Date:27/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/27/stories/2005042719040300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

`Pay service tax without fine by May 30'

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: APRIL 26: The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) Commissioner, K. Jothiramalingam, has asked owners of properties that have been exempted from property tax to pay service tax without fine by May 30.

Following an amendment to the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, the BMP Council recently decided to levy service charges of 25 per cent of the probable property tax on buildings which have property tax exemption. The council resolved to make the new rule applicable to all buildings, including educational institutions. However, places of worship are to be exempted, according to the resolution. The owners of such properties can adopt the self-assessment scheme (SAS) model of payment. The civic body expects to mobilise an additional revenue of Rs. 5 crores through the new levy.

According to a press release, those who do not pay service tax before May 30 will have to pay a penalty of five per cent each year. The prescribed Form 1A to pay the tax is available at the offices of assistant revenue officers and the four citizen service centres.