How to Pay Land Tax Online in Kerala Using ReLIS
Owning property in Kerala, whether it’s land, plots, or houses, comes with the responsibility of paying land tax or property tax to the local authority or village office. The Revenue Department of Kerala has streamlined this process through the Revenue Land Information System (ReLIS), a web application designed to manage land records, facilitate registration, and enable online payment of land tax. This article will guide you through the process of paying land tax online in Kerala using ReLIS, along with other essential information about land tax in the state.
Introduction to ReLIS
ReLIS, or the Revenue Land Information System, is an innovative web application introduced by the Revenue Department of Kerala. It aims to simplify the management of land records and the payment of land tax. This system allows property owners to register, view, and pay their land tax online, making the process more efficient and transparent.
Recent Changes in Land Tax Rates
In March 2022, the Kerala government announced a revision of the basic land tax rates across all slabs. A new slab was introduced for land above 40.47 Ares in panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. This change aims to ensure a fair and updated tax structure for all property owners.
Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Land Tax Online in Kerala
Step 1: Visit the ReLIS Website
To begin, visit the ReLIS website. If you are a first-time user, you will need to register by clicking on the ‘Register’ button. This will allow you to avail of the e-services offered by the portal.
Step 2: Log In to the Portal
Once registered, click on ‘Login’ and enter your registered mobile number and password to access the portal.
Step 3: Initiate a New Request
After logging in, click on ‘New Request’ and select the ‘Land Tax Payment’ option. A message for the taxpayer will appear on the screen; click on ‘Confirm’ to proceed.
Step 4: Provide Property Details
On the payment request page, you will need to provide details such as district, taluk, village, block number, Thandaper number, survey number, etc. Click on ‘View and Add’ to ensure the details are correct. You will receive a notification confirming that the details have been added.
Step 5: Submit Applicant Details
Next, submit details such as the applicant’s name, last tax paid date, last receipt number, etc. Click on ‘Pay Tax’ to proceed with the payment.
Step 6: Review Payment Details
The next page will display the payment details. Click on ‘Pay Now’ to continue.
Step 7: Complete the Payment
You will be directed to the payment screen. Choose your preferred payment option (e.g., net banking, card payment, UPI payment) and click on ‘Proceed for Payment’. After a successful transaction, you will receive a receipt that can be downloaded and saved for future reference.
Documents Required for Land Tax Payment
When paying property tax, the property tax bill is an essential document. This bill is provided by the municipal authority and sent to the property address. You must enter the details mentioned in the bill, such as name and property ID, while paying property tax online.
Rebates on Land Tax in Kerala
Property owners in Kerala may be eligible for rebates on their property tax, depending on various factors such as the age of the owner, property occupancy, nature of the area, property usage, income, and the property’s age. A 15% rebate is applicable if the entire tax is paid in a lump sum in the first quarter of the year. However, a 20% late fee is applicable for payments made after the due date.
Land Tax Rates in Kerala
The land tax rates in Kerala vary based on the area and extent of the land. Here is a breakdown of the rates:
| Area | Extent | Land Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Corporation | Up to 2 acres | Rs 2 per acre |
| Above 2 acres | Rs 4 per acre | |
| Municipality/Township | Up to 6 acres | Rs 1 per acre |
| Above 6 acres | Rs 2 per acre | |
| Panchayat | Up to 20 acres | Rs 0.50 per acre |
| Above 20 acres | Rs 1 per acre |
In March 2022, the Kerala government announced new land tax rates, increasing the rates for all sections of citizens, including those with small plots.
How Land Tax and Circle Rates are Decided
The state revenue department in Kerala conducts surveys of locations and sets the circle rate and land tax based on current rates. This ensures that the tax rates are fair and reflective of the market value of the land.
Understanding Thandaper in Kerala
Thandaper refers to the revenue record of a property in Kerala. The Thandaper number is a unique identifier allotted to property owners, required for paying property tax. It helps authorities identify the total land possessions of an individual. To obtain a Thandaper number, property owners must visit the village office and provide land-related documents, details of the previous year’s paid land tax, identity proof, and contact information.
Verifying Land Details in Kerala
To verify land details in Kerala, follow these steps:
- Visit the ReLIS website and click on ‘Verify Land’ on the top menu bar.
- Choose from options such as Pokkuvarvu, Tax Receipt number, and Tax Dues/Ownership.
- Select the appropriate option and provide the required details to view the document.
Checking Land Records in Kerala
The Kerala government provides an online portal, E-Rekha by Bhoomikeralam, to enable citizens to find land ownership details or cadastral data. To check land records:
- Visit the E-Rekha by Bhoomi Keralam website and sign up if you are a first-time user.
- Log in to the site using your credentials.
- Click on ‘File Search’ on the top menu bar.
- Choose from options such as Old Survey Records, District Maps, and Resurvey Records.
- Select the district, taluk, village, and document type from the drop-down list.
- Provide the survey number and block number, then click on ‘Submit’.
- Preview the document and click on ‘Checkout’ to download it.
Calculating Land Tax in Kerala
The land tax in Kerala is calculated based on various factors, including the location, area, and facilities provided by the authority. The Local Self-government Department notified the reassessment through an order issued on February 12, 2021. The property tax assessment in urban local bodies in Kerala is linked to the fair value of the land. Different methodologies, such as the annual rental value system, unit area value system, and capital value-based system, are used to establish the annual payment liability.
Paying Kerala Property Tax Online
The ReLIS portal has an online payment system feature that allows citizens to remit various taxes online from any location. To pay property tax online, visit the official Sanchaya portal at tax.lsgkerala.gov.in.
Significance of Kerala Land Tax
The municipal authority applies different methods for calculating the annual value of property and imposes a tax rate once or twice in an assessment year. The property or land tax in Kerala enables local authorities to provide essential services such as water supply, road maintenance, and drainage.
ReLIS Kerala: Integrated Revenue e-Payment System
ReLIS is a web application introduced by the Revenue Department to provide various revenue services online. It allows citizens to register and avail of these services, including land tax payment, online mutations, and revival reform. The collected amount is transferred to the government treasury, and accounts are digitally managed at revenue offices. The portal helps lower land or property disputes, increase transparency, and ensure guaranteed titles of immovable properties under the National Land Records Coordination Program.
Latest News on Kerala Land Tax
The Kerala Revenue Department has recently launched several digital services, including a mobile application for paying land tax. These services aim to provide faster services, minimize interaction between citizens and government officials, and discourage corrupt practices. The new digital services include modules for providing location sketches, field measurement book sketches, Thandaper accounts, and land conversion applications. Separate websites have been launched for 1,666 village offices in Kerala, allowing users to navigate and retrieve details of land parcels.
Conclusion
Paying land tax in Kerala has become more convenient and transparent with the introduction of the ReLIS portal. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, property owners can easily manage their land tax payments online. The recent changes in land tax rates and the introduction of digital services by the Kerala Revenue Department further enhance the efficiency and accessibility of land tax management in the state.