Apart from the proposed increase in the power tariff and property registration charges, the state government has decided to impose another burden on the people in the form of property tax hike.
The Andhra Pradesh State Property Tax Board, which was constituted a year ago, prepared a work plan for 2013-14 with an objective to generate more revenue for municipalities through property tax. The government approved the plan on Thursday, thus allowing municipal corporations and councils to raise property tax.
As per the work plan, the municipal administration and urban development (MAUD) Department has prepared a Result Framework Document (RFD) for 2013-14, incorporating key objectives, success indicators and targets for the department. One of the objectives of the RFD is strengthening the financial position of the urban local bodies. This particular objective has two key success indicators having a bearing on the property tax in urban local bodies,
collection of taxes and non-taxes to a projected target of 90 per cent during 2013-14 and 92 per cent during 2014-15, and coverage of properties for tax to the extent of 80 per cent during 2013-14 and 85 per cent during 2014-15. Another key component of the plan is to make arrangements for assessment or revision of property tax relating to at least 25 per cent of the aggregate number of estimated properties across all municipalities in the state by March 31, 2015. The plan will ensure 100 per cent coverage of properties to be assessed under municipal law in 2013-14.
A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based property tax system will be implemented in local bodies. An IT module, e-Suvidha, will be prepared for new assessees for self-assessment of their property during April-July this year.
The respective urban local body will set a specific time frame for disposing of the application.