PTBP Web Desk
The Excise and Taxation Department of Punjab has called on property owners to take advantage of the provincial government’s limited-time offer of a 5% rebate on property taxes for the current financial year. Property taxpayers have until September 30 to avail of this benefit by making their full tax payment within the stipulated time. As the deadline approaches, citizens are being urged to act quickly to avoid missing out on this opportunity, which can offer significant savings.
Khalid Hussain Qasoori, Deputy Director Admin and Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) for property tax, made this announcement in a statement to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Sunday. He emphasized that there is only a short window remaining for taxpayers to benefit from the rebate offer and that it applies to all property owners in the province, including both business owners and domestic consumers.
The Punjab government’s offer of a 5% rebate is available for those who make full payment of their property taxes for the 2023-24 fiscal year before the end of September. Khalid Qasoori explained that property tax notices have already been distributed to taxpayers across the province, highlighting the rebate opportunity. These notices provide detailed information about the due amount and how to take advantage of the rebate.
For taxpayers who may not have received their notices or misplaced them, the department has made it easier by allowing property owners to download their tax notices online. This step ensures that everyone has easy access to the required information and can make their payment before the deadline.
Qasoori strongly urged both the business community and residential property owners to submit their property taxes before the rebate offer ends on September 30. He noted that timely tax payments not only help taxpayers save money through the rebate but also contribute to the province’s overall financial health by helping the government meet its revenue targets.
“The taxpayers have been submitting their taxes on a large scale by availing of the rebate offer,” Qasoori stated. He also highlighted that the department has launched an extensive awareness campaign to ensure that citizens are well-informed about the rebate. Banners have been placed at strategic locations throughout the city, and social media platforms are being used to spread the message to a broader audience.
For the current fiscal year, the Excise and Taxation Department has set an ambitious target of over Rs 1.22 billion in property tax collections. According to Qasoori, the department aims to collect at least Rs 750 million, which constitutes 60 percent of the total target, by the end of September. Achieving this milestone is crucial for the department, as it not only brings in necessary revenue but also supports various development projects and public services in the province.
Qasoori expressed confidence that the rebate offer, combined with the ongoing awareness efforts, would motivate a significant number of taxpayers to submit their dues before the deadline. The department is also working diligently to ensure smooth processing and convenient payment options for taxpayers.
While the government is offering a generous rebate for early payment, property owners are also being reminded of the consequences of failing to meet the September 30 deadline. Qasoori warned that once the rebate offer expires, the department will begin taking legal action against defaulters. This action includes imposing a 1% surcharge on unpaid taxes, issuing arrest warrants, and even confiscating properties in extreme cases.
“Legal action will be initiated, including the imposition of a 1% surcharge, arrest warrants, and property confiscation after the completion of the rebate offer,” Qasoori cautioned. He urged taxpayers to avoid such penalties by settling their dues promptly and taking full advantage of the rebate offer.
The department’s focus on ensuring compliance stems from the need to meet its revenue goals, which are vital for funding essential government services and public welfare programs. Taxpayers who fail to comply will face increased financial pressure, as the penalties for non-payment can quickly accumulate and result in further complications, such as legal battles and property seizures.
To make the property tax payment process as easy as possible, the Excise and Taxation Department has provided multiple ways for taxpayers to fulfill their obligations. Taxpayers can submit their payments either in person at designated bank branches or online through the department’s official portal. The online system allows for a convenient, fast, and secure payment process, ensuring that even those unable to visit a physical location can complete their tax transactions on time.
Furthermore, the department’s online portal allows property owners to check their tax dues, download property tax notices, and make payments—all from the comfort of their homes. This digital solution is particularly useful for taxpayers who may have lost their physical notices or require a quick and easy way to settle their dues before the rebate offer expires.
