Javea property owners to get IBI reduction

Following many readers in Javea questioning whether they would be able to claim refunds of overpaid tax dating back to 2006, Benny Davis puts the question to Deputy Mayor Oscar Anton.

THE EWN recently published a report from Javea Deputy Mayor Oscar Anton, announcing that as from January 2013, council tax (IBI) will be reduced by up to 50 per cent.

This windfall for Javea property owners was a direct result of a protracted legal battle during which Javea town hall challenged the General Directorate of Land Registry over inflated cadastral values adopted in 2006 at the height of the property boom period, against the more realistic 1995 valuations which is more in line with today’s market.

While welcoming the good news, many readers questioned whether they would be able to claim refunds of overpaid tax dating back to 2006. “The city has no legal right to claim against the General Directorate of Cadastre on behalf of Javea property owners; this must remain the responsibility of the individuals,” says Anton. “However, the council will assist in any way they can.

“The years to claim for are 2006 to 2011 and your claim form must be officially registered and accepted before April 2013.” City hall lawyer, Professor Don Juan Queralt, has produced a special claim form for public use which can either be dropped off at the town hall, or sent directly to General Directorate of Cadastre of Alicante via e Administration certificate, Calle Reyes, Catolicos 39, Alicante 03003.

“If you need help with the Spanish translation, our help desk in Portal del Clot, Av Amanecer 2, will assist you in completing the form,” says Anton. “Should you not be able to recover all your old IBI bills to make the claim, our offices can supply you with these details.

“We will help you in every way we can to recover your overpaid tax. “Should the Directorate eventually fail to cooperate, and the matter is referred to the courts, Javea town council will consider giving legal cover for litigation. “Just to remind all property owners that any claims made against the council and not the land registry will be dismissed for reasons reported on the SUM website.”