The Hindu        06.11.2014  

New advisory board on urban local bodies’ taxes

With the State Property Tax Board Act coming into effect
from Saturday (November 1), the decks have been cleared for the early
formation of a board to assist and guide urban local bodies (ULBs) in
the assessment and revision of property tax.

To be
headed by an officer of the rank of Secretary, the board will, among
others, make a comparative analysis of the tax rates across the ULBs.

Though
the Assembly adopted the Bill in May last year, the government issued a
notification only on October 31 this year. The decision to constitute
such a board was based on the recommendation of the 13th Finance
Commission, which also laid it as one of the preconditions for getting
the performance grant to local bodies.

Apart from the
Commissioner of Municipal Administration, the board will have Chennai
Corporation Commissioner and Director of Town Panchayats as members. The
government can also nominate three persons, having knowledge and
experience in the field of valuation of properties and taxation on the
board.

The government notification came only on October 31 this year