Bengaluru Property Tax Software Charge: ₹200 or ₹1,000 Explained
GBA has added a software charge to Bengaluru property tax bills: ₹200 for homes, ₹1,000 for commercial. See what it is, why, and what owners should do.
Written by
Justin
14 October 2026 · 5 minutes read
New Software Charge on Bengaluru Property Tax Bills: What Owners and Buyers Should Know
Opened your Bengaluru property tax bill lately and found a line you didn’t expect?
Imagine an owner who logs in to pay the annual property tax, as every year, and sees a new line called “software charge” added to the total. The amount is small, so many would simply pay and move on. But the questions are fair: What is it for? Was it announced? Does it apply to every property, and will there be more such charges? Here is what has been reported, and what owners and buyers should do.
Quick answer
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has added an annual software charge to property tax bills in the city’s five corporations: ₹200 a year for residential properties and ₹1,000 a year for commercial (non-residential and mixed-use) properties. GBA says it funds the digital systems behind property tax and e-Khata services. The charge has been questioned for its timing and legal basis. Check your bill, keep the receipt, and ask for the details in writing if you want them.
What is the software charge?
It is a separate annual component added to the property tax bill. GBA’s stated purpose is to cover the recurring cost of building, upgrading and maintaining the digital systems used for property tax payment and other online civic services such as e-Khata. Reports say the cost heads include software development and maintenance, cloud hosting, cybersecurity, data management and GIS systems.
How much is it?
Property type | Annual software charge on the tax bill |
|---|---|
Residential | ₹200 |
Commercial, non-residential and mixed-use | ₹1,000 |
Separately, one news report says that owners applying for B-khata to A-khata conversion would pay software-related charges of ₹2,000 (residential) and ₹10,000 (non-residential). Confirm the current charges for any service on the official GBA portal before you apply.
Why has it caused a debate?
Timing. Reports say the charge was added midway through the financial year, and that some owners who had already paid their tax did not see it at first.
Communication. The charge was reportedly added without a prior public announcement.
Legal basis. Opposition leaders and citizens have asked for the legal provision, the cost breakup and public accountability for the levy.
GBA’s position. Officials say it is a “user pays” charge for digital services, small next to the time saved by paying and applying online, and that GBA has no separate revenue source for IT costs.
Citizens already pay property tax and other civic charges, so some owners feel another charge needs a clearer explanation. Others see ₹200 as modest for services that no longer need an office visit. Both views are reasonable.
What does it mean for owners?
Residential owners: ₹200 a year per property. If you own more than one property, check each bill.
Commercial owners: ₹1,000 a year per property, which adds up for businesses with several units.
Owners who already paid: check the portal for a balance due on your account.
Owners with a pending khata task: software-related charges may also apply to some e-Khata services, so check the fee before you apply.
What should I do? (6 steps)
Open your property tax bill on the GBA property tax portal and read each line, including the software charge.
Compare with last year’s bill, and note anything new.
Pay by the due date and download the receipt, since unpaid dues can affect khata services and property transactions.
Keep the receipt with your property file, along with your khata certificate and tax receipts.
Ask for the legal basis and breakup in writing through your city corporation’s helpline or grievance channel, or file an RTI request, if you want an explanation.
Watch for official updates, since the charge could be clarified, revised or challenged.
What should buyers and sellers check?
Tax paid up to date: ask the seller for the latest property tax receipt, and check whether the software charge has been paid.
No pending dues: pending tax can hold up khata transfer and registration.
e-Khata in the seller’s name: match the name, area and property type on the e-Khata with the sale deed.
Property type: a commercial or mixed-use classification carries the higher charge, so confirm how the property is classified.
Budget for running costs: add property tax, this charge and maintenance to your cost estimate.
Title and papers: verify these too, as in our legal opinion and mother deed guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the software charge on Bengaluru property tax bills?
It is an annual charge added to property tax bills by the GBA’s city corporations to fund the digital systems used for property tax and online civic services.
How much is the software charge?
Reports say ₹200 a year for residential properties and ₹1,000 a year for commercial properties.
Why did GBA introduce it?
GBA says it covers recurring costs of building and maintaining digital infrastructure such as the e-Khata system, and that it has no separate revenue source for IT costs.
Is the software charge legal?
GBA has defended it, while opposition leaders and citizens have asked for its legal basis and cost breakup. If you want clarity, ask your city corporation in writing or use an RTI request.
Do I have to pay it if I already paid my property tax?
Check your account on the property tax portal. Reports say some owners who had paid earlier were shown a balance later.
Does it apply to every property?
It has been reported for properties in the five city corporations under the GBA. Check your own bill to confirm.