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The Rating and Valuation Department today (May 19) issued a reminder that proposals to alter the rateable values of properties from April 1, 2006, must be served on the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation on or before May 31, 2006.
Proposals should be made on the specified form (R20A) and be served in person or by post. Copies of the form can be obtained from the department at Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 15/F 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, and Public Enquiry Service Centres in various District Offices of the Home Affairs Department. The form can also be downloaded from the department's website at http://www.rvd.gov.hk. People can also lodge proposals on electronic forms (e-R20A) using the "Electronic Submission of Forms" service provided on the website. Proposals sent by fax are not acceptable.
The spokesman emphasised that under the Rating Ordinance and the Government Rent (Assessment and Collection) Ordinance, proposals served after May 31 would not be accepted. He pointed out that May 31, 2006, was a public holiday and the department office would be closed. A drop-in box for collecting proposals would, however, be placed at the ground floor lobby of the Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices from 9am to 7pm on May 31.
"Notwithstanding the lodging of a proposal, rates and rent payers must pay rates and government rent by the last day for payment as shown on the demand. We will carefully consider all proposals and inform the proposers of our decisions before December 1, 2006. Any changes in rates and government rent payable resulting from such decisions will be backdated to April 1 this year and any overpayment will be adjusted in subsequent demands," he said.
Enquiries can be made on 2152 0111.
Ends/Friday, May 19, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:01
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