Wed Apr 30 11:50:00 UTC 2025: **Bengaluru Extends Property Tax Rebate Deadline Amidst Technical Glitches and Public Outcry**

Bengaluru, India (May 16, 2024) – The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has extended the deadline for a 5% property tax rebate for the 2025-26 fiscal year until May 31st. The initial deadline of April 30th proved problematic due to technical issues on the BBMP property tax portal and confusion surrounding a newly implemented solid waste management user fee.

The portal experienced outages until April 5th, leaving taxpayers with limited time to pay. The addition of the new fee, which increased the tax burden for many by 20-35%, further fueled public frustration. Numerous complaints flooded social media, highlighting the website’s malfunction and lack of responsiveness from BBMP officials.

The new solid waste management fee, ranging from Rs 120 to Rs 4,800 annually depending on property size, aims to fund waste management services. However, its implementation has been met with criticism over a lack of transparency and concerns about disproportionate charges, especially for apartment complexes with in-house waste management systems. Exemptions for bulk waste generators are contingent on BBMP inspections, raising concerns about potential corruption.

The BBMP also revised property tax rates for parking spaces, effective April 1st, clarifying that this was a rate rationalization, not a new tax.

Despite these challenges, the BBMP aims to collect Rs 6,000 crore in property tax this year, following a successful 2024-25 fiscal year that saw a 25% increase in collection. The 5% rebate was initially intended to encourage early payment and boost revenue. The extension is hoped to alleviate some of the public frustration and improve collection rates.

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