Patna Civic Body Achieves ₹40 Crore Property Tax Collection Target
Strong Financial Performance in Q1, Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) exceeded expectations by collecting ₹40 crore in property taxes during the first three months of FY2025-26. This represents 28% of its annual collection target of ₹141 crore, marking a significant improvement compared to previous fiscal years.
Key Strategies Driving Compliance
Tax Rebate Incentives
PMC implemented a 5% discount on timely payments made between April-June, with penalties applying from October onwards. This approach has proven effective, encouraging residents to clear dues promptly.
Extended Collection Infrastructure
To manage the surge in payments ahead of the June 30 deadline, PMC:
- Operated counters on Sundays and public holidays
- Extended working hours to 9 AM–9 PM
- Staff are assigned in two shifts per day
Digital Payment Solutions
Residents can utilize:
- Online portals:
- Online and WhatsApp chatbot for assistance
- QR-code enabled demand letters delivered door-to-door
Payment Schedule Overview
Period | Rebate/Penalty | Key Actions |
---|---|---|
Apr-Jun | 5% rebate | High compliance phase |
Jul-Sep | No rebate/no penalty | Final payment window |
Oct-Mar | 1.5% monthly penalty | Strict enforcement phase |
Comparative Advantages Over Peers
While Pune faced challenges with delayed bill distribution and tech glitches, Patna leveraged:
- Proactive demand delivery
- Seamless online payment systems
- Flexible working hours that aligned with taxpayer convenience
Future Revenue Priorities
PMC’s success creates confidence in meeting the remaining ₹101 crore target. Focus areas include:
- Maintaining digital payment adoption rates
- Preparing for penalty implementation from October 1
- Explain taxpayer awareness programs to first-time payers
This achievement positions PMC as a model for urban revenue management in emerging cities, demonstrating how strategic incentives and operational efficiencies can transform civic financial outcomes.