COIMBATORE: Even as the first half of the 2025-26 financial year ended, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) is still struggling to meet its property tax collection target. Only about 45% of the total tax demand, including arrears from previous years, has been collected so far despite a determined push by the civic body.
According to official data, the Corporation has set a property tax collection target of Rs 521.6 crore for the current financial year. However, as of now, only around Rs 285 cr, roughly 55% of the current year's demand has been realised. The total tax demand, which includes arrears from previous years, stands at Rs 656.21 cr.
However, the total collection, Rs 305 cr, is only about 45% if a paltry Rs 20 cr out of Rs 134 cr total arrears that has been collected so far is accounted for.
To qualify for performance-linked incentives from the Central and State governments, the Corporation must collect nearly Rs 300 cr more before the end of the fiscal year. In response, CCMC has intensified collection drives across all five zones. Additional manpower, five extra field staff per ward, has been deployed to speed up door-to-door tax collection, while area-specific special drives are also underway.
Speaking to TNIE, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said the civic body is confident of improving its collection rate in the coming months. "So far, around 55% of the current demand for FY 2025-26 has been collected. Overall, we have achieved about 45% of the total demand, including arrears. Although we aim to collect 100%, on average, we manage around 91-92% every year. This time, we have targeted to reach about 95%," he said.
The Commissioner added that efforts are on to enhance convenience for taxpayers through digital initiatives, including online and WhatsApp-based payment systems. "We are also working with the Department of Municipal Administration to integrate the Urban Tree Information System," he added.
Meanwhile, the post of Assistant Commissioner in the Revenue Department remains vacant following a recent transfer, posing an additional challenge to the already stretched team.