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Difference Between Open Plot and NA PlotCapital Gains on Sale of Agricultural Land: Rural vs Urban Explained
When selling agricultural land in India, the tax treatment depends entirely on whether the land is classified as rural or urban under the Income Tax Act. Understanding this distinction can help you plan better and avoid unnecessary tax liabilities.
Sale of Rural Agricultural Land-Capital gain
Any profit earned from the sale of rural agricultural land is fully exempt from capital gains tax.
Since it is not treated as a capital asset, no capital gains arise on its transfer.
However, the exempt income must still be disclosed in your Income Tax Return (ITR). The income should be reported under Schedule EI (Exempt Income). Additionally, agricultural income is exempt under Section 10(1) of the Income Tax Act.
Sale of Urban Agricultural Land- Capital gain
- Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG)
The gain is classified as short-term and taxed as per the individual’s applicable income tax slab if the land is held for 2 years.
- Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG)
If the land is held for more than 2 years, it qualifies as long-term capital gain:
Taxed at 20% with indexation benefit, or
Resident individuals may opt to pay tax at 12.5% without the indexation benefit, where applicable.
Exemption Under Section 54B
Taxpayers can claim exemption under Section 54B if:
The land was used for agricultural purposes by the taxpayer or their parents for at least two years immediately before the sale.
The capital gain is reinvested in purchasing another agricultural land within two years from the date of sale.
The amount must be deposited in the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) before the ITR filing deadline if the reinvestment is not immediately possible.
Example:
If agricultural land is sold for ₹25,20,000, resulting in a long-term capital gain of ₹8,40,000, and ₹5,00,000 is reinvested in another agricultural land, exemption will be allowed proportionately, and the remaining gain will be taxable.
Disclosure in ITR
Rural Agricultural Land: Report exempt income in Schedule EI.
Urban Agricultural Land: Report capital gains in Schedule CG. Exemptions under Sections 54B, 54EC, and 54F may be claimed if eligible.
TDS on Sale of Agricultural Land
Under Section 194IA, TDS at 1% applies to property transactions exceeding ₹50 lakh. However, this provision does not apply to agricultural land, even if the transaction value exceeds ₹50 lakh.
Conclusion
The rural or urban classification of agricultural land has a major effect on tax liability. Agricultural land in rural areas is completely exempt from capital gains tax, whereas agricultural land in urban areas is liable to tax with a possibility of exemption through reinvestment.
K Raheja Corp Subsidiary Acquires 7.43 Acres in Mahalunge, Pune for ₹195 Crore
Mumbai-based real estate major K Raheja Corp, through its subsidiary KRC Queens Pvt Ltd, has acquired 7.43 acres of land in Mahalunge near Hinjewadi, on the outskirts of Pune, for ₹195 crore, according to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix.
Mahalunge Real Estate Developers Pvt Ltd sold the land parcel, which was designated for a residential township project. On July 21, 2025, the deal was registered after ₹13.67 crore in stamp duty was paid.
As per the agreement, the plot is part of a notified integrated township project and offers a development potential of 1.51 lakh sq. metres (16.28 lakh sq. ft.), translating to a saleable area of approximately 17 lakh sq. ft.
Mahalunge, which is close to the busy Hinjewadi IT district, has become one of Pune's most popular real estate areas because of its better infrastructure and close proximity to job hubs.
This purchase complements K Raheja Corp's most recent expansion efforts. . Earlier in January 2025, the developer entered into an agreement to purchase 5.75 acres of land in Mumbai’s Kandivali area for ₹466 crore.
The newly acquired land in Mahalunge is expected to be developed into a premium residential township, leveraging the area’s connectivity and demand from professionals working in nearby IT and commercial hubs.
Property Division Now Possible for Just ₹100: A Major Relief for Families and Farmers
In India, family property disputes have long been a source of stress, frequently lasting years because of ambiguous ownership and expensive registration fees. Because formal land division was costly, time-consuming, and legally complex, many families have avoided it until now. Instead, verbal agreements were common, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and in many cases, prolonged court battles.
In a major reform, the government has now simplified the rules for legal land division, allowing families to complete the process officially at a cost of just ₹100.
The New Simplified Process
According to recent reports, the process has been made much more transparent and affordable:
- Family Register Update – Every family member must be listed in the Parivarik Register maintained by the local Circle Officer. Missing names will not be eligible for a share.
- Application Submission – Applicants need to provide ID proof, land ownership documents, and family relationship certificates, such as a ration card or family ID.
- ₹100 Stamp Paper – After approval, families can purchase a ₹100 stamp paper on which the division details, such as boundaries, shares, and names of each member, are recorded.
- Legal Ownership Issued – Once verified and registered, each member receives official ownership documents, enabling them to sell, mortgage, or apply for government benefits.
Benefits of the Reform
For farmers: Having clear land ownership makes it easier for them to access government programs and obtain agricultural loans.
For women, stronger property rights are ensured by the legal recognition of their share.
For Families: Makes land distribution clear and legally binding, preventing future conflicts.
A Step Towards Transparency
Experts note that this initiative will reduce land-related litigation and bring clarity to property ownership. This action is anticipated to greatly reduce the burden of the millions of cases involving inheritance and division that are still pending in Indian courts. Additionally, it supports the government's overarching objective of establishing an effective, transparent, and fraud-free land record system that benefits both urban and rural households.
Conclusion
All societal segments can now afford property division thanks to the government's simplification of the procedure and reduction of the cost to just ₹100. This reform ensures economic strength for farmers, legal empowerment for women, and peace of mind for families by simplifying and lowering the cost of what was once a complex legal process.
Sources:
SCMM News
The Times of India
Hindustan Times
Residents Request Halt to PMRDA’s Auction of Amenity Plots, Seek Civic Use
Residents have urged the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to halt its proposed auction of amenity plots, emphasising that the land should instead be utilised for civic purposes.
The availability of essential community infrastructure, such as parks, schools, health facilities, water systems, and public safety facilities, may be impacted by the sale of these plots, the locals stressed. Amenity plots are designed to satisfy public needs in accordance with regional planning regulations.
PMRDA has planned the auction of 35 amenity plots across various areas in the region, with a combined estimated base value of approximately ₹91 crore. Earnest money deposits for the plots vary according to their size and location.
Officials from PMRDA stated that the auction is being conducted in line with the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). Additionally, they mentioned that some plots are set aside for public buildings like cultural centres and libraries. Similar amenity plot auctions have been held in the area before by PMRDA.
In spite of this, locals insist that these plots are essential for community growth and shouldn't be viewed as extra resources for making money. They have called for these lands to be preserved for civic purposes, citing the need for public infrastructure to support local population growth and development.
Source:TOI
Hiranandani Group & Krisala Group Join Forces for 105 Acre Landmark Township in Pune
Global professional services firm Colliers India has successfully facilitated a major joint development deal in Pune between two leading real estate developers — Hiranandani Group and Krisala Group.
The land parcel, spanning 105 acres in North Hinjewadi, Pune, is owned by Hiranandani Group. Colliers India suggested that a joint development model would maximise results for both parties when the company was first being considered for sale. The team created a well-balanced joint development agreement for a mixed-use project that would benefit both developers by minimizing up-front expenses and optimising potential returns.
The project is especially appealing because of the land's advantageous location. Professionals and locals alike can easily access North Hinjewadi thanks to the expanding infrastructure connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. Pune has a lot of potential for residential and commercial development because of the city's growing urban demand and the fast growth of its IT hubs.
In order to meet the needs of the present market and changing lifestyle trends, the future mixed-use township is designed to have high-end residential apartments, shops, and contemporary conveniences. It is anticipated that the partnership between Hiranandani Group and Krisala Group will establish a standard for excellent, punctual, and carefully thought-out developments in the area.
Source: The Reality Today
Westcon of the Solitaire Group Pays ₹129 Crore to Purchase Almost 10 Acres in Wagholi, Pune
Westcon Spaces Pvt. Ltd., a division of Solitaire Group, has paid more than ₹129 crore for nearly 10 acres (roughly 4 hectares) of land in Wagholi. The acquisition was completed through four separate transactions on February 6, 2025. A 4-acre plot was bought for ₹40 crore, and the largest parcel, which was about 5 acres, was bought for ₹50 crore. For ₹28 crore and ₹11 crore, respectively, two smaller parcels of 0.5 acres were purchased. The premium nature of the location was demonstrated by the several crores in stamp duty payments for all four transactions.
Why Wagholi?
Situated in Pune's quickly expanding northeastern corridor, Wagholi has become a popular residential and business area. Both developers and homebuyers find it appealing due to its close proximity to the Kharadi IT hub, enhanced infrastructure, and improved connectivity.
Significant urban development is taking place in the area, and a number of real estate companies are making large investments to capitalise on the potential for future growth.
This purchase is indicative of a larger pattern of aggressive land banking by leading developers in India's largest cities. More than 2,000 acres were covered by land deals in the top eight urban markets in 2024, up 47% year over year, according to CBRE India. Pune continues to be one of the busiest real estate markets due to migration inflows, infrastructure improvements, and IT-led jobs.
Strategic Move for Solitaire Group
Solitaire Group made a calculated decision to expand the scope of its Pune project portfolio by purchasing the Wagholi land. The large plot of land can accommodate large-scale mixed-use, residential, or commercial projects that would help the organisation achieve its expansion objectives and increase its exposure in high-potential locations.
With this acquisition, the developer is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for quality housing and integrated living spaces in one of Pune’s fastest-evolving neighbourhoods.
Source:Hindustan Times