3/19/2010 11:33:00 AM Stamp duty e-mails a hoax, says Tax Commissioner
Office of the Tax Commissioner
FRIDAY, MAR. 19: The Office of the Tax Commissioner said today the public should ignore misleading and unofficial e-mails currently in circulation that give inaccurate information regarding the exemption from payment of stamp duty for a primary family homestead.
A spokesman from the Office of the Tax Commissioner said two such emails had recently come to their attention and one email actually has 'Office of the Tax Commissioner' at the bottom of the message.
The origin of the emails is unknown but the public should be aware that neither of the messages were authorized by the Office of the Tax Commissioner and the content of the e-mails does not represent the policies and procedures of the Tax Commissioner.
The Office of the Tax Commissioner said contrary to the claims in the emails, there is no closing date or deadline for individuals to submit applications in order to obtain the designation of primary family homestead. Any residential property designated as the primary family homestead is exempt from stamp duty which would otherwise be payable upon the death of an owner.
The Office of the Tax Commissioner wishes to reassure individuals that they may continue to submit applications as normal and applications will continue to be processed as normal.
Individuals who need further clarification should contact the Office of the Tax Commissioner.
