TAX RELIEF The city government of Bacolod urges delinquent taxpayers to avail of the condonation program. The LGU said it is expecting delays and shortfall in tax collection as taxpayers are still struggling from the effect of the pandemic. (Image courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
BACOLOD CITY – The city government here on Thursday urged delinquent real property taxpayers affected by economic difficulties brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic to avail of tax relief starting this January.
The tax relief covers residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial and other classes of real properties, including improvement of machinery, unless those exempted by existing laws.
Last month, the city council passed City Ordinance No. 1015 which grants tax relief to delinquent real property taxes for all residents with outstanding obligations. They can pay with condonation, cancellation or waiver of penalties, interest and surcharges subject to certain conditions.
In a statement issued Thursday, the city government said it anticipated delays and shortfall in tax collection since taxpayers were struggling to comply and pay on time due to the impact of the pandemic.
"For the City of Bacolod to generate more income, it is encouraged that delinquent taxpayers shall avail the extension of the tax relief granted by this ordinance," said Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the committee on laws and ordinances.
The ordinance says that a delinquent taxpayer can enjoy 100 percent condonation on all penalties, interests and surcharges if payment were to be made in full from Jan. 11 to March 31, 2023.
Fifty percent condonation will be given to those who can settle their obligations in full from April 1 to June 30, 2023.
In cases of unpaid taxes accumulating to a considerable amount onerous for taxpayers to pay in one lump sum, the city treasurer is authorized to allow the liquidation of the total unpaid taxes in installments pursuant to the schedule indicated, the ordinance stated.
This will be allowed provided that 50 percent of the total amount is remitted to the city treasurer on the date the compromise agreement is signed by the delinquent taxpayer and that post-dated checks will be issued for the remaining balance.
However, the compromise agreement will automatically make the taxpayer in default when there is non-payment on the day indicated in the compromise agreement.(PNA)
