Letter to BBMP Commissioner

A letter to the commissioner, BBMP, about the deficiencies in the forms, online calculator and the final receipt of payment.

It would be good if BBMP help centres adopt a standardised approach for calculation, filling of forms and issue of receipts. Presently there is a lot of misunderstanding and failure of supervision by revenue officials at the help centers that are leading to confusion and sufferings for the tax payers…young and old. I had sent a letter to the BBMP commissioner on 9th March, which has not been acknowledged as yet.

Note: I had earlier pointed out a serious error in the online calculator as it had not taken the multiplying factor of 10 in the UAV for car parking area. I have come to know this was corrected by BBMP (as per a report in The Times of India).

Following is the text of the letter.

DEFICIENCIES IN PROPERTY TAX MATTERS

Congratulations to the BBMP team in trying their level best to create a standardised procedure in collecting data and the property tax from every property owner coming under the Bruhat Bangaluru scheme. I agree that such a massive effort will have several unanswered queries and slip ups. It is the duty of every property owner to be sincere in declaring and identifying their properties and help BBMP in removing all doubts and rectify the errors in the procedure so that from the next Block Year onwards, it will be very easy to fill the forms and pay up the taxes in time.

After studying the handbook, website information and the various clarifications given by BBMP in the newspapers from time to time, I would like to point out certain deficiencies that need study and correction.

  1. The final receipt issued by BBMP after payment of the taxes, mentions tax and cess separately. The receipt format needs revision and should have space for Khatha number, block year and other data required for ease of computerisation.
  2. The application forms need changes in arriving at the figures for entry in the receipts. Presently, the tax and cess are added and rebate is applied on the total.
    Instead, the rebate for tax and cess should be separately calculated and added, so that the figures required to be shown in the receipt tallies with those in the application form.
  3. The built up area has created a lot of confusion since the figures given in the sale deeds are super built up area, plinth area, undivided land share, common areas et cetera.
    BBMP should be specific as to what is in their mind when using the word “built up”.
    The factor differs between individual residences and apartment complexes. The problem comes in the usage of these words by different builders and their sale deeds. BBMP has to standardise the terminologies to rectify the anomalies. Separate pages or paragraphs can be given in the application form for individual residences and apartments in multi storey complexes.
  4. The online calculator uses different procedure in calculating the taxes. It needs changes in the software to suit the procedure and the entries as used in the application forms in the same sequence and in the receipt format. Only standardised terminologies should be used in all publications, notices, formats, computerisation et cetera to avoid confusing interpretations.
  5. It is seen that the online calculator is used to print out the tax receipts also without making any corrections pointed out as above. It is also seen that the rounded of tax figures are not accepted. As in income tax cases, the software for the online calculator should be modified to round off the tax payable so that cheque writing is easy.
  6. It is also seen that many of the help centers are not supervised by the revenue officials and the clerical staff do collect money to fill up forms. Unauthorised collections are still taking place in many apartment complexes making a mockery of your appeals.
  7. Many of the properties are not identifiable in the zonal classifications. Efforts should be taken to revise the classifications to include left out areas by the street /locality / nearby prominent feature names, et cetera.

Comments:

  1. Venkatesh says:

    I have paid the Tax for 2008-2009 in Bangalore-one and again if i calculate the Tax it was little less than what i had paid. I submitted the new application furnishing all the details.
    But this was returned back to me to submit me with a covering letter and signature of AO. Can any one guide me in this connection

  2. D R Prakash says:

    Dear Mr.Venkatesh,
    Bangalore-One is just an agent to collect the tax and have no powers for any alterations. Actually Bangalore-One was made unauthorised to collect tax for the year 2008-09, and those who had paid earlier to the unauthorisation had to submit the declaration at the BBMP help center with the copy of the tax paid receipt and difference if any. tHEY HAVE BEEN AUTHORISED TO COLLECT ONLY THE TAX FROM THE YEAR 2009-10. They will just collect the full tax, as they are taught only to that extent (Many of the staff does not even know how to go to the site).
    Please handover the revised declaration at your designated HELP CENTRE, where they will accept with the difference of tax if in short OR just your declaration if in excess, which you can claim in your succeeding year.

  3. D R Prakash says:

    Dear Mr.S.Srinivasan,
    Here are a few clarifications that might have been missed by you. As for as the BBMP or the commissioner are concerned, they do not have even the slightest civilization to even acknowledge a letter, but to reproduce it under their seal and name. Hence forget and forgive their ignorance.
    1.The receipts issued do contain the PID number and the year to which it belongs.
    2.The rebate is given only to those who pay within a certain period and it is not a reduction in tax and hence cannot and should not reflect in the receipt.
    3.The meaning / definition of the of the builtup area has been well highlighted on top of page 6 of the handbook, and the corporation cannot help different people using different terms and definitions which do not comply with Rule (2) (vi)
    4.The online calculator gives the breakup / details as per the requirement of the application and I fail to understand your point. Can you be more specific so that I can help you out.
    5.The online calculator does not accept decimals in the area column. It is our duty to round off the figures, but is not explained anywhere is a BLUNDER.
    6.The system is made so simple and easy, but the people are LAZY to go through OR contact the right person in a genuine doubt, but approach middlemen, who makes the best use of the situation. Whatever mistakes done by the middlemen are to be borne by the applicant, when it is scrutinized, which many does not know. All sensible people have taken their advises through many a social & experienced workers, who serve free of charge and are dependable and shoulder responsibility.
    7.As this is a laborious task, it does need certain changes and an extra time. Hence it is clearly mentioned to adopt the nearest area as your zone, in case yours is not classified in the list, as per the instructions provided right in 2000 when SAS was introduced, but was optional.

  4. S Srinivasan says:

    Dear Mr.Prakash,
    Thanks for the comments.I spent a lot of time in trying to understand the correct way to fill the forms. I could not get much help from either the staff or the ARO or the DCs. By interpreting the clause , I arrived at a higher figure for tax and paid the same honestly. I made my friends also to do the same. Later thanks to DC Revenue, I deducted the excess amount paid in the 2010-11 form and paid the balance only. My stars were favourable on that day and my application was accepted and receipt issued. Re ward No. and Address etc, my property has been added to another area by BBMP and my records with them shows the old details still. This means that all Data of those areas which have been added to BBMP control should be updated accordingly by them.This will be enormous task for them and the mistakes will be multifold adding to the existing confusion. Is there a way for BBMP to relook into all the confusions created by them and take corrective measures? It is time, Commissioner BBMP wakes up and looks into the matter himself rather leaving the issues to his subordinates.

  5. Girish Krishnaiah says:

    Its really a mess, i brought some property last year. i went to pay tax.
    help center guys told me that they cananot the edit the name of the owner which still shows old property owners name.

    I got the receipt with old owner name. as usual they were expecting some money from me??

  6. Karthik Kumar M says:

    Hi,

    I reside in Gupta Layout Ulsoor very close to MGroad. It was a nighmare on 22/04/2011 as the roads outside my house was flooded with drain water due to heavy rains for 3 hours. If the same happens outside a MLA,MP OR CM House will BBMP Commisioner remain silent or will the CM of state spare the offical. As a citizen i have all the right to information where is the road tax, property tax what we pay. This sucks.i have already complained about this 2 months back and the STATUS of the roads and drains outside my house is in same condition. What exactly the BBMP doing area concilior doing. When will we come out of this nightmare situation in most of the areas in Bangalore.
    Where is our CM instead of going outside country he has to spend time within the state especially a urban city BANGALORE.
    It is ridiculous guys i just wish there is ANNA HAZARE IN EVERY STATE.

    Regards,
    Karthik M

  7. Sayed Ashiruzzaman says:

    To
    The Commissioner,

    Sir,
    This is Sayed Ashiruzzaman writing to you from Devinagar 3rd cross, Bangalore, there is a huge problem we are facing regularly.The man who is collecting garbage is not coming from 20th May,We are suffering problem,there is another problem we are facing,the man sometimes demand Rs. 50 per cleaning.This is a punishable offence.So if you take some action about this matter then we will be very happy.

  8. KRISHNAKUMAR says:

    SIR/MADAM,

    I HAVE BEEN A RESIDENT OF MALLESWARAM FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS. I KNEW WHAT MALLESWARAM WAS PRIOR TO 1980’S & WHAT IT IS AT PRESENT. I AM AFRAID THE AREA IS GROWN TO NEW PROPORTIONS & DIMENSIONS. ALTHOUGH TE LAW & ORDER ARE NOT TO BE COMPLAINED, THERE ARE OTHER VOWS TO BE GOT THROUGH. WE HAVE THE TRAFFIC HURDLES, FOOT PATH PARKING, DUMPING MATERIALS ON THE FOOT PATHS IS A COMMON FACTOR & MANY PEOPLE TEND TO WALK ON THE ROADS, WHICH IS NOT SAFE. THE REASON IS THAT BOTH BBMP & BTP ARE NOT ACTING TOUGH WITH OFFENDERS. WHILE THE BBMP IGNORES THOSE OFFENDERS WHO VIOLATE THE FOOT PATHS VIOLATERS THE BTP IGNORES THE BULK TRAFFIC. DUMPING OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & PARKING HAS BECOME A NUI SANCE TO THE PEOPLE. THE BTP IS IGNORES THE TRAFFIC VOWES. IF THIS IS THE CASE, HOW ARE THE OFFENDERS GOING TO BOOKED, & WHAT WILL BE THE REMEDY FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA

  9. krangdols says:

    Respected Sir,
    Complaint against non compliance of rules/guidelines of BBMP
    Address: 12th cross, 16th Main, Manjunatha Layout, BTM I Stage, Tavarekere, Bangalore-560029.
    Complaint Details: (1) No.149 – Owner Mr.Ganesh – Illegal Construction of metallic / concrete slabs on road to park his four wheeler. They are planning to dig a borewell on road in front of their house.
    (2) No.151 – Owner Mr.Chandregowda – Illegal construction of a permanent car shed on road (size approximately 12 x 15’) in front of his house.
    (3) No.142 – Owner Mr.Rajendra – Illegally dug borewell on the road about 8 feet from their house and they are using water since 3 months.
    Kindly visit and investigate in the matter immediately.
    Regards,
    Yours faithfully,
    Well wisher

  10. BHAGAVAN says:

    Dear commissioner, BBMP
    Dear Commissioner,
    I am a resident of 418, 8th Main, 1st Black, HRBR Layout. Adjacent vacant site 420, is full of bushes with snakes and rodents. People are throwing garbage which is not visible due thick bushes. It is very scary to come out during dark times. Please help to clear the garbage and bushes.
    With regards,
    Yours faithfully,
    BHAGAVAN

  11. Moin Ahmed says:

    Sir,
    We the residents of Lal Masjid Street ‘A’ bring to your notice that a newly beef shop is opening is a residential locality at premises number 22 and we the residents with good faith and gesture object for such trade in our area despite they are trying to start business within 2 days.We highly object of the same your kind authority maybe initiated not to issue trade license to such trade in premises number 22 Lal Masjid ‘A’ Street as mentioned above and we the residents request your good self to inform the Health Officer ward number 92 , Shivajinagar to initiate in this matter and do the needful for the residents. We are facing lot of inconvenience and hardship by unauthorized slaughtering yards in and around the locality by this often blocking of man holes is being faced With regards,
    Yours faithfully,
    Residents of the same locality(ward number 92)

  12. Dr.Vishwanath Iyer says:

    My wife Shantha Rajan has a flat in Kodihalli and has been paying taxes regularly. Last year we noticed that the Khatha no is entered wrongly in the taxreceipts.It was brought to the notice of the authorities in the Bbmp office i March 2016. (ARO Ms Varalakshmi) Nothing happened and we paid the taxes in the same incorrect number. We found that till March 2017 notthing had been done. When I try to pay tax on line this year, I find that the Khatha details are not found and that I should contact the ARO. Accordingly I have approached the ARo (Mr Nagaraj) who promised that it will be done. Till today nothing has happened. The month extension that has been given for rebate will also finish. How can a very senior citizen be put to such hardship

  13. Nithin says:

    i am the resident of below mentioned address
    No 5A, Bharath nagar Thanisandra main road, Thanisandra village
    Banaglore-560077

    There are lots of factory in the residential place which causing the problem to the people staying in this place.
    Please i request you take a proper action on this and make people stay free. Big trucks entering to residence and lots of noise caused.

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