50% interest waiver on property tax dues till March 31: GVMC

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg on Sunday said the State government has announced a 50 per cent waiver on interest levied on pending property tax dues, offering relief to thousands of property owners in the city.

He urged taxpayers and house owners to make use of the scheme by clearing their dues, including property tax and vacant land tax, through a one-time payment on or before March 31, 2026. He said the initiative is aimed at improving tax compliance while easing the financial burden on citizens.

The Commissioner clarified that even those unable to pay the full amount in a single transaction can still avail the benefit. Taxpayers can qualify for the 50 per cent interest waiver by clearing at least the outstanding dues before the deadline.

Officials said the scheme is expected to boost revenue collection for the civic body, while also helping reduce long-pending arrears. It is also seen as an opportunity for defaulters to regularise their records without facing heavy penalties.

Property tax payments can be made at all Secretariat offices and zonal offices across the city. In addition, the facility is available through online mode, making it easier for citizens to complete transactions without visiting offices.

To facilitate higher participation, GVMC has extended working hours at its offices. For public convenience, all GVMC offices will function from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily till March 31, the Commissioner added.

He appealed to citizens to avoid last-minute rush and utilise the extended hours and multiple payment options to clear their dues within the stipulated time.