(From right to left in the photo) Bao Razafimahefa, secretary general of CUA, Benoit Lucien Razafimandimby, financial director general, Tony Rabarison, head of revenue service. Property tax on built properties (IFPB) has decreased for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. "The reduction ranges between 30% and 70%, depending on several criteria, such as the property's surface area, its geographical location, and its occupancy status (whether rented or owner-occupied)," explains Tony Rabarison, head of the revenue service at the Urban Municipality of Antananarivo (CUA), yesterday, during the launch of the "IFPB Month". The tax amount was adjusted thanks to a downward revision of rental value. "In 2021-2022, the amounts shown on tax notices were very high, which caused numerous complaints. At that time, the municipality proceeded through reductions or tax relief, but this time, it is the base value used to calculate the tax that has been directly revised," explained financial director Benoît Lucien Razafimandimby. Fair Amount. The municipality hopes this tax relief will encourage citizens to fulfill their obligations. "It was the excessive tax amount that discouraged taxpayers. Now, everyone will pay a fair and equitable amount, which should encourage the population to come settle their taxes," he added. The collection rate remains very low. Out of a total of 200,000 registered homes, only 33,000 properties have paid this tax, barely 15% of taxpayers, according to Tony Rabarison. Faced with weak tax revenues, the municipality finds itself unable to fully assume its public service duties and must settle for covering operating expenses. It has not been able to carry out road work or install public lighting. Taxpayers have one month to pay this tax at the counters of the six districts of the capital. The CUA reiterates its call for fiscal responsibility. "This tax is essential to realize the development vision of Antananarivo. It is thanks to these revenues that the city will be able to finance infrastructure work, sanitation, reorganization and monitoring of urban development," recalled the secretary general of the CUA. Miangaly Ralitera