The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has reported a significant surge in property and vacant land tax collections for April, amassing Rs 230 crore. This marks an increase of over 50% compared to the Rs 164 crore collected during the same period in the previous year.
Factors Behind the Revenue Boost
Apart from the extensive efforts in collection and awareness creation by GVMC, the surge was attributed to the 5% tax rebate offered by the corporation under the early bird incentive. Additionally, the final opportunity provided by the Andhra Pradesh government for property owners and taxpayers to clear their dues played a crucial role.
Government Incentives and Waivers
GVMC Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) S Srinivasa Rao explained that the state government allowed property taxpayers to settle their outstanding dues up to March 31 with a 50% waiver on interest, provided the payment was made by April 30. He further noted, "It also offered a 5% rebate for payment of the 2026–27 property and vacant land taxes. Taking advantage of both incentives, many property owners and taxpayers paid their pending and current taxes in full before the deadline, which significantly boosted the April collection."
Enhanced Payment Facilities
To facilitate timely payments, GVMC extended tax payment services at convenience centres even on holidays. Payments were also enabled online via the GVMC web portal using cash, demand draft, cheque, or debit/credit cards. Rao added, "GVMC made extensive efforts to reach taxpayers and create awareness about the benefits and the various modes of payment available. These measures encouraged timely payments and contributed to the substantial increase in tax revenue."
