Authorities Want To Start Levying Tax On First Apartment From Belarusians

They want to introduce changes in property tax starting from 2022.

Belarus wants to introduce significant changes in the land tax and real estate tax. The first one is that a tax for the first apartment or house may appear (only people with benefits will not pay such tax). Now such a fee from individuals is charged only for the second and subsequent housing. The second possible innovation - beneficiaries who own several properties will not be able to choose, for which one they will pay tax and for which one they will not. These and other innovations are provided in the draft amendments to the Tax Code. Zerkalo.io looked at what kind of changes could be introduced for the Belarusians in the property tax.

How we pay property tax now

There is no real estate tax now for the first apartment, but for the next apartments - yes, it is 0.2% of the value of such premises.

Real estate tax rates may be increased or decreased by decisions of local councils of deputies (by no more than half).

What do they want to change

Officials want to introduce a real estate tax and for the first apartment - 0.2% of the value. An exception would be made only for those with benefits, including pensioners and people with disabilities. For the latter they also want to introduce an innovation. As it's planned, they won't have to pay for the apartment, the tax base of which is higher than the taxable value. Now beneficiaries can choose for which accommodation they want to pay tax and which they don't, if they own more than one apartment.

They want to introduce changes to property tax in 2022