• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The proposal to grant a one-time condonation of accrued interests, surcharges, and penalties on delinquent real property taxes (RPTs) assessed on undeclared improvements in Bacolod City has been approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading.
Proponent councilor Dindo Ramos took note of a significant number of improvements within Bacolod that remain undeclared for RPT purposes, adding that taxpayers are often discouraged from voluntarily declaring such improvements due to the substantial interests, surcharges, and penalties that would accrue on the corresponding back taxes.
This deprives the city government of revenue that would otherwise be collected, hence the proposed RPT penalty condonation ordinance on undeclared improvements, Ramos, chairperson of the SP Committee on Urban Poor, Housing and Resettlement, stressed.
The proposal aims to provide equitable tax relief to taxpayers, encourage the voluntary declaration of previously undeclared improvements, facilitate the updating and accuracy of the city’s tax rolls and assessment records, and generate immediate revenue through the collection of principal tax liabilities, without unduly compromising the city’s fiscal position, since the principal tax due shall remain fully collectible in all instances, he explained.
It shall apply to all residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural improvements erected or introduced on lands situated within Bacolod, whether the underlying land is owned by the taxpayer, by another private entity, or is a public land, provided the improvement is undeclared and subject to back taxes as of the effectivity of the ordinance.
“The condonation of interests, surcharges, and penalties shall take effect only upon full payment of 100 percent of the principal tax due within the availment period,” Ramos said. | CGC
