Secunderabad Board targets property tax defaulters

The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is set to take strict measures against property owners who have not paid their taxes. The civic body is owed Rs 20-30 million by property tax defaulters, according to senior officials.Despite the deadline for the 2023-24 property tax payment passing on July 31, around 2,000 taxpayers still need to settle their bills, report SCB tax wing officials.To address this, the SCB has decided to issue notices to the defaulters under section 100 of the Cantonment Act, 2006. According to this act, failure to pay the demanded sum within 30 days of receiving the notice leads to an additional penalty of 1%.CEO D Madhukar Naik will authorise the notices once they are prepared by SCB officials, factoring in the monthly interest on property tax bills.A tax wing official explained, The total property tax which was supposed to be paid within the deadline of the demand notice will be calculated along with a 100 rupee demand notice charge and 1% interest as per section 102(1) of the Cantonment Act.Should recipients disregard these notices, the SCB CEO can approve the issuance of a warrant for distress or attachment.Defaulters have the option to clear dues through the e-Chhawani portal. Alternatively, they can pay in cash at the counters in the SCB main office.The tax records will be automatically updated. Once taxpayers settle their dues, the software will indicate a green status. Otherwise, it will remain red, as outlined by an official.