Quezon City grants amnesty to delinquent property owners

The local government of Quezon City is granting amnesty to delinquent property owners.

In a statement, the Quezon City government said Mayor Herbert Bautista signed an ordinance granting amnesty to real property owners from paying fines, interests, surcharges, and other penalties for unpaid real property taxes for 2018 and prior years.

“Residents burdened with accumulated unpaid business taxes and fees have been given reprieve by City Ordinance 2779-2018 signed by Mayor Bautista,” the city government said.

“But instead of losing income, the incentive will serve as an alternative measure for the city government to encourage its delinquent taxpayer to become updated with their tax payment records,” it added.

The government’s move is expected eventually pay off by in terms of tax collection and generating  more funds needed to finance the city’s projects and obligations.

Real property taxpayers can avail themselves of the amnesty covering interests, fines, surcharges, and other penalties for unpaid real property taxes from January 2019 to Oct. 20, 2019.

“During this period, taxpayers may settle their delinquent taxes for taxable year 2018 and prior years,” it said.

Taxpayers can pay in full their real property tax for 2019 only once they have settled their unpaid dues from prior years.

“Payment of delinquent real property taxes can be made in full or installment basis within the due date,” the city government said.

“However, the tax amnesty shall not apply to real properties that have already been auctioned or are currently being settled or paid under a compromise or similar arrangements and to those with cases pending with the Quezon City Board of Assessment Appeal or in any regular courts of law,” it added. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News