Mandaue to disregard penalties on unpaid biz, real property taxes

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government will condone penalties on unpaid real property and business taxes of delinquent tax payers in the city.

City treasurer Regal Oliva during a press conference said the city ordinance which is known as the Mandaue City tax condonation on real property and business will be implemented after its publication in newspapers.

Oliva said although it is not necessary to have the newly approved ordinance published in newspapers, the city will push through with it so that businessmen in the city will know about the condonation.

However, the condonation on penalties will only apply on real properties which are undeclared and subject to back taxes, real properties which were declared delinquent, and real property taxes that have not been paid as of December 31, 2010.

The condonation on penalties for interest and surcharges of delinquent business taxes shall only apply to businesses which have been operating without business permits and have been delinquent; businesses which are considered delinquent and has not paid as of December 31, 2010, businesses which were declared delinquent but business taxes have been partially paid as of December 31, 2010 even if it has already been issued with a closure order, and businesses which are subject for retirement and have not retired their business as of December 31, 2010

The condonation of unpaid penalties on delinquent real property taxes may be availed of only until February 15, 2012 while for the unpaid penalties, interests, and surcharges on business taxes may be availed of until December 31,2011.

And for one to avail of the tax condonation program, the delinquent taxpayer must pay in full the tax on real property and business and if they cannot settle it on the date specified above they may lose such privilege and will be levied the penalties, interests, and surcharges on real property and business taxes.

According to Oliva the city is yet to collect P60 million from delinquent taxpayers since 1993 up to 2010. (FREEMAN)