KDMC new Property Tax collection method

While it is the end of 2015 for others, it’s the beginning of property tax collection regime for the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. The KDMC usually commences its property tax collection in January – February every year, however this time it has decided to start the drive early to ensure that tax payers clear their dues.

In a novel move, the civic body has decided to seize priced possessions of those who prefer to look the other way round when it comes to pay their property taxes. Evasive tax payers will not only lose costly household items but also their homes if they fail to pay property tax this year to the KDMC.

“If people fail to clear off their property dues, we will confiscate their household items like refrigerator, TV and washing machine,” said Anil Lad, Assessor and Collector of Taxes, KDMC. “There is a provision in the law to do so and we will be doing it literally this time,” he added.

Besides, if the tax liability is very high, they will seal the offender’s flat and later auction it to recover the dues.

“In 2013 and 2014, an Abhay Yojana was launched by the KDMC where people could pay their taxes and penalty on it was abolished,” said Lad. ”this time also, people are hoping for the same scheme so that they can forgo the penalty and interest. However, this will not happen,” he said adding that the abolition of octroi and LBT has resulted in huge financial crunch for the corporation.

If this drive is successful, KDMC plans to use the same strategy in water tax collection also.