For those of you who pay IVSS (luxury Tax)

on your houses, be advised that whereas this used to apply to properties of a declared value of 1.5 million pesos & more, the baseline has now changed. Those who pay it will know what "declared value" means, not what you paid for the house, nor what it is worth, but what it is deemed to be worth on your tax papers. The baseline is now 3 million pesos.
How did I find out? Pure nosiness! I went in late January to DGII offices & while the clerk was out of the room I "happened upon" an email printout to this effect on her desk (don't ask!!) It had not been made public to my knowledge then, & I certainly got sheepish (?even guilty) looks when I raised the matter. Ten days later the printout was visible stuck to the glass partition (I had been a bit vocal).
It means most people will pay less IVSS than last year. Of course, they are "revaluing" declared values by 40% (presumably linking to inflation, or a figure pulled out of thin air!). Again, no publicity on this either, although I do have an email printout authorising it! I am paying less IVSS for 2004 than I paid in 2003. If your declared value is less than 3 million pesos after the 40% adjustment, you should pay no IVSS at all.
Rob, not sure if this should be here or in Living. Please move if you feel appropriate.

In Jan 2003, when I went to pay the IVSS, they told me it was not a law applied in practice yet, & to return in March 2003. I did & was told the 3 million baseline was not in operation. Should it have been, Golo? I ask because I remember who told me, he still works there & if he was being economical with the truth, I shall return & have a little Lambada scene, in public, of course!