IRD Urges Property Owners to Verify Records as National Tax Database Overhaul Begins
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced the commencement of a comprehensive national exercise to update the country’s property tax database. Led by the IRD’s Valuation Unit, the initiative aims to ensure that records for properties across St. Vincent and the Grenadines are complete, accurate, and reflective of current conditions.
According to a release dated August 13, 2026, the IRD noted that many existing records no longer reflect the “true status” of properties due to unreported changes over time. These changes include new constructions, subdivisions, developments, and shifts in property ownership.
The primary objectives of this update are to:
- Identify and add all properties liable for property tax to the database.
- Update records for existing properties that have undergone physical or legal changes.
- Ensure current property ownership is accurately recorded.
The Department warned that inaccurate records can lead to “real, costly, and lasting consequences” for individual owners. If a record is incorrect, an owner may unknowingly pay taxes on a property that is not theirs, or find that their payments have been credited to the wrong account.
Furthermore, these errors often surface at the “worst possible time,” such as during attempts to sell, transfer, or mortgage a property. Unresolved discrepancies can lead to significant transaction delays, ownership disputes, and the accumulation of penalties and interest without the owner’s knowledge.
The IRD is urging all property owners to cooperate with this national exercise to protect their interests. Owners are specifically asked to:
- Verify Information: Visit the Valuation Unit to ensure ownership and contact details are current. Supporting documents such as deeds or property tax receipts should be presented for verification.
- Report Changes: Inform the Valuation Unit of any new subdivisions, construction, or changes in ownership.
- Address Obligations: Ensure all outstanding property tax obligations are settled.
The Department also advised that authorized officers may conduct verification checks or contact owners directly as part of this initiative. Owners are encouraged to respond promptly to any requests for information to ensure the success of the update.
For further information, property owners can contact the Inland Revenue Department in Kingstown via phone at 784-457-1493 or email at svgird@gov.vc.
