The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has introduced a new graded tax waiver scheme, replacing the previous uniform waiver regime that had been in place. This change, effective from August, aims to address the concerns of taxpayers who felt that the old system unfairly benefited long-term defaulters and those with minor arrears alike.
KMC sources explained that the new scheme is designed to offer differential waivers based on the duration of the default period. A KMC official stated, “There was dissatisfaction among taxpayers regarding the uniform penalty and interest waiver. The new graded scheme provides a higher waiver percentage for those with shorter default periods, while those defaulting for longer durations will receive lower waivers.” Under the new system, the waiver percentage varies significantly depending on the number of years the taxes have been overdue: The decision to implement this graded scheme reflects the KMC’s intent to incentivise prompt payment while also recognising the challenges faced by long-term defaulters. Originally, the civic body had planned to introduce this new structure at the start of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. However, the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections delayed the rollout.
Since the initial introduction of the tax exemption scheme in 2018, many property owners had taken advantage of the opportunity to clear their arrears. However, a significant number of defaulters remained. By implementing the new graded waiver scheme, the KMC hopes to encourage more defaulters to settle their dues and reduce the burden of unpaid taxes on the city’s finances. The revised scheme is a significant shift from the previous uniform approach, providing a more equitable solution that considers the length of default periods. The KMC’s decision to adjust the waiver percentages based on the duration of default demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the varying circumstances of property owners and aims to create a fairer system for all stakeholders.
