Across Azerbaijan, residents have begun receiving notifications to pay annual property and land taxes – and many are asking the same question: why do we have to keep paying for something we already bought?
The renewed wave of tax invoices has sparked widespread debate.
“For income taxes – fine, that makes sense,” one Baku resident said. “But why should I pay land tax on a home I’ve already purchased? You buy a house on a mortgage, pay for years, and then pay tax on it for the rest of your life?”
For apartment owners, the confusion is even greater.
“Why do I have to pay land tax for a 9th-floor apartment in a 16-story building?” a resident asked.
Authorities: Everything Is Defined by the Tax Code
Adil Ahmadov, director of the “Municipal Online Services Center,” says all payments are strictly regulated.
“Property and land taxes paid to municipalities are determined solely by the Tax Code,” he explained.
To help citizens understand their charges, an online municipal portal has been created.
“After logging into their personal account, citizens can view the taxable object, year of accrual, rate, zonal coefficient, area, and all other details,” Ahmadov said.
Key Clarification: No Land Tax for Apartments
Ahmadov stressed a crucial point that addresses one of the public’s biggest complaints:
“For multi-apartment buildings, only property tax applies. Land tax does not apply to individual apartment units.”
Citizens Have the Right to Demand Accountability
Ahmadov emphasized that residents have every right to know where their taxes go.
“Municipalities are legally required to report on how collected funds are spent. Every citizen has the right to request this report,” he said.
If a municipality refuses to provide documentation, citizens can file a complaint with the appropriate administrative oversight body.
