From J. Micallef

I refer to the article by Daphne Caruana Galizia entitled “They don’t want to pay tax – who does” (TMIS, 29 May) where she came to the conclusion that the families concerned think they are a special breed and exempt from tax. I do not agree with her at all.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse but for the income tax department to wake up after 10 years and decide to enforce the law with regard to these families leaves a lot to be desired, or should we say that might is right.

It was hinted in the article that most families turn their homes into a lodgings business; I would like to point out that according to the MTA no family can host more than four students at any one time.

As for taking in students all the year round, that is a joke; schools only use host families for four months a year in the peak summer period, as in the low season hotels and guest houses are used due to the ridiculous rates the latter offer.

It is not the gross income derived from hosting students that should be added to one’s income but the net profit from such income. At Lm35 per student per week on half board and after deducting the expenses the possible resulting profit would surprise even the host family itself.

Taxation at source is not visible for one cannot put all the families in the same tax bracket; each family will have to work out it own income tax return. Furthermore, families take in students to make ends meet not get rich. Host families need to form an association to protect their interests, rights and to have a voice.

Anyone interested in the formation of this association should phone 2158 2308 and leave their telephone number or message.

J. Micallef

ST PAUL/S BAY