Shimla MC cracks down on property tax defaulters

In a stern move against property tax defaulters, the Municipal Corporation, Shimla, has issued notices to disconnect electricity and water supply connections of over 400 households for failing to pay taxes. According to the corporation, more than 4,000 building owners owe approximately Rs 4 crore in unpaid property taxes.

Joint Commissioner Bhuwan Sharma stated that despite repeated notices, defaulters have not cleared their dues, prompting this stringent action. The disconnection process has already commenced, and the corporation has appealed to residents to pay their pending taxes promptly to avoid further consequences.

Shimla has around 31,000 buildings, and the Municipal Corporation collects property tax annually. Building owners paying their dues before the deadline receive a 10% rebate, while defaulters face penalties. Despite these provisions, tax evasion remains a significant challenge for the civic body.

In a related development, the corporation recently decided to disconnect water and electricity connections of the Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Tutikandi for non-payment of Rs 6.33 crore in property tax. The Municipal Corporation’s strict measures aim to ensure timely revenue collection for the city’s development and services.