JMC-Greater is planning to rename ‘urban development tax’ as ‘property tax’. It will soon send a request to the state government for approval.
According JMC-Greater officials, urban development (UD) tax has the word ‘development’, which often confuses people.
Several PILs have been been filed in Rajasthan high court over the years stating that since the word ‘development’ is used to raise money, the corporations should carry out projects to improve civic amenities within its jurisdiction. Officials, however, claim that the money paid by citizens under UD tax is for owning a property in an urban or corporation area.
JMC-Greater deputy commissioner Naveen Bhardhwaj said, “Development tax is collected by the JDA when a plot of land is transferred to residents. The money is used for creating better infrastructure in the area. UD tax is for owning a property or several properties in urban areas. To remove this confusion, we are preparing to send a proposal to change the name to property tax.”
Before 2007, UD tax was called house tax.
Residents and market associations of the city have often objected to this definition of the corporation. Traders claim that when they pay taxes to the corporation, there’s an expectation of some development projects.
Jaipur Vyapaar Mahasangh president Subhash Goyal said, “If we are supposed to pay taxes for having a property in the corporation area, we expect civic amenities to improve in our area. We have the right to ask the corporation where our taxes are being utilised. The name of the tax doesn’t matter.”
What’s urban development tax?
UD tax is paid once a year
Before 2007, it was called house tax
JMC-Greater and JMC-Heritage are already behind their annual target of collecting UD tax
Commercial properties up to 100sqm are excluded
Residential properties up to 300sqm are excluded
