BackThe Israel Ombudsman’s Office has released a report focusing on complaints regarding municipal property tax, a compulsory local tax that affects households and businesses across the country. The report draws on 937 complaints handled by the Ombudsman, of which 40% were found to be justified or were rectified following the Ombudsman’s intervention. It reflects common difficulties encountered by residents in their dealings with municipal tax authorities, including issues related to receiving statutorily mandated discounts and the accurate calculation of the tax. In some cases, residents received refunds as a result of the Ombudsman's intervention. The report illustrates how individual complaints can reveal systemic issues in public administration, including unclear procedures, inconsistent implementation of rules, and communication gaps between authorities and the public. By addressing these issues, the Ombudsman seeks not only to resolve individual cases but also to encourage broader administrative improvements at the municipal level. These cases potentially affect many residents. Publication of these findings will inform residents of their rights to abatements and may encourage them to request the assistance guaranteed in law. A brochure in English summarizing the report may be found at this link.
This publication forms part of the Israel Ombudsman’s ongoing efforts to promote good governance and strengthen standards of administrative practice within local government.
Source: Office of the State Comptroller and Ombudsman of Israel
