BMC Rolls Out WhatsApp, Google Messages For Property Tax Bills

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch a new digital initiative to improve tax compliance and simplify payments for property taxpayers in Mumbai.

The Assessment and Collection (A&C) Department has floated a tender for the project, estimated to cost Rs 2.03 crore over three years. The new system will provide instant bill alerts, payment reminders, and digital receipts directly on taxpayers' mobile phones.

Property owners who have completed their Know Your Customer (KYC) and linked their mobile numbers with their property tax accounts will receive WhatsApp notifications containing bill amounts, due dates, outstanding dues, payment reminders, and a PDF copy of the bill. They can also pay their tax by scanning the QR code and instantly receive a digital receipt on WhatsApp.

Taxpayers who have not completed their KYC will receive property tax-related communication through Google Messages. The initiative aims to improve tax compliance and reduce the burden on ward offices and other payment channels.

Property tax is the BMC's largest single source of revenue, collected from more than 10 lakh properties across Mumbai. The importance of property tax has grown significantly since octroi, the civic body's biggest revenue stream, was abolished following the rollout of GST in 2017.

Around 3.6 lakh residential properties with a carpet area of up to 500 sq ft are currently exempt from property tax under a state government policy implemented by the BMC in 2022. The A&C Department surpassed its revised property tax collection target in 2025-26, collecting Rs 7,610.90 crore against a target of Rs 7,341 crore, achieving 103.68 per cent of the goal.

Property tax must be paid within 90 days of receiving the bill, failing which the BMC can initiate recovery measures, including issuing notices, disconnecting water supply, attaching properties, and auctioning assets.

The new digital initiative is expected to improve tax compliance and reduce the burden on taxpayers. With the use of WhatsApp and Google Messages, taxpayers will receive instant updates and reminders, making it easier for them to pay their property tax on time.

The BMC's efforts to improve tax compliance and simplify payments are a step in the right direction. As the city's largest revenue source, property tax plays a crucial role in funding the BMC's various initiatives and projects. The new digital initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the city's revenue collection and overall development.

In conclusion, the BMC's decision to roll out WhatsApp and Google Messages for property tax bills and payment alerts is a significant step towards improving tax compliance and simplifying payments for taxpayers in Mumbai. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the city's revenue collection and overall development, and is a testament to the BMC's commitment to using technology to improve civic services.