Property tax in 2025: Important Information You Should Know
Property tax is one of those taxes that every taxpayer can easily remember, as it is tied to the status of the property as of January 1st each year. To avoid fines or complications, don’t forget that the real estate tax return for 2025 must be submitted by January 31, 2025.
This article provides an overview of important information regarding this tax, the obligations for its submission and calculation, as well as helpful tips to assist you in fulfilling your tax duties correctly.
Who is required to submit a tax return?
If you acquired land, a building, an apartment, or a non-residential space in 2024, or if you became a manager, tenant, or user of a property registered in the real estate cadastre, you are required to submit a tax return for 2025. This step is also necessary if you have not submitted a return in the previous period. Other situations requiring the submission of a return include inheritance of real estate, its purchase or sale, or a change in its usage purpose.
When does the tax obligation arise?
The tax obligation arises on January 1st of the tax period following the calendar year in which the taxpayer became the owner, manager, tenant, or user of the property. Any changes during the year 2024 (such as purchasing or gifting a property) must be reported to the tax administrator by January 31, 2025.
Which properties are subject to tax?
Real estate tax applies to:
- Land – the tax is calculated based on the area and value of the land.
- Buildings – the more floors a building has, the higher the tax, as the number of floors is also taken into account.
- Apartments and non-residential spaces in apartment buildings – the amount of the tax depends on the floor area.
The tax administrator will calculate the tax based on the data provided in your submitted return.
Types of tax returns and forms
If you have previously submitted a tax return but there has been a change in 2024 (e.g., purchasing another property), you will need to submit a supplementary return. This form is also required if your tax obligation has ceased (e.g., in the case of a property sale).
The tax return form can be obtained from the tax administrator, or it can be found on the websites of municipalities and cities, or on the website of the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic.
When is real estate tax due?
The taxpayer will receive a tax assessment decision, usually in May 2025. The tax must be paid within 15 days from the date the decision becomes final, or it can be paid in installments, as specified in the decision.
Co-ownership and submitting the return
If you are a co-owner of a property, you only submit the return for your share. However, you may agree that only one of you submits the return, while you are both jointly and severally liable for the tax. In the case of joint property ownership by spouses, one spouse may submit the return, and both spouses are jointly liable for the tax.
Exemptions and reductions in tax
There are certain cases where you may be exempt from or eligible for a reduction in real estate tax. This may apply to properties that are exempt from tax under the law or to any reductions provided by the tax administrator based on local regulations.
If you have not yet submitted your real estate tax return for 2025, be sure to send it by the end of January. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our tax advisors.