Guwahati cracks down on unpaid property tax with SMS warnings
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has stepped up efforts to collect property tax from residents. Known locally as Holding Tax, this municipal levy funds essential services like road maintenance, drainage, waste disposal, and street lighting across the city.
To encourage compliance, the GMC is now sending SMS reminders to those with unpaid dues. Officials have also stressed the importance of keeping property records updated for accurate tax assessments.
Over the past five years, Guwahati's property tax rates have risen by roughly 10–15% in stages. The 2022 revision, for instance, increased charges by up to 20% for high-value properties. Rates depend on factors such as annual rental value, location, built-up area, occupancy status, and state government guidelines.
Residents can settle their taxes either online at gmcpropertytax.com or in person at designated GMC offices. The corporation has warned that delays may lead to penalties or legal action. Under Section 189 of the GMC Act, persistent non-payment could even result in property attachment.
A GMC official highlighted that timely payments directly support the city's infrastructure and civic services. The current drive aims to boost revenue while giving residents a final chance to clear their dues before stricter measures take effect.
The GMC's latest push includes SMS alerts to inform residents of outstanding taxes. Those who fail to respond risk facing legal consequences, including fines or property seizures. The collected funds will continue to finance key public services in Guwahati.
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