Paying taxes is a civic duty that contributes to the development and maintenance of local and national infrastructure. In Kerala, property and building taxes are crucial for the smooth functioning of local governments. Fortunately, the process of paying these taxes has been greatly simplified with the advent of online payment systems. This article will guide you through the process of paying your building tax and property tax online in Kerala, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.The web application is crafted to provide revenue services from the comfort of home. A key feature of this application is its mobile-friendly design, allowing citizens to easily access services by registering on the portal. All transaction histories are securely stored in digital format within individual accounts, eliminating the need to maintain physical copies. Through this initiative, the department aims to transition to a fully IT-enabled service delivery system, optimizing benefits for the citizens. This represents a small step for the citizen but a significant advancement for the department.
Understanding Building and Property Tax in Kerala
Before delving into the process of payment, it’s important to understand what these taxes are and why they are essential. Property tax is a local tax imposed on owners of properties based on the value of their property. This tax is used to fund public services like road maintenance, waste management, and public schooling. Building tax is levied on the structures built within the property, depending on factors like floor area, use of the building, location, and occupancy status.
Benefits of Paying Taxes Online
The transition to online payments offers several benefits over the traditional method of standing in long queues at local government offices:
- Convenience: Pay your taxes from anywhere, at any time.
- Time-saving: Eliminates the need for physical travel and waiting times.
- Accuracy: Reduces the risk of human error in data handling.
- Instant Receipts: Immediate confirmation of payment with digital receipts.
- Environmental Impact: Less paper is used, making it a greener option.
ReLIS
ReLIS is a sophisticated web application developed by the Revenue Department to facilitate online integration with the Registration and Survey Departments, creating a robust digital infrastructure for efficient land record management in the state. The initiative began in 2011 and underwent a significant upgrade in 2015 to enhance its integration capabilities with all relevant departments.
Integrated Revenue e-Payment System
Since 2015, an online payment system within ReLIS has been operational in digitally activated villages, allowing citizens to pay various taxes online at any time from any location. Payments can be made directly at village offices or through this system. Collected funds are promptly transferred to the state treasury, and financial accounts are managed digitally across all revenue offices. This application also supports the collection of revenue recovery dues and the distribution of welfare funds as needed.
e-Maps
This web application merges textual and spatial data to create a refined land records maintenance system that aligns closely with on-the-ground realities. The e-Maps Application aims to effectively manage land records, reduce the potential for land disputes, increase transparency in land records maintenance, and support the objective of ensuring guaranteed conclusive land titles. It provides a comprehensive solution for cadastral mapping, including the digital verification of cadastral map data, digital surveying, integration with textual data, and the provision of services like mutation, updating, and distribution of land records and maps in government-to-government and government-to-citizen formats as outlined in the DILRMP project goals.
The application includes all organizational workflows and procedures followed by the Department. Currently, cadastral maps are produced within village boundaries, with a detailed village index that outlines the association, direction, and orientation of plots within the village. Citizens can access updated digital sketches of individual parcels within the village.
For Building Tax
Sanchaya is an e-governance software suite designed for the Revenue and Licence System in local governments throughout Kerala. Building owners can obtain their online Ownership Certificates from local governments that offer e-payment facilities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Your Taxes Online
Step 1: Identify Your Tax Authority
Kerala has various tax authorities depending on the location and type of property. Identify whether your property falls under a Municipality, Corporation, or Panchayat. Each has its website and portal for tax payments.
Step 2: Registering on the Portal
Visit the Official Site: Based on your tax authority, visit the respective official website. For example, for properties under the Kochi Corporation, you would visit their official site.
Create an Account: If you are a first-time user, register by providing your name, property details, email, and mobile number. You’ll receive a user ID and password.
Step 3: Log In and Access Property Details
Log In: Use your credentials to log into the portal.
Enter Property ID: Your Property Tax Identification Number (PID) or Building ID is crucial for accessing your tax details.
Step 4: Verify Tax Details
Check Tax Liability: The portal will display the amount of tax due, including any arrears.
Confirm the Details: Ensure that all the property details and the tax amount displayed are correct.
Step 5: Payment Process
Select Payment Method: Choose from options like net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.
Transaction: Complete the payment process by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 6: Acknowledgement and Receipt
Confirmation: Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation on the website and via email or SMS.
Download Receipt: Download and print the receipt for your records, which is a legally valid document for proof of payment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process is streamlined, you might encounter issues such as website downtime, payment failures, or incorrect tax amounts. Most websites offer a ‘Help’ section, or you can contact customer support via email or phone provided on the portal.
Regular Updates and Notifications
Register for updates and notifications on the tax portal to receive reminders for due dates, changes in tax rates, or other important information related to property tax.
Conclusion
The ability to pay your building and property tax online in Kerala marks a significant advancement in the ease of handling civic responsibilities. By following the above steps, property owners in Kerala can fulfill their tax obligations efficiently and securely. This not only saves time but also ensures that the local governments are well-funded to provide essential services to the community. With digitalization expanding its reach, it’s likely that more improvements in public service deliveries will continue to emerge, making the process even smoother for taxpayers.
FAQ
What are building and property taxes in Kerala?
Building and property taxes are local taxes levied on property owners in Kerala. Property tax is charged based on the property value, and building tax is calculated based on the structure’s area, use, location, and occupancy.
Why is it important to pay these taxes?
Paying these taxes is crucial as they fund public services such as road maintenance, waste management, and education, facilitating the overall development and maintenance of local infrastructure.
Can I pay my property and building taxes online in Kerala?
Yes, you can pay both property and building taxes online in Kerala through various local government portals depending on whether your property falls under a Municipality, Corporation, or Panchayat.
What are the benefits of paying taxes online?
Paying taxes online is convenient, saves time, reduces errors, provides instant receipts, and is environmentally friendly since it reduces the need for paper.
How do I start the process of paying my taxes online?
Begin by identifying your local tax authority’s official website, register for an account, and log in to access your property details.
What information do I need to register on these tax payment portals?
You will need basic personal information, property details, and official identification to register and create an account on these tax portals.
What payment methods are available for paying taxes online?
Most portals accept a variety of payment methods including credit/debit cards, net banking, and sometimes UPI.
How do I know if my payment was successful?
You will receive an immediate digital receipt upon the successful completion of your payment. This receipt can be printed or saved for your records.
What should I do if I encounter issues during the payment process?
Check the help section on the portal for troubleshooting tips or contact customer service for assistance. Ensure your internet connection is stable during the payment process.
Are there penalties for late payment of property or building taxes?
Yes, late payments can result in penalties and interest charges. It is important to pay your taxes on time to avoid these additional costs.