Big fine for wrong property tax assessment

Property owners in posh south Delhi must think twice before submitting their self-evaluation property tax to the local civic body, as they might be fined if there is a difference between their assessment and that by officers of the civic body. The decision was taken by the tax department of the South Delhi Muncipal Corporation (SDMC) after receiving several complaints regarding wrong assessment of property tax. The corporation in another decision has re-allowed submission of property tax through cheques. 'Property owners do not show the correct use of their property and pay very low property tax.

Properties which are being used for commercial purpose and have been rented out are often shown in personal use category,' said a senior official of the SDMC. The corporation has decided to impose a penalty of up to 30 per cent of the difference in the tax assessed. 'We are adoptting stringent action since the number of defaulters have reached alarming numbers,' said the official.