Paying property tax turns easy: Bangalore on a high run

In what has been a major move by the Bangalore civic body, paying property tax in the city turns as easy as a pie, wiping out the need to stand for hours in BBMP queues. With the advent of computerized kiosks at numerous banks, payment of property tax is no more a headache for taxpayers, and does not include any twist and turn.

By chipping in successful tie-ups with banks, the Bangalore civic body has offered an easy platform of online payment for the taxpayers. Previously, taxpayers were made to fill the SAS ( Self Assessment Scheme) forms at the ward counters before tax payment, however, with the introduction online payment scheme, the essence of such forms has been nullified. In two installments, the property tax can be paid, the 1st being before 30/5/2013 and the second one before 29/11/2013 (both free of interest).

The process

August 19th was the curtain-raiser for such facility in Bangalore and similar ones will be a part of the various nationalized and private banks in the city. With the implementation of the process, filling out SAS forms during BBMP tax revision will be ruled out. Hence, taxpayers will not be required to be present at ward offices and the payment can be done via a pay order or DD.

At present, Bangalore boasts of 170 BBMP help centers for guiding people. With the fully-functioning of online payment tools, including getting receipt, the need for such centers will ward off. The staffs working in such centers will be merged with the ward office employees for better service to taxpayers.

Tie-ups

To give the property tax payment a new edge, the BBMP has tied-up with certain banks namely, Corporation Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, HDFC, Axis Bank, Indian Bank, Maharashtra Bank, IDBI, Canara Bank ICICI Bank,YES Bank, Kotak Mahindra, SBI and Indusind Bank.

In tune with the banking professionals, the sole purpose of this merger is to flush out the all the problems related to property tax payments and promote a smoother transaction. The services have been so structured that people who are not comfortable with the idea of net banking, can also make the most of the BBMP’s new initiative with the kiosks present at numerous banks.

What are the two BBMP Property tax forms to fill?

There are two forms, which confirms the fulfillment of property tax payment in Bangalore. Such forms include:

Form-IV

Also known as White form, it should be used by only those whose property did not experience any change in built-up area, its occupancy, usage or return that has been filed last year.

Form-V
This blue form must be filled by only those property owners who are accountable for the changes in usage, built-up area, occupancy or return in comparison to previous year.

According to market sources, the new service which facilitates property tax payment, will soon be thrown open to public in phases. The primary phase will encompass 50 branches and the second one will include more than 150 branches. The third phase will include 350 branches that will grease the wheels for property tax payment in the city extensively.