Punjab Property Tax Rebate Scheme: A Race Against Deadlines
Phased Penalty Relief Structure
The Punjab government’s One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme gives real estate owners a chance to clear property tax arrears with less financial strain. Here’s how it works:
| Period | Waiver | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| July 1–31, 2025 | 100% Penalty Waiver | Pay full principal amount |
| August 1–October 31 | 50% Penalty Waiver | Clear dues during extended window |
| After October 31 | Full Penalties Apply | No concessions; pay accumulated charges |
Zirakpur Leads in Tax Collections
Zirakpur tops the list in this scheme, showing strong homeowner participation. Here are the main figures:
- Zirakpur: ₹814.94 lakh (over ₹8 crore)
- Kharar: ₹227 lakh
- Dera Bassi: ₹125.62 lakh
- Smaller Towns: Naya Gaon (₹32.90 lakh), Kurali (₹26.95 lakh), Banur (₹18.51 lakh)
These numbers show contributions from both residential and commercial properties, indicating how suburban areas drive tax compliance.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
The scheme tackles two big issues:
- Legacy Tax Burdens: People with old dues can start fresh
- Predictable Liabilities: Stops extra charges like compound interest from making tax bills bigger
- Stakeholder Incentives: Settlements fund municipal services like waste management and road repairs
Procedural Updates
To handle high demand, municipal offices in Mohali district have extended hours:
- Weekend Accessibility: Tax desks open on Saturdays/Sundays
- Digital Options: Online payment portals are likely still the main way
- Backlog Clearances: Partially paid properties can be resolved in phases
Revenue Implications
With ₹12.59 crore collected since July 1, the Punjab government shows a renewed focus on funding civic infrastructure. Ludhiana recently extended its deadline to August 15, highlighting the state’s push for tax settlement schemes.
Action Advisory: Property owners should check their payment schedules against the latest municipal records to avoid any issues. With deadlines coming up, it’s wise to contact local authorities early to fix any paperwork delays.
Local bodies stress this is a special relief period – after October 31, the "carrot" of benefits turns into the "stick" of full fee recovery. Real estate stakeholders need to act quickly to avoid penalties.