Kolkata's rich owe KMC ₹3,504 crore in unpaid property taxes

While the Kolkata Municipality has celebrated a record collection in property tax this year, an uncomfortable truth has now emerged—wealthy citizens and businesses owe a staggering ₹3,504 crore in unpaid dues. This revelation has stunned officials, who are now racing to recover the massive arrears.

Despite increased tax collection on paper, this colossal backlog, largely contributed by the city’s affluent residents, highlights a glaring disparity. According to sources within the municipality, a significant portion of the unpaid property tax has come not from the common man, but from long-established, well-off individuals and businesses operating in the city for decades.

Data reveals that there are 796 property taxpayers in Kolkata who each owe between ₹50 lakh and ₹1 crore in dues. The combined principal amount of these arrears stands at ₹244 crore. When interest and penalties are added, this figure balloons to ₹558 crore.

Even more shocking is the number of defaulters with dues exceeding ₹1 crore. A total of 728 such taxpayers are yet to clear their bills. The principal amount here is ₹1,178 crore, which has risen to ₹2,946 crore after including interest and penalty fees. Together, the total arrears amount to a mind-boggling ₹3,504 crore.

Officials admit that if this money were to be recovered, it could completely alleviate the financial strain on the municipality. These funds could be used to accelerate infrastructure projects, improve public services, and boost developmental initiatives across the city.

As a result, urgent action is being taken. Area-wise teams are being formed to intensify the recovery drive. Legal action is also on the table for persistent defaulters. “We are under pressure to act. A lot was recovered last financial year, but the unpaid amount remains very high,” said a senior official, requesting anonymity.