NASHIK: The municipal authority has issued notices to over 300,000 property tax defaulters, providing a 15-day deadline to settle their tax obligations.
These defaulters owe a total of ₹400 crore in property taxes, which have remained unpaid for periods ranging from one year to as long as six years.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) oversees approximately 600,000 property tax accounts across its six divisions. NMC officials indicated that the tax collection target for the current fiscal year is ₹275 crore, of which ₹125 crore has been collected so far, leaving about ₹150 crore to be collected in the next six months. Last year, NMC successfully gathered ₹256 crore, exceeding its target of ₹250 crore.
“Our goal is to retrieve as much outstanding property tax as possible from defaulters. Therefore, we have started issuing notices,” stated NMC officials.
Furthermore, NMC is working to secure funding for its 20% share for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. “We have submitted a ₹15,000 crore plan for the Kumbh Mela to the state government for approval. Generating funds for this event is essential,” they added.
To qualify for financial assistance from the 15th Planning Commission, the civic body must achieve a 100% property tax collection target set for each fiscal year, according to NMC officials.
NMC has also launched an amnesty program for property tax defaulters starting September 1. Under this initiative, defaulters can receive penalties waived by up to 95% if they pay all dues between September 1 and October 31. Those making payments in November will benefit from an 85% penalty waiver.
The property tax department of NMC charges a 2% monthly penalty on unpaid taxes, along with recovering costs associated with issuing notices and warrants to defaulters.
