PNS/DEHRADUN
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) has sent bills and notices to about 20,000 property tax defaulters to ensure it achieves the target of collecting Rs 70 crore in property tax this financial year, the Dehradun municipal tax superintendent Poonam Rawat said.
According to Rawat, the corporation has so far collected around Rs 40 crore but is working diligently to meet the Rs 70 crore target before the financial year 2024-25 ends. She stated that there is a significant increase in the number of property owners visiting the MCD office to clear their dues as only 45 days remain until the deadline.
Besides this, there has been a sharp rise in online property tax payments, particularly from non-residential property owners, who make a substantial contribution, she said. This financial year has seen a 25-30 per cent increase in digital transactions, compared to just 12 per cent last year, highlighting a growing preference for online payments.
Rawat further informed that local taxpayers can avail a 20 per cent rebate on property tax payments. However, those with outstanding dues will face a 12 per cent penalty and will not be eligible for the rebate. In an effort to boost tax collection, MCD has started sending WhatsApp messages to property tax defaulters, reminding them of their pending payments.
Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal launched this initiative on Thursday by sending messages to 921 defaulters. Rawat expressed confidence that these measures will improve tax collection in the coming weeks. She added that while there are no immediate plans to organise additional tax collection camps in city wards, the MCD will consider doing so if necessary.
