Property owners within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) jurisdiction will have to either move to an online system to pay their annual property tax or use only cash and DDs as the civic body has discontinued accepting cheque payments. However, cash is accepted only against property tax payments up to a maximum of Rs.1000. This decision was taken after numerous cheques made towards property tax payments bounced last year. BBMP officials stated that around 16 lakh properties come under the palikes limit and an average of 5000 cheques bounce every year adding to the woes of the already financially burdened civic agency.
Addressing the press, Deputy Commissioner (revenue) I Ramakanth said this move would promote online payments and urged property owners to avail the 5 % rebate for paying taxes before April 30. The BBMP levies a 2% penalty for every month delayed thereafter.
Online payment of property tax is a good move by BBMP.