There is a need to know how to correctly assess your tax liability when you buy properties, and this is where a guide to land taxes in Kenya comes in. It is important that you know the exact value of your property before you bid or accept an offer on a particular piece of land. This is because the government may consider some taxes you pay as additional property tax, which you may have been unaware of. On top of this, you will have to pay a stamp duty. The amount of money you will have to fork out for these taxes depends on the area you live in and the size of the land parcel that you want to invest in.
It is not uncommon to hear about a seller paying a higher price for a piece of land than the actual land is actually worth. This is because they are able to lower their taxes through legal means by masking the real costs with higher prices. This is illegal and therefore you should avoid this practice if possible. Another way to reduce your tax bill is to fix up the land. You may be able to deduct a repair cost from your income taxes when you use home improvements to boost your property’s market value. This means that you will end up with a bigger tax refund at the end of the year.
As mentioned above, some areas have increased their property taxes recently, while others have kept their tax levels consistent. If you plan to buy property in one of these areas, then a guide to land taxes in Kenya will give you more information on what to expect. Some areas have a discounted tax regime, which means you may get a refund of some of the tax you pay. The amount of this discount varies, so check the chart in your own country to see what the current rate is. It is always best to do your research before hand and get as much information as possible.
As discussed above, a great way to lower your taxes is to fix up the property. There are some government aided projects that aim to help the development of low-income housing and other properties. Check the local newspaper or look online for the latest government grants and promotions. These are just some ways you can save money on your land tax in Kenya.
A good tip is to consider investing in some property within the same area as you live in. You can use this property as rental income and thereby lower your taxes. This will save money on administration costs and allow you to maximize your profits. Also, you can increase your profit margin if you fix up properties adjacent to government projects that generate jobs.
Many expats own a piece of property, but do not realize it. Expatriates should consider hiring an attorney to help them register their property, register it in their name and save themselves the hassle of local bureaucracy. They can register it in their own name and pay the necessary fees in just a few minutes. This is more beneficial than paying a local property tax.
Another thing you can do is to fix up your property in the town where you currently stay. Look for people who have set up businesses in your town and ask them if they need any assistance. Most of them would be happy to help you out because they like your business and would appreciate the help. This will also earn you some local goodwill and you can even get the respect of the locals because you have done something nice for them.
The last way you can save money on your taxes is to hire an accountant to do your taxes for you. You can check the local directory for a list of accountants in your area. When you finally find one, explain to him or her your need and he or she will help you prepare all the necessary documents. Look for a professional who charges affordable fees and is honest. You might have to fix up a trust account to hold the money received from your account and another to handle the monthly payments to the local government. However, this should not be a problem because you will still be able to pay the taxes on time with your hard work.