5.15 lakh self-declaration property tax forms dispensed in two weeks

The civic body views this as a positive trend, which indicates that the public have accepted the recent regularisation of property tax by the state government. 

Following the State government’s announcement to revise the half-yearly property tax across all Corporations, municipalities and panchayats, the City Corporation had issued self-declaration forms asking property owners to assess their property and submit the details by August 31. According to the revision, property tax hike would be not more than 50% for rented and residential units, while a 100% hike was announced for commercial establishments. In Chennai, the revision comes after 20 years.

Barely a fortnight later, 5,15,669 forms have been handed out to property owners, out of which 6,579 were downloaded from the official website. So far, 42,324 forms have been filled out and submitted, said a Corporation official, adding that this is a positive trend. “This shows that the public have accepted the order and are being proactive about it. The residents welfare associations have been instrumental in the large numbers of forms being circulated, as they have taken charge of submitting all the forms of their respective localities at the zonal office,” added the official.

In addition, advertisements have been put out in radio channels, asking the public to submit their property details – such as built-up area, the total extent of the land, rented portions and other information – through the self-declaration form before August 31. “The Corporation is also mulling conducting a door-to-door exercise of handing out these forms,” added the official.

The Corporation has 12,14,823 property tax assessees, who form the main source of revenue for the civic body. “Following the submission of forms, ward-level officials will corroborate the information and if required, measure the premises,” added the official.