THE government of Sindh very rightly changed the law for the payment of property tax in 2016. The amendment allows property tax payers to pay their taxes till Sept 30 with a five per cent rebate and thereafter without rebate.

However the departments concerned issue challans for payment in the first week of July with the last date for payment in the third week of the current month. If one approaches the department for an extension, which is the payers’ right, one is asked for a bribe for facilitation.

I urge the government to simplify things which can be done by the secretary of the department. All it takes is to put the date as Sept 30 and the payer will be at liberty to opt for a discount or not.

This is the method followed by the cantonment boards which not only facilitates taxpayers but eliminates the chances of malpractice.

I hope my request will not be ignored as by law, taxpayers are entitled to it.

Zulfiqar Ali Ramzi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2019