Local Taxes In Romanian Capital To Rise 15% As Of 2010

Inhabitants of Romania's capital, Bucharest, may pay 15% higher local taxes in 2010, up to 15.49% more for buildings, depending on their location and the materials they are made up of, according to a City draft law.

The City of Bucharest has submitted to public opinion a draft law on local taxes, which implements Government Decision no. 956/2009. Taxes on buildings and land are different in Bucharest depending on their location, age, or building materials.

City Council officials said taxes will rise by an average of 15%, and by up to 15.49% in the case of buildings. Therefore, the owner of a studio apartment located in the center of Bucharest will pay RON93 (EUR1=RON4.2940) in 2010, up from RON83 in 2009.

In the case of land plots located inside the city, taxes will rise by 8 to 14%, depending on the location. According to the draft law, taxes on plots located on the city's outskirts will rise by 8%.

Before developing the draft decision, Bucharest City Economic Department representative talked with officials of the local tax departments of the city's six sectors.

Certain taxes will remain unchanged, such as the fee for the issue of authorizations for public food companies and fees paid by cars transporting goods through Bucharest.

The draft decision will also increase fines collected for failing to declare gaining ownership of property or doing so late.

People who pay the entire tax amount by March 31, 2010 will receive a 7% discount.

The draft decision has been published on the City Council's website and will be available for public discussion until October 22.

mediafax.ro