In a testament to the increasing adoption of digital transactions, a substantial 65 percent of taxpayers in Pune have chosen the convenience of online payments for their property taxes. This preference for online transactions over in-person visits to Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) tax-collection centers underscores the growing trend of digital payment solutions in the city.
PMC’s rebate scheme, which offered 5 percent and 10 percent discounts, remained in effect until August 2. In this timeframe, a significant 7.63 lakh taxpayers fulfilled their property tax obligations, contributing a total of ₹1,296 crore for the fiscal year 2022-23. Of this sum, 4.97 lakh taxpayers utilized the ease of online transfers to pay a collective amount of ₹772 crore.
Data shared by PMC reveals that 1.73 lakh taxpayers opted for cash payments, while 91,221 individuals chose to settle their tax liabilities through cheque transactions.
Ajit Deshmukh, the head of PMC’s property tax department, highlighted the evolving dynamics behind the city’s preference for online payments. He stated, “Pune has a considerable population working in the IT sector. In addition, many citizens are tech-savvy, contributing to a growing number of taxpayers opting for online bill payments. This year, up to August 2, 65 percent of taxpayers opted for online transfers, given the hassle-free experience in comparison to cash transactions.”
One of the contributing factors to PMC’s heightened tax collections this year stems from citizens voluntarily making extra payments. Initially, the civic body had withdrawn the 40 percent tax rebate for the year 2019. Although the state government later revoked this decision by PMC, the civic authority issued tax bills with adjusted higher amounts. Subsequently, citizens were required to apply for rebates using P-3 forms and No Objection Certificates (NOC) to demonstrate the property’s self-occupied status.
The trend of increasing online tax payments mirrors the broader shift toward digital financial transactions, reflecting the evolving preferences and convenience of citizens. As Pune’s urban landscape continues to adapt to digital advancements, the growth of online payments is poised to be a pivotal driver in streamlining administrative processes and improving overall financial efficiency.
