Waiver scheme for property tax defaulters

New Delhi: Ahead of the next year’s civic polls, three BJP-ruled municipal corporations will announce an amnesty scheme for property tax defaulters by offering 100 per cent waiver on penalty and interest amount payment of arrears till February 28, 2017. Sources said that the interest and penalty in all three MCs amounts to several hundred crore of rupees.

While announcing the waiver scheme, the top leadership of the MCs said that property tax defaulters owe around Rs 2,700, including property tax dues with interest and penalty, crore to the three MCs.

However, with the implementation of the amnesty scheme, these MCs will likely lose around half of the money. Defending the decision, BJP leaders said that currently, not a single penny has been received from the property tax defaulters but after the waiver, the MCs hope to at least get the original dues.

“The aim is not only to generate revenue but to encourage people to pay their property tax in time,” they added. As per the scheme, the 100 per cent waiver on penalty and interest will be applicable till February 28, 2017. On payment of the property tax between March 1 to March 31, 2017, the assesses will get 50 per cent waiver on interest amount and 100 per cent waiver on penalty.

The waive-off on penalty and interest will be given on arrear accumulated up to November 18. To avail the benefit, which is available from November 18, the assesses will have to file an application as per the prescribed procedure.

“Benefits are available to all the properties, including residential, commercial and government,” said leader of House in South Delhi MC, Subhash Arya.

North Delhi standing committee chairman Pravesh Wahi said the MCs will accept old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 in the payment of property tax in cash.