The Government of Kerala on March 24, 2023, issued a notification regarding Conducting an Intensive inspection to combat Tax Evasion and unlawful construction
The following has been stated namely: -
• it states that an inspection shall be conducted to detect any illegal constructions and prevent tax evasion, including alterations made to buildings in case of Any changes in the building's floor area or usage after tax assessment must be reported to the local body secretary within one month otherwise, a fine of Rs. 1000 or revised Tax (whichever is higher) will be imposed.
• It states that Illegal constructions will be taxed three times.
• Houses up to 1500 square feet, verandas, sheds without walls or grills, and terraced roofs with sheets or thatched roofs are exempted from this
• Penalties will be waived only if the owner provides voluntary notification before May 15, 2023
• Qualified professionals such as Civil Engineering Diploma holders, ITI Draftsman Civil, and ITI Surveyors will be appointed for data collection and entry.
• The inspection will be completed by June 30, 2023, and the owner will receive a notice within 30 days.
• If there are any objections, the Secretary must be informed within 15 days. If the building is sold, it must be reported within 15 days, or a fine of Rs. 500 will be imposed. The owner can submit an objection in the 9D form on the citizen portal if there are any objections.
• Help desk facilities will be provided in local institutions for this purpose and will examine and decide the matter within 30 day
• The field officers will check the accurate information about buildings, whether or not the owner tells them, and enter it into the program to calculate any additional tax from the moment of the modification. Officials appointed by the Local Secretary will re-inspect 10% of the buildings examined by the local authority. If more than 25% damage is discovered during the initial inspection, the entire building will be re-inspected
