BENGALURU: The state govt on Monday ruled out property tax revision in Bengaluru for 2024-25 and said the levy computation method adopted in 2016 will continue to hold good.
The clarification comes after govt’s statements that it will implement a new guidance value-based property tax computation method from April 1, 2024, raising the spectre of the levy shooting up sharply. TOI had reported on March 12 that the govt is unlikely to effect any change for 2024-25 as the ruling party wouldn’t risk a backlash in the Lok Sabha elections and BBMP was yet to update its tax management software.
On Monday, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar posted on X, “It has been brought to my notice that fake news peddlers are peddling fake news on social media regarding the increase in property tax rate by the BBMP w.e.f. April 1, 2024. I would like to clear the air here for Bengaluru residents that BBMP has not hiked any property tax, which will continue to be levied at the same rate as was prescribed in 2016. Please do not believe any rumours regarding the same [sic].”
Following Shivakumar’s post, BBMP chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath said the city police commissioner has been asked to take action against those who upload fake news and spread it on the internet.
On March 13, a citizen posted a video on Instagram claiming property taxes in Bengaluru have been increased and would come into effect on April 1. The video had gone viral. Nath said, “The claims in the video were false. Property taxpayers shouldn’t be alarmed in any way.”
