Property tax is an essential civic responsibility for all property owners. It helps local governments fund various public services such as road maintenance, sanitation, street lighting, and healthcare. In Howrah, property tax is managed and collected by the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), which ensures that the city's infrastructure and public amenities are well-maintained for its residents.
If you are a property owner in Howrah, it is important to stay up-to-date with property tax payments to avoid penalties and legal complications. Property tax records are also vital when applying for financial services like a loan against property, as banks and lenders require proof of tax payment to consider your property as collateral for a loan.
Read on to understand everything about HMC property tax, including how to pay it, important dates, and how the tax is calculated.
What is HMC property tax?
HMC property tax is a tax imposed by the Howrah Municipal Corporation on the owners of residential and commercial properties in Howrah city. The tax is based on the property’s size, location, and usage type (residential, commercial, etc.). The money collected is used for the upkeep of city services and infrastructure, including roads, water supply, drainage, and street lighting.
The property tax is a legal obligation for property owners, and failure to pay it on time may lead to penalties, or in some cases, legal action. The amount of tax you pay depends on various factors, including the total built-up area of your property, its location, and its intended use. Regular payment of property tax not only ensures compliance with local laws but also contributes to the development and betterment of your locality.
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Documents required for Howrah property tax payment
To pay property tax in Howrah, property owners must provide the following documents:
Property Ownership Proof (e.g., Sale Deed)
Previous Property Tax Receipts
Property Identification Number (PID)
Government-Issued ID Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card)
NOC from Housing Society (if applicable)
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How to pay HMC property tax online?
Paying HMC property tax online is a convenient and time-saving option. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pay your property tax online:
Visit the HMC official website:
Open the official website of the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). Make sure you’re on the legitimate site to avoid fraud.
Register or log in:
If you're a first-time user, you'll need to register on the website. Provide your property details such as the assessment number, owner name, property address, and other required information. If you already have an account, simply log in using your credentials.
Enter property details:
After logging in, select the property for which you want to pay the tax. Enter the required details such as the assessment number or property address. The system will display your total tax liability for the current year.
Verify tax amount:
Once you’ve entered all the details, verify the tax amount. Check if it corresponds with the previous year’s tax amount or if any adjustments need to be made.
Make payment:
Choose your preferred mode of payment. The HMC portal supports various payment options, including net banking, credit/debit cards, and UPI.
Download receipt:
After making the payment, the portal will generate a payment receipt. Download and save the receipt for your records.
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How to pay HMC property tax offline?
If you prefer paying your HMC property tax offline, you can visit the HMC office in person. Here’s how you can do it:
Visit the HMC Office:
Go to the local municipal office where property tax payments are accepted. Make sure to bring your property documents such as the assessment number or any previous tax receipts.
Fill Out the Payment Form:
At the HMC office, you’ll need to fill out a property tax payment form. You will be asked for your property details like the assessment number, owner’s name, and property address.
Pay the Tax:
Once your details are verified, you can make the payment through cash, cheque, or demand draft at the counter.
Receive Your Receipt:
After payment, you will be issued a receipt. Keep this receipt safe, as it serves as proof of your payment.
Offline payment is a traditional method, but it may require you to visit the office during working hours, which can be inconvenient for some people.
Rebate and penalty on HMC property tax
HMC offers certain rebates for early payment of property tax, and there are penalties for late payments:
Rebate:
Property owners who pay their tax early (usually before a specified date, like June 30th) can avail of a rebate. The exact percentage of the rebate varies and is often announced by HMC.
Penalty:
If you fail to pay your property tax on time, you will be charged a penalty. Typically, the penalty is a percentage of the total tax due and increases over time.
To avoid penalties, it’s important to keep track of the tax payment deadlines and pay your dues on time.
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Factors affecting HMC property tax calculation
Several factors influence the calculation of HMC property tax:
Type of property: Residential properties are taxed differently from commercial properties. Commercial properties usually incur higher taxes due to their larger usage and impact on municipal resources.
Built-up area: The size of the property, measured in square feet, directly affects the tax amount. Larger properties will naturally attract higher tax bills.
Location: Properties located in prime areas or commercial zones may have higher tax rates compared to those in less developed or rural areas.
Age of the property: Older properties might be taxed at a lower rate due to depreciation, but this depends on the local body’s specific tax rules.
Property tax mutation process in Howrah
Property tax mutation refers to the process of updating the property’s details in the municipal records when there is a change in ownership or any other relevant changes. Here’s how you can initiate the mutation process in Howrah:
Submit documents:
Provide relevant documents like the sale deed, affidavit, or inheritance certificate to the HMC office.
Verification:
The HMC will verify the documents to ensure the transfer of ownership is legitimate.
Mutation fee:
You may need to pay a mutation fee for updating your property details.
Receive updated records:
Once verified, the HMC will update your property’s tax records and issue a new property tax receipt.
How to download your HMC property tax bill?
You can easily download your HMC property tax bill online by following these steps:
Visit the HMC website:
Go to the official HMC portal and log in using your account credentials.
Select the property:
Choose the property for which you wish to download the tax bill.
Download the bill:
The system will display your tax details for the year. You can then download the tax bill and save it for future reference.
Having a copy of your property tax bill is important, especially if you are applying for a loan against property, as it serves as proof of ownership and legal compliance.
Unlock your financial potential with a loan against property
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Conclusion
HMC property tax is an essential part of being a property owner in Howrah, and it ensures that the city’s infrastructure and public services are well-maintained. Whether you choose to pay your tax online or offline, it is important to keep your payments up to date. Failing to do so can result in penalties and complicate things if you need to apply for a loan against property or engage in any legal matters involving your property. Always keep track of important deadlines, check your tax calculation, and retain your payment receipts for future reference.
*Terms and conditions apply.
