Citizens should brace themselves for an increase in property tax now that municipalities and municipal corporations across the state have been given a free hand to revise the tax on residential as well as commercial property.
The state government has issued orders enabling the local bodies to revise property tax once every five years without requiring the state government’s permission.
The move comes in the wake of the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission.
The municipal commissioners, who act as special officers (officers exercising the power of the elected body, since presently there are no elected bodies in municipalities), can take a decision to increase the property tax.
When contacted, the commissioner and director of municipal administration, Dr B. Janardhan Reddy, confirmed that the local bodies can revise taxes hereafter depending on the prevailing local market situation.
“The idea is to allow the municipalities to raise their revenues and improve civic amenities,” Dr Janardhan Reddy explained.