To the Nexo.
Today, was a normal routine day, only to find out that the Agencia Tributaria has charged your account one month early, without any prior correspondence to one’s address
Some poor residents, I include the pensioners, may have been put on the spot regarding this charge at this early stage, (not having this amount available). Last year 2013 it was due in November
So could Nexo investigate why this has been done. Especially with no advance notice or information of the required amount, via the post. Sorry I don’t think this is right, that an agency can charge an account without prior notice.
Regards Ron.
Dear Nexonr
We note that our council tax has been taken out on October 20th this year, last year it was November and originally December. Is this an underhand way of taking a years tax in 11 months do you think, and how can that be legal? Incidentally we are not the only ones this is happening to and would appreciate Nexonr’s help in investigating this.
Kind regards,
June C & Graham C Reader.
Editor´s note:
My information is that a Government Agency, such as the Agencia Tributaria which collects the “impuestos inmuebles” can act on the direct debits at any time during the payment period. ie. from when the bill is issued to when the payment period ends. The only way to control when to pay your bill is to pay it manually. However, Nexonr is aware that most UK residents have taken out direct debits because the bills simply don´t arrive and late payment means “fines” and the possibility of your bank account being embargoed.
The bills are usually issued in September and the payment period ends in November. Readers can go the the Agencia Tributaria, in the SEF Office in the Gran Via, and personally pìck up their bills. The staff are extremely helpful and speak English. If you personally collect your bill you can control when you pay it. However, if you do this don´t forget to cancel your direct debit with the bank and with the Agency or you may risk paying the bill twice!!
As for “advance notice or information” this hardly exists in this part of Spain where they cut off electricity or water and put an embargo on your bank account without any warning.
Up to a few years ago the Agency didn´t issue any bills at all, simply reminding people by loudspeaker on a van driving around Calasparra that the money was due. Nexonr complained to the Agency that many UK residents could not understand the loudspeaker and were getting “fines” or worse and the next year bills were issued. However, these bills seem go astray or remain undelivered and so the result was the same for many UK residents. Thus the decision by many to take out direct debits, which means, in practice, the Agency can collect the money when they want. Vicious circle is the phrase that comes to mind!!
If you don´t have sufficient money in your account the Agency will represent the bill. If this happens you will need to check that the bank does not charge you. If they do let us know here at Nexonr so advise you on how to get a refund.
If there is any further information on this issue we will publish it on this webpage.
Thank you to our Readers for keeping us informed.
