Guardians Council Spotlights Flaws in Vacancy Tax Bill

The Guardians Council—a watchdog that ensures laws are in line with the Iranian Constitution and Islamic law—has drawn attention to the flaws in various provisions of new vacancy tax bill drafted by parliamentarians. 
On Aug. 12, the council returned the vacancy tax bill to Majlis citing "ambiguities" and called for amendments to the document.  
The Iranian Parliament approved on August 5 revisions to Article 54 of Direct Tax Code (pertaining to vacancy tax), based on which empty homes in cities with a population of over 100,000 will be taxed after four months based on their assessed rental income tax on a monthly basis. 
The owners of these properties will have to pay six times more than the rental income tax in the first year, 12 times more than the rental income tax in the second year and 18 times more than the rental income tax in the third year and the following years.