New Delhi: In a major citizen-centric reform aimed at improving ease of doing business and reducing compliance burden, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to integrate General Trade/Storage License fees with the property tax system.
As per the official press release dated May 2, 2026, the existing requirement of applying separately for a General Trade License (GTL) under Section 417 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, has now been abolished.
Under the new system, all property owners or occupiers identified through the Unique Property Identification Code (UPIC) can now conveniently pay the applicable license fee along with their property tax through the property tax portal.
The revised structure rationalizes the license fee at 15% of the property tax amount, payable annually at the time of property tax submission. This move is expected to make the process simpler, more transparent, and hassle-free.
The payment receipt generated after completing the transaction will be treated as a valid ‘deemed license’ for the respective premises. This license will remain valid for one financial year and will be co-terminus with the property tax period.
While the process has been simplified, MCD has made it clear that all license holders must strictly comply with pollution control norms, fire safety regulations, and other statutory requirements. Obtaining necessary approvals from relevant authorities will remain the responsibility of the property owner, occupier, or business operator.
Additionally, the responsibility for ensuring safety of life and property will lie entirely with the concerned individuals. Any negligence or violation of rules leading to damage or loss will attract civil and criminal liability. A formal declaration to this effect will be part of the property tax payment process and reflected in the receipt.
The reform marks a significant step towards streamlining governance and making compliance easier for Delhi’s citizens and businesses.
