Baguio sets discounts for early property taxpayers

BAGUIO CITY – The city government has urged real property owners to pay their taxes early to avail of a 20-percent discount. 
    City Public Information Office chief Aileen Refuerzo said Treasurer Alex Cabarrubias issued an advisory last week reminding real property owners to pay their 2 percent basic real property tax (RPT) and an additional 1-percent Special Education Fund (SEF) for the year 2022.
    Both the basic RPT and the additional SEF tax must be paid simultaneously, Cabarrubias said.
     "A 20-percent discount is automatically accorded to early taxpayers for their real property dues as mandated under chapter 13 of the city tax ordinance No. 2000-001," the advisory said. 
     Refuerzo said when paid in full between January and the end of March, a 10-percent discount shall be granted based on the ordinance.
     Meanwhile, the real property tax paid on a quarterly scheme will be granted a 10-percent discount on the amount of tax due if paid in full within the quarter.
     Cabarubbias, however, reminded that while the city gives discounts to early taxpayers, late payment is charged with a 2-percent per month penalty on the unpaid amount until the delinquent tax shall have been fully paid. – Liza Agoot/ PNA