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The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is taking determined steps to ensure that citizens meet their property tax obligations promptly. Defaulters are now facing the possibility of significant repercussions, as the civic body contemplates measures such as the seizure of vehicles, freezing of bank accounts, and the sealing of commercial properties.
In its pursuit of financial stability, BBMP has set a target of collecting Rs 4,790 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24, which encompasses property tax and associated cess. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has expressed his dissatisfaction with the property tax collection process in Bengaluru and has urged officials to enhance their efforts.
To bolster these efforts, the government has appointed senior IAS officer Munish Moudgil as a special commissioner for revenue. Officials have been convening consistently to strategize on property tax collection, and recently, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath has directed his team to compile a list of the most significant defaulters and take necessary measures for tax recovery.
Munish Moudgil, the Special Commissioner for Revenue at BBMP, has highlighted the evolution of their approach. Previously, officials would send annual messages to property owners, requesting payment of their outstanding dues. Now, they have adopted a system of sending multiple reminders, aiming to improve tax compliance.
Their standard operating procedure involves sending text messages to individuals who have defaulted on their tax payments, serving as reminders of their outstanding dues. They also provide online links for property tax payments, along with warnings that defaulters may face legal consequences under the BBMP Act-2020.
It's become customary for officials to send these text reminders to defaulters, emphasizing the importance of settling unpaid taxes. They consistently provide online payment links, accompanied by cautions about potential legal actions under the BBMP Act-2020.
However, a concerning trend has emerged, with certain property owners attempting to lower their tax liability by providing inaccurate information, falsely categorizing their properties as residential when they are actually used for commercial purposes. Inaccurate information is also being reported regarding the number of floors within these properties.
To further ensure tax compliance and revenue collection, revenue officials have been instructed to physically verify properties and issue digitized documents. This proactive approach is aimed at increasing the efficiency of tax collection within BBMP. With over 500 revenue and tax inspectors in the organization, each has been tasked with verifying a minimum of 25 properties daily. Munish Moudgil has announced plans to provide digitized property documents to all property owners within the next three to four months, a move expected to significantly enhance property tax collection.
In conclusion, BBMP's determined drive for property tax compliance and enhanced revenue collection is not only essential for the financial stability of the civic body but also for ensuring fair and equitable tax distribution among citizens. This comprehensive approach, combined with digital innovations, sets a positive precedent for efficient tax administration and resource allocation.
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