Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Varanasi Clarifies No Property Tax on Temples
In Varanasi, the city government sent notices to temples and religious schools because they didn't pay their taxes.
The religious leaders were upset because they thought these places should not have to pay taxes.
The city said they made a mistake and fixed it.
Now, temples and monasteries won't have to pay property tax, but they still need to pay half of the water and sewer taxes.
The city is sending notices to many buildings about unpaid bills, but they are making sure religious places are treated fairly.
Varanasi Municipal Corporation issued tax arrears notices to temples and monasteries due to an error, which is being rectified.
Property tax will be waived for all places of worship, but water and sewer taxes will still apply with a 50% reduction.
The notices were part of a new unified property tax bill process for the entire city of Varanasi.
Over 20,000 buildings, including 40 temples, 7 mosques, and 1 gurdwara in the Kotwali zone, have been exempted from property tax.
The saint community expressed resentment and threatened agitation, but the VMC clarified the situation and is implementing changes.
- Who
- Varanasi Municipal Corporation and the saint community
- What
- Issuing and receiving tax arrears notices, subsequent clarification
- When
- Earlier this week, with clarification on Thursday
- Where
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Pending tax dues for property, water, and sewer tax, with subsequent clarification on tax exemptions
Saint Community
Varanasi Municipal Corporation
Tax Exemption for Religious Institutions
Saint Community
Religious institutions should be exempt from all taxes, including water and sewer taxes.
Varanasi Municipal Corporation
While property tax is waived, water and sewer taxes are still applicable, though a 50% reduction is being implemented.
- Location
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Issue
- Tax arrears notices issued to temples and monasteries
- Taxes Involved
- Property tax, water tax, sewer tax
- Amount for Patalpuri Mutt
- Rs 2 lakh
- Response from Saint Community
- Resentment and threat of agitation
- VMC's Stance
- Notices issued due to an error, being rectified; property tax waived, 50% reduction on water and sewer taxes
- Number of Buildings Noticed
- Over 20,000
- Exemptions Granted
- 40 temples, 7 mosques, 1 gurdwara in the Kotwali zone
