The Office of the Tax Commissioner said erroneous e-mails regarding stamp duty have caused confusion.

Contrary to two e-mails doing the rounds there is no closing date for individuals to submit applications in order to obtain the designation of "family homestead". The designation means the residential property is exempt from stamp duty which would otherwise be payable upon the death of an owner.

The provision allows a Bermudian owner to designate one residence as a family homestead and is eligible for individuals who own or have a legal interest in more than one home on the Island.

The application process started in 2005 and no deadline has been put in place.

If a person dies before designating a residential property as their primary homestead their estate representative may do so before an affidavit of value is submitted. Any property not designated as a homestead will be subject to stamp duty rates at the time of the owner's death.

A spokesman for the Office of the Tax Commissioner said the e-mails currently being circulated were incorrect.

"The origin of the e-mails is unknown but the public should be aware that neither of the messages were authorised by the Office and the content of the e-mails do not represent the policies and procedures of the Tax Commissioner," the spokesman said.

For more information go to www.taxbermuda.gov.bm