Does Paying Property Tax Give Ownership in India?

Hey Pal,

A few years back I was in a legal dilemma. I am a single child and I am the legal owner of my dad’s property in India. However, I stayed for a very long time in the USA, and during my absence, one of my cousins was helping us by paying the property tax on my behalf. Though I repaid him every single penny. Nevertheless, when I returned to my cousin, Ankit started threatening me about confiscating my property because he paid the property taxes. I visited a property lawyer immediately and enquired, ”Does paying property tax give ownership in India?”

One of the issues that come up the most frequently is a property dispute. There are arguments over inheritance, ownership, rent, etc. The most frequent disagreements are the rights that each party has at the time of tenancy of the property and the rights that are granted to each party by the owner.

The property lawyer guided me and clarified my doubt. I am going to explain whatever he told me regarding my query.

Typically, those who can prove ownership of a piece of property must pay property tax on it. Property tax is a levy imposed by the local government that must be paid by the owner of the property. The issue of whether paying property taxes can transfer ownership of a property to a person does, however, come into play.

It is generally accepted that a taxpayer will never acquire ownership rights to a property just by paying property taxes. A person cannot claim ownership of property just by paying property taxes on a piece of real estate in which another person holds the title.

Taxes on someone else's property can always be paid. The idea that paying taxes on someone else's property makes one the owner of it, however, is a metaphor. To get easy ownership, paying someone else's property taxes is therefore completely useless. Only the legitimate owner of the property is eligible to deduct these costs, thus they cannot be claimed.

Is property tax proof of ownership?

Property tax records can be used as evidence of ownership. Also, if the name on the property tax is not changed, the prior owners will be legally obligated to pay the taxes. Along with changing the property tax, the new owner needs to transfer several other receipts into his or her name to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership of the building.

After getting the idea, I gathered courage and contested my cousin, Ankit. Finally, the court dismissed the case and assured me that the property belongs to me.

I would like to conclude here as I believe this suffices your query about ”Does paying property tax give ownership in India?”

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