Kolkata sees 44,000 new property taxpayers, revenue growth fueled by self-assessment system

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has seen a significant increase in property tax registrations, with the number of taxpayers rising by over 44,000 in the last year. As of January 2025, the total number of property taxpayers has reached 9,54,593, a notable increase from 9,10,431 in January 2024. This rise comes as KMC intensifies its efforts to improve property tax collection, primarily through the successful implementation of the "Self-Assessment" scheme.

The "Self-Assessment" system, introduced by KMC to encourage transparency and ease of tax payment, has seen remarkable success. As of January 5, 2025, over 4,46,590 properties are now registered under this system, compared to 3,80,850 properties on the same date in 2024. This represents an increase of 65,740 properties within just one year. The system allows property owners to assess and declare their own tax liabilities, simplifying the process and reducing the burden on KMC’s administrative staff.

In addition to the "Self-Assessment" scheme, KMC’s efforts to expedite property transactions have contributed to the growth in taxpayers. The corporation has streamlined the process for issuing online clearance certificates for new properties, ensuring quicker registrations and mutations. These online services have helped property owners submit their tax assessments more quickly, further increasing compliance and reducing the backlog of unpaid taxes.

The surge in property tax registrations is also attributed to the rapid development in several areas of Kolkata. For instance, regions like Kasba, Jadavpur, and Thakurpukur are seeing an increase in the number of properties being taxed due to ongoing construction and urban expansion. The addition of Joka to KMC’s jurisdiction has further contributed to the expansion of the tax base, with a growing number of new properties being registered and taxed.

KMC has also been taking steps to address outstanding property taxes by sending notices to delinquent taxpayers. In addition to enforcing tax payments, KMC has focused on ensuring that new properties are promptly registered and included in the tax system. This proactive approach has helped speed up revenue collection and minimize delays in processing registrations. The increase in registered property taxpayers, along with the expansion of the "Self-Assessment" scheme, is expected to continue to boost KMC's revenue, contributing to the corporation's financial health.