The Ministry of Finance proposes to the Government not to approve the idea of MP Eimantas Kirkutis to abolish the tax relief for land plots owned by disabled residents, pensioners, and minors, who are currently exempt from land tax, if their plot is neglected and abandoned – overgrown with uncut grass, bushes, forced with garbage, with dilapidated structures.
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The Government’s conclusions have been requested by the Seimas, as it began considering amendments to the Land Tax Law, tightening the relief for some socially vulnerable people.
According to the ministry, this relief is related to international practice and state priorities.
“The goal of the project – to encourage the maintenance of abandoned land plots – can be achieved by other means not related to limiting tax relief,” the ministry’s conclusion states, according to which a draft Government verdict is being prepared on this issue.
According to the ministry, municipalities, in order to encourage landowners to tidy up abandoned plots, can impose fines.
Meanwhile, the Association of Municipalities says that the land tax relief intended for socially sensitive or vulnerable persons should be abolished: “The vast majority of municipalities agree.”
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The Association says that abolishing the relief would create additional opportunities for municipalities to more effectively address the problem of abandoned land plots.
“Practice shows that administrative enforcement measures (warnings, fines) are usually ineffective: processes drag on, offenders are difficult to identify or punish, and fines do not cover the costs incurred by the municipality,” the association claims.
According to it, the relief should not become a cover allowing tolerance of environmental neglect, unsanitary conditions, or fire hazards that pose a threat to neighbors.
“Belonging to a vulnerable social group should not exempt from the duty to take care of one’s property so that it does not harm others,” the association’s letter emphasizes, signed by Deputy Director Aleksandras Tiaškevičius.
Currently, the land tax ranges from 0.01 to 4 percent of its taxable value. The specific rate is set by the municipal council.
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