Relief for Tax Defaulters: Lump Sum Payment Scheme Introduced by Transport Department

Chirag Gupta

Patna: The Transport Department has launched the Sarva Kshama Yojana, offering significant relief to vehicle owners who have defaulted on their taxes. The scheme provides exemptions from penalties and interest for those willing to pay their outstanding taxes in lump sum. This includes dues such as road tax, green tax, temporary registration fees, and trade tax, applicable on various types of vehicles. The initiative is available until March 31, 2025.

The Transport Minister stated that this scheme comes in response to the long-standing demands of truck and bus operators, as well as other vehicle owners and associations. With this, defaulters now have an opportunity to clear their dues without facing overwhelming penalties. Many vehicle owners had fallen into default due to delays in paying their taxes, and this scheme aims to ease their burden.

The Transport Secretary emphasized that the Sarva Kshama Yojana is expected to bring a large number of vehicles under the tax net, benefiting both the state and the defaulters. For example, tractor-trailer owners with toll dues can deposit Rs 30,000 in lump sum and be exempt from remaining taxes and penalties. Similarly, other types of registered and unregistered vehicles can receive penalty exemptions on depositing the basic toll tax along with 30 percent of the penalty.

Moreover, the scheme also offers relief to dealers who have not paid their trade taxes on time. Auction notices issued against defaulters will be withdrawn once the lump sum amount is paid, and interest levied on these notices will be waived off.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time offer and settle their dues before the March 2025 deadline. The initiative is expected to boost revenue and provide much-needed relief to the transport sector.