If you're selling property in Goa, one of the documents your buyer's lawyer will almost certainly ask for is Form 9. Despite being a standard requirement, many property owners in Goa don't fully understand what Form 9 is, why it matters, or how to obtain it. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Form 9 in Goa Property?
Form 9 is a property tax assessment form issued by your local municipal body — either the City Corporation of Panaji (CCP), a Municipal Council, or your Village Panchayat, depending on where your property is located.
Form 9 contains the following key information:
- Property identification — House number, ward, and location details as recorded by the municipality
- Owner's name — The name of the person in whose name the property tax is assessed
- Property area — The built-up area or plot area as assessed by the municipality
- Tax assessment details — The annual property tax amount, rate applied, and category of assessment
- Payment status — Whether property tax has been paid up to date, and any outstanding arrears
In simple terms, Form 9 is proof that your property is registered with the local government for tax purposes and that you have been paying your property tax.
Why Is Form 9 Required When Selling Property?
Form 9 serves multiple important purposes in a property transaction:
- Confirms tax compliance — It proves that property tax has been paid up to date. Buyers and their lawyers will not proceed if there are outstanding tax arrears, as these become a liability attached to the property.
- Verifies property details — The property description in Form 9 should match other records like Form I, the survey plan, and the sale deed. Any mismatch raises red flags during due diligence.
- Bank loan requirement — Banks financing the buyer's purchase will require Form 9 as part of their property verification. Without it, the buyer's loan application will be held up.
- Ownership confirmation — The owner's name on Form 9 should match the seller's name on the sale deed. This provides an additional layer of ownership verification.
- Municipal clearance — Some municipalities require a no-dues certificate based on Form 9 before allowing a property transfer to be registered.
How to Get Form 9 for Your Goa Property
Properties in Municipal Areas
If your property is within the jurisdiction of a municipality (Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco, Ponda, etc.):
- Visit the Municipal Council office or Corporation office in your area
- Request a certified copy of Form 9 at the tax assessment section
- Provide your property details — house number, ward number, or the owner's name
- Pay the prescribed fee (usually ₹50-100)
- Collect the certified copy — typically available within 3-7 working days
Properties in Panchayat Areas
If your property is in a village/panchayat area:
- Visit the Village Panchayat office that has jurisdiction over your property
- Request the property tax assessment record (the equivalent of Form 9)
- Provide your survey number and owner's name
- The Panchayat Secretary will issue the document after verification
Note: In some Panchayat areas, property tax assessment records may be less formalized than in municipal areas. If your property hasn't been formally assessed, you may need to get the assessment done first — this can take additional time.
Form 9 vs. Form 3: What Is the Difference?
Another frequently asked question is how Form 9 differs from Form 3. Both are municipal forms, but they serve different purposes:
- Form 9 (Property Tax Assessment) — Records the property's tax assessment details, owner's name, area, and tax payment history. Required for virtually every property transaction in Goa. Applies to all properties — land, houses, apartments, commercial buildings.
- Form 3 (Building Permission / Construction License) — Records building permission and construction details for built-up properties. It shows whether a building was constructed with proper municipal approval, the permitted floor area, the number of floors approved, and usage type (residential/commercial). Required mainly when selling properties with structures, not for vacant land.
In short: Form 9 is about tax, Form 3 is about building permissions. When selling a built property (house, apartment, villa), you'll likely need both. When selling vacant land, you typically only need Form 9.
Common Issues with Form 9 and How to Resolve Them
Outstanding Tax Arrears
If property tax hasn't been paid for years, there will be arrears plus interest/penalties. You must clear all outstanding tax before the buyer's lawyer will give the go-ahead. Budget for this — arrears can accumulate to a substantial amount on older properties.
Name Mismatch After Inheritance
If you inherited the property, the name on Form 9 may still be the previous owner's (your parent or relative). You'll need to get the municipal records updated to reflect the current owner. This requires submitting the succession deed or death certificate plus legal heir certificate to the municipality.
Property Not Registered with the Municipality
Some older properties, particularly in panchayat areas, may never have been formally assessed for property tax. In this case, you'll need to apply for a fresh assessment. The municipality or panchayat will send an inspector to evaluate the property, after which Form 9 will be issued.
Area or Boundary Discrepancies
Sometimes the area recorded in Form 9 doesn't match the survey plan or Form I records. These discrepancies need to be resolved — typically through a fresh survey or by providing supporting documentation to the municipality to update their records.
Checklist: Getting Your Form 9 Ready for Sale
- Check if your property has a current Form 9 assessment
- Verify that the owner's name on Form 9 matches the current legal owner
- Clear all outstanding property tax arrears
- Confirm that the property area on Form 9 matches your survey plan
- Obtain a certified copy of Form 9 from the municipality/panchayat
- If selling a built property, also obtain Form 3 (building permission record)
For the complete list of documents needed for a Goa property sale, see our guide: 23 Essential Documents Needed to Sell Real Estate in Goa.
Need Help with Property Documentation?
Dealing with municipal offices and sorting out paperwork is one of the most time-consuming parts of selling property in Goa. At Sell Goa Property, we handle all documentation on behalf of our clients — from obtaining Form 9 and Form 3 to resolving discrepancies and clearing tax arrears. Get started with a free consultation.