Senator Omar Fernández criticizes real estate tax

Santo Domingo.- Senator Omar Fernández of the National District expressed concerns about the proposed Real Estate Property Tax (IPI) in the Dominican Republic’s tax reform, arguing that it treats housing as a luxury when it is a constitutional right. Representing the Fuerza del Pueblo party, Fernández noted that homes currently exempt from the tax could face payments of up to RD$48,500 annually under the new plan.

While acknowledging the need for tax reform, Fernández criticized the approach of increasing costs for citizens, warning that this could also drive up rent prices as landlords shift the tax burden onto tenants. He emphasized that housing should not be viewed as a luxury, given that the Dominican constitution recognizes it as a fundamental right. Fernández urged lawmakers to reconsider the proposal to avoid such negative impacts.