Pune, which is considered as the Oxford of East has had a glorious past, a promising future and an innovative present. It is the Pune Municipal Corporation or PMC that is administrating the city and serving its citizens. The Pune Property Tax structure has undergone a drastic change in recent times. To make the payment flow better and in an efficient manner, E-Governance was introduced by the Municipal Corporation. In order to encourage taxpayers, it has adopted a practice of giving concession to its tax payers. Of course, in order to avail these concessions, one needs to fulfil one mandatory rule. According to this rule, the property in question must be used for residential purposes. In other words, no kind of concession is applicable for a property if it is used for commercial purpose. And where this property is self-occupied, this concessional benefit is restricted to 40%.
Like any other civic body in a particular city, Pune Municipal Corporation meets their cost of establishment from monetary revenue inflow generated from such property tax. A major part of the developmental activities carried on by these civic bodies is derived from such tax collections. Therefore, accumulation of funds in coffers of this civic authority can save it from facing an acute monetary crunch. However, in order to ensure there are sufficient funds available, property tax payments have to be made on time.
It is mere timely initiatives of PMC that can assure of an enhanced tax collection. As a part of their drive against timely collection, PMC has taken certain measures that are really praiseworthy. For instance, it has set up Citizens’ Facilitation Centers so that the tax collection can be made easy and hassle-free for citizens.
Introduction of Citizens’ Facilitation Centers is a positive step forward. With this one step it has been successful in decentralizing tax collection in Pune. Keeping better tax collection objective in mind, PMC has introduced 21 branches so that people do not have to stand in long queues. In addition, it has opened up six new extension counters of the renowned Cosmos Co-operative bank.
Recent years has witnessed immense all-round development in Pune. As a result of this, it has seen a massive influx of people from the world and within India. Everyone can be found to be interested in buying property in the city. This has led to huge property tax collection which at present stands at approximately Rs. 300 Crore.
Blame it on their busy lifestyle or otherwise, it has been seen people generally show a pessimistic approach when it comes to pay tax on time. That is the reason, due dates for payment of tax keeps on fluctuating. However, the good news is property tax rates have still remained unaltered and there is no hike in tax slabs by the government. Realizing current economic parameters warrant change in the existing tax slabs, the government is planning to make an overhaul in these tax rates. In the pipeline is yet another noteworthy move where the government is mulling an idea to introduce tax property bill. Once the bill is introduced, people can take advantage of self-assessment schemes.
These days, everyone in this world realizes importance of avoiding pollution in every form. Keeping this in mind, PMC has introduced a new type of property tax rebate which is more of an incentive for wooing more and more people to abide by pollution norms. It is in this reference that if you are thinking or have decided to construct an eco-friendly dwelling unit, you are entitled to claim the rebate.
Because of change in lifestyle, people find it difficult to physically go and pay their tax. Everyone is busy with a hectic work schedule and cannot afford to go in person to pay the tax. Therefore, PMC has come up with an online website on property tax. Thus, now people can make their payment online from cool comforts of their house. This website contains details of information on tax that includes reports related with past few years. Citizens who have already used the website swear-by its amazing features. For instance, you can make a search by name or address. Additionally, you can also check tax due and property details online. Adding delight and comfort to its users is availability of a feature called assessor that plays the role of calculating the Annual Rateable Value (ARV).
The modus-operandi of the property assessment is very simple. Once the authorities complete making your property tax assessment, your tax bill is send to you. It is always not necessary that you may find acceptance with the assessment made by authorities. In case you are not satisfied with it, you have a liberty to make a tax appeal. Since such an appeal will include many legal issues which you might not be well versed with, it is suggested you should resort to taking help from professional lawyers or consultants.
Taking this step will benefit you in the long run because they are the perfect people who can present your case in a better and professional manner. It is advisable not to refrain from furnishing the minute details to them when they take your case before a court. You stand a greater chance to win a case where it is substantiated or corroborated with facts and figures. People who have acquired or purchased residential or commercial property after 2005 stand a greater chance to save themselves from incurring a huge tax payment. In order to take this benefit, you will be required to make an appeal. In the appeal, the tax assessment notice served by the civic administration on you can be challenged. It is only on successful submission of proper documents at Municipal Corporation’s office that the property tax can be transferred.
In order to add convenience for tax payers, Pune Municipal Corporation is leaving no stone unturned in this regard. Its official website is one such step where you can find details like property tax in Pune, housing property tax, payment, due dates, to name a few.