The success of land tax collection topped the agenda at a meeting of land management officials from Vientiane’s nine districts on Tuesday.
In fiscal year 2008-09, the National Land Management Authority received more than 260 billion kip in land taxes nationwide, exceeding the target of 230 billion kip set for the authority by the National Assembly.
Thanks to steady development and improved living conditions, Vientiane’s Xaythany district exceeded its land tax collection target of 1.8 billion kip, said Xaythany district Governor Bounthong Phommachane.
The success was attributed to the fact that officials had set a target for each village, had clear data relating to land plots, and set land tax collection deadlines in each village. Officials also acted responsibly in carrying out their work.
The district collected land taxes from 104 villages, amassing more than 3 billion kip. The district has a total area of more than 80,860 hectares, with agricultural land covering more than 14,000 hectares.
Another reason the district was able to reach its target was because officials had closely monitored land use and were working in each village.
This was the most land tax ever collected in the district, and officials plan to continue surv eying land in a bid to collect even more next year.
Local residents understand their obligation to pay taxes because district and village officials ran a campaign to remind them of their commitment. This also contributed to the success of this year’s tax collection.
Chanthabouly district was also able to meet its land tax collection target last fiscal year.
Officials collected more than one billion kip because almost everyone was aware of their obligation to pay tax.
District officials have promoted and publicised information about how it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to development.
Villagers should be aware that if they do not pay tax for three years their land may be taken over by the government, said Governor of Chanthabouly district, Mr Saithong Keoduangdy.
The district has a total of 37 villages and all have completed the tax collection process.
By Meuangkham Noradeth
December 05, 2009
Vientiane Times
