Khata Transfer – How to Transfer Khata for Property in Karnataka & Other States

Khata (also spelled "Katha") is a revenue document maintained by the municipal body that records the details of a property and its owner. After buying a property, a Khata transfer is necessary to update the municipal records in your name. This is essential for paying property tax, getting building plan approvals, and applying for loans. While "Khata" is primarily a Karnataka term (especially Bengaluru/BBMP), similar concepts exist in other states.

What is a Khata?

A Khata is an account or record of a property maintained by the local municipal authority. It contains:

• Owner's name and details
• Property details — location, area, dimensions
• Property tax assessment number
• Khata number — unique identification

A-Khata vs B-Khata (Karnataka)

Note: B-Khata doesn't mean the property is illegal — it often means the layout or building plan wasn't properly approved or there are minor deviations.

When is Khata Transfer Needed?

• After purchasing a property (sale deed registered)
• After inheriting a property
• After receiving property as a gift
• After property partition among co-owners
• After court-ordered transfer

Documents Required for Khata Transfer

• Application form (prescribed by BBMP or local body)
• Registered sale deed (certified copy)
• Previous owner's Khata certificate and extract
• Up-to-date property tax paid receipts
• Encumbrance certificate (EC) — last 10–15 years
• Betterment charges receipt (if applicable)
• Identity proof: Aadhaar, PAN of new owner
• Passport-size photographs (2)
• Death certificate + legal heir certificate (for inheritance cases)
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)
• Building plan approval copy (if available)
• BBMP property ID / SAS number (for Bengaluru)

See our encumbrance certificate guide for how to obtain an EC.

How to Apply – BBMP Khata Transfer (Bengaluru)

Online Process

1. Visit bbmp.gov.in or the BBMP SAS Application portal
2. Register/Login on the portal
3. Select "Khata Transfer" under property services
4. Enter the existing property ID / SAS number
5. Fill in new owner details and transfer reason
6. Upload documents: Sale deed, EC, previous Khata, tax receipts
7. Pay fee online (₹2 per sq ft for residential)
8. Application submitted — note the reference number
9. Revenue Inspector verifies documents and conducts site visit
10. Revenue Officer approves the transfer
11. New Khata certificate and extract issued

Offline Process

1. Visit the BBMP Zonal Office (Assistant Revenue Officer)
2. Obtain and fill the Khata transfer application form
3. Submit with all required documents
4. Pay the prescribed fee at the counter
5. Revenue Inspector verifies and submits report
6. Assistant Revenue Officer / Revenue Officer approves
7. Collect new Khata certificate and extract

Khata Transfer in Other States

While "Khata" is a Karnataka-specific term, equivalent processes exist elsewhere:

See our property mutation guide for the general process applicable across states.

Fees

BBMP (Bengaluru)

Other Charges (BBMP)

• Betterment charges (if layout not BBMP-approved): Varies
• Cess / improvement charges: As applicable
• Application fee: ₹100 – ₹500

Note: Fees vary by municipal body and are subject to revision.

Processing Time

• BBMP (Bengaluru): 30–45 days (under Sakala Act timeline)
• Other Karnataka municipalities: 15–30 days
• Tamil Nadu (Patta transfer): 15–45 days
• Other states: 15–60 days depending on municipality

Under the Karnataka Sakala Services Act, the time limit for Khata transfer is 30 days. If delayed beyond this, you can file a Sakala complaint.

Khata Certificate vs Khata Extract

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Property tax arrears not cleared
• Mismatch between sale deed and existing records
• Missing or invalid encumbrance certificate
• Property falls under B-Khata (may need regularization first)
• Unauthorized construction or layout deviations
• Incomplete documents

Important Tips

1. Apply immediately after registration — don't delay Khata transfer after property purchase
2. Clear all tax arrears of the previous owner before applying
3. Get an EC for the maximum period available (10–30 years) to avoid surprises
4. Track under Sakala Act (Karnataka) — if BBMP exceeds 30 days, file a Sakala complaint
5. Verify A-Khata status before buying any property — B-Khata properties have limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Khata transfer the same as property registration?

No. Property registration (sale deed) transfers legal ownership. Khata transfer updates the municipal/revenue records. Both are separate processes and both are necessary.

Can I pay property tax without Khata transfer?

In some cases, yes — you can pay as "provisional" tax. However, this creates complications. It's best to complete the Khata transfer first.

How do I convert B-Khata to A-Khata?

You need to rectify the deviations (unauthorized construction, unapproved layout). Apply to BBMP with revised plans, pay penalty/betterment charges, and get the layout/building regularized. After approval, A-Khata is issued.

Is Khata needed for getting a home loan?

Yes, most banks require an A-Khata certificate for sanctioning home loans, especially in Karnataka. B-Khata properties are generally not accepted by banks for loans.

Can I do Khata transfer for inherited property?

Yes. Along with standard documents, you'll need the death certificate, legal heir certificate or succession certificate, and property tax receipts of the deceased owner.

What is the Sakala Act?

The Karnataka Sakala Services Act mandates time-bound delivery of government services. Khata transfer must be completed within 30 days. If delayed, citizens can complain and officials face penalties.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with BBMP or any government body. Information is for educational purposes. Always verify processes and fees with your local municipal office.