The Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) is set to launch a special outreach campaign to assist property owners in availing a 75 per cent interest waiver on outstanding property tax dues. The scheme covers dues from the financial years 2010-11 to 2024-25 and remains valid until August 31, 2026.
Background of the Relief Scheme
Previously, the state government had announced a 100 per cent interest waiver for property tax from May 15 to June 30, but many taxpayers could not take advantage of it. To encourage the remaining defaulters, the government has now introduced a revised scheme offering a 75 per cent interest rebate.
How to Avail the Benefit
According to Karnal Municipal Corporation Commissioner Saloni Sharma, property owners must self-certify their property details on the Property Management System Portal and obtain a no-dues certificate. Officials from the property tax branch have been instructed to personally contact defaulters and motivate them to clear their dues before the scheme expires.
Strict Action After Deadline
Commissioner Sharma warned that strict action will be taken after August 31 against those who continue to default. Major defaulters may face legal proceedings, including sealing and attachment of properties, as per the Municipal Act. Special focus will be on recovering dues from commercial establishments and high-value defaulters.
Category-Wise Recovery Strategy
Officials have been directed to prepare lists of taxpayers with pending dues exceeding Rs 1 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, Rs 50 lakh, and Rs 1 crore, and adopt separate recovery strategies for each category. Additionally, outstanding dues from state and central government departments will be pursued through regular correspondence and monitoring.
Mayor's Appeal and Tax Collection Target
Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta appealed to residents to avail the 75 per cent interest waiver. She noted that defaulters will be charged interest at 1.5 per cent per month on outstanding dues after the deadline. The civic body has so far collected Rs 18.50 crore in property tax this financial year, against a target of Rs 30 crore.
