Karnataka imposes 1% fire safety cess on high-rise buildings

25-Jul-2025

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The Karnataka government has announced the imposition of a 1% fire safety cess on high-rise buildings. This new tax will apply to multi-storied commercial and residential buildings that fall under the regulations of the Fire Service Act. 

According to the government, this cess is being introduced because such taxes have not been increased in a long time, and it is considered "high time that they go ahead and increase this particular one-person test." 

This measure is expected to be a new burden on builders and property owners. The exact financial impact will vary for each property, as the tax calculation depends on the specific characteristics of the building, such as the number of stories.