Recent changes to the income tax act relating to transfers of immovable property

Abstract

Throughout the years, Malta has undergone a number of changes in relation to transfers of immovable property. This is the main area of regulation in Malta, since it is deemed to be one of the main assets of the Maltese islands. Therefore, there always tends to be a shift in this legislation every time there is a budget. The Budget Speech for 2015 brought about a major overhaul relating to such transfers. It has introduced a mandatory final tax system on all property transfers. Hence, the aim is to analyse how this change will impact the local scenario in a number of sectors; mainly, the profession and the property market. In order to gather sufficient data to be able to arrive at a conclusion, semi-structured interviews were held with tax practitioners, notaries, the Inland Revenue Department and Real Estate Agents. From compiling the findings together, it can be said that this new introduction to the tax system has its advantages and disadvantages. It has affected the whole of Malta, but there have been those who have gained from its implementation, as well as those who have lost out. Though, that is to be expected, there will never be a system in place that would be favourable to everyone. Though, this is just a period of settling down and getting acquainted with the new system. As a conclusion, it is still in its initial implementation stages and professionals are not too comfortable with it. There may be certain issues that could be arranged to better facilitate the market and its users. The value of this study lies in analysing a new property tax system. Seeing that it has only been over a year of its implementation, future references can also be taken, in comparing the impact that this new system will have on the market at present and in the future. Also, taking into consideration how further legal adjustments would impact this initial implementation.