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The Rating and Valuation Department will issue about 340,000 requisition forms today (August 15) and next Tuesday (August 22), requesting payers of rates and/or Government rent to provide details of rents and other terms of tenancies for different categories of properties. The forms should be returned within 21 days. People can also complete and return the forms by using the "Electronic Submission of Forms" service provided at the department's website (http://www.rvd.gov.hk).
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, 2007," the spokesman said.
Anyone having difficulty in returning the forms within the specified period must apply in writing for an extension before the expiry of the period stipulated and should state their reasons. Anyone who knowingly makes a false statement or refuses to furnish any of the particulars specified in the form will be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $25,000 or $10,000 respectively and, in addition, a fine equivalent to three times the amount of 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 for completing the form.
Ends/Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:00
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