VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has reported a collection of Rs 230 crore in property and vacant land taxes for April, marking a more than 50% increase from the Rs 164 crore collected during the same period last year.
The increase can be attributed to GVMC’s extensive efforts in tax collection and awareness initiatives, as well as a 5% tax rebate offered under an early bird incentive. Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh government provided a final opportunity for property owners to clear their taxes.
According to GVMC deputy commissioner (revenue) S Srinivasa Rao, the government permitted property taxpayers to settle their dues, with a 50% interest waiver for payments made by April 30. “There was also a 5% rebate for payment of the 2026–27 property and vacant land taxes. Many property owners took advantage of these incentives, leading to a significant boost in April’s collections. GVMC also extended payment facilities at convenience centers even on holidays, and online payments were made easy through the GVMC web portal, allowing cash, demand drafts, cheques, or debit/credit card payments. These efforts to inform taxpayers about the available payment methods greatly aided in encouraging prompt payments,” Srinivasa Rao added.
