The Chennai Corporation has issued a strict order even unoccupied/unbuilt plots/lands will now be liable for property tax. This measure is taken to augment the revenue.
Corporation has declared that approval to demolish old structures or building new ones will be given only for those who have paid Property Tax for the vacant land.
Chennai Corporation & MWSSB had issued an order in 2009 that all city corporations should now levy Property Tax on all vacant lands which are not used for agricultural purposes.
Who gets permission/approval?
Until now, no Property tax was levied for unoccupied/unbuilt lands. In order to augment the revenue from Property tax, this measure to levy Property Tax on vacant lands has been taken. Approval for new construction will be given only to those who pay the Property Tax for the vacant land.
The Property Tax will be calculated on the basis of the area per square foot. This must be paid for any new construction.
The Corporation Wards have been authorised to approve the maps of the building plan. While the vacant land owner applies for new construction, the status of payment of Property Tax on the vacant land will be verified and whether he has paid the Property Tax from 2009.
These details can be confirmed from the Approving Engineer through internet. Enter the Chennai Corporation web site and go to Property Tax Payment Section. When the Status button is pressed, the details of ward number, payment receipt number, etc will be asked. Once these details are filled, the full details of Property Tax Paid will appear on the screen. The approving office for new construction has to verify this record once the application for new construction is received. Based on this confirmation only, he will give approval.