Guntur Municipal Corporation strengthens Finances by Expanding Tax Bracket

Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) is working to expand its tax base by identifying unassessed properties and revising under-assessed ones. Ward secretaries have been instructed to survey properties and ensure proper taxation.

GMC Commissioner Puli Srinivasulu emphasized that the city’s current revenue may not be sufficient to meet growing developmental needs. He urged deputy commissioners to explore innovative ways to boost income. 

During a field inspection, the commissioner discovered that many residential and commercial properties were not being taxed. In response, he formed special teams to complete tax assessments promptly.

Ward secretaries and revenue staff have been directed to conduct field visits and submit a report on unassessed and under-assessed properties within two weeks. 

Initially, officials will identify and tax all unassessed buildings. Considering the city's rapid construction growth, authorities plan to impose property taxes on new and upcoming structures without delay.

Previously, building owners had to apply at the local ward office for tax assessment, and the process took around six months. Additionally, property owners often had to pay bribes to expedite the assessment process. Officials exploited the situation, charging high amounts while promising to lower tax rates. 

Now, GMC aims to streamline and accelerate tax collection, ensuring fairness and efficiency in the process.

Considering these issues, Commissioner Srinivasulu warned that revenue staff would face suspension if tax assessments were delayed. He also directed officials to identify buildings paying less tax than required.

Srinivasulu stated that GMC had suffered significant revenue losses due to past underassessment and would now conduct random inspections to identify such cases. Tax revisions would be made without hesitation. Assessments would be based on approved building plans to determine the total plinth area and impose a fair tax accordingly.