2 days Ago
Pune: The civic body has extended the deadline to pay property tax at discounted rates till June 30 in a relief to citizens. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) offers a 5% to 10% discount to taxpayers who pay their dues before May 31, every year. However, an extension of one month has been offered for financial year 2025-26.
Civic officials said the decision was made keeping in mind that distribution of bills would likely be delayed over calculations of 40% tax discounts. Data shows around 12.5 lakh properties come under the tax net within PMC limits.
Nearly 50% citizens pay the tax before May 31, helping generate a revenue of around Rs1,000 crore in the first quarter of the fiscal year. PMC officials said distribution of bills starts in April, every year, and is completed in a month. This year, it may start in May.
They said the civic administration has reintroduced a 40% tax discount for self-occupied properties. The discount was introduced in 1970, but no state govt notified the act. Finally, auditors of the central govt declared the discount illegal and it was scrapped in 2018-19.
The facility was restored in 2022-23 following complaints by citizens and property owners. "The administration wants to ensure that diligent taxpayers do not lose the benefit of the discount because they received the bills late. All those who pay their tax by June end will be eligible for the relief," said a senior PMC official.
Officials said the proposal to extend the date was tabled with PMC administrator and commissioner Rajendra Bhosale and he has approved it. Activists said the bills generated by civic administration are confusing and should be simplified. "The bill should mention clearly whether the 40% tax discount is given or not.
The amount with and without the discount should also be written so that taxpayers have a clear idea about the exact amount to be paid," said Vivek Velankar of citizens group Sajag Nagrik Manch. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with EID Wishes , Messages and quotes !.
