Understanding Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC)

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is the governing body responsible for overseeing and managing civic services in Visakhapatnam. One of the key functions of GVMC is the collection of property tax, a vital source of revenue used for maintaining city infrastructure, ensuring clean streets, proper sanitation, and providing other public amenities.

For residents of Visakhapatnam, understanding how property tax works is essential to fulfilling their civic responsibilities and staying in compliance with local laws.

What is GVMC Property Tax?

Property tax, commonly referred to as house tax or municipal tax, is a recurring levy imposed on property owners by the local governing body.

In Visakhapatnam, GVMC is responsible for collecting this tax. The purpose of property tax is to maintain various civic amenities such as water supply, roads, sewage systems, and public parks. The amount you owe in property tax depends on several factors, including the type of property, its usage, and its location.

Types of Properties Subject to GVMC Property Tax

GVMC imposes a property tax on the following categories:

1. Residential Properties

Owners of houses, apartments, and other residential buildings are required to pay property tax annually. Because, the tax helps maintain neighbourhood amenities such as lighting, sewage, and waste management.

2. Commercial Properties

Commercial establishments, including shops, offices, and factories, are subject to property tax. The rate of tax for commercial properties is generally higher than that for residential properties.

3. Vacant Land

If you own a vacant plot of land within GVMC limits, you are liable to pay property tax. Vacant lands are taxed at lower rates but are still subject to this civic duty.

Understanding GVMC Property Tax Rates

The GVMC employs a structured tax rate system based on the annual rental value (ARV) of properties. The ARV is determined by several factors, including:

• Property Status: Residential or commercial
• Age of Property: Newer properties typically incur higher taxes
• Plinth Area: The total built-up area of the property
• Zonal Location: GVMC is divided into eight zones, each with different tax rates

Here’s a simplified tax rate table for the current financial year:

Property Type	Tax Rate (%)
Residential Properties	0.5%
Commercial Properties	1.0%
Vacant Land	0.75%

Factors Influencing Tax Assessment

Several factors influence the assessment of property tax, including:

• Condition and Type of Construction
• Proximity to Key Amenities
• Zoning Regulations
• Usage (residential, commercial, or mixed)

GVMC Online Property Tax Registration Process

To log in to the GVMC website or establish an account, follow these simple steps:

• Visit the official GVMC website at https://www.GVMC.gov.in.
• In the upper right-hand corner of the homepage, click on the “Login/Register” button.
• If you’re a new user, select the “Register Now” option and fill out the required details, including your username, password, name, email address, and mobile number.
• After entering your information, click the “Create OTP” button. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP to complete your registration and gain access to GVMC’s online house tax services.
• You can now log in and proceed with your property tax registration or payment through the official portal.

This simple registration process allows you to conveniently manage your property tax online.

Payment Process for GVMC Property Tax

Paying GVMC property tax is a straightforward process with multiple options available for the convenience of property owners. You can choose from online, mobile app, or offline payment methods.

1. Online Payment

To pay your GVMC property tax online, follow these steps:

1. Go to the GVMC official website of the Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration
2. Locate the ‘Make A Payment’ option on the website’s homepage.
3. A new page will open where you’ll be prompted to select your district, the name of your corporation or municipality, and the type of payment.
4. After entering the required details, click on the ‘Submit’ button.
5. On the ‘Search Your Property’ page, enter the relevant property details and hit ‘Search.’
6. Your property information will appear on the screen.
7. Proceed to make the payment using available methods like net banking, credit card, or debit card.
8. After completing the payment, a receipt will be generated, which you can download and keep for future reference.

2. Payment via Mobile Application

For those who prefer using their smartphone, GVMC property tax can be paid via the Pura Seva mobile app:

1. Install the Pura Seva app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and input your property number, district, municipality, and payment method.
3. Select your preferred payment method and finalise the transaction.

3. Offline Payment

You can also pay your property tax in person by visiting your nearest Purvaseva Centre or designated Citizen Service Centre:

1. Visit the Centre.
2. Bring all necessary documents related to your property.
3. Submit your documents for verification by the officials.
4. Once verified, you can make the payment using cash, cheque, or any other accepted payment method.

This flexibility in payment options ensures that every property owner can easily fulfill their tax obligations.

How to Obtain GVMC Property Tax Receipt

1. Visit the official GVMC website and click on the ‘Know Your Dues’ option.
2. Enter the required details, including your district and corporation/municipality/NP name.
3. Submit the information and use the ‘Search Your Property’ page to locate your property details.
4. Download or print the acknowledgement receipt generated upon payment for future reference.

Exemptions and Rebates for GVMC Property Tax

Eligibility Criteria

Certain individuals and properties may be eligible for exemptions or rebates:

• 5% Early Payment Rebate: If you pay your GVMC property tax before 30th April of a fiscal year, the State government offers a 5% rebate on the total tax amount.
• Age-Based Property Rebates: Rebates are provided based on the age of the property, calculated as a percentage deduction on the Annual Rental Value (ARV):

1. Properties 25 years or less: A 10% deduction is applied to the ARV.
2. Properties aged 25 to 40 years: A 20% deduction is offered on the ARV.
3. Properties over 40 years old: A 40% deduction is applied to the ARV.

• Charitable Institutions: Properties used for educational, medical, or charitable purposes may be exempt.
• Government Properties: Buildings owned by the government are usually exempt.
• Senior citizens and low-income groups may qualify for concessions based on age and income levels.

Consequences of Non-Payment

Failure to pay property tax on time can lead to penalties, including:

• Penalties: Late payments attract a penalty of 2% per month on the outstanding amount.
• Legal Action: Continued default may lead to legal proceedings or property seizure.
• Impact on Services: Non-payment can result in discontinuation of certain civic services to your property.

How to File GVMC Property Tax Alteration

Modifying a property tax application, such as converting from Vacant Land Tax (VLT) to House Tax (HT), is a common request. To file for this alteration, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website at cdma.ap.gov.in.
2. Under the ‘Online Services’ section, select ‘Property Tax’.
3. Click on the option labeled ‘File Your Addition/Alteration (Including Conversion from VLT to HT)’.
4. Enter the district and corporation/municipality information.
5. Choose the relevant corporation/municipality and district from the drop-down menu.
6. And, on the next page, provide the assessment number and other required details to request the conversion.

How to File GVMC Property Tax Revision

If you wish to request a revision of the property tax assessment, you can do so within 15 days of receiving the special notice. The process is as follows:

1. Go to cdma.ap.gov.in and select the ‘Property Tax’ option.
2. Click on ‘Submit Your General Revision Petition’ under the property tax section.
3. Also, enter your district and corporation/municipality information.
4. Input the assessment number to proceed.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the general revision request.

Zones of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC)

GVMC is divided into eight zones for administrative convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the zones:

Zone	Location
Zone 1	Bheemunipatnam
Zone 2	Madhurawada
Zone 3	Asilmetta
Zone 4	Suryabagh
Zone 5	Gnanapuram
Zone 6	Gajuwaka
Zone 7	Anakapalle
Zone 8	Vepagunta

Also, these zones help streamline property tax collection and other municipal services across the city.

GVMC Property Tax Assessment Process

Self-Assessment Procedure

1. Use Online Calculator: Available on the GVMC website.
2. Input Property Details: Area, type, usage, and location.
3. Calculate Tax Liability: The system will provide an estimated tax amount.

GVMC Assessment and Verification

1. Official Assessment: GVMC periodically assesses properties for accurate taxation.
2. Verification Visits: Officials may conduct site visits for validation.
3. Notification: The authorities communicate the assessment details to the property owner.

Conclusion

So, to sum it up, being informed about GVMC property tax helps you stay compliant and contributes to the betterment of Visakhapatnam. From understanding tax rates to knowing how to register and pay, this blog aims to make the process straightforward for every resident.

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