Property tax: Chandigarh MC panel approves waiver for wives of defence personnel, orphans

The house tax committee of the Municipal Corporation (MC) today approved the agenda for exempting wives of defence personnel from paying property tax. Besides, the committee also approved another proposal to exempt orphans from paying the levy.

The agenda for giving exemption to orphans was placed before the committee on the direction of Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla. She had received a request from a young girl who lost both her parents recently. The girl, who has no support from anyone, received a notice for depositing huge property tax.

Now, both the agenda items will be placed before the General House in its next meeting, which is likely to be held this month.

As per the present provisions of the property tax bylaws notified by the Chandigarh Administration, no tax is levied on residential land and buildings owned and self-occupied (no portion is let out) by persons who have served or are serving in any rank whether as combatant or non-combatant in the naval, military or air forces of the Union of India, up to 300 sq yards. For more than 300 yards, only 50% if the levy is charged. If the ownership of the entire house or part of the house is transferred in the name of the wife due to settlement within families then she is required to pay the house tax for the area registered in her name.

The MC had prepared the agenda after receiving various representations requesting that the exemption from the payment of residential property tax may also be extended to spouses of serving personnel as well as ex-servicemen.