The pandemic notwithstanding, the GHMC collected Rs 1,189.10 crore since April in property tax, an increase of Rs 140 crore compared to last year. For the same period between April 2019 and December 2019, GHMC collected property tax of Rs 1,049.1 crore.
Anticipating a dip owing to the pandemic, state rolled out a one-time amnesty scheme in which owners paid just 10% of accumulated interest along with principal up to financial year of 2019-20. The move helped collect Rs 280 crore.
Out of 5.64 lakh property owners, who did not pay their dues for a decade, 1.10 lakh cleared their dues this year. “Property owners, especially those running commercial establishments complained about losses in June and July and refused to pay tax for that period. However, their business is back on track now and many of them had paid property tax,” said a bill collector, Serilingampally zone.
Of 16.92 lakh properties in GHMC limits, 13.50 lakh are residential, 2.1 lakh commercial and remaining are mixed. On Thursday, the GHMC was told by municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD) department to stop assessing unassessed properties. “We were told new property tax identification numbers (PTINs)/assessments will create hurdles while non-agricultural properties are on Dharni portal. So the process is suspended,” said a GHMC official.
