Property owners may get early tax holiday

CEBU, Philippines - Delinquent property owners in Talisay City will be receiving an early financial relief if Mayor Johnny De los Reyes will approve the request of the City Council to declare a 10-month tax amnesty starting March.

City Councilor and Majority Floor Leader Richard Francis Aznar said that providing tax holiday through amnesty by taking away surcharges and penalties on unpaid taxes, fees and charges to delinquent obligations would encourage investors, a wise scheme to heighten updated tax collection and augment economy.

The move of  Aznar was also co-authored by Councilor Edward Alesna, chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Budget Management, Ways and Means and was approved by the majority of the members of the council last Tuesday's session.

"This tax amnesty shall cover any person, natural or juridical, who owns real property within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Talisay. This tax amnesty to all persons shall only have a duration of  March 1, 2014 up to the end of this year so that property owners may take advantage of and  update their local tax dues," the resolution read.

Aznar said the delinquent real properties not availing of this opportunity shall after the expiration of  this effectivity shall be dealt with accordingly with the proper imposition of  Civil Remedies for Collection of Revenues under Chapter 4 Book II of R.A. 7160.

Aznar said the resolution, once signed and approved by the mayor, will be posted in conspicuous places in the city and copies will be given to 22 barangays and published in three leading newspapers in the Province of Cebu to inform real property owners not residing in the City of Talisay.

He also explained that the city, with the new administration, requires under its development program an effective and efficient legislation for a good and proper if not an effective collection taxes to enhance its economic target and ambition.

In a separate interview with The Freeman, Mayor De los Reyes said he is not against the proposal, saying that he will approve the resolution once he receives the copy.

De los Reyes appealed to all real property owners, who have been delinquent in their tax obligations, to avail of the amnesty being offered by the local government.  (FREEMAN)