Most Israelis will not have to worry about one cost rising in the next few months. Local property taxes (ארנונה / arnona) will not be allowed to increase over the next six months with only a few exceptions.
Interior Ministry Eli Yishai ordered that local property tax rates be frozen for six months. Under his order, requests for exceptions were allowed. Many municipalities pursued that option, but only a few requests were granted. According to The Marker:
Of Israel’s 225 local authorities, 145 sought permission from the interior and finance ministries to raise local property taxes (arnona). Only six were granted approval.
Per Yediot Achronot, the six exceptions are:
- Hatzor – 5.0%
- Rosh HaAyin – 4.0%
- Beit She’an – 3.3%
- Meitar – 3.0%
- Ra’anana – 2.5%
- Hod HaSharon: 2.5%
Unfortunately, the rate increases in those municipalities are retroactive to the beginning of 2011, which you will be paying over the balance of the year.
For those affected, plan to shell out up to a couple hundred more shekels. For those not, pocket those savings!
