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The Rating and Valuation Department will issue today (August 18) about 310,000 requisition forms asking payers of rates and/or Government rent to provide details of rents and other terms of tenancies for different categories of properties.
A spokesman for the department said the rental information collected would be used to prepare a new round of general revaluation.
"The general revaluation will better reflect prevailing market rents of properties. The new rateable values will take effect from April 1, 2012," the spokesman said.
Rates and/or Government rent payers should complete and return the forms within 21 days. They can also complete and return the forms by using the "Electronic Submission of Forms" service provided at the department's website (www.rvd.gov.hk).
Anyone having difficulty in completing and returning the forms within the specified period must apply in writing for an extension of time before the end of the stipulated period and should state their reasons.
Anyone who knowingly makes a false statement or refuses to furnish any of the particulars specified in the form commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 or $10,000 respectively. They will also be fined an amount equivalent to three times the rates and/or Government rent undercharged.
Enquiries on how to complete the form can be made by calling the number printed on the form, or visiting the department at 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
The department's website also provides answers to commonly asked questions on completing the form.
Ends/Thursday, August 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:05
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