Advice and Opinion

Joburg’s PBOs can apply for reduced property rates tariffs

SA’s Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) can apply to the City of Joburg for reduced property rates tariffs.

Qualifying properties owned by a PBO will be rated at the quarter of the residential tariff as per the City’s Municipal Property Rates By-law.

According to the City, most properties owned by PBOs are currently categorized under ‘residential’, ‘business’, or ‘commercial’.

To qualify, the properties must be owned by (and registered in the name of) a PBO and exclusively carry out public benefit activities in a non-profit manner.

PBOs also need to be registered with SARS, with the status of ‘PBO’, and qualify for a tax exemption.

PBOs can apply by emailing ratescomments@joburg.org.za with the relevant documentation i.e., a tax exemption letter from SARS, a valid tax clearance certificate or confirmation of tax compliance status, a copy of the PBO’s MOI or other founding documents, and financial statements or management accounts.