In a significant move to recover outstanding property taxes, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has decided to auction properties seized from defaulters. To facilitate this process, the corporation is in the process of appointing government-registered valuers to assess the value of these seized properties. Property owners with pending dues are being urged to promptly settle their outstanding property taxes to avoid the auction of their seized properties.
Within NMMC's jurisdiction, property tax assessments and collections are managed by the Property Tax Assessment and Collection Department. Bills are generated in accordance with Rule 39 of Chapter 8, Schedule 'D' of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act. For properties with unpaid taxes beyond the stipulated period, actions such as seizure are undertaken under Section 128 and Rules 42 to 48 of Chapter 8. The act also provides for the auction of these seized properties to recover dues.
To expedite the auction process, the corporation had invited expressions of interest from government-registered valuers through various newspapers. "In response, 10 valuers have submitted their proposals, and the selection of a suitable valuer is underway. Once appointed, the valuer will assess the seized properties, following which the auction process will commence to recover the outstanding taxes," said an official.
Property owners are also encouraged to take advantage of the 'Abhay' scheme, which offers a 50% waiver on penalties for those who pay their outstanding property taxes in a lump sum by March 31, 2025. Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has urged all property owners to promptly pay their dues to avoid the seizure and auction of their properties.
"This decisive action by NMMC underscores its commitment to ensuring compliance with property tax obligations and maintaining financial discipline within its jurisdiction," said the official.
