RASC News Agency: Local sources from Badghis province report that Taliban authorities have issued a warning to residents, threatening identification and detention if property taxes are not paid. Sources informed RASC today, Saturday, April 6th, that Taliban members have been scrutinizing documents and records of homes to determine outstanding tax liabilities, imposing immediate demands for payment dating back to the Republican era.
The source added that the majority of households in Badghis province are indebted due to poor economic conditions, leaving homeowners facing serious challenges in managing their affairs. Nevertheless, the Taliban has intensified pressure on residents to collect high property taxes. Speaking to several residents, the emergence of this issue has imposed significant strain on families in Badghis province.
Meanwhile, other sources from Badghis province have informed Reuters, “Financial matters, in terms of income, hold significant value for the Taliban. The group has made greater efforts to collect all tax-related matters in a timely manner, channeling more funds into their treasury and the pockets of their leaders.” The source further discusses the assessment of shops and homes of residents, indicating that the group is seeking avenues to maximize revenue collection.
However, this source also speaks of corruption within the Taliban ranks concerning tax collection, with many claiming that corruption has significantly increased compared to the Ashraf Ghani era. Ghulam Farooq, a resident of Badghis province, told RASC, “For instance, if you bring a wire to be fixed for your electrical meter, you have to pay an additional fee apart from incidental expenses, which is more than the actual work performed by the individual.”
According to him, for example, if the cost of fixing one meter of electrical wire is 50 kabuli rupees, the employee may demand 150 to 200 kabuli rupees, the prevalent rate in Afghanistan. Osman Qayoumi, a civil activist in western Afghanistan, corroborates that individuals who fail to pay taxes on time are not only penalized by the Taliban but also referred to judicial and legal institutions.
Qayoumi adds that many citizens in western provinces of Afghanistan have been subjected to humiliation, insults, and even beatings by Taliban members for their failure to timely pay property taxes. This is despite the fact that Taliban authorities in Badghis province have so far not responded to the claims made by local residents.
It is worth mentioning that residents of Kabul province, including shopkeepers, street vendors, and homeowners, had previously complained about increased taxes and property tax collection by the Taliban, stating that sector employees determine taxes without considering their income.
