Maharashtra Government Abolishes Non-Agricultural Tax for Housing Societies
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Mumbai, March 4 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking move aimed at alleviating financial pressures on urban inhabitants, the government of Maharashtra has officially declared the complete elimination of the Non-Agricultural (NA) tax for housing societies.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced this decision in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, confirming that all past, present, and future NA tax assessments, including any pending dues, have been rescinded.
The declaration was made during the Question Hour of the Budget Session, responding to a question from MLA Bhimrao Tapkir concerning the tax liabilities faced by urban housing associations.
Bawankule informed the assembly that the annual NA tax has been totally abolished for all residential buildings, irrespective of their age.
“Any outstanding taxes, penalties, or interest have been officially forgiven. A streamlined ‘Conversion Tax’ framework has been established to substitute the recurring annual fees. Citizens will no longer have to make frequent trips to revenue offices, as the tax process is being digitized and made more straightforward,” he stated.
To offer a lasting solution, Minister Bawankule presented a one-time conversion fee structure based on the Ready Reckoner (RR) rates.
“For buildings completed before 2001, the fee is set at 0.10 percent of the 2001 Ready Reckoner rate for an area of 1,000 square meters. For larger developments, a one-time payment option has been introduced: up to 4,000 sq. meters: 0.25 percent rate and for areas exceeding 4,000 sq. meters (over one acre): 0.15 percent rate. After this one-time fee is settled, the concerned parties will be free from all future taxes,” he emphasized.
Minister Bawankule highlighted that this new approach will eliminate the necessity for citizens to repeatedly visit revenue offices, thereby enhancing user experience in tax compliance.
This initiative is anticipated to lessen the financial strain on housing societies and benefit numerous flat owners in urban settings.
The Minister concluded that this resolution resolves the longstanding issue of NA tax for urban housing societies, ensuring that citizens no longer bear the extra burden of taxes, penalties, or interest.