The Hindu           01.04.2011

Pay property tax using credit card

Making property tax payments just got easier. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will now allow citizens to make property tax payments for the 2011-12 financial year through credit/ debit cards from April 1. According to a press release here on Wednesday, payments through credit/debit card can be made at the jurisdictional Assistance Revenue Office.

Property owners may make their tax payments through demand drafts or pay order at the respective help centres as well. Taxpayers will get a receipt on the spot. The release added that the property tax rates have not been revised for this year. The BBMP Council recently decided to urge the Government to amend the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, to increase the block period from three to five years for the revision of tax rates. Depreciation would not be taken into consideration for 2011-12 and 2012-13 fiscals, BBMP officials said.

Property owners who make the complete payment before April 30 will be eligible for a 5 per cent rebate. Residents may also choose to pay the tax in two instalments. The civic authority has also called upon the property owners to pay the garbage cess along with property tax without fail.