AMC reduces property tax rebate from 75% to 50% for GIDCs

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will now reduce the property tax of Vatva, Naroda, Odhav and Kathwada to 50% from 75% to Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). The standing committee is yet to give final approval to the proposal. Earlier, the civic body proposed the standing committee revising the rebate rate from 75% to 50%. Earlier, AMC used to retain 25% of the total property taxes paid and returned 75% of the collected taxes to GIDC estates to carry out development and maintenance activities, including roads, water and sewerage. According to an official, AMC collects nearly Rs 25-30 crore property tax per annum from GIDC estates like Vatva, Naroda, Odhav and the new industrial estate of Kathwada. The official said that the civic body introduced this proposal to promote industrial activity in GIDC estates. Currently, the civic body is under financial stress due to the loss of revenue during the Covid-19 lockdown and plans to reduce the incentive. Former president of Vatva Industries Association, Ankit Patel, told the media that property tax is a significant cost component for industries.The reduction in property tax will increase the compliance costs of the individual industries. It will also affect the industry associations. The maintenance of common infrastructure is already a challenge with a 75% rebate. The proposal of reduction will also be a challenge for the associations. Image Source Also read: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation demolishes 3 illegal constructions