Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) seems to be cash stripped and in a bid to raise more funds, they now plan to levy property tax on common areas of your apartment complex. These common areas include Swimming Pool, Gym, Playground, Parking Space, etc. The liability to pay the tax would be of those who own the common areas, which could be an individual or an apartment association. Imagine your next maintenance bill. It already includes water tax, service tax and now apartment complex residents could bear a higher property tax too.
BBMP is currently conducting a survey of several properties and apartment complexes and they firmly believe that the move would boost their revenues by 30%. The change, if approved would come into force in a year or two. A “Khata Adalat” held in the Mahadevapura Zone brought into notice how residents were not paying taxes for common areas. Residents currently pay property tax on the carpet area i.e. the actual usable area in some parts of Bangalore. The BBMP intends to bring uniformity in this across the city.
If this is implemented, taking a plunge in the swimming pool or simply playing your favorite outdoor sport will now become costly. Residents will definitely feel the pinch as in most apartment complexes, residents not only make use of additional amenities but also have a parking spot or two in their name. It may not go down too well, as several residents are already paying property tax as per the built-up area and this would only add to their miseries.
Do you think this move is fair? Let us know what you think about this by leaving comments below
