GBA to Auction Over 7,000 Bengaluru Properties on February 17 Over Rs 437 Crore Tax Dues
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has announced a major auction of more than 7,000 properties in Bengaluru scheduled for February 17, 2026. This decisive action comes as these properties collectively owe over Rs 437 crore in unpaid property taxes, prompting the civic body to take stringent measures against persistent defaulters.
Notices Issued to 7,020 Defaulters with No Response
According to GBA Chief Commissioner Mahadeshwara Rao, the authority had issued demand notices to 7,020 property owners who failed to clear their tax dues. "We had sent demand notices, but they did not pay. The attachment orders were also issued, but the payment was not made," Rao stated in an official announcement on Monday. He confirmed that the auction will be conducted by the respective zonal joint commissioner officers, marking a significant escalation in enforcement efforts.
Online Portal Available for Last-Minute Payments
In a final attempt to avoid the auction, GBA has made the list of defaulting properties available online at the official BBMP tax portal. Property owners can visit the website to check their status and make online payments to settle their dues before the auction date. This move aims to provide a convenient last opportunity for compliance while streamlining the tax collection process.
BBMP's Property Tax Collection Shows 25% Growth in 2024-25
The backdrop to this auction is the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) robust property tax collection performance. In the fiscal year 2024-25, BBMP collected Rs 4,930 crore in property tax, representing a substantial 25% increase from previous years. Following this success, BBMP had projected an ambitious target of Rs 6,000 crore for the 2025-26 financial year, highlighting the importance of recovering outstanding dues to meet civic funding needs.
Breakdown of Tax Dues Across Bengaluru Zones
The pending tax amounts vary significantly across different zones of Bengaluru, with the East division leading at Rs 48.98 crore from 1,398 properties. Other zones show substantial dues as well:
- West Zone: Rs 35.83 crore from 1,504 properties
- Central Zone: Rs 34.26 crore from 1,398 properties
- North Zone: Rs 32.77 crore from 1,156 properties
- South Zone: Rs 30.04 crore from 1,347 properties
Beyond the base property taxes, additional charges contribute to the total dues. The cess from five city corporations amounts to Rs 46.32 crore, while interest and penalties add Rs 74.91 crore and Rs 131.80 crore respectively. Furthermore, the Solid Waste Cess and user fees account for an additional Rs 260 crore, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the outstanding liabilities.
Implications for Bengaluru's Civic Infrastructure
This large-scale auction underscores GBA's commitment to enforcing tax compliance, which is crucial for funding Bengaluru's urban development and maintenance projects. The recovered funds are expected to bolster municipal finances, supporting essential services and infrastructure upgrades across the city. Property owners are urged to act promptly to avoid losing their assets in the upcoming auction.
