tax Review consultation was published alongside the Draft Budget Statement 2015.
The review aims to ensure that Jersey’s property tax system is joined-up, balanced and has no unintended consequences, while also supporting the States strategic objectives.
Treasury and Resources Minister Senator Philip Ozouf said a well-functioning housing market was fundamental to Jersey’s economic and social future and that an effective property tax system could play a key part in that.
“The guiding purpose of this review and consultation is to identify principles which will shape a coherent property tax system,” he said.
In identifying these principles, Treasury and Resources sought independent advice from international tax experts who have provided an economic overview of the latest economic thinking on property taxes and outlined a series of potential changes that could be considered here.
“We need to know what Islanders think of the principles for a modern system which have been outlined for discussion in the consultation paper. We would also like to hear their views on the examples of changes that could be made.
“Fundamental changes to the way we tax property will take time and we understand that some of the issues raised in this consultation may provoke strong reactions. This review is the first step on the road to reforming our system. I would like to reassure Islanders that the primary purpose of this review is not to raise additional revenue, but rather to ensure that Jersey’s property tax system is put on a sound footing. I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to contribute to the development of policy in this important area.”
As well as being able to respond directly to the questions posed in the consultation paper, Islanders will have the opportunity to join independently run focus groups on the topics raised and public meetings will also be held later in the year. Details of both will be issued in due course.
Property Tax Review consultation
gov.je