The commission met on Tuesday. They discussed the land tax. The Ministry of Finance said the interpretation was incorrect.
The president of the Estonian Council of Churches said the new law creates problems. Previously, church land was tax-free. Now churches must pay land tax.
The tax for larger churches amounts to thousands of euros. For example, St. Olaf's Church pays 5000 euros. There is no compensation.
The deputy mayor of Tallinn said the tax has risen to 50 percent. This is difficult for churches. He believes the law needs to be changed.
The council is waiting for a new city government. Then they will discuss compensation. Why not continue the old law?
Churches own a lot of land. This is a national problem. The Minister of the Interior can change the law.