Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Property tax payment goes hi-tech

CHENNAI: Property tax payment is set to become considerably easier, with the Chennai Corporation proposing several measures in the budget for the coming financial year that make good use of Information Technology.

Mayor M. Subramanian recently presented the proposals at the budget presentation and after the discussion. All ward offices would be computerised, according to a proposal. This would enable the residents to pay property tax through Computer Counter Collection at the ward offices. They would also be given an instantly-generated receipt.

Acceptance of tax payment through cash, cheque and demand draft would be automated with the receipt produced immediately at the Revenue Department of the local body.

The facility to check the tax to be paid or the amount paid through SMS would be introduced.

The facility for checking the tax amount and making payment online would be improved.

Those who have lost their demand card or have a damaged card could check the website for details or take a copy of the card.

The ‘Self-Declaration Form – New’ to voluntarily assess tax for new buildings could be submitted online, according to a proposal.

The facility to pay property tax and get a receipt through the Blackberry Airtel handsets would be introduced.

On Friday, Mr. Subramanian announced the scheme to where “the Corporation would go in search of the people.”

For assessment of property tax for new buildings or those that had not been assessed, building permission and payment of professional tax, the people had to come to the Corporation office at present.

The proposal would ensure that officials go once a month to each ward and peruse applications on the spot.

Among other proposals, incorporating instant communication, expectant mothers who register themselves with the City Health Nurses would be reminded of the vaccination dates through SMS.

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