‘Record’ growth in property taxpayers strengthens KMC finances

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has crossed the historic milestone of 10 lakh registered property taxpayers, offering a significant boost to its financial outlook for 2026–27. Budget figures presented by Mayor Firhad Hakim show that as of December 31, 2025, the number of registered taxpayers stood at 999,631, rising past one million by the second week of February 2026. The steady expansion of the tax base has brought relief to the civic body’s finance department and strengthened revenue projections for the coming financial year.

The growth reflects a marked improvement over previous years. The number of registered taxpayers was 961,166 as of March 31, 2025, and around 934,000 in 2024. While earlier only 15,000 to 20,000 new taxpayers were added annually, the average addition has now increased to nearly 30,000 per year. Over the past five years, this widening of the tax net is being viewed as a major administrative achievement.

Officials attribute the surge to a strategic shift in approach, focusing on rapidly urbanising zones. New residential and commercial complexes in Jadavpur, Tollygunge, Joka, Behala and Thakurpukur have been prioritised for inclusion in the tax system. Special drives and streamlined procedures have ensured quicker assessment and registration of new properties.

A key factor behind the success has been improved coordination between the building and revenue departments. The simplification and digitisation of the mutation process have significantly reduced delays, allowing newly transferred or constructed properties to enter the tax network promptly. Regular surveys and technology-driven record management have further strengthened compliance.

Senior finance officials maintain that the increase is not merely due to urban expansion but also administrative efficiency. The additional revenue generated from the expanded taxpayer base is expected to be channelled into civic services, including road repairs, water supply modernisation and drainage improvements across the city. The administration hopes that sustained growth in the tax base will enhance long-term fiscal stability.