Navotas taxpayers have until midnight to avail of tax amnesty program

MANILA, Philippines - Navoteños have until midnight tonight, Thursday, to avail of the benefits of the city’s first ever tax amnesty program for delinquent real property taxpayers, Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco said yesterday.

“To ensure that Navotas’ real property owners can avail of this opportunity, we have extended the payment hours up to midnight today, Thursday, the deadline we have set earlier,” said Tiangco.

Citing City Ordinance 2008-10, “An Ordinance Granting Tax Amnesty to Delinquent Real Property Taxpayers in Navotas,” Tiangco said the city government set extended payment hours beginning March 5 until today, March 12.

Tiangco said the tax amnesty took effect on Sept. 12, 2008 and ends on March 12 and those availing of the amnesty within the said period will be enjoying 100 percent condonation of interests, surcharges and penalties. Tiangco also said the present tax amnesty is the first in the history of Navotas and should encourage delinquent real property tax payers to settle their realty tax delinquencies and, thereafter, promote regular and prompt updating and settlement of their tax obligations.

He warned that properties of those who will not avail of the amnesty will be put on the auction block. Tiangco said the city government fully understands the economic hardship now gripping the country, so the need for the tax amnesty is needed and timely.

“The tax amnesty will enable the city both to raise revenue and, at the same time, enable the city government to respond to the clamor of the taxpayers to help them settle their obligations,” Tiangco said.

Tiangco also clarified that the tax amnesty does not apply to real properties which have been disposed of or forfeited at public auction; those which are subject of pending cases in court; those whose real property tax assessment against which have been sustained or allowed by the Courts after completion of hearing and other court processes; and those which a variance assessment has been made.   – Jerry Botial