$17 Million in Tax Refunds Mailed by Government

Government House Communications Director Richard Motta announce at the Monday Government House briefing that the V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue sent out around $17 million to cover refunds due in 2021 and earlier and encouraged residents to express support for a land swap on St. John.

The refund payments covered tax returns, with no issues, filed between April 11, 2021, and April 11, 2022. Those under audit, with incomplete paperwork or other issues, did not receive a check.

Director Motta asked residents to contact their senators about the upcoming legislation to approve a land swap on St. John to build a new K-12 public school. The bill comes before the Committee of the Whole for discussion on July 11 to exchange Whistle Cay, a small island off the North Side of St. John, for 12 acres of land in Estate Catherineberg just off Centerline Road, now owned by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The V.I. Legislature is scheduled to vote on the bill on July 20.

“The National Park Service has finally reached an agreement with the Government of the Virgin Islands. That agreement is before the Legislature for approval and we are asking the Virgin Islands community, especially St. Johnians, to take the opportunity July 11, to make your voices heard.” Motta said. “We’re asking that you also express your support for this measure and the unencumbered and equal education for the children of St. John.”