If you own a house, flat or commercial property in Chennai and have recently received a revised property tax demand, a higher amount does not necessarily mean that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has increased its tax rates.The GCC has clarified that it has not raised property tax rates across the city.Instead, some property owners and commercial establishments have received revised demand notices after the civic body identified cases where properties were allegedly under-assessed or assessed incorrectly.
Why have some property owners received revised notices?
According to the GCC, discrepancies in property details, including area, were identified using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, satellite data, government records and information provided through self-declarations by property owners.The civic body said the revised notices are intended to correct these discrepancies and regularise the assessment of properties, rather than impose a general increase in property tax rates.According to news agency ANI, GCC commissioner GS Sameeran said, “Property tax has not been increased in Greater Chennai Corporation. Revised demand notices were issued to property owners/commercial establishments who have been paying property tax based on under assessment/wrong assessment.”The clarification was issued after reports of a property tax increase began circulating.This means property owners who have received a revised demand should check the details used to calculate their assessment, particularly the property area and other assessment-related information, rather than assuming that the city’s property tax rates have been revised.
What can you do if you disagree with the revised assessment?
The GCC has provided property owners with an opportunity to challenge a revised assessment.According to the corporation, those who have an objection can file an appeal with the concerned regional deputy commissioner within 15 days of receiving the revised notice. The GCC has said such appeals will be disposed of within 30 days.Property owners who believe their property has been incorrectly assessed can therefore use this appeal window rather than treating the revised demand as a citywide tax hike.The GCC has also urged residents not to rely on reports claiming that property tax rates have been increased across Greater Chennai, saying the current exercise is aimed at correcting under-assessment and ensuring accurate assessment.
