Imogen Calderwood
A GROUP of Chiclana expats claim they are being ripped off by the town hall’s calculations of property tax.
The association, IBI Real, insist that many families in the area are being charged too much IBI – similar to council tax in the UK.
They are insisting that the town hall conducts a review of all properties to ensure the tax charged – based on property value – properly reflects the nationwide housing price collapse.
A key factor taken into account by the town hall when calculating IBI is whether the property is on rural or urban land.
IBI Real insists that too many properties are being charged at the higher urban rate.
Bill Davie, a leading member of the group told the Olive Press: “People should only be charged the ‘urbano’ rate if they receive council provided utilities.
“The remainder, which would probably apply to the majority of properties, should be charged the ‘rustico’ rate.”
He added: “IBI Real can improve things for all expats if it can succeed in persuading the council to acknowledge that IBI must be fairly charged.”
Although only formed in October 2013, IBI Real has already attracted attention from both Spaniards and expats.
The latest initiative of IBI is a travelling outdoor office in the Chiclana area, to help people fill out forms and demand a refund where they have been overcharged.
IBI has stayed static or even risen during a period when Spain’s property prices have plummeted. The services offered by most rural councils are appalling in the extreme. Yet another scam from a scammy country with zero ethics.
a gov that is very out of touch with its people
IBI Real is a Spanish organisation which welcomes expats to join its ranks, although it is primarily Spanish speaking It is currently contesting the unfairness of IBI rates with the council. The inaugural outdoor office surgery will be held in Plaza de las Bodegas (the square outside the indoor market)in Chiclana on Friday 18 July 2014 starting at 0930. A press conference is due to be held at 1130hrs. Assistance (in English) will be available for people to complete a form (to be sent to the Chiclana Council) which will request that the appropriate band of IBI (Rustico or Urbano)be applied to their property (Catastral property reference will be required). At the same time, people will be asked to sign a petition which will demand that the council conducts a full review of properties to ensure that, where appropriate, the Rustico (and not Urbano) rate is charged. This will cost nothing but your time and will send an important message to the council that IBI bandings must accurately reflect the location of your property, and therefore your access to council provided services and utilities.
Is it only the expats being overcharged, or are Spanish being charged too much too?
I am suprised that anyone is suprised they are getting ripped of by Chiclana Council as it seems to be a tradition of theirs.
They are trying to get me to pay for a property that I do not even own. I said if they think I own it can I sell it? No it is not your home so you cant sell it but you must pay the tax. I am not even sure where the said property is. It is a good job I have a sense of humour.
IBI must be paid even in your house is made retrospectively illegal and you are ordered to stay out of it and/or have all services cut off. Welcome to Spain.
@christine: yes, the spanish get ripped off too. But BIG culture difference is the Brits will complain officially – write letters, form organisations. the Spaniards will complain to each other (over tapas) and NOT do anything else.
Thankfully times are changing. the organisation above. another similar to Which magazine. And other ‘watchdog’ organisations are appearing and succeeding.