JOIN US The Bangalore Development Authority may decide to roll back the hike in property taxes at its board meeting likely to be held on August 31.
BDA hiked property taxes in April around the time the BBMP too increased property taxes. The taxes have been fixed based on the guidance value of the sites in a particular area. The tax rates are 0.05% of the guidance value for sites measuring 1,200 sq ft and below whereas for sites above 1,200 sq ft, it is 0.1%.
Many property owners have been visiting the BDA offices complaining about the steep hike in taxes. They have also appealed for reduction of rates.
Harish, who has a plot measuring 2,400 sq ft in Anjanapura Layout, said the tax notice says he will have to pay Rs 4,500 from this year.
“Mine is a vacant site in a layout where there is no water supply, roads are in bad shape and civic amenities have not been provided yet. Yet, I have been asked to shell out Rs 4,500. It is nothing but loot,” said Harish.
He added that compared to last year, the hike is three-fold. “Last year, I paid Rs 1,400 as tax.”
When contacted, a BDA revenue officer said there are complaints pouring in regarding the property tax.
“The BDA board meeting scheduled for August 31 may discuss rolling back the property tax hike,” said the officer.
While BDA commissioner Rajkumar Khatri was not available for comment, Finance Member of the BDA N H Kandari said he was not aware of the hike in taxes.