Fee Structure For EC In Tamil Nadu
What Is an Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is an official document issued by the Sub-Registrar’s Office (SRO) that confirms whether a property is “encumbered,” meaning it has any legal or financial liabilities such as mortgages or liens. This certificate is essential for property transactions and provides the title history of property. In Tamil Nadu, you can ec view online tamilnadu in tamil through the TNREGINET portal or obtain it offline from the respective Sub-Registrar office.
Fee Structure for EC in Tamil Nadu
Here is a detailed breakdown of the EC fee structure in Tamil Nadu:
| Fee Component | Amount / Rate |
| Application Fee | Re 1 |
| Search Fee – First Year | ₹ 15 for the first year of EC search |
| Search Fee – Every Additional Year | ₹ 5 per additional year after the first |
| Additional Fee for Computerised Period (1987 Onwards) | ₹ 100 extra if the search period includes years after 1987 |
| Urgent EC in Non-computerized Offices | Double the required fee for urgent requests |
| Certified Copy Fees / EC Copy Fee | Up to 30 years: ₹ 200 per certificate; More than 30 years: ₹ 500 per certificate |
Why These Fees Make Sense
- Nominal Application Charge – The Re 1 application fee makes EC applications accessible to everyone.
- Search Fees Based on Years – Charging ₹ 15 for the first year and ₹ 5 for additional years encourages requesting only the required period.
- Computerisation Surcharge – The ₹ 100 extra for records after 1987 reflects the cost of maintaining digitized records.
- Certified Copy / Physical EC Costs – Extra charges apply for digitally signed or physical copies, which are modest even for long historical searches.
Practical Things to Know
- Validity / Period: Specify the time range for the EC; it only covers that period.
- Mode of Application:
- Online: Through the TNREGINET portal under “E Services” → “Search and Apply for EC.”
- Offline: Visit the Sub-Registrar Office, fill out the application form, and pay the fee in person.
- Processing Time:
- Non-computerized offices: EC should be issued within 4 days.
- Computerized offices: EC is usually issued immediately after the records are searched.
- Delivery: Online applications allow downloading a digitally signed copy. Physical copies may be picked up or delivered for an extra cost.
- Stamp Duty: EC itself is not subject to stamp duty; it only applies when registering property deeds.
Why the Cost Is Important for Property Buyers / Owners
- Loan / Mortgage Verification: Banks often require an EC for loan approval.
- Due Diligence: Helps buyers check for any legal encumbrances on the property.
- Affordable Access: The low fee ensures property verification is accessible to all.
- Digital Transparency: Online applications reduce reliance on intermediaries and improve transparency.
Recent / Important Notes
- Tamil Nadu promotes the TNREGINET portal for easier EC applications.
- Some sources report copy fees around ₹ 35 for a standard EC, though this may vary.
- Service centres at SROs assist with registration-related services, including ECs.
Common Mistakes / Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Not specifying the correct time period for EC.
- Forgetting the additional ₹ 100 for years after 1987.
- Requesting “urgent EC” unnecessarily, doubling the fee.
- Assuming online viewing is sufficient without getting a certified or physical copy.
- Not tracking the application status after applying online.
The fee for an EC in Tamil Nadu is nominal, making it an effective and affordable tool for property verification. The fee structure is simple and transparent: Re 1 application + yearly search fee + a fixed surcharge for computerized records. Digitalization via TNREGINET has made obtaining an EC faster and more convenient.
