The House of Assembly gave its approval to legislation that was designed to introduce digital methods for the collection of information by the Department of Land Valuation.

The Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2025 is to enhance and modernise provisions of the Land Valuation and Tax Act 1967 and support the efficiency of government operations.

Wayne Furbert, the Junior Minister of Finance, told MPs on Friday that the legislation addresses “long overdue modernisation” of the method through which information is collected by the department during the re-evaluation process.

He said the amendments ensured that the data collection process “reflects the realities of the 21st century” and would provide taxpayers with “accessible and equitable service”.

MPs heard that the land valuation list is the foundation upon which the island’s land taxation system rests.

Mr Furbert said in the upcoming fiscal year, land taxation revenue from the 2015 land taxation valuation list is projected at $87 million. It represents 6.1 per cent of total government revenues, he added.

“Such a critical revenue source must be underpinned by a legislative framework that is modern, efficient and able to meet the needs of a digital society,” he said.

The last full valuation list was updated ten years ago and Mr Furbert said the valuation list is scheduled for publication on December 31, 2026.

Mr Furbert highlighted how the department’s work meant staff were required to review information from about 37,000 valuation units and that, historically, the process relied “almost entirely” on paper.

The amendment is to enable the adoption of digital forms and to streamline methods of data, which the junior minister said will save time and reduce costs.

“Digital submission is not simply a convenience, it is a fundamental step in ensuring that Bermuda’s evaluation system remains fair, transparent and capable of supporting sustainable public finance,” he added.

Mr Furbert said the Government has made a “firm commitment” to modernise public services through digital transformation.

He added: “The shift to electronic notices and online re-evaluation return forms directly supports the national agenda.”

Mr Furbert cautioned that modernisation “must never come at the cost of accessibility”.

He said many seniors and vulnerable residents as well as people without digital access must be able to participate in the re-evaluation process, so officers will be on hand to assist by phone and e-mail.

The department will also partner with Age Concern Bermuda to “help seniors understand and complete the digital forms”.

•To read the Bill, see Related Media

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Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2025.pdf