People taxed at BBMP centres

People taxed at BBMP centres
DH News Service,Bangalore:
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)s property tax has become a tedious job for many in Bangalore as the property tax collectors as well as the tax payers still have many doubts.

Many tax collectors are not aware of the provisions for collecting taxes. They have been asking the property owners to bring old receipts and documents to establish ownership of the property though there was no such provision.
The tax collectors at many help centres were asking for demand draft even for the amount below Rs 1,000 though the BBMP officials had clarified that tax can be paid in cash if the taxable amount is below Rs 1,000.
Meanwhile, many tax payers are feeling that the taxable amount had gone up steeply compared to the previous year. Many people told Deccan Herald that they were unaware of the taxable amount they would have to pay.
Some people complained that the officials at the help centres were giving some ‘frightening figures’.
Septuagenarian Ambaram from Devaiah Park said he may have to pay heavy tax this year. “Last year, I had paid around Rs 2,000 but this year, I have been told by the BBMP officials at the help centre that I will have to pay around Rs 5,000,” said Ambaram.
When Ambaram was asked about the zone in which his property is located, he said he did not get a satisfactory reply as the officials themselves were confused. “I went to buy the booklet to know where my property is located but I could not get the book from the help centre,” he said.
Many people had to suffer for trusting the BBMP officials who had said that no documents were required to pay taxes. Janardhan from Annasandrapallya complained that when he went to pay the tax, the tax collectors asked him to show the previous year’s receipt, which he did not have with him.
“I had travelled a long distance and not carried any documents with me. The officials at the help centre told me to bring previous year’s receipt. At least the BBMP officials should guide people as to what documents we should carry to pay the taxes,” he said.
He alleged that the tax collectors were not even guiding them as to in whose name the demand draft should be purchased.
Regarding the confusion among the tax collectors, a BBMP official said many people at the help centres are new to this job.

CLARIFICATION

* BBMP Commissioner has clarified that no receipt or document is required to pay the taxes.
* Those who have paid taxes earlier in the beginning of financial year have to enclose tax paid receipt. If they have paid excess amount, their money will be adjusted to next year and if the amount is less, then they will have to pay it.
* The BBMP has clarified that people can pay the tax in cash if the taxable amount is below Rs 1,000.
* If the taxable amount is above Rs 1,000 people will have to pay the taxes through pay order, demand draft or cheques.
* The cheque, pay order or the demand draft will have to be drawn in favour of Commissioner, BBMP.
* In case the cheque bounces, action will be initiated as per the negotiable instrument act, which will follow penalty and interest.
* All dishonoured cheques will be handled at the central office.