Mutation/Inteqal is a process of Change or transfer of ownership title from one person to another person in the revenue records of the local municipal authority.It enables the authority to issues proper tax documents and fixes property tax payment liabilities. During the process of buying a property it is important to file for mutation of a property. Mutation of property is important so that all the receipts for utility bills and property tax are generated in the name of the new buyer.

The change in title ownership may happen due to a many reasons like death of the original owner and subsequent transfer of the ownership due to succession or inheritance. Mutation is also known as ‘Dakhil Kharij’. One must take Mutation of a property preferably every six months from the revenue office in order to check whether any wrongful transaction on the property has been done or not. In thematter of inheritance after the death of the owner the property should be mutated by submitting copies of Death Certificate. Where property has been bought through a registered power of attorney, it is important to update revenue records as it transfers the ownership title from seller to buyer.

Where the ownership related to land, mutation is considered an important document. For example, if any agricultural land is acquired by the government and the registry of the land is in the name of person X while mutation is in favour of Person Y, the government will release the acquisition funds in Favour of Person Y, as in the revenue records Y is recorded as the owner of the land. Before applying for mutation of a property, it is important to complete the necessary documentation. Request for the change in official records can be done through an application form with court fee stamp. The documentation and fee for mutation may differ from State to State. The form must be duly signed and submitted with the Commissioner of the Revenue Department. Mutation of property is not a one-time process these papers need to be updated time to time. To ensure that your property records stand clean. In addition, the following documents should be required:

  • The latest receipt of property tax payment
  • The attested copy of sale deed.
  • The no-objection certificate.
  • An indemnity bond on stamp paper of requisite value.
  • An affidavit on stamp paper of requisite value attested by the notary.
  • A copy of will or succession certificate or death certificate of the owner.
  • A copy of Power of Attorney papers
  • A copy of the will
  • A receipt of payment registered with a sub-registrar.

After the verification of the application the process is initiated and completed within 15 to 30 days.

Following are the types of mutation:

1) Mutation of Agricultural lands

2) Mutation of Non-Agricultural Lands- Which include residential plots, apartments, godowns, etc. The mutation is important form of title ownership without it land cannot be passed to the new owner. It should be done to protect ownership rights and avoid annoyance while selling your asset.

Online process: Many municipal corporations are now digitalizing all existing land records including mutations.

Charges: Mutation charges may differ from state to state.

Penalty: There is a minimum penalty of Rs 25 if the mutation of the property is not done.

It is important that advice is taken from the legal consultants and advisors who are experts in the field of land property matter. This will help you to avoid any issues or disputes at any later stage and also will be done in a legal manner.

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