KARACHI: The Sindh government has planned to take stern action against owners of all industrial, residential and commercial properties who are not paying the property tax.

Officials said that the property tax is applicable on all residential, commercial and industrial properties located in urban areas under the Sindh Urban Immovable Property Tax Act, 1958.

However, flats up to 600 square feet and houses up to 120 square yards are exempted from property tax provided that the said property is in the personal use of the owner. Property tax is applicable on rented property regardless of the area.

Chairing a meeting at his office, Additional Chief Secretary Najam Shah said that obstacles and hurdles in collection of urban property tax would be removed immediately and taxes due on industrial, residential and commercial properties collected.

The meeting decided to take a decisive action against all property tax defaulters who were not paying their liabilities despite repeated notices and reminders.

It was decided that the names and property details of such persons would be published in the media. In the second phase, properties of such defaulters would be confiscated and auctioned as per the law.

Mr Shah ordered that vigilance teams should be formed to monitor the entire tax collection process and the computer generated tax challans shall be sent to the correct addresses only. He said that a strict action would be taken against any officer if found involved in any kind of corruption or irregularities.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2023