BBMP to Auction 608 Properties for Unsettled ₹20 Crore Tax Dues
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has decided to auction 608 properties across its eight administrative zones due to unpaid property taxes amounting to nearly ₹20 crore. This action is part of an effort to recover outstanding dues and improve tax compliance.
The properties scheduled for auction are spread across different zones:
- East Zone: 118 properties
- West Zone: 120 properties
- South Zone: 109 properties
- Mahadevapura: 60 properties
- Bommanahalli: 70 properties
- Yelahanka: 40 properties
- RR Nagar: 50 properties
- Dasarahalli: 41 properties
BBMP has issued notices to the property owners, informing them of the pending dues and the upcoming auction process. The civic body has been focusing on recovering unpaid taxes through legal measures, including the auction of properties that have defaulted on payments for an extended period.
Previous Recovery Efforts
Earlier, BBMP had announced the auction of six tax-defaulting properties in February 2025. Following the announcement, four property owners cleared their dues, resulting in a recovery of nearly ₹1 crore. This recent success has encouraged BBMP to extend the initiative to a larger number of properties.
Officials have stated that the current list of 608 properties may increase if additional property owners fail to clear their dues. The revenue department has been directed to identify more cases where property taxes remain unpaid despite repeated notices.
Notification and Compliance Measures
To ensure property owners are aware of their outstanding dues and the risk of auction, BBMP is using multiple communication channels. In addition to physical notices, the civic body is sending SMS alerts to the registered mobile numbers of defaulters. Each of the 64 revenue sub-divisions in Bengaluru, covering multiple wards, has been instructed to serve auction notices to the top 10 defaulters with the highest outstanding amounts.
BBMP has emphasized that property owners must take immediate action to avoid auction proceedings. The authorities are urging defaulters to clear their dues or reach out to the concerned revenue officials if they wish to settle payments before the auction takes place.
Overall Tax Arrears in Bengaluru
BBMP officials have stated that around 2 lakh property owners in Bengaluru collectively owe ₹400 crore in unpaid property taxes. While earlier recovery efforts focused mainly on commercial establishments, the current initiative covers both residential and commercial properties.
According to BBMP regulations, any property that has not cleared tax payments within the stipulated period can be auctioned. The civic body has been enforcing property tax collection under existing legal provisions, which allow it to seize and auction properties with long-pending dues.
Future Measures to Improve Tax Collection
BBMP is considering additional measures to ensure better tax compliance in the future. Officials are discussing the implementation of stricter penalties for defaulters, including interest hikes on overdue amounts. The civic body is also exploring digital tracking systems to monitor tax payments more effectively and identify defaulters earlier in the process.
Efforts to improve property tax collection are critical for funding civic infrastructure and services in Bengaluru. BBMP relies on tax revenues to support urban development, road maintenance, waste management, and other municipal services. Officials have indicated that regular auctions and strict enforcement will continue to be part of the city's tax recovery strategy.
