The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Taxation and Tax Collection Department has embarked on a comprehensive survey of properties within the city. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that residential properties which are self-occupied and not rented receive a 40% exemption on property tax for the financial year 2024-25. To benefit from this exemption, property owners must submit the PT-3 form. The deadline for submission has been a point of contention, with many citizens, social organisations, and representatives advocating for an extension.
As of Tuesday, the PMC had surveyed 3,72,440 properties. This action follows a state government order to reinstate the 40% discount on residential properties that had been in place before being discontinued in 2019. Since the discontinuation, over 4,50,000 properties had been subjected to full property tax. The reinstatement of this exemption required the submission of PT-3 forms from property owners, but compliance has been low. Consequently, those who did not submit the form have been liable for 100% tax, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and prompting political advocacy for relief.
In response to these concerns, the PMC has initiated a survey to reassess properties that did not receive the 40% exemption. This survey aims to examine changes in property usage and identify any untaxed income. According to the GIS survey report, 96,122 properties lost the 40% concession from April 1, 2018. Furthermore, 1,98,296 properties constructed after April 1, 2019, and 1,68,771 properties in 23 newly included villages were also excluded from this relief, bringing the total to 4,63,189 properties.
Despite the extended deadline, only 90,749 property owners filed the PT-3 forms, leaving a substantial 3,72,440 property owners who did not comply. To address this, the PMC has taken the proactive step of conducting the survey itself.
An official from the Tax Collection Department stated, “The list of properties not receiving the 40% discount will be published on the PMC’s website. The deadline for submitting the PT-3 form has been extended to August 15, and the ₹25 application fee will be included in next year’s income tax.”
This extensive survey underscores the PMC’s commitment to equitable tax administration and responsiveness to citizen concerns. By reassessing properties and extending deadlines, the PMC aims to ensure that eligible property owners can benefit from the tax exemption, thereby fostering greater compliance and satisfaction among Pune’s residents.
