The New Delhi Municipal Council has introduced a one-time settlement of dispute scheme for property tax payers. A special committee for settlement of these disputes has also been set up. Any penalties imposed on tax payers would also be processed for waiver under this scheme.
“As there is no provision in the NDMC Act that provides for a time limit for completion of assessments or for charging interest on delayed payments, the backlog can be cleared only when the tax payers are given some incentive to settle the disputes and pay the tax,” an NDMC official said.
The one-time settlement scheme will cover cases where demand of property tax is outstanding for the period up to March 31, 2009, due to pendency of grant of vacancy remission or decision in remanded cases. It would also cover cases pending in court and any other disputes for fixation of rateable value. Cases where demand is created in the pending proposals under Section 72 of NDMC Act would also be covered in this scheme.
After settlement of dispute or the disposal of these types of cases, a rebate of 5 per cent tax up to Rs.20 lakh of demand and 10 per cent on above Rs.20 lakh of demand would be provided by the civic body. However, this rebate would be available only if the entire demand so created is paid by March 31 this year.
The NDMC is also giving rebates for self-assessment scheme under the NDMC annual rent by-laws of 2009. These rebates will be available on 50 per cent of the tax on the first Rs.1 lakh of the rateable value.
Self-occupied residential properties exclusively owned or occupied by senior citizens, women and physically challenged person can also avail of an additional 25 per cent rebate.
An additional rebate of 10 per cent can also be availed of the tax is paid by January 31 and 5 per cent if the tax is paid between February 1 and March 31.
“Those interested in having their cases settled under this scheme can apply to the committee and send their application in Room No.3008, 3rd Floor, Palika Kendra between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on all working days up to February 15. Though the rebates under the scheme would be available to those who get their cases settled and tax paid by March 31, if the scheme is found to be successful the Chairperson would be authorised to extend the scheme with rebates up to June 30,” said the official.
