The one-time property tax interest waiver scheme introduced by the Haryana Government saw an overwhelming response in Karnal city, with residents depositing Rs 12.21 crore since the scheme was launched on May 15. The initiative encouraged property owners to clear long-pending tax dues before the June 30 deadline.
Record Collections on Final Day
The final day of the scheme witnessed a massive rush at the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) office, as taxpayers deposited a record Rs 2.54 crore in a single day. KMC employees remained in the office until late night to assist residents. The corporation kept its tax branch and collection counters open even on holidays. In the last five days, from June 26 to 30, the civic body's exchequer received Rs 4.87 crore in property tax collections.
Monthly and Annual Targets
According to data, the KMC collected Rs 10.61 crore during June alone, making it one of the most successful months for property tax recovery. With these collections, the corporation has so far received Rs 18.17 crore in the current financial year against its annual target of Rs 30 crore.
Scheme Details
The interest waiver scheme was announced by the Haryana Urban Local Bodies Department on May 15, 2026, as a major relief measure for taxpayers. Under the scheme, property owners were granted a 100 percent waiver of interest on pending property tax arrears for the period from financial year 2010-11 to 2024-25. To avail the benefit, taxpayers were required to self-certify their property details on the online portal before June 30.
Official Response
KMC Commissioner Saloni Sharma appreciated the response from residents. She said that tax plays a vital role in development. The KMC will now shift its focus towards recovering dues from those who failed to take advantage of the waiver. Notices will soon be issued to defaulting property owners, directing them to clear their pending dues, she added.
Mayor Renu Bala Gupta also appreciated the enthusiasm shown by residents. She appealed to residents to take advantage of the 10 percent tax waiver scheme on the current bill till July 31. “The deadline for the interest waiver scheme is completed. Regular tax payers can avail the benefits of the state government's 10 percent rebate after depositing the property tax for the financial year 2026-27 by July 31,” she said.
Residents Demand Extension
However, some residents demanded the government extend the deadline so that those who missed out can still avail the benefits. “The government should extend the deadline of this scheme, so that remaining people can avail the benefits as there were errors in property IDs of several people, due to which they could not self-certify the property IDs. In absence of self-certification, no benefits were given,” said Satnam Singh, a local resident. He and other residents also urged the government to include the interest waiver on the property tax of the financial year 2025-26.
