The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) recently introduced a scheme offering a 40% discount on property tax bills to property owners who declare self-occupancy. However, the initiative has failed to attract a significant response from citizens, despite the potential financial benefit.
The PMC had anticipated participation from around 4.5 lakh residents, but over the span of the last two months, only approximately 40,000 residents have availed the scheme. The purpose behind introducing the self-occupancy declaration was to alleviate the burden of high property taxes on property owners who reside in their properties.
Ajit Deshmukh, head of PMC’s property tax department, urged property taxpayers to take advantage of the scheme and complete the necessary procedures within the stipulated deadline. He emphasized the importance of filling out the required forms and submitting the relevant documentation.
To avail the discount, property owners are required to submit a PT3 form, a no objection certificate from their society (if applicable), valid ID proof, and the property tax bill of any other property owned by the same taxpayer, situated within PMC limits.
The PMC had deferred issuing property tax bills this year to May 15, as opposed to the usual April 1 timeline. This was due to the need to reprint the bills following the state government’s decision to reinstate the 40% rebate for self-occupied properties.
The rebate, which was initially introduced in 1970 but not formally enacted as an Act by any government, was discontinued in 2019 after being deemed illegal by the Union government’s auditor. In subsequent years, the PMC began recovering the discounted amount as arrears from property taxpayers. However, due to public resistance and opposition, this practice was reversed. Earlier this year, the state Cabinet reinstated the rebate.
Despite the PMC’s efforts to promote the scheme, some self-occupying property owners have raised concerns. They argue that the civic administration should establish a streamlined process for verifying self-occupied properties, minimizing the hassle for citizens in filling out forms and submitting them to local ward offices.
Civic officials have clarified that property owners opting for self-occupancy have been given the choice not to pay arrears. However, some property owners have opted for paying a reduced tax and have chosen to forego the rebate by avoiding the form-filling process.
In conclusion, while the PMC’s intention behind the property tax discount scheme is to benefit self-occupying property owners and reduce their tax burden, the lackluster response indicates the need for more streamlined procedures and efficient communication to encourage wider participation and awareness among citizens.
