The government has notified the enhanced building tax rates in grama panchayats, municipalities and corporations.
Buildings with a floor area up to 2,000 sq ft have been exempted from the enhanced tax rate.
The owners of such buildings need pay only according to the tax rates that were prevalent before April 1, 2013. But the concession will not be given to renovated structures.
Such buildings will have to pay revised tax in proportion to the changes in the original structure.
The new rates should not exceed 25 per cent of the existing tax rates. A proportionate increase has been ordered for additions to the original structure.
If no alterations have been made to a structure after the last annual assessment or reassessment, while granting exemption from the revised rates, the additional amount collected from the owner should be adjusted in the future payments.
All residential buildings with a floor area of up to 650 sq ft. will be exempted from building tax from the current financial year. This would be applicable to all local governments, a government order issued here on Tuesday said. — Special Correspondent