AP Government Offers 50% Interest Waiver on Property Tax

The AP government has decided to give a 50% interest waiver on pending property tax and vacant land tax payments. This offer is available only if people pay the full amount in one or before March 31, 2025.
To make payments easier, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation has opened 13 cash counters and extra counters in three zonal offices. These centers will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM until March 31. Other municipal tax collection centers will also be available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Citizens Demand Full Waiver
Even though the government has announced a 50% waiver, the Andhra Pradesh Urban Citizens Federation wants a 100% interest waiver on property tax, water tax and drainage tax. They are also asking the government to extend the deadline by two months and change Government Order 46 (GO 46) to give more relief to taxpayers.

The federation is unhappy with the short six-day payment window and says this is not enough time for many people to clear their dues. They also pointed out that Telangana gave a 90% interest waiver on property tax dues on March 8, 2025.

Tax Burden on Citizens
The federation is also opposing the Property Tax Amendment Act (2020). This law increased property taxes based on property values. Because of this, taxes went up by 15% every year, doubling in four years.
They believe that collecting 24% interest on unpaid property tax and linking it to the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations is unfair.

Federation’s Demands:
– 100% interest waiver on property tax dues.
– Deadline extension beyond March 31.
– Review of property tax policy to reduce the tax burden.
– Repeal of the 2020 Property Tax Amendment Act.
The AP government’s 50% waiver is a relief, but many citizens feel it is not enough. They want a full interest waiver and a longer payment deadline. Now, all eyes are on the government’s next move.