May 4, 2023, 4:28 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Property owners who have submitted their property tax declaration on time are now waiting for the notice from the tax office. What to consider if you notice errors and what latecomers should know can be read here.
The tax office is gradually sending out property tax notices to owners. These notices should definitely be checked thoroughly and as quickly as possible. This is advised by the Schleswig-Holstein Bar Association. If there are doubts or errors, owners should file an objection. This can be done in writing. Generally, you can send a letter or an email to the tax office that issued the notice. The deadline for this is one month after receiving the notice. If owners discover disadvantageous errors later, corrections are only possible in exceptional cases.
Common Errors in Property Tax Notices
According to experts, possible errors occur with standard land values that property owners have taken from state portals. They are repeatedly too high. This can happen, for example, if unusable land is recorded as building land. The future amount of property tax is still uncertain. According to experts, unpleasant surprises could be caused by the assessment rates, which each municipality determines individually.
According to the Ministry of Finance, it will likely take until fall 2024 for the specific amount of future property tax to be determined for most taxpayers.
Also of interest: Is it sensible to buy a plot of land in advance?
Submission Deadline Has Passed–What Property Owners Should Consider
The property tax declaration could be submitted until the end of January. Those who have not yet submitted it should not take any risks and should apply for an extension, experts advise. Otherwise, late fees may now be incurred. Although tax administrations have generally refrained from imposing sanctions so far, according to experts, they could impose a fine after a corresponding warning.
Additionally, if owners do not submit a declaration, the tax office is allowed to estimate the tax base itself. This is usually disadvantageous for those affected. The prerequisites for granting an individual extension are valid and excusable reasons, such as a prolonged illness or problems obtaining documents.
With material from dpa