Property tax shock: Pensioners in Dipperz pay almost 770 euros!

Property tax shock: Pensioners in Dipperz pay almost 770 euros!

in the settlement on the Kneshecke in Dipperz, not far from Fulda, the residents are confused and angry about the new property tax notices. The residents are primarily two pensioners, Waldemar Held and Günther Kohlmann, who have to pay such high tax amounts for their identical large standard houses with 60 square meters that they have almost quadrupled compared to previous values. While Held should now pay 770 euros, the amount for Kohlmann was set at 1000 euros. Before that, it was only 58 euros, which makes the drastic increase all the more remarkable. These differences are not understandable for those affected, since their houses have no different characteristics [FR.DE] that other neighbors are also confronted with similar cash amounts, during only 150 euros, another 250 euros and another third only has to pay 100 euros.

The municipality of Dipperz has reacted to the legitimate protest of the residents and significantly reduced the property tax amounts, which has led to a certain relief. Nevertheless, the original assessment of the control units remains unclear. It is important to understand how exactly the property tax calculation works. Karsten Aßmann, the chairman of the house and landowners' association, explains the different tax rates that apply to both residential and commercial uses. For residential use, 0.50 euros per square meter will be applied and reduced to 0.35 euros, while it remains 0.50 euros without reduction in commercial use. It seems particularly questionable why there are such differences in such a small settlement that cannot be explained by use as a special holiday area [fuldaerzeitung.de].

reactions of those affected and the municipality

The reactions of the residents are mixed. After reducing the amounts, some are relieved, but many continue to wonder how these injustices could occur. Mayor Klaus-Dieter Vogler makes it clear that the property tax notices are based on the tax office measuring amounts. He emphasizes that the administration is unable to check striking differences in the modest due to limited resources. It shows that many citizens would have questions about their modest, which could not be answered satisfactorily in many town halls in the district of Fulda [fuldaerzeitung.de].

In addition, the mayor's district assembly and the Haus & Grund Association noticed the large number of citizens' inquiries that rose due to the unclear notices. Many owners are unsure whether they have to pay more or less than before, since the lifting rates in many municipalities have not yet been determined. The fears are great that some municipalities could increase their lifting rates to compensate for financial difficulties [tagesschau.de]

perspectives for the future

From January 1, 2025, the new property tax regulations come into force. Until June 30, 2025, the municipalities have to determine their lifting rate, which applies retrospectively for the entire year. The property tax is a central source of income for the municipalities and brings over 15 billion euros annually. In this context, many owners are looking forward to an unsafe year in which they could possibly face unexpected increased financial burdens [tagesschau.de].

The pensioners on the Kalenhecke have already lodged contradictions against their notices, and the tax office is required to check them in detail. In the hope of clarifying the situation, the residents in Dipperz remain in a state of uncertainty and wonder how the high discrepancy between the different properties could occur.