Tax evasion was causing huge losses to the BBMP as people were avoiding paying crores of rupees. In the past, many Bangaloreans reduced the size of the buildings or commercial establishments or even knocked off one floor in a multi-floor building to reduce the property tax amount. If you’ve cheated while paying your property tax, you’re not going to get away so easily this time.
This year, BBMP roped in neighbors to get information about evaders. Informants were assured their identity would not be disclosed. This yielded great dividends and BBMP received about 20,000 tip-offs through emails alone. About 10,000 alerts came through letters and telephone calls. “GIS technology helped BBMP confirm the violations,”
BBMP used GIS to record details of assets which come under the tax net. Detailed maps are drawn showing the area of the plot, taxable areas and the tax details. The moment the owner pays the tax his payable details, paid details are tallied and details of tax evaded are calculated. The GIS mapping also shows details of nonpayment of tax and the list of payments. Even small evasions are shown by GIS.
Common complaints of tax evasion
- Residential sites used for commercial purpose
- Wrong zone where tax is less
- Building given for rent declared as own-use
- Reduced built-up area
All tax evaders will receive notices shortly. BBMP has fixed targets for BBMP officials to issue these notices. After issuing the notice, owners will be asked to reply and the final list of all tax evaders will be posted on the BBMP website. Tax evaders have to pay double the fixed tax with an interest of 2%.
