According to source, there is a good response across the city from property taxpayers for paying property tax in full for 2010-11 and avail 5 per cent rebate on property tax. “The online payment system had some problems due to a problem with the bank server. The staff shortage was only on the first two days of census work as officials had to guide enumerators in some cases. But, it’s all sorted out.” says BBMP officials.
On Monday, at least 2,000 property tax transactions were made at 64 Bangalore-One centres and 1,800 people paid this tax online. BBMP officials said the collection for this block period could cross Rs 150 crore and include 2 lakh properties by April 30.Anticipating the rush, tax counters remained open even on Sunday.
However, complaints continued to pour in. Some taxpayers complained that the authorities insisted on new forms be filled with application form numbers of the last two block periods (2008 -09 and 2009-10) along with the previous receipt numbers.
“When it is computerised and a property register is available, why is this needed? If BBMP still wants the numbers, a database must be made available at collection centres or BBMP should have a helpline to provide required information to citizens, especially those who are not computer savvy and the urban poor,’’ said a resident of Jayanagar.
A resident of Kalyan Nagar complained how she had to make repeated visits to the help centre to pay the tax. Finally, she decided to pay it at the BangaloreOne centre in her area. Residents in some parts of Jayanagar also complained of no staff at a few help centres.
Collection timings not properly displayed at centres, No clear information about tax collection at BangaloreOne centres in some areas,problem with the server for online payment and not enough application forms at some help centres are some common complaints by taxpayers.
Penalties
For those who fail to pay property tax of earlier period for 2008-09 or 2009-10 or both, penalty calculated at 2% per month
Penalty will be calculated @ 2% per month from June 1, 2010 for those who fail to pay first installment
penalty @ 2% will commence from December 1, 2010 till date of payment for those who fail to pay second installment
Tax Calendar
- April 30, 2010: 5% rebate if paid in full
- May 30, 2010: Full payment or firsthalf installment without penalty
- November 29, 2010: Second halfyear tax without penalty
- penalty @ 2% will calculated till date of payment for defaulters
