Digital payments AI boost FY26 tax collections in Thane region civic bodies

Thane, Apr 2 (PTI) Civic bodies in Maharashtra's Thane district have reported a surge in tax collections for the 2025-26 financial year, driven by aggressive recovery drives, amnesty schemes, and a shift towards digital payments, officials said.

    The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) recorded a collection of Rs 878.37 crore, up from Rs 810 crore last year, with 87.37 per cent of taxpayers using online or digital modes, a release said.

    The Majiwada-Manpada ward emerged as the highest contributor, accounting for Rs 236.51 crore.

    "Taxpayers have shown immense trust in our technology-based options," TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao said.

    The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recorded its highest tax collection since inception at Rs 876 crore. It has reported Rs 812 crore tax collection last year.

    The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based calling systems and data analysis to target defaulters helped in the huge collection, the NMMC said.

    The 'Abhay Yojana' (amnesty scheme) offered a 50 per cent penalty waiver, yielding Rs 192.81 crore in March alone, it said.

    NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde credited the achievement to administrative transparency and modern tech-integration.

    The Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) registered a recovery of Rs 103.31 crore in taxes, a jump from Rs 87.54 crore last year.

    Municipal commissioner Anmol Sagar said that actions like the issuance of 1,300 seizure notices and the disconnection of 5,142 water connections aided in the higher tax collection.
    The Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation reported a tax collection of Rs 254.09 crore this year as compared to Rs 230 crore last year.

    On the other hand, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) saw a slight dip, collecting Rs 431.49 crore compared to Rs 453 crore in the previous year. The civic body did not introduce the Abhay amnesty scheme in 2025-26.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)