Chief Valuation Officer Charged with False Statement on Property Valuation

Julian Barrington, Chief Valuation Officer, faces charges for allegedly enabling false property valuation to lower tax liabilities. The court found discrepancies in property claims, leading to charges under the Income Tax Act. Barrington pleaded not guilty but remains in custody due to inability to post bail, with the case adjourned to March 2025.

Julian Barrington, the Chief Valuation Officer of the Ministry of Finance, faced charges in Georgetown Magistrate’s Court for allegedly assisting in a falsified property valuation. The charge relates to a Certificate of Valuation for a property located at Lot 129, Area “L,” Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, submitted on February 19, 2024. The prosecution claims that the document inaccurately described the property as developed with fencing and sand fill to minimize Capital Gains Tax obligations. Investigators, however, found no improvements made to the property.

Barrington’s actions led to charges under Section 111(1)(b)(i) of the Income Tax Act, following the submission of the dubious valuation to the Guyana Revenue Authority. In court, Barrington pleaded not guilty to the allegations. While bail was set at $40,000, Barrington could not post it and was subsequently taken into custody. The case has been adjourned to March 26, 2025 for further proceedings.

The case against Julian Barrington illustrates serious allegations of misconduct in property valuation, raising significant legal implications regarding tax compliance and integrity in public service. The outcome of the proceedings is awaited, particularly concerning the impact on property valuation practices and adherence to tax regulations in Guyana.

Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com