Property tax is an annual charge every property owner in the Greater Chennai Corporation limits pays to the local body. It’s small relative to the property’s value, but staying current matters — dues attach to the property and can complicate a future sale.
How Chennai property tax is calculated
The Greater Chennai Corporation bases property tax broadly on the Annual Rental Value of the property — a figure derived from the built-up area, a basic rate per square foot for the locality, the type of building, its age, and whether it is owner-occupied or rented. Residential property is taxed at lower effective rates than commercial.
Paying it
- Property tax is paid half-yearly.
- It can be paid online through the Greater Chennai Corporation portal using your property’s assessment/bill number, or in person at the zonal office and designated banks.
- Keep the paid receipts — they’re part of a clean property record.
Why it matters when you buy
Before buying a resale property, ask for the latest property-tax receipt and confirm there are no arrears. Unpaid tax becomes the new owner’s problem. The tax receipt also serves as supporting evidence of ownership and occupancy alongside the core land documents.
Name transfer (mutation)
After you buy, get the property-tax records transferred to your name (mutation) using your registered sale deed. This ensures future bills come to you and keeps the municipal record consistent with your title.
Quick checklist
- Note your assessment number and pay half-yearly on time.
- On resale, verify zero arrears via the latest receipt.
- Complete name transfer after registration.
Planning to buy? Start with our first-time buyer’s guide or browse properties in Chennai on FIVES.