Punjab garbage tax: Non-payers barred from buying or selling properties

Under the new restriction, the Excise Department will not issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for property transactions without proof of garbage tax payment. This means unpaid tax could create problems for property owners during buying and selling.

14 lakh tax bills distributed across Punjab

According to Excise Department officials, around 14 lakh garbage tax bills have been distributed across Punjab, including Lahore. The remaining bills for the first quarter will also be delivered to citizens soon.

Officials said the government has collected Rs24 million in garbage tax during the first two months after introducing the system. Bills for the second quarter will also be issued soon, with distribution scheduled to begin on January 1.

Millions of properties covered under the tax

Excise officials said Punjab has around 5 million property units. More than 20 percent of these properties are located in housing societies and towns where local administrations already collect cleaning charges and provide waste collection services.

Residents of these areas will not be required to pay the government’s garbage tax. This exemption is intended to avoid charging people twice for the same cleaning and waste collection services.

Online facility available for tax bills

The distribution of garbage tax bills across Punjab began on September 1. The government has also introduced an online facility so citizens can check and obtain their bills without visiting government offices.

Property owners can visit the Excise Department’s website and enter their property number to download their garbage tax bills. They can then pay the amount through the prescribed payment methods.

Officials urge citizens to clear outstanding dues

Excise officials have advised citizens to pay their garbage tax on time to avoid difficulties during property transactions. Those who fail to clear their dues may face problems obtaining the NOC required to buy or sell property.

The department is continuing the distribution of bills and preparing to issue the next quarterly bills. Citizens are advised to check their tax status before starting any property transaction.

The new restriction makes garbage tax payment an important requirement for property owners across Punjab. People who have unpaid bills may face delays when buying or selling property.

However, residents of areas where housing societies already provide waste collection services will be exempt. Citizens should check their eligibility and outstanding bills to avoid unnecessary problems.

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