The Lagos State Government has announced the distribution of Land Use Charge (LUC) bills to property owners via its public notice of 23 February 2018. The public notice states that the re-enactment of the Lagos State LUC Law has necessitated an adjustment in LUC tariff for the year 2018. The public notice also states that the distribution of the LUC bills has commenced and will be delivered physically and via e-mail.
The LUC Law was passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly on 29 January 2018 and was signed into law by the State Governor on 5 February 2018. The LUC Law, 2018 repeals the LUC Law, 2001. Amongst other things, the LUC Law consolidates all property and land-based rates/charges into a single property charge and sets modalities for levying and collection of LUC in the State. The LUC is now based on the market value of land and improvements rather than rental income.
In addition, the State Ministry of Finance has introduced a prompt settlement discount of 15% for property owners who settle their bills within 15 days of receiving the Land Use Charge bills. The LUC payments can be made to the Lagos State Government Consolidated Revenue Account at any of the designated banks in the State using Web pay, Pay Point and USSD.
Property owners should, therefore, take advantage of this discount program and pay their LUC within the stipulated period. Companies and individuals who receive the LUC bills may also contact their tax advisers to seek guidance on the resolution of disputable bills.