KMC undertakes drive to collect property tax arrears from defaulters

Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has taken up a special drive to collect property tax arrears from defaulters.

A civic team comprising senior officials of the Assessment department visited two premises on Topsia Road and put up distress warrant on the walls. KMC will take legal action against the owners if they fail to pay the arrears within the stipulated date.

The drive has been initiated after the civic authorities failed to collect house tax arrears worth more than Rs 50 crore. There are around 7.60 lakh assesses living in the areas under the jurisdiction of KMC.

The civic officials visited 71, Topsia Road and 83/2/1, Topsia Road. The officials said that the two firms housed at 71, Topsia Road have not paid house tax dues worth Rs 71 lakh. The civic authorities said the owners have cleared 50% of the dues on Monday and gave an undertaking that the remaining amount will be paid by Friday.

The owners of four firms housed at 83/2/1 Topsia Road have not paid house tax arrears worth several lakhs. The civic authorities have put up distress warrant and legal action will be taken against the owners if they fail to pay within the stipulated time.

Civic officials said the defaulters have been requested to pay their dues several times but despite reminders, the officers refused to respond.

They alleged that the defaulters wait for the waivers' scheme and if it is implemented then the defaulters can square up the arrears by paying only the principal amount, while the penalty and interest amounts are waived.

The officials said unlike in the past when property tax

payers had to stand in long queues to pay tax, the system of online payment has been introduced now. Property owners can go to any e-counter and pay the tax and rebate is given if the tax is paid within the stipulated time.