Ministry denies it is obliged to refund VAT on registration tax

A. Mizzi

Feb 26th 2009, 12:12

@John Axiak

It appears that you or your family members have not purchased any vehicles since 2004 and subsequently there hasn't been any Value Added TAX charging on car Registration TAX, otherwise it would have been a different story altogether and even more so if it was an LP counterpart who would not refund illegal charged tax.

This is not a matter where money will be coming from, Dr. Gonzi seems to find no trouble to procure money fro rebuilding the Opera House without even budgeting for such a project.

This is all about giving to consumers what is rightfully theirs. If Dr Muscat says he will refund these charges, make sure he will, he is certainly more credible that Dr. Gonzi and his Sheriff of Nottingham once they hook the electorate in with pre-electoral promises of Shangri La and sound finances.

R Calleja

Feb 26th 2009, 11:48

Truly a 'benlovent' dictatorship. There is some trepidation from our Finance Minsister,with his comments about this issue he clearly has no idea what is EU law. Just inform the citizens sincerely why the NEW cover-up registartion tax was introduced this year. So, you have registration tax as bofore, and VAT has now been replaced with another TAX , which is congestion TAX.Just the name has changed, but the payment of another TAX together with registartion TAX is being applied. On the malta transport web site, when you value your car, it does not state both TAXES seperately, just mentioning REGISTRATION VALUE. Why ?Sending a cat amoung the pigeons, Mr. Finance Minister?! EU are monitoring the new Car Tax Registration Regime,as I write, and could again inform them formally that it is in breach of EU law. From 2004 to 2008 double tax imposed on registartion is and was totally ILLEGAL. The Ministry insults our intelligence by stating it is not obliged to refund VAT, of course there is no EU court decision, for now that is, but there are several pending ones ! Thank you Mr. Grech for voicing this on behalf of Maltese citizens.

l.Pace

Feb 26th 2009, 11:13

So, as I bought my car in December 2006 I should get the VAT refund on the registration tax. And till now I did not take any actions against this will I still have the chance to get my refund even if 3 years passed?

And if this is true that the Goverment has to pay all the VAT refunds from 2004 why do I or We have to take it (YES IT) to court. So if I have to take court actions as it is said we are wasting more Tax payers money for nothing. Looks like only we the people are in the EU but this Goverment is still out.

John Axiak

Feb 26th 2009, 11:01

at all you saying that labour will give the 50 million back. Why not? i m sure Labour can issue cheques back.
But where will they get money from? mhux by increasing taxes or adding a new tax?

any government - pn or mlp - if they want to give this money back they will have to take it from us taxpayers again.

c marsh

Feb 26th 2009, 10:38

i Think mr Mario Gatt Mangion is either living on another planet or is one of those that listen only to NET TV. Dr Muscat declared publicly that if this matter is not solved by the present Govt he will give the money back to the consumers when the LP is in govt.

Carmelu Vella

Feb 25th 2009, 23:07

Abroad there are oppositions and consumer protection organizations which challenge illegal laws and taxes in court to protect the consumer. In Malta we have no consumer protection organizations NOR an opposition. Here can be discussed how to establish a consumer protection organization in Malta!

It is not only the VAT on top of the registration tax which is illegal. Also other taxes such as VAT on exercise tax (mobile top up cards) are illegal!

Please lets work together and discuss how to establish a Maltese Consumer Protection Organization (MCPO) on http://groups.google.com.mt/group/malta-consumer-protection

You can also send mails to the group: malta-consumer-protection@googlegroups.com

Please join and spread the word! Only together we will have a strong stand!

eddie bonello

Feb 25th 2009, 21:14

@ Mario Gatt Mangion

I think that either you don't follow what is truly happening in Malta or worse still you aren't honest in your comments.
Dr. Muscat has vowed that if the pn Gov. doesn't refund the money illegaly taken from the honest citizen it will be the next PL Government headed by Dr. Muscat who will put justice to this issue.

Keep yourself updated on what is happening in Malta and if you want your money back, next time vote Labour.

Rudolf Degiorgio

Feb 25th 2009, 17:46

Nixtieq ninforma lis-Sur Mario Gatt Mangion illi Dr. Joseph Muscat diga qal li jekk GonziPN mhux ser jghati lura l-flus misruqa m'ghand il-poplu Malti minn MEJJU 2004, ser ikun huwa bhala PRIM MINISTRU LABURISTA GDID li jghati lura l-flus li seraq GonziPN.

Dan intqal diversi drabi minn Dr.Joseph Muscat f'dawn l-ahhar gimghat, pero' ghal xi raguni mhux spjegabbli l-media indipendenti ma jirrapurtawx kollox kull ma jghid il-MEXXEJ LABURISTA, forsi mhux fl-interess tal-poplu li jkun jaf il-VERITA' ghal xi whud. Ma ntikx tort jekk forsi ghandek ftit dubju, forsi jekk tibda issegwi l-media kollha tkun taf ahjar x'qed jghid Dr.Joseph Muscat.

M.Bezzina

Feb 25th 2009, 17:26

@Ruben Hili

Xi haga hazina ejdila hazina u mux nipprovaw tawweg lemm u tawweg law...mela il kliem ta Alfred Sant tuzawh meta tridu biss??Biex tghiru bih?

Mario Gatt Mangion

Feb 25th 2009, 16:40

I am one of the many I paid Vat on an imported car. I thank Mr Joe Muscat and Labour MEP Louis Grech for their intervention to recover my Vat as well as the Vat of others. But This smells a lot, as always, that the aim of the Maltese Labour MPs is not to help us get our taxes back but their main aim is to put obstacles to the finances of the Malta Government. When the MLP writes black on white in the next Electoral manifest that they will pay US BACK all the Euro50 million or so, than I will start to believe they are doing it for our refund cause.

godfrey cassar

Feb 25th 2009, 16:04

Jien xtrajt karozza mill Japan u jidhirli li bhall hadiehor hallast jekk mhux ukta. J'Alla kulhadd jiehu li haqqu. Malli l-ewwel persuna tiftah kaz il-qorti nahseb li kulhadd will follow suit jekk jirbah. J'Alla ssir gustizzja ma kulhadd.

Alex Saliba

Feb 25th 2009, 13:10

Well Done Dr Louis Grech. A humble man, a great achiever. Hope that we will see him again as our representitive in the European Parliament because he has really worked hard so that he would achieve the best for each and every Maltese citizen. A really great achiever! Mr Grech you earned my vote for the next MEP's election!!!

M Xuereb

Feb 25th 2009, 11:41

Excuse me but have I missed the point somewhere? The PL has issued a statement CLAIMING that "the VAT charged by the Maltese government on the registration fee of cars bought since May 2004 has to be refunded". A claim that has yet to be determined in a Maltese Court of Law, at considerable expense and with a questionable outcome. In view of this I'll dish out my congrats and thanks when I see the cash refund in someone's pockets. Till then I'll be frugal in my comments.

John Visanich

Feb 25th 2009, 11:25

I am also a victim of this illegal tax. Does anyone really expect us as private citizens to open court cases against the Government in an effort to recoup our money? We should campaign as a group - and there are thousands of us - through our MEPs, whether PN or PL, so that this injustice is remedied. After all, an election is coming up.

Ruben Hili

Feb 25th 2009, 11:23

Jiena nahseb li ahjar noqghodu ftit kwieti u nhallu l-affarijiet kif huma ghax jekk il-gvern ikollu jaghtina tal-VAT ...ghandu dritt wkoll jghid li s-sistema il-gdida ser tigi from effect as 2004 wkoll u jwahhalulek ghax l-emission in 2004 kienet aktar min tal-issa. ...Finalment ikollok ittih int!!!!!......stop dreaming nies

Chris Harris

Feb 25th 2009, 11:14

For the life of me i can't really say this present government is going to last or at least i think people are begining to put 2&2 together and are going to vote for the opposition, same in the UK lies! lies! and more lies or promises! peomises! and more promises, but come the elected government and its all back to square one. Next time i 'll think i'll vote for my indoors or better half(my wife) she'll do a better job altogether if not like governments come and go i'll give her a good talking to - people are people and they count , i bet anything you like that if it were their money they wouldn't bagger about as they are doing now and its a true saying in Malta:ITS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW-BUT WHOM YOU KNOW. Is true or False guys? i think people in government read all these comments below and probably wished they never entered politics in the first place,surely they can't have a restful night's sleep after all this discontent from their citizens. Ch.Harris (Cheesed off resident)

r ferriggi

Feb 25th 2009, 10:54

Like many maltese people ( who have voted in favor of EU membership ) i am disillusioned that it now seems that the authorities are WORKING AGAINST its own citizens and slamping taxes and costs at every chance. the belief that government is working FOR its own people is being eroded. the government should instroduce ALL measures that favor its inhabitants, and not only those measures with which the government takes advantage as well!!
we are acting like a dictatorship now. WE WANT ALL THE BENEFITS FROM THE EU!!

the people, like myself,,, are starting to be suspicious as to the timings of rules, regulations, introductions etc. As if a hidden agenda is unfolding.

J Cilia

Feb 25th 2009, 10:23

The Ministry's reaction just demonstrates the level of arrogance and insensitivity that the Authorities demonstrate towards the common citizen.What baffles me is that by doing so the Government is digging its own grave and at a fast pace too. I am a firm believer that Governments are elected to govern and therefore an element of unpopular decisions would under several circumstances need to be taken, however attempting to fog an EU ruling that in basic terms states that Joe Citizen has been taken for a ride and therefore is due a refund ventures on the immoral. Right now the ship is taking in water from everywhere and this latest matter will undoubtedly add a gush. You can fool a lot of people most of the time but definitely not all the time. In short the Government is driving voters to seriously and desperately consider alternatives. Personally I have never ever entertained these considerations however the last few months have nurtured strong feelings of dissent and antipathy towards the Government's political protagonists who before enjoyed a very high standing and stateman like stature. At this stage it is quite obvious something has to give and the options aren't that many.

Mike Magri

Feb 25th 2009, 10:14

***************************************************************************************************
TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN `ILLEGALY` TAXED - ME INCLUSIVE...

As far as i am concerned, this comment by the `Ministry of Finance`, or as i love to call it, the ministry of `ISLOH WENZ`, is nothing else, but as usual, an inventive defensive statement, politically twisting the truth.. That`s all..

So what we all need to do now is to be Strong and UNITE under that political party which is and has been ALWAYS in favour of the refund of this `illegal` tax.. Meaning.. The LABOUR PARTY under the Leadership of Doctor Joseph Muscat, the person himself who ORIGINALLY brought this up to the attention of the EU...

Otherwise this GonziPN`s UNLIMITED and SAVAGE POLITICAL ARROGANCE, will U-n-f-o-r-t-u-n-a-t-e-l-y..... Prevail....!!!!!!!!
****************************************************************************************************

Victor Testa

Feb 25th 2009, 09:45

The Fact that due to this 'Vat tax', the goverment was making Malta less attractive for those people who wanted to import cars compared to other community of the EU. The intention of the EU is for a free internal market based on the same level playing field and harmonization especially in the field of Indirect tax. This breach constitutes a restriction to the movement of providing goods. Chapter 3 Art29 of the EC Treaty.

Liz Bartolo

Feb 25th 2009, 09:10

Thumbs up for our MEP Louis Grech.Apart from this great gain for the Maltese citizens, one should keep in mind that Mr Louis Grech had achieved other positive results for the Maltese , these are among others :

He led the negotiations and had made the deal to get Lufthansa Teknik to operate in Malta and we are watching the success.Things had been proved right

Mr Grech had suggested that the European Commission study the possibility of creating a Climate Change Fund, drawing billions of euros from a central EU account to sustain climate change initiatives and it was approved.Time will prove right

In 2006, Louis Grech had together with a another MEP, had tailored the European Union Budget for 2007.Facts had been proven right

He suggest to create a new European Agency for migration and asylum.Figures are proven right

Ethelbert Schembri

Feb 25th 2009, 08:54

No more excuses !!

GIVE US OUR MONEY BACK

We’re not second class European citizens !!

J Busuttil

Feb 25th 2009, 08:28

Now it seems that the issue is not as the PL and Louis Grech said. It is not yet decided that Maltese law are in breach of EU law. Some electioneering by Louis Grech and the PL. Dear Labour please be TRASPERENT because this week you showed us the contrary,

Joe Galea

Feb 25th 2009, 08:16

@Karl Abela: your thinking about JM and the PL is your wishful thinking.

This government is just a money sucking machine so that they can spend them in Jaguars and other luxuries which only themselves (PN) are benefting from. GonziPN is just a mixed up pudding.

Yes the PL was not in favour of full membership back in 2003. Malta joined the EU so PL has adjusted to this new situation and is making the best it can to achieve utmost out of it unlike the PN. The PL MEP's have performed superbly in the EU and no one can deny this. So all you PN apologists be realistic and face the truth. Your GonziPN is failing everyone on every front. So all your rhetoric about the EU membership & PL is just a futile attempt to scare someone with low intelligence. The result is that you are just scaring yourselves.

L. Grech

Feb 25th 2009, 08:11

@ Frank Grech

Any idea where one would need to register for the refund? Please enlighten.

Mark Wright

Feb 25th 2009, 07:39

As with everything else in this country, and at any level, there are double measures and double standards with which decisions are taken. In this case it is the ministry which so blatantly and arrogantly comes up with such a discrageful statement. If one is to exercise leadership by example than one will not be at all surprised at what awaits us, given that our government is playing the part of a spoilt child which can do anything it likes.

Sabrina Abela

Feb 25th 2009, 07:34

Ha ha ha.....well said Mr Emanuel Vella......very well said indeed!!!

J.Borg

Feb 25th 2009, 07:33

Yes let's do it......
How about those who have been taxed VAT join forces and take the government to court and see what the government does.
As from the minister's words that what he wants.

Come on guys let's join forces!!!

J Farrugia

Feb 25th 2009, 07:31

Is it true that Lousi Gech has just secured another term in office? If he doesn't even know how to interpret a simple statement made to him by the Commissioner how can he aspire to have another term. Another fiddler on the roof. He got it all wrong and came back to incite those who purchased a vehicle. One had better read correctly the Commissioner's reply and then see for himself what the Commissioner had said. You have to go to the Maltese courts. No government is coming knocking at your door giving you the refund back. If you think you have been short changed on this matter, you have to go to the courts and get a pronouncement about the whole matter. Who will be the firtst one? Will it be MEP Louis Grech? I believe that this MEP overstepped his limit.

M Callus

Feb 25th 2009, 05:48

@ Gauci Cunnigham

Taking populist decisions is an easy way put of difficult situations. What the PN has stood over the years was that they also strived on their principles, be it on VAT, EU, local councils etc...,

What the MLP is doing now is just the same what Joseph Muscat's predecessor used to do. Ride on a wave of populist choices.

ALBERT FENECH

Feb 25th 2009, 05:43

So our Finance Ministry is saying it will NOT give the people what is rightfully theirs unless it is FORCED to by a ruling from the European Commission via the European Court. Now we know the true colours of the Government the people have elected - a Government so desperate for finance, a Government so bankrupt of money and ideas that like Scrooge, it has to be FORCED into action. Do we therefore have a Dictatorship in the guise of a Democratic Government, a wolf in sheeps' clothing?

M. Catania

Feb 25th 2009, 05:43

@Tony Caruana

Yes, Gonzi got it right last March!!!!!

mario borg

Feb 25th 2009, 05:30

I just wish to know why the government wants to destroy the middle class.

Mark J. Magri

Feb 25th 2009, 03:02

With all these comments,I have to say one thing -neither in favour nor against government - I never owned a car and I never think of buying one! I walk instead.
Meanwhile it serves me as exercise.

Ruben Hili

Feb 25th 2009, 00:51

Here it looks like that we have many PL people who made more than a U turn about EU (One of them is Opposition Leader Mr. Joseph Muscat. Many of these people vote NO for EU and now they are celebrating!!!! Nothing more than nuts. Secondly make yourself assured that this is not going to put the goverment in crisis. Our pockets will do for them. Can some PL supporter tell me who won the referendum now. il- LE jew l-IVA.

m.bezzina

Feb 24th 2009, 23:38

Sorry to ask can someone tell me where to apply to get refund? thks in advance

Ivan Scicluna (Rabat)

Feb 24th 2009, 23:12

And yet another denial from the Government when it's "pockets" are hit!

How about printing the full, uncensored speech by Commissioner Kovaks and allow us mere mortals to judge for ourselves on what he said???

David Zarb

Feb 24th 2009, 22:48

Arrogance at its best!!!!! Persistant.... I'll show you Dear Government, next June's elections are just the start.

Celia Denton

Feb 24th 2009, 22:02

Do you register a claim for VAT repayment to the ADT or the Finance Ministry?

John Borg

Feb 24th 2009, 21:59

It has been one year since elections were held and this government has excelled in incompetence on all fronts but remains in denial. Utility bills, election income tax promises, illegal immigration etc.

My poor country deserves better than these cheap imitation technocrats.

Anthony Mizzi

Feb 24th 2009, 21:43

Even if there was no European Court decision against Malta in this regard yet, what is fair is fair and an injustice has been done to car owners who bought since May 2004 with VAT being charged on registration tax.

Malta must be a truly proud member of the E.U. community and hope will not be a trend setter for the way it charges its citizens tax anon tax paid because that is what it finally comes to.

It is about time local consumers stand up for their rights locally and if these are not given , we can at least show our disillusion with the arrogance Government in Power ion the next MEP elections.

How do the candidates running on the Nationalist Party ticket pronounce themselves on this issue?

Tell us now. LP Candidates have pronounced themselves as has the Leader of the Opposition and they will be getting my vote if only on this issue alone.

Think about it and you are quite welcome and do another u-turn, it will be quite appreciated.

L..Galea

Feb 24th 2009, 21:11

C Buttigieg, Kevin Borg, J Busuttil
This is about theft that pn governments have been carrying out to the detriment of the people.
The fact that the pn governments carried out this theft and that it has to be paid back does not mean that we should say that this is because we have joined the eu, for the theft should not have been carried out in the first place.

This also proves that in the eu the national government has less power than a local council and has to obey the eu whether it is for the good of the people or not. This time it is for the good of the people. At other times it is not.

R. Piscopo VAT is paid by the end consumer, so the buyer should get the refund.

I Alamango You should because the second buyer did not pay VAT. If you both did then both of you are eligible.

Mark Portelli Since its illegal it applied to all vehicles bought, irrespective of their origin.

Karl Abela Another one bites the Dust. Gonezipn.

R Scicluna Professionals built the Titanic, amateurs built the Ark.

Chris Borg

Feb 24th 2009, 20:51

I agree that law is law and I completely agree with the free trade that the EU offers, but I think its unbelievable that a Maltese like Louis Grech does such an action. One of Malta's main income came from car registration taxes and all these refunds are going to hardly threaten this tiny Malta's economy. During this economic crysis, its the least we want in order to survive without charity! heh Yet again! We should press that we should not pay registration taxes when importing from an EU country!

B Sant

Feb 24th 2009, 20:42

and then the Comissioner of Police tells us that crime has gone down with all these day light robberies!!!!
unbelievable!!!!

J.Borg

Feb 24th 2009, 20:42

So according to the minister everyone who has been robbed of the VAT has to open a court case.......what a laugh.
Who is going to spend a hefty sum to open a court case!!!!!!!!!
Mt. Louis grech get the EU in so that they will tell the government it has to pay.

Maria Falzon

Feb 24th 2009, 20:41

A very shameful reply from the ministry. Mr. Tonio Fenech should admit that his has mismanaged public finances and he does not have any money left to meet his obligations. Its a situation where the people are subsidising the government, as Dr. Joseph Muscat said.

E Warrington

Feb 24th 2009, 20:39

Can anyone let me know how to claim back such VAT. Thanks

S. Fenech

Feb 24th 2009, 20:30

It is our right to be refunded. We have been taxed unfairly on our vehicles. The Finance Ministry should be ashamed.

Chris. Harrison

Feb 24th 2009, 20:28

As i said earlier on i don't know what the Maltese authorities are playing at, i don't know whether i'm coming or going in your country, can't any of you people get your facts right before going to print, why raise high hopes when all it is actually is a load of crap. this is doing my head in and getting up my English nose me ol'babies! i got a good mind to pack it all in and return back home to good ol'England recession or no recession as at least there i know where i stand with all this uncertainness, one day is ok the next day its denied. come on guys get your act together once and for all, we are people too you know, if its not the W&E, the Eco tax its another., is all worth it i ask myself?? Annoyed British pensioner in Malta.

R Axisa

Feb 24th 2009, 20:26

Mr Kovacs said that people who paid VAT on registration tax could seek repayment of the tax paid in breach of European law.

The minister replied - At no time did the Commissioner reply ‘yes’ to the question of whether the Maltese government was obliged to refund VAT from May 2004.

Mur obsor ghalih il-ministru kemm taharqu qalbu ghac-cittadin!!! L-ewwel ha aktar milli kellu jiehu, bi ksur tal-ligi tal-EU (tax paid in breach of EU law), imbaghad jghid li mhux obbligat jirrifondi l-VAT lura. Tal-misthija!!!!

T Abela

Feb 24th 2009, 20:14

Ejja aqlalna GonziPN. Dawk flus li mhux suppost gbart. Who is going to be politicaly responsible for this gaff! Goverment in a state of panic. Labour delivers!

john zerafa

Feb 24th 2009, 20:07

has anyone actually checked out the eu commission statement? no where it says that govt is obliged to pay back

John Stivala

Feb 24th 2009, 20:05

I always follow what goes on our small island and there seems to be a name that keeps appearing when good things happen. I want to congratulate Louis Grech for his ongoing achievements. I dont know him personally but I know where my vote is going this cominmg June. This is not about what political view one has but rather on electing people who can represent us properly.

Leon Caruana

Feb 24th 2009, 20:03

Whilst on the subject that tax levied on another tax is illegal, how about the fact that mobile phone contract subscribers are charged 18% VAT over and above a 3% excise tax?

Example...

Calls = 35.00
3% Excise Tax = 1.05
-------------------------------
Subtotal = 36.05
18% VAT = 6.49
-------------------------------
Total = 42.54


The proper way....

Calls = 35.00
18% VAT = 6.30
-------------------------------
Total = 41.30

So one is charged 1.24 in extra taxes. Whilst this may seem a small amount the goverment is doing this for all contract subscribers, and after all it is the principle that counts.

Mr. Grech, Mr. Kovacs, EU....help us once again!

Joseph Casha

Feb 24th 2009, 20:03

If any of you think that you are gtting a refund anytime soon, or in CASH for that matter. you are very mistaken. I am one of those who should be getting the refund as i bought a car 2 years ago. But considering that the government already had a plan of action when it comes to refunds on newly regitered cars (deducting the difference from future road license) i am sure he has the same plans for this because there is no way he didn't know this was coming. And forget about interest, this is a government we are talking about, he is the one with right, not us!

Oh yeah, and he has no money, except to pay €80 million for the new Parliament of course.

Alessandro Pirrone

Feb 24th 2009, 20:01

Il-Partit Laburista dejjem kien partit ta carlatani ghax anke fuq din l-issue rega waqa ghan-nejk peresli l-unjoni ewropeja ghadha ma ghamlet l-ebda decizjoni. Dan bhal meta qalu li rebhu u ftit wara hadu telfa kbira.......... Jalla jkun kif qed jghidu imma ma tantx hu kredibli dak li jghidu tal-PL..........

V Fenech

Feb 24th 2009, 19:58

I hope that whoever reported this piece of news will read my comment because according to Xibka News the information in this article is incorrect!!!!

K BOnello

Feb 24th 2009, 19:57

Yeah I agree with Mr. Vella... another dozen speed cameras will definitely do the trick.... but this time bring down the limit to 40! Go on Austin you can do it!

Liam Borg

Feb 24th 2009, 19:56

Though Louis Grech might not be a man of not many words experience has shown us that he has been a go-getter, a doer and the best achiever of Malta's representatives in the EU parliament. Time and again he has raised very pertinent issues and always achieved his aims, not through friends of friends, but because he knows his business and always has the correct perspectives on issues concerning us Maltese. This is but one clear example of his succesful track-record. He also campaigned and obtained for more funding for Frontex and was the first in the EP to propse the setting up of an agency to deal with illegal immigration. This is not mention that he was the only Maltese in the European budget comittee handling billions of Euros and represented the report of the committe to the EP.

Definitely 5 years more for Louis Grech.

R Azzopardi

Feb 24th 2009, 19:55

So who will be getting the refund? The original importer or the owner at this moment?

A.Agius

Feb 24th 2009, 19:52

The proverb said, Ask not what yor country can do 4U, but ask yorselves what U can do 4it.
so why not let bygones be & give the GM a break to accord refunds from 2009 onwards only?
All Maltese patriots R2 agree!!

Gerard Cassar

Feb 24th 2009, 19:47

Every cent spent by the Government comes from our pockets. The Government does not print bank notes. Hear! Hear! So what's the problem P.Ns

B Soler

Feb 24th 2009, 19:44

Well done! At least rules are there and will be followed. At least there are people working Both PN and PL in Europe for our rights. And that is it. U crises u ghax hekk u ghax hekk grow up people, hadd ma ikollu dejjem kull kas ragun u hadd ma ikollu dejjem tort.

Imbad mis suba niehdu l id ahna, people andna xorti we gonna get reimbursed minn gej b interessi u idejat ohra hniena

JASON GATT

Feb 24th 2009, 19:41

LABOUR VICTORY ONCE AGAIN !!!!!

U DAN GHADU FL OPPOZIZZJONI AHSEB U ARA JKUN FIL GVERN

c.t. busuttil

Feb 24th 2009, 19:39

Little as it may be, shouldn't this principle also apply to Airport Departure Tax?

Enzo Caruana

Feb 24th 2009, 19:36

This is another huge success for Joseph Muscat. Malta needs people like him to get the best out of our EU membership and to raise maximum awareness about our rights as European citizens. Thank you Joseph Muscat. Once again you were proved right and the Maltese people owe you one.

Joseph E Briffa

Feb 24th 2009, 19:35

A Attard...how can anyone possibly come out with such a ludicrous comment? . The government of the day will pay the refunds by staggering payments and by raising taxes if needs be. So it's you and I and John citizen who will provide the money for these refunds. Secondly the Maltese should thank the PN for being given the right to be EU citizens - if it were for the MLP all Maltese citizens would have been denied this opportunity and there would have been no MEPs from Malta - whether from the MLP or PN. camp - to fight for the rights of the Maltese.

g.c.Forte

Feb 24th 2009, 19:31

Dear government, You can fool once, you can fool twice, but you cannot fool all the time. Dr. GONZIP.N. thats what the E.U is for. If we stayed out of the E.U. you and your government should have passed from this one too. I believe that we are losing more money than gaining in the E.U,because at the end of the day we have to pay for this stupid and greediness,to collect taxes without any feelings. Do not forget to start collecting the taxes from the plastic bags. I hope that you do not have to refund these taxes too.

M.Chandler (English)

Feb 24th 2009, 19:30

What is the situation with people that actually boughtt a Japanese make from a local garage and paid the asking price?Who paid the registration tax for the vehicle before it was sold,& who will or claim for reimbursement is the seller or the buyer, as i would imagine the registration fee is passed on to the buyer surely in the price, and how can the buyer be sure that any reimbursement be passed on - i would be interseted to know, same as the satellite dishes that was passed on to the person oweing a dish, or does the registration tax only apply for persons that imported a family car only and not the people who bought it locally?????. Thanks for any welcomed information chaps. M. Chandler (Malta)

Johann Zammit

Feb 24th 2009, 19:24

I don't want to jump into conclusions but apart from the refunds.....govt we're waiting for an apology.......

David Zarb

Feb 24th 2009, 19:22

@ All the Maletese & Gozitans,

Another feather in the cap of Dr.Muscat. This person is proving himself day by day, on various issues realted to the national interest. His capabilities is being shown constantly, and I must say, he is really impressing me. Well done Parti Laburista, I must say that you have my vote in the coming June elections... and subsequent ones. Pheww.. at least I'll be getting something back from what I was stolen :) Dear Government, I'm waiting for my refund now.

Labourites, Maltese and Gozitans, let's be happy. P.S.: Let us all salute Louis Grech who has been working hard on this issue.

Christian Azzopardi

Feb 24th 2009, 19:21

Thank you Dr. Muscat and Louis Grech. Maybe we still have some politicians who TRULY care about the people they are supposed to represent.

Next June vote for those who proved to us that they can DELIVER. We don't want laughing hyenas representing our countries. We want valid candidates which when asked about a problem, they listen, and not start laughing and calling "ignorant" those who ask.

jaap Hermsee

Feb 24th 2009, 19:20

Just think all those people who voted NO for europe in 2003 put hour your right hand over your heart and be Honest (otherwise you will not enter'g the kingdom above) and i bet you are glad to bits that the if any of you bought a car and paid full egistration tax can now be Possiblly be reimbursed- i bet you guys are glad , after all the people of Malta are not doing so badly from the EEC and i beleieve there will be more favouble rules that Malta tend to infringe that will be dealt with by Brussells infavour of the people of Malta. Good on them and i hope you get every cent back thats oweing to you guys.. JaHermse NL./

Emanuel Vella

Feb 24th 2009, 19:19

Suggestion to Government to finance the refunds:

Why not add a few more speed cameras "for our own safety" thereby increasing revenue a bit more?!

Alvin Grech

Feb 24th 2009, 19:15

What about the interest rate? Is it the car buyer's right to collect his money back at a fair interest rate?

Justice prevails.

A.Borg

Feb 24th 2009, 19:03

@ Kevin Borg

It is true that most PL were against E.U. in the past. As for myself I see this ...The PN wanting E.U. from the beginning, but when it comes to applying the Rights, the Govt. will decide.
Its like playing in the ground, but we have already decided who will win!

Any comments?

Michael Porter

Feb 24th 2009, 19:02

I wish that the VAT would be returned to us as fast as we had unjustly paid for it.

Ivan Scicluna (Rabat)

Feb 24th 2009, 19:01

To all those complaining that these VAT Refunds will be coming out of their pockets.....where were you when I and many others were charged this ILLEGAL Tax?! This is OUR money that we are talking about.

I would now expect my refund back with interest (the same way I would be charged if I hold back any funds from the Government) with the same speed I was made to pay it!

A.Gauci Cunningham

Feb 24th 2009, 19:00

Trying to shut PL members and supporters up because they voted against Malta's entry in the EU is now a tirade of those who fail to understand what the EU is!! I proudly voted for the EU and would do the same if a referendum had to be held today because I think that the EU stimulates progress and gives a voice to the people most especially those in the lower income brackets, businessmen and self-employed!! But this does not mean that I have to vote PN for the rest of my life just because in 2003 they had the better vision!!! Fact is the government we have now disregards and flouts EU law on a daily basis and is far too timid to tackle problems as they should be tackled in the EP----with verve, courage and determination!!

In June we will be voting for the party which was anti-EU but which is turning out to be a better manager when it comes to EU affairs!! The party which speaks my language and understands my pains!!!

Next June we will be voting Labour!!!

C Buttigieg

Feb 24th 2009, 18:58

To all those who are toasting a labour victory in this matter. This is a victory for all those who voted for joining the EU. This is what it is all about. Before we had to bow our head to the government's decision, be it PN or PL. Now we have another voice from higher places which can say what the government can and cannot do to it's citizens. But don't forget that it also comes with a price, today we are celebrating this decision, tomorrow we'll complain that the government has lost it's say as what happens in Maltese affairs because the EU demands it. As for the people who are rejoicing the financial burden for the government, don't forget that they are our bankers, less money in their coffers means less money to spend on our country's needs while also keeping in mind that this is not money out of their pocket, but money that came out of ours and is now being returned. No loss for the government just less income. You cannot lose what was not yours in the first place.

Frank Grech

Feb 24th 2009, 18:53

Guys, please make sure not to miss the prescription time! If you havent registered your claim yet you are running the risk that you will fall under the prescription time and you do not get anything!

R. Piscopo

Feb 24th 2009, 18:53

What about those persons who bought the car from a dealer? are they going to be reimbursed or the money shall go to the dealers??

K.Abela

Feb 24th 2009, 18:50

@K.Borg
Dear Mr.Borg the only shallow person writing here is you because your comment is so politically biased that it stinks. Probably you are one who always praises what the gonzi PN does.

Mark Bugeja

Feb 24th 2009, 18:49

Relax all ! The government knew it was in the wrong from day 1......we have so many hidden taxes now that due to things like the speed cameras that all the government will be doing is taking from one and passing onto the other ! Also, he knew that he was wrong but preferred to keep on going because all this extra money saved more money on interest......I wonder if we will also be getting back the interest on these amounts.....lets see.....hmmm. Dear PN I think that the time has come when you realise that after so many years in power your public has become wiser through time and we are not all 'stupid' so please stop treating us as if we were.....and this time....I am sorry.....il poplu mhux ser jinsa by next election !! Too much is way too much. At least the EU is acting as our big daddy and does stop blatant abuse from our enlightening leaders !

Ryan Dalli

Feb 24th 2009, 18:45

I will definitely give my vote to Louis Grech again in the MEPs.
He did a great job, together with Joseph Muscat, and still doing.
Law is Law.

clive borg

Feb 24th 2009, 18:36

Nice one, now what should we do to get it back, hope it is reimbursed without problems...

Aaron Bugeja

Feb 24th 2009, 18:35

Wait for another Tax Credit on your next new car!!

I Alamango

Feb 24th 2009, 18:33

Let me ask you a silly question... I purchased a Japanese Import in 2005 and i sold such car now.. will i get the refund as well as i forked out the VAT since I was the 1st owner of this car in Malta?

E. Anastasi

Feb 24th 2009, 18:24

I have never been a very big fan of Louis Grech or to be honest followed his career in the EU Parliament, however now I can appreciate the genuiness of this man. Quiet and humble in his ways he has achieved a great deal for the Maltese consumer. Prosit Louis - you have definitelty won my vote.

V Fenech

Feb 24th 2009, 18:22

No matter what the annoying Blue Die-Hards say, Labour is Correct AGAIN!

The Government was stealing us and Karl Abela cannot believe it! Be a man pls, for once...

Kevin Borg

Feb 24th 2009, 18:18

@ A.Attard

I bet you are one of those who back in 2003 voted No for Europe or simply left their vote in the kitchen cupboard. Now you are celebrating a right given to persons like me who purchased a car last year with comments that show the shallowness of your thoughts. The government will pay us back and rest assured that this will not ruin the government's vision or balance books because after all people like you will be paying my refund. And as for the crisis! well you should know better what a crises is made of.

P.S. I would like to excuse myself with all other readers for replying to such a shallow comment posted by Mr. A Attard, but I just could not help it.

J. Borg

Feb 24th 2009, 18:16

Financial Stimulus a la GonziPN

J Abela

Feb 24th 2009, 18:12

I expect my refund paid back with interest according to law. The government has, rightly so, no qualms in charging interest on payments due. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

J. Borg

Feb 24th 2009, 18:12

MEP Louis Grech - has just secured another term in office.

Well done

(NB - pls get us some EU funding to pay back all that VAT - as we cannot pay more taxes to fund this inefficient & incapable government)

Wayne Hewitt

Feb 24th 2009, 18:11

Wonder what the EU has to say on all the VAT importers are paying on ECO tax? Same concept, same abuse...

Denis Catania

Feb 24th 2009, 18:11

True GonziPN supporters wouldn't file for the refund. Will see how loyal they are?

P. Gatt

Feb 24th 2009, 18:03

Since we have an efficient goverment from tomorrow I be waiting for the refund. Thanks Joseph and Lewis

D Ellul

Feb 24th 2009, 18:01

Who got these for Malta?
1. Tax on satellite dishes removal
2. Roaming charges reduction
3. VAT on car registration refunds
Answer = Labour in the EU
Next June = vote for those who deliver

D Gauci

Feb 24th 2009, 17:59

@ J Busuttil

What's the point in being in the EU and the government keeps breaking it's regulations left, right and centre?? It's useless being satisfied we got in the EU and things stop there. As a person who voted for the EU I expected better from the PN. Seems the PL MEP's though they were against accession, are much better prepared for the job.

Aaron Bugeja

Feb 24th 2009, 17:59

Well done Joseph, ara xha taghmel ghaziz gvern.

Mark Portelli

Feb 24th 2009, 17:52

To All Readers: If its confirmed this Applies only to imported cars from the EU.

A. Attard

Feb 24th 2009, 17:49

GONZI HAS NO CONTROL!!!! how is he going to pay all that VAT back??? hahaha PN government is in crises big time!

salvu calleja

Feb 24th 2009, 17:46

@
R.Scicluna
Since we have a proper GOV I have to agree with you that refunds will come out from our pockets. (MAYBE THE NEW SPEED CAMERAS IS PART OF THIS STRATEGY).. IL VAPUR GHEREQ MY FRIEND.......................

Andrew Cachia

Feb 24th 2009, 17:42

Dear Mr Byron Camilleri, it's irrelevant at this stage to point out who got it right. The truth of the matter is that due to the stubborness of a few individuals, we, as tax payers have to suffer the consequences of an other dreadful decision which easily could have been avoided.

F J Brincat

Feb 24th 2009, 17:41

R Scicluna: You’ve got to be joking. I’ve never seen a government administration in such confusion about so many different issues all at once. If the opposition is amateurish, this government isn’t much better.

Yes, the refunds will be coming out of his own pocket – the new road license fee will see to that.

J Busuttil

Feb 24th 2009, 17:41

To all Labour No EU. VIVA L-UNJONI EWROPEA U XEJN IZJED. If the YES vote haven't really won the day this announcment would never have come.

Randolph De Battista

Feb 24th 2009, 17:37

Again, Louis Grech showed he's not just another MEP, he's the one who really delivers! Let's not forget, his work to stop the proposed development in Ghadira. Well Done Mr Grech!

Karl Abela

Feb 24th 2009, 17:35

@Tony caruana

Vera taf iddahhak!! Tista tibki kemm trid ghax Muscat diga qed jitfixkel f'saqqajh allavolja mhuwiex jiggverna.

Louis Ebejer

Feb 24th 2009, 17:34

@ M Bezzina
YES this apply ALSO for Japanese cars.
Thanks Joseph Muscat ,Louis Grech

Charles Busuttil

Feb 24th 2009, 17:34

@ R. Scicluna
Do you call this a proper government? You MUST be joking.

R Scicluna

Feb 24th 2009, 17:22

@
Tony Caruana
..... Dr. Gonzi gets a lot right... hence thank God we have a proper government and not some amateur group like the opposition....and yes, not always perfect so the situation has to be settled.... my friend, the refunds will come out of your pocket anyway.

M.Bezzina

Feb 24th 2009, 17:20

Does this also refer to the japan cars bought also?If yes where do I have to refer to?

Marius Zulgis

Feb 24th 2009, 17:16

What a complete mess.

Byron Camilleri

Feb 24th 2009, 17:15

So Joseph Muscat was right.... AGAIN!!!

M. Cutajar

Feb 24th 2009, 17:13

Well done to Labour MEP Louis Grech and Dr. Muscat. Dear government stop ripping us off!

D Ellul

Feb 24th 2009, 17:13

Thanks to Dr Joseph Muscat and the Labour MEP's.

tTony Caruana

Feb 24th 2009, 17:07

Does Dr Gonzi EVER get something right ? Just once at least !! Ha Nibki