Homeowners could see property-tax refund

Economy minister stops short of promising refund to homeowners who paid too much in property tax due to assessment errors

Homeowners who have paid too much in housing taxes due to inaccurate assessments could be in line for a refund.

The economy and interior minister, Margrethe Vestager (Radikale), said she would push for the refund after it was revealed last month that as many as 75 percent of property assessments carried out by Skat, the tax agency, were wrong.

“People must be able to count on their property tax evaluations, now and in the future. And if you have paid too much in taxes, then you should get some money back,” Vestager told Jyllands-Posten newspaper. “That goes for this area, just as it does in others.”

Problems with property assessments were detailed in a report released by state auditors Rigsrevisionen, which criticised Skat and the Tax Ministry for continuing to inaccurately evaluate property values even though assessors were aware of the errors.

A total of 1.7 million homes were assessed incorrectly. In the second half of 2011 34 percent of homes were under assessed, while 41 percent were overassessed. All were at least 15 percent off from their market value.

Vestager’s comments come after the tax minister, Holger K Nielsen (Socialistisk Folkeparti), initially suggested Skat might not refund excess taxes, even though he accepted part of the blame.

Skat took over responsibility for property assessment from local councils in 2003. Last year, it collected 38 billion in property taxes. 




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.