SDMC collects over Rs 258 cr under property tax amnesty scheme

NEW DELHI: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) on Wednesday said it has collected around Rs 258 crore under its amnesty scheme for property tax defaulters.

“Many government departments have also availed the benefits of the amnesty scheme and liquidated outstanding dues by paying only the principal amount. Rs 47 crore was deposited by the Education Department (Delhi government), Rs 15 crore by BSES and Rs 26 crore by airport (authorities),” the SDMC said.

Other than these three departments, 42,276 taxpayers have availed the benefit of the amnesty scheme till February 28 and deposited Rs 169.68 crore, as compared to 16,845 taxpayers depositing Rs 56.59 crore during the corresponding period in 2015-16, the civic body said.

“Similarly, other departments and organisations like the police, paramilitary forces, AAI, hotels, are also coming forward to deposit their dues under the scheme,” it said, adding: “The scheme has also attracted the residents of even unauthorised and unauthorised but regularised colonies.”

The South MCD had launched the scheme on November 18 last year to provide a window to taxdefaulters to clear their previous dues.

“Initially, the benefit of 100 per cent waiver of penalty and interest was available on deposit of up-to-date dues latest by February 28. Looking at the overwhelming response of taxpayers, the SDMC has extended the amnesty scheme up to March 31, with a few additions to it,” the civic body said.

According to the SDMC, as per the provisions of the DMC Act, interest at the rate of 1 per cent per month, besides penalty to the extent of 30 per cent can be levied on property tax dues.