Property tax return cumbrous, residents flock to CAs, lawyers

Thursday, 05/12/2013

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131205/punjab.htm#3

Jalandhar : Notwithstanding the tall claims made by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal that the filing of property tax return would be simple, people are finding the process cumbersome.

Many are now approaching chartered accountants and advocates to get help in filing property tax returns.

Speaking to The Tribune, Jalandhar-based CA Umesh Dada said: "Collector rates are mentioned as per square yards but landholdings are on marla basis. Besides, calculating property tax of multi-storey buildings is a tough task for the common man. For instance, the tax for first floor has to be calculated taking 60 per cent of the collector rate. The tax slab changes for subsequent floors. Unable to do these mathematical calculations, people in large number are approaching CAs."

Ludhiana-based advocate Amanpreet Singh Sekhon said a number of people were seeking guidance from lawyers on the matter.

Besides, the Local Bodies Department has failed miserably in disseminating information on collector rates among the people. The rates are mentioned on the MC websites but everyone does not have access to the internet. Camps organised by the civic bodies failed to serve the purpose as the camps were mismanaged and overcrowded. These views were expressed by several residents in Patiala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar.

Congress Legislative Party leader Sunil Jakhar said: "Property tax charges have been revised more than once. Since the onus of the filing correct returns is on the residents, the latter are at the receiving end. Mistakes are bound to happen because of lack of clarity," he said. Jakhar said the Congress had urged the people not to file property tax returns.

Important dates

December 10: Filing property tax return with 10% rebate

December 31: Filing return without penalty

March 31, 2014: Filing return with 25 per cent penalty

BJP state president Kamal Sharma defended the government. "It (property tax) is for the betterment of the people. Whenever the government introduces a new policy, it takes time to iron out the practical difficulties, if any. The filing process will get streamlined in a phased manner," he said.

Priyank Bharti Director, Local Bodies, denied having received any complaint over the matter. He said: "The Urban Local Bodies will soon distribute booklets having complete details of collector rates."