Building tax in Kerala is a local tax levied on property owners by the respective local bodies, such as municipal corporations or panchayats. This tax is charged for the construction of buildings, both residential and commercial, within the jurisdiction of the local authority. The funds collected through building tax are primarily used for maintaining and developing local infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, sanitation, and street lighting.
As a property owner in Kerala, it is important to understand your obligations regarding building tax. Paying your tax on time not only keeps you compliant with the local authorities but also ensures the smooth development of your locality. Moreover, keeping your building tax payments up to date is crucial if you are looking to secure a loan against property, as financial institutions often require proof of property tax payment when processing loan applications.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to pay building tax online, how to register your property, understand tax calculation, and much more.
What is Building Tax Kerala?
Building tax in Kerala is a local tax imposed on property owners by municipal corporations or panchayats. It is levied based on the construction area, type of building, and its location. The funds collected are used for maintaining public infrastructure and providing civic amenities like roads, water, and sanitation.
How to pay building tax Kerala online?
Paying building tax online in Kerala is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Visit the official portal:
Go to the local authority’s official website where the building tax is paid. For example, if you live in Kochi, visit the Kochi Corporation website.
Step 2 Login or register:
If you are a new user, create an account by providing your personal details and property information. Existing users can log in with their credentials.
Step 3: Enter property details:
Provide the details of your property, including your building number, location, and the assessment number, if available.
Step 4: Verify tax amount:
Once your property details are entered, the website will calculate the tax due based on your property’s size and type.
Step 5: Select payment method:
Choose a payment option such as net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI to complete the transaction.
Confirm and pay: After verifying all the information, click on the payment button to process the payment.
Step 6: Download receipt:
Once the payment is successful, download the tax receipt as proof of payment.
Step 7: Continue and Pay:
Paying property tax and building tax online saves time and eliminates the need to stand in long queues at government offices.
How to Register Your Property Online for Building Tax Kerala?
Registering your property for building tax is the first step to ensure that you’re compliant with local tax laws. Here's how you can do it:
Visit your local body’s office or website: Depending on where your property is located, visit the respective municipal corporation or panchayat office. Many local bodies now offer online registration via their official websites.
Submit property details: You will need to provide basic details such as the address, the size of the property, and any structures built on it.
Provide legal ownership documents: Submit a copy of the sale deed or property title document to prove ownership of the building.
Receive your assessment number: After registering, you will be assigned a unique property assessment number. This number is crucial when making future payments or for any tax-related inquiries.
By registering your property for building tax, you can ensure that the correct tax amount is assessed and paid. Having a clean tax record can also be beneficial when applying for a loan against property in the future.
How to Calculate Kerala Building Tax Online?
Building tax in Kerala is calculated based on various factors. Here’s how it works:
Type of property: Residential and commercial buildings are taxed at different rates. Commercial properties often have a higher tax rate.
Size and area: Larger buildings or those with more floors incur higher taxes.
Location: Properties located in urban areas or prime locations tend to attract higher tax rates due to better infrastructure.
Age of building: Older buildings might have a different rate of taxation, depending on local rules.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how building tax might be calculated:
| Property Type | Location | Area (sq. ft.) | Tax Rate (per sq. ft.) | Annual Tax Amount |
| Residential | Rural Areas | 1,000 | ₹5 | ₹5,000 |
| Urban Areas | 1,000 | ₹8 | ₹8,000 | |
| Commercial | Business Zones | 2,000 | ₹15 | ₹30,000 |
The total tax due is determined by multiplying the property area with the applicable rate based on its category.
Key Dates for Paying Building Tax Kerala Online
Paying your building tax on time is essential to avoid penalties. The important dates to remember are:
| Event | Date |
| Tax payment period | April 1st to March 31st |
| Last date for payment | June 30th (for early bird discounts) |
| Penalty starts | After July 1st |
Common issues with building tax payment in Kerala and how to resolve them
Some common issues that property owners may face when paying building tax include:
Incorrect tax amount: If you believe your tax amount is incorrect, verify your property details on the local body’s website and contact customer support to resolve the issue.
Online payment failure: In case of payment failure, ensure that your internet connection is stable, and try using a different payment method. If the issue persists, contact the website’s technical support team.
Late payment penalties: If you missed the payment deadline, you may be liable for penalties. Pay the dues immediately and check with the local body for penalty waivers or relaxations, if available.
What are the Different Payment Methods for Building Tax Online
Kerala’s local bodies support various online payment methods to make the process easier for residents:
Net banking: You can pay using your bank’s online banking services.
Credit/ debit cards: Most local bodies accept major credit and debit cards for online payment.
UPI: You can also use UPI apps to make your building tax payment.
Wallets: Some platforms also support payments through digital wallets.
How to Generate and Download Building Tax Receipts Online?
Once your building tax payment is successful, you can generate and download the tax receipt. Here’s how:
Login to the official website: After making the payment, log into your account on the local body’s website.
Go to payment history: Navigate to the payment history section.
Download the receipt: Choose the appropriate tax payment and click on the option to download the receipt. This receipt will serve as official proof of your tax payment.
How to Change/Update Property Information for Building Tax in Kerala?
If there are any changes in your property’s details like ownership transfer, construction, or alterations, it’s important to update this information with the local body. Here's how you can update your property details:
Visit the local office: Go to the local authority’s office or website to request an update to your property information.
Provide supporting documents: Submit documents like the sale deed, construction completion certificate, or any legal proof of change in property details.
Receive confirmation: After the changes are made, you’ll receive a confirmation and an updated property assessment number, if applicable.
Penalties for Paying Late Building Tax Payments in Kerala
Late payments attract penalties. Typically, you will incur an additional charge of 1-2% per month on the outstanding tax amount. In some cases, if the tax is unpaid for an extended period, legal action may be taken.
It’s important to stay on top of your tax payments to avoid these penalties, as they can add up quickly.
Conclusion
Building tax in Kerala is a crucial civic responsibility that helps fund essential public services. Paying your tax on time ensures that your property records are up to date and can be helpful if you need to apply for a loan against property. By understanding how to register, calculate, and pay building tax, you can avoid common issues and keep your property in good standing. Stay informed about important deadlines, payment methods, and the consequences of late payments to ensure you comply with local regulations.
