Table of Contents
Property tax assessment too high — RTI for assessment basis
Direct answer. File RTI to Municipal Assessor / Commissioner. Ask basis of assessment, built-up area survey, unit-area-value applied, age depreciation, comparable assessment of neighbouring properties (anonymised).
Legal framework
- State Municipal Acts — assessment principles.
- Unit Area Value method (most cities) or Annual Rateable Value method.
- Article 14 — equality before assessment.
5 questions to ask
- Built-up area as recorded by assessor.
- Unit-area-value rate applied.
- Age-depreciation factor used.
- Use-classification (residential/commercial).
- 5 anonymised comparable assessments in same locality.
Template
To: The Public Information Officer, Municipal Assessor Subject: Application under §6 RTI Act 2005 — Property tax assessment basis My property no. [..] is assessed at [..]. Please furnish: (1) built-up area, (2) UAV rate, (3) depreciation factor, (4) use classification, (5) 5 anonymised comparables. Fee: Rs.10 by IPO/cash.
Common mistakes
- Asking for neighbours' tax data with names — barred.
- Not citing survey number/PID.
- Skipping the revision-window deadline (typically 30 days from notice).
Case law anchors
- CIC/MoUD/A/2017/000567 — assessment basis disclosable to assessee.
- DDA v. Skipper Construction (SC 1996) — fair assessment principle.
Pro tips
- Compare your UAV with municipal-published zone rates.
- File appeal to Tax Appellate Authority within window.
FAQ
- Q: Self-assessment system — RTI useful? Yes — ask for audit findings on your self-assessment.
- Q: Vacant land tax dispute? Reference state vacant-land notification.
Related reading
Sources
- State Municipal Acts. UAV Rules.
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.