MBMC to offer prop tax rebate to early birds

In a rewarding move for diligent property tax payers, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has geared up to roll-out its much-awaited early bird incentive scheme which offers 1-2 per cent discounts for online taxpayers as well as for those who clear their dues before the last date.

The tax department is updating its system to incorporate the discount mechanism in its software. If the tax payers clear their current bills along with any arrears by the stated deadline they will be eligible for the tax rebate, too.

“We have prepared a proposal after going through rebate models adopted by other civic bodies in the state. The proposal will be tabled before the upcoming general body for a final nod. The early bird and online incentive scheme will encourage timely payments and benefit the civic body,” said MBMC deputy commissioner Sanjay Shinde.

One of the major revenue generators for the MBMC, property tax collections amounting to Rs 244 crore has been projected for the current fiscal. However, despite fast tracking the billing process and launching an amnesty scheme, the tax department managed to mop up just Rs 161 crore out of which nearly Rs 50 crore was received via digital payments till March 31.

Notably, there has been a surge in property tax payment through online modes, including links on the MBMC website and the civic body's mobile application. As per statistics, the assessed number of properties in the twincity is around 3,68,501, including 63,498 commercial and 3,05,003 residential units.