Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation has intensified its property tax recovery campaign as the deadline for its one-time settlement (OTS) scheme approaches, urging residents to clear outstanding dues before March 31.
Officials said only 14 days remain before the scheme expires, after which unpaid property tax will attract interest and penalties in accordance with municipal rules. The civic body has appealed to property owners across the city to take advantage of the settlement window and avoid additional charges.
According to the corporation’s latest figures, more than 302,000 properties are registered in the city’s tax database. The largest share is recorded in the Patliputra zone, followed by the Nootan Rajdhani and Kankarbagh zones.
The distribution of registered properties across municipal zones includes approximately 79,978 in Patliputra, 57,216 in Nootan Rajdhani, 49,671 in Kankarbagh, 47,417 in Azimabad, 42,000 in Bankipur, and 26,292 in Patna City.
Extended hours for tax collection
To facilitate taxpayers, the corporation has extended operating hours at its tax collection counters. These centres will remain open from 7am to 9pm, including on holidays, to allow residents additional time to pay their dues before the deadline.
Officials said the move is intended to ensure that more property owners can complete payments within the settlement period.
Enforcement teams step up recovery
Alongside the settlement scheme, the municipal administration has deployed special enforcement squads to recover outstanding dues from defaulters. On the fourth day of the campaign alone, teams working across the city collected more than Rs. 2.7m (26,000 approx) in property tax payments.
Authorities warned that legal action could be initiated against those who fail to clear dues within the stipulated period. Such measures may include property attachment, bank account freezing, and other statutory recovery steps.
Digital payment options available
Residents can also pay property tax through digital channels provided by the civic body. The corporation has introduced a WhatsApp chatbot service allowing taxpayers to complete payments and conduct self-assessment processes around the clock.
Users can access the service by sending a message to 9264447449, after which they receive a digital receipt once payment is completed. Officials said no additional charges are applied for using the service.
Property tax payments can also be made through the municipal website or via digital platforms such as UPI services, including Paytm, PhonePe and Google Pay.
