Gibraltar launches Register of Property Occupation: landlords should review their tax arrangements

The Government of Gibraltar announced the launch of its new Register of Property Occupation on 24 February, which is designed to provide it with an accurate and live record of all people who reside in Gibraltar and is fully integrated into its gov.gi eservices portal.

Introduced via the Register of Property Occupation Act 2021 (“the Act”), the Register is intended to enhance the Government’s ability to ensure that only entitled persons have access to benefits and services available to residents of Gibraltar, as well as avoiding the need for residents to satisfy different Government departments of their residential address. It will also, however, tackle the issue of undeclared property rentals.

With effect from 24 February 2022 (or 3 March 2022 for persons in occupation of Government rented accommodation) Gibraltar residents are legally required to register and detail the names of all persons who are residing in their property, whether that property is owned by them, rented or licensed by them, within a period of three months. For tenants in rented property, they should register their occupation, with their details then sent to the landlord for their consent. Property Agents can be authorised by the landlord to disclose information in connection with matters relating to a landlord’s responsibility under the Act by submitting Form A1. There are fines for non-compliance.

It is highly recommended that landlords of Gibraltar property (whether or not they are themselves resident in Gibraltar) should review their Gibraltar tax arrangements as soon as possible to ensure that they are fully compliant and up to date.

Sovereign Tax Services specialises in providing Gibraltar tax advisory and tax compliance services to Gibraltar residents and to non-Gibraltar residents in receipt of Gibraltar-source income (e.g., Gibraltar rental income). As Gibraltar tax agents, we can manage individual tax compliance obligations, ensuring full entitlement to any relevant allowances, deductions, exemptions and reliefs is claimed and deal with the tax authorities on your behalf.

For further information or assistance, please contact Tax Director Lynette Chaudhary by email below or by phone on +350 200 76173.