Former Finance Minister Colm Imbert says some of the measures introduced it the new Landlord Tax and Surcharge (2026) framework are excessive, misleading and potentially unconstitutional.
Speaking at a PNM public forum on Monday in Diego Martin, Imbert raised concerns about privacy, arguing the legislation could expose details of individual’s property holdings to public scrutiny.
“Previously, there was a section in the Income Tax Act which makes everything with respect to tax matters confidential. Now, people can go and (pry into) your business and see what properties you have, and they could make a complaint because they might know you renting a little annex somewhere to somebody. And you didn’t register,” he said.
“Two hundred and fifty thousand fine and three years jail for you. That is what is in here. And there are serious constitutional questions in here to be answered.’
Mr Imbert also said that sections of the Finance Act 2025 that impose steep penalties on property owners who fail to comply with registration requirements.
He said Section 89 of the Act carries a penalty of up to $250,00 and three years imprisonment.
Mr Imbert said this represents a major shift from previous property tax laws, which did not include jail time.
