Belagavi, April 4: Despite rapid urban expansion, Belagavi city’s property tax collection has not kept pace, raising concerns over the city corporation’s revenue management.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/belagavi-property-tax-growth-lags-despite-surge-in-buildings/articleshow/130006560.cms
The city currently has 1,65,958 properties across 58 wards, with officials estimating an annual addition of 10,000 to 15,000 new properties. However, this growth has not translated into proportional tax revenue.
For the financial year 2025–26, the corporation collected ₹70.8 crore in property tax, only slightly higher than ₹69.5 crore in 2024–25, and significantly below the ₹89 crore target.
Officials attribute the shortfall mainly to poor compliance, with nearly 30–40% of property owners failing to pay taxes. Many properties also remain outside the formal system without proper Property Identification Numbers (PID) or assessment.
The situation is further complicated by a lack of clear data on authorised and unauthorised properties, especially after the Supreme Court halted regularisation of illegal structures. Additionally, the removal of double-tax penalties on such properties this year is expected to impact revenue further.
Arrears remain a major concern, with just 550 property owners accounting for nearly ₹18 crore in pending dues.
Experts suggest that Belagavi’s property tax revenue could exceed ₹100 crore annually if compliance improves. They stress the need for stronger enforcement, efficient recovery mechanisms, and a comprehensive property database to boost civic finances.
Read also : Audit Flags ₹75 Crore Irregularities in Belagavi City Corporation
