Noida Property Tax Confusion Intensifies as Financial Year Nears End
With less than a week remaining until the close of the current financial year, consumers in Noida find themselves entangled in a perplexing dilemma over property tax. The confusion stems from conflicting statements between Mayor Sunita Dayal and officials from the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC).
Mayor Sunita Dayal has publicly asserted that the hiked property tax rates have been rolled back, offering a glimmer of hope to residents. However, GMC officials have countered this claim, stating unequivocally that no such decision has been formalized or implemented. This discrepancy has left taxpayers in a state of uncertainty, unsure of which authority to trust.
Residents Fear Penalties Amidst Conflicting Messages
Caught in the crossfire are the consumers who have yet to settle their property tax dues. Many now fear that if they fail to pay by March 31, they could incur a hefty 12% penalty on outstanding amounts. Raj Shekhar, a resident of Kavinagar, voiced the collective frustration, saying, "This issue has been dragging on for nearly a year. The mayor and GMC officials are speaking in two different voices, creating total confusion. As FY 2025-26 ends, our biggest worry is whether to pay taxes under the new structure or not. If we don't, we face a 12% penalty, but should we rely on the mayor's assurances to avoid the hiked rates?"
The mayoral office continues to maintain its stance, insisting that property taxes will be reduced to pre-April 1, 2025 levels. Yet, this assurance has done little to alleviate the apprehensions of residents like IN Jha from Gaur Sidhartham, who questioned, "Why is the government dragging its feet on this issue? They should come out clean and provide clarity."
Government Weighs Options After High Court Decision
Adding to the complexity, Minister Asim Arun, who oversees Ghaziabad in the Yogi Adityanath government, provided insights into the ongoing deliberations. He revealed that after discussions with elected representatives, party members, and GMC officials in Ghaziabad, the matter was brought to the Chief Minister's attention. "Following the Allahabad High Court's decision on property tax, the government is still evaluating its options. A decision will be taken very soon," Arun stated.
In February, a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra dismissed a petition filed by former GMC councillors challenging the hiked property tax. This legal backdrop has further muddied the waters, with a senior GMC official emphasizing, "The decision to hike property tax was made by the GMC board in consultation with the state government, and there has been no change post the High Court's order, which should clarify matters for residents."
Rebates Offered to Mitigate Burden on Common Man
In an effort to address concerns about the financial strain on taxpayers, GMC officials have outlined a series of rebates designed to effectively lower the rates. These incentives include:
- A 10% rebate from April 1, 2026, for societies, institutions, and residents who practice waste segregation at source.
- A 20% rebate for consumers who pay their taxes on time by the end of each financial year.
- A 25% rebate on buildings up to 10 years old.
- A 32.5% rebate on buildings between 10 and 20 years old.
- A 40% rebate on buildings over 25 years old.
- A 2% rebate for those using online payment modes to settle property tax dues.
Furthermore, property tax is now calculated based on carpet area rather than covered area. When combined, these rebates can total between 77% and 92%, significantly reducing the overall tax burden. Minister Asim Arun reiterated the government's commitment, saying, "We aim to expand the property tax net while ensuring city development through revenue. Taxes will be structured to avoid placing undue burden on the common man."
Despite these measures, the lack of a clear, unified directive from authorities continues to fuel anxiety among Noida's residents as the financial year deadline looms.
