Pay property tax at old rates, residents told

Chennai: The new rates will be adopted by the civic body only after ratifying the Government Order by passing a council resolution. “Until the resolution is passed, the property owners can pay their taxes at old rates. Those paying before April 15 can also the five per cent incentive announced by the civic body,” said Vishu Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner (Revenue and Finance) of the Greater Chennai Corporation.

When asked about the difference amount, Mahajan clarified that a decision will be taken in this regard and the property owners will be intimated about the same.

A few years ago, Chennai Corporation introduced a scheme to provide five per cent of their total tax as an incentive to the property owners, who pay taxes before April 15 (for the first half of the fiscal) and October 15 (for the second half of the fiscal). The civic body imposes a two per cent penalty for the owners who fail to make the payment before April 15 and October 15.

Another official said the property tax payment portal should be updated as per the new rates to ensure online payments. “Discussions are underway to find ways to implement the hike without confusing the owners,” the official added.