‘Khaata’ literally meaning an account, is an important document which records information on property taxes that have been paid for a particular property to the local authorities. It contains the details of a property such as the name of the owner, size of the property, exact location and how much tax has been paid. It is required in case of a building license, trade license or to obtain any form of loan from the bank or other financial institutions in Bengaluru.
This document was introduced by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) after it realized that many unauthorized properties continued to enjoy the civic amenities without paying property tax in Bangalore.
After the amendment to the Act, BBMP could levy tax on a building constructed in violation of the provisions of the building byelaws or constructed in an unauthorized layout/ in a revenue land or from a building occupied without issuance of occupancy or a completion certificate. These properties were issued an acknowledgment which was in common parlance known as ‘B’ Khaata.
It is advisable to go for properties having A Khaata as in case of B Khaata the owner is not entailed to have building license, trade license or loan from banks or any other financial transactions. B Khaata is a temporary measure which allows the owner to buy or sell a site, but problems might occur while going ahead with construction. However, it is possible to convert B Khaata properties into A Khaata properties.
How to convert B Khaata into A Khaata
Apply for District Commissioner (DC) conversion to convert the land from agricultural to non-agricultural use.
Get the Khaata form from BBMP, submit it along with property details, latest tax receipts and pay the BBMP betterment charges (Fee charged for the infrastructural improvements) to the assistant revenue officer of the concerned area.
Also ensure that all taxes that are owed on the property are fully paid till date.
Misconceptions about Khaata
Quite often Khaata is considered as a sign of ownership similar to a title deed. However, it is just an assessment of a property for the payment of tax only. A Title deed is a valid document that confers the ownership. A Khaata can only be procured if the title deed is in the possession of the property holder. It is a formal recognition from the government that the property has been bought and now has a new tax assesse.
How to apply for A Khaata
The following documents along with the registration form (Available online at http://bbmp.gov.in/en/web/guest/khata-services) are required to apply for A KHAATA:
1- Title Deed
2- Tax Receipts
3- Sketch of the property showing the location and boundaries of the site
4- Flow Chart of the title
The form is to be duly filled and submitted along with the property details and latest tax receipts by the owner to the assistant revenue officer of the concerned area.
It generally takes about 7 working days to process a Khaata application.
