Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its property tax base in the 2026–27 financial year, aiming to increase collections to over Rs 200 crore after achieving a record Rs 125 crore in the previous year.
At the core of the strategy is a fresh assessment of properties using data from the electricity department, with officials seeking to identify buildings that have so far remained outside the municipal tax net.
Gap Between Electricity Consumers And Registered Properties
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Electricity consumers within municipal limits | 5.95 lakh |
| Registered properties in PMC records | 3.06 lakh |
| Estimated buildings outside tax net | 1.84 lakh |
| Targeted registered properties after drive | 4.90 lakh |
Officials said the disparity between electricity connections and registered properties indicates a large number of unassessed buildings. The corporation also estimates that around 20% of buildings may have multiple electricity meters, further complicating the data.
Yashpal Meena, municipal commissioner, said the corporation would reach out to all electricity consumers to verify property details and complete fresh assessments through a year-long campaign.
Private Agency To Boost Collection
For the first time, PMC plans to engage a private agency to strengthen its tax collection system. The proposal, approved by the empowered standing committee, will be placed before the municipal council.
The agency will be tasked with:
- Assessing taxes for newly identified buildings
- Recovering outstanding dues
- Identifying properties currently outside the tax framework
Officials said existing resources had proven insufficient to achieve desired progress in revenue recovery and expansion.
Incentives And Penalties Announced
To encourage timely payments, PMC is offering a 5% rebate to property owners who pay their taxes before June 30, in line with the Bihar Municipal Property Tax Rules, 2013.
However:
- No rebate will be available between July and September
- A 1.5% monthly interest will be levied on dues from October
- Persistent defaulters may face legal action
Mandatory Compliance For Property Owners
The corporation has made it mandatory for new property buyers to complete self-assessment within 30 days of purchase. Failure to comply will attract penalties of:
- Rs 2,000 for residential properties
- Rs 5,000 for non-residential properties
Re-assessment is also compulsory in cases of property use change or new construction, with penalties of up to 100% of dues for non-compliance.
Digital Assessment Process
Property owners can complete assessments online by submitting details such as property category, location and ownership documents, along with electricity bills and geo-tagged photographs. An SAS number will be generated for tax payment upon submission.
Officials have warned of strict action against those providing false information during the assessment process.
The civic body said the move is aimed at improving compliance, plugging revenue leakages and strengthening urban governance as Patna continues to expand.
