Taj Mahal slapped with a Rs 1 crore tax notice (yes, the only Taj Mahal you know)

In Uttar Pradesh, even the Mughal-era monuments like the Taj Mahal are not exempted from tax collections. A notice for water tax and one for property tax has been issued to the monument by government officials.

"The property tax is around Rs 1.4 lakh, while the water tax is around Rs 1 crore," ASI Superintending Archaeologist (Agra Circle) Raj Kumar Patel told news agency ANI.

Uttar Pradesh | A notice for water tax and one for property tax has been issued. The property tax is around Rs 1.40 Lakhs and the water tax is around Rs 1 Crore: ASI's Superintending Archaeologist (Agra circle) Raj Kumar Patel to ANI on tax notices for Taj Mahal pic.twitter.com/wuIhVxTXkR

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) December 20, 2022

What's the story? Patel said that the tax notices are for the financial year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

Patel also told the Times of India that they have received bills for the first time. He said that it appears to be a mistake as monuments don't pay taxes. Since there is no commercial use of the property, said Patel, they are not liable to pay any tax.

The ASI, meanwhile, has been asked to clear the dues within 15 days, failing which, the property of Taj Mahal will be attached.

Municipal Commissioner speaks: Agra Municipal Commissioner Nikhil T Funde said that he was not aware of the notice being sent to Taj Mahal.

He said, "Fresh notices are issued based on the statewide geographic information system (GIS) survey conducted for calculation of taxes. All premises, including government buildings and religious sites, have been issued notices based on the dues pending on them. Rebate is provided following due process of law." He added that in the case of notices issued to ASI, the required action will be taken on the basis of response received from them.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner and in-charge of the Tajganj zone, Sarita Singh, said, "The matter related to notices issued for water and property tax on the Taj Mahal is being investigated. A private company has been asked to realise tax on the basis of a GIS survey."

Taj Mahal is India's heritage: The Taj Mahal, in Agra, is one of the seven wonders of the world and sees millions of tourists flocking to Agra to get a glimpse of it every year. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in 1648, in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. 

• The construction of the monument started in 1632 and was finally completed after 22 years, in 1648.
• The Taj Mahal was declared a protected monument by the British Raj in 1920. It is still a protected monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• More than 6 million people visit the Taj Mahal every year.