Chennai: In response to delays in property tax collections during the election season, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced a QR code-based payment system, allowing residents to scan and pay their property tax conveniently.
How to Access the QR Code
The QR code is available on GCC's official X handle and website at chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/online-payment/property-tax. Officials stated that door-to-door collection has been suspended for the past month as staff were deployed for election duties.
Collection Targets and Progress
City Revenue Officer K Magesh revealed that the corporation has an annual revenue target of 900 crore rupees and has collected 511 crore so far through online payments. He added, 'We will resume physical collections only after the election results are announced. Scanning the QR code will help expedite the drive to collect the remaining 400 crore rupees.'
The civic body has over 14 lakh assessees. Magesh noted that during the same period last year, the corporation collected approximately 506 crore rupees.
Long-Term Defaults and Incentives
GCC has an annual tax demand of 1,800 crore rupees. Deputy Mayor Mahesh Kumar stated that outstanding dues from long-term defaults amount to about 120 crore rupees. 'We need to collect this by October. GCC published a list of 100 defaulters, after which nearly 70 crore rupees were paid,' he said.
During the previous financial year, many taxpayers opted for early payments to benefit from incentives, particularly in the second half from October to March. GCC achieved its highest property tax collection ever, exceeding 2,000 crore rupees in 2024-2025. Revenue officials highlighted that property taxpayers received a 5% incentive if they paid before April 30.
This initiative aims to streamline tax collection and reduce defaults, leveraging digital tools for greater efficiency.
