Possession Certificate & Land Tax (Pokkuvaravu) in Kerala: Village Office & Akshaya Guide

Possession Certificate & Land Revenue Services in Kerala

Every landowner in Kerala requires two essential documents to secure bank loans, build residential houses, obtain building permits from Grama Panchayats or Municipalities, and register electricity or water connections: the Latest Land Tax Receipt (ഭൂനികുതി രസീത്) and the Possession Certificate (കൈവശാവകാശ സർട്ടിഫിക്കറ്റ്).

Possession Certificate vs. Possession & Non-Attachment Certificate

The Kerala Revenue Department issues two variants through the e-District platform at Akshaya Kendras:

• Possession Certificate: Certifies that the applicant is the undisputed physical possessor of the land mentioned in the specified Survey Number and Thandaper. Used for building permits, electricity connections, and agricultural loans.
• Possession and Non-Attachment Certificate: Certifies physical possession AND confirms that the land has NOT been attached by any court, revenue recovery authority, or financial institution. This variant is mandatory for major bank mortgages, agricultural gold loans, and bail security in courts.

Required Documents for Possession Certificate

• Latest Land Tax Receipt (ഭൂനികുതി രസീത്): Paid for the current financial year.
• Prior Title Deed (ആധാരം): Registered Sale Deed, Settlement Deed, or Partition Deed showing lawful ownership.
• Thandaper Account Number: The revenue account number assigned to the parcel of land.
• Aadhaar Card: Identity proof of the title holder.
• Encumbrance Certificate (EC): 13 to 30 years EC from Sub-Registrar Office (required for Non-Attachment variant).

Online Land Tax Payment & Pokkuvaravu (Mutation)

Citizens can pay land tax directly through the Revenue Land Tax Portal (revenue.kerala.gov.in) or by visiting any Akshaya Kendra. If you recently purchased or inherited property, you must first complete Pokkuvaravu (land mutation) to transfer the Thandaper to your name before paying future land taxes.