In a significant move to enhance revenue collection, the Chennai Corporation has announced plans to impose property tax on more than 50,000 buildings constructed on ‘poramboke’ land, which refers to government property. These buildings, which have not been recorded in revenue documents, have been identified as tax defaulters.At present, the corporation collects approximately Rs 18,000 crores annually in property taxes from around 13 lakh property owners within its jurisdiction. However, in a bid to further increase its revenue, the corporation has decided to target properties without proper land titles or patta.
As part of the first phase of this initiative, 20,000 such buildings in areas including T. Nagar, Alandur, Manali, and Madhavaram will undergo assessment for unpaid taxes. This assessment aims to identify and collect taxes from properties that have so far evaded taxation due to lack of proper documentation.
Officials are also addressing cases of unclaimed buildings in T. Nagar that have been encroached upon. These cases highlight the need for proper documentation to avoid tax defaults and ensure all properties contribute to the city’s revenue.
An official from the Chennai Corporation emphasized the importance of bringing these unrecorded properties into the tax net. “This initiative will not only help in increasing our revenue but also ensure that all property owners contribute fairly to the city’s development,” the official state.
The Chennai Corporation’s decision to impose property tax on buildings constructed on ‘poramboke’ land marks a significant step towards enhancing its revenue collection. By targeting properties without proper land titles, the corporation aims to bring more buildings into the tax net and ensure equitable contribution from all property owners within its limits. The initiative also underscores the importance of proper documentation and compliance with tax regulations to avoid defaults.