Revealing the Truth Behind Denmark’s New Property Tax System
A Closer Look at the Claims
- Former tax minister Jeppe Bruus asserted that four out of five Danish homeowners would experience a tax reduction starting January 1st when the new property tax system took effect.
- This claim has been a cornerstone in defending the controversial property valuations.
- However, the Ministry of Taxation has failed to provide evidence to support this assertion, despite inquiries from DR News for over a year.
Lack of Documentation Raises Concerns
- The Ombudsman has stated that the Ministry of Taxation cannot substantiate its claim.
- The size of property taxes is crucial for many citizens, and the assertion that ‘4 out of 5 will receive a tax cut in 2024’ has become a central message in the ministry’s communication with homeowners.
- The Ombudsman has criticized the ministry for not ensuring documentation for such a significant statement.
Undermining Trust in Public Institutions
- The Ministry of Taxation claimed to have calculations based on data from Statistics Denmark, but no documents with these calculations have been provided.
- The Ombudsman emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public statements to maintain public trust.
Discrepancies in the Data
- Despite the Ministry’s insistence on the accuracy of their claim, calculations show that fewer than seven out of ten properties would see a decrease in taxes.
- The Ministry’s definition of homeowners receiving a tax cut can be misleading, as individuals with multiple properties may be counted more than once.
- The Ministry now refers to their assertion as an estimate and an internal professional judgment.
Ministerial Response and Possible Recalculations
- Tax Minister Rasmus Stoklund acknowledges the Ombudsman’s criticism and suggests the possibility of recalculations based on historical data.
- The Ministry believes any revised calculations will only slightly differ from the original ones.
In summary, the Ministry of Taxation’s inability to provide evidence to support their claim of widespread tax reductions for homeowners raises concerns about transparency and accountability in public institutions. The discrepancies in the data and the lack of documentation undermine public trust and highlight the importance of accurate and verifiable information in government communications. Minister Stoklund’s acknowledgment of the Ombudsman’s criticism and the potential for recalculations indicate a step towards rectifying the situation and restoring confidence in the new property tax system.