this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2023
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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.crimedad.work/post/12162

Why? Because apparently they need some more incentive to keep units occupied. Also, even though a property might be vacant, there's still imputed rental income there. Its owner is just receiving it in the form of enjoying the unit for himself instead of receiving an actual rent check from a tenant. That imputed rent ought to be taxed like any other income.

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[–] [email protected] 114 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Landlords do have to pay an income tax on property regardless of whether it is occupied or not, it is just that when a property is not being rented, it generates 0 income and 30% of $0 is $0.

Do you mean some sort of land appreciation tax?

[–] [email protected] 29 points 1 year ago

Don't forget about real estate taxes in lieu of an income tax when empty. They are due whether a place is rented or not.

[–] [email protected] 96 points 1 year ago (12 children)

Income tax on no income sounds fucking stupid. Just up property tax on the 3th or 4th house or apartment by a fuckton, watch everyone panic sell their shit crashing the housing market into oblivion and call it a day. Ez affordable housing.

[–] [email protected] 30 points 1 year ago

Denmark applies a property tax to foreign properties at ones disposal. If it's rented, it's waived and tax is levied on the rental income. If it's unoccupied, it's considered a luxury available for your use and thus is taxable property, even though it's in a foreign jurisdiction.

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[–] [email protected] 91 points 1 year ago (28 children)

Income tax can only tax income.

As others have said - land value / property tax is supposed to take care of this. You could also add a specific vacancy tax.

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[–] [email protected] 76 points 1 year ago (121 children)

Landlords should not exist in the first place. When fantasizing, why aim for mediocrity?

[–] [email protected] 32 points 1 year ago

When fantasizing, why aim for mediocrity?

Mediocrity is as ambitious as liberals can be

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[–] [email protected] 67 points 1 year ago (90 children)

Landlords should pay 100% tax on their empty rentals.

You'll see how fast they will accept any and all new tenants, at a much lower price.

Which would also flood the market with housing, lowering the prices even more until renting becomes an actual beneficial option compared to buying and paying off a loan.

Real estate would also not be seen as an investment anymore.

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[–] [email protected] 59 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (11 children)

Not to be a downer, but how does this fit into personalfinance? Like at all?... I mean, I agree with the point but this belongs in politics or something.

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[–] [email protected] 49 points 1 year ago (1 children)

ITT: "If not for ticket scalpers, concerts wouldn't happen! They're providing a valuable service by hoovering up supply with their high capital and low morals, and then drip feeding it back to us at increased prices! Ticket scalpers, by buying all tickets at once, increase demand for bigger concerts, a net win for everyone!"

Anyway, yes, it won't fix the whole systemic issue and calling it an "income tax" is silly (it can just be a tax), but if the way to get you over the line is getting landlords to pay extra for empty apartments/houses so be it.

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[–] [email protected] 48 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Landlords should not

Not a response to the post. Just making a statement about landlords.

[–] [email protected] 35 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Sure would be cool if the logic of eminent domain would be applied to housing that sits vacant for ages. If they're not using it just take it.

[–] [email protected] 47 points 1 year ago

mao-wave I have an idea

[–] [email protected] 38 points 1 year ago (3 children)

landlords should be forced to pay a house tax on every house they don't live in to the value of one house

[–] [email protected] 31 points 1 year ago

Whoa now, let's not be unreasonable. They can be taxed at a geometric rate, starting at 100% the value of the house and doubling for every one thereafter.

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[–] [email protected] 33 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (5 children)

This article title makes ZERO sense. Empty house tax, sure.

But an "income" tax on no rent being paid?

Why would that EVER be passed by the people who own all of the houses? Don't waste the poors' time lol

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[–] [email protected] 27 points 1 year ago (7 children)

Fyi, what you want to say is that we should have a wealth tax. I agree with you on that. We should also tax stock holdings similarly.

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