BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental is pushing for a “win-win” solution for both delinquent real property taxpayers and the provincial government.
The province’s legislative body is currently hearing a proposed tax relief ordinance that will condone the interest and penalties on real property tax (RPT).
Provincial Board member Rommel Debulgado, chair of the SP’s committee on finance, introduced the measure upon the request of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Several landowners, according to Debulgado, have been requesting the provincial government for tax relief.
As of November 2020, the uncollected RPT obligations from the municipalities of Negros Occidental, excluding the component cities, reached P2.8 billion.
“The time now calls for leniency and compromise to taxpayers experiencing the effects of the pandemic. However, the government needs revenues, with which to extend invaluable services to Negrenses,” Debulgado pointed out.
Under the proposed tax relief ordinance, real property owners will be required to pay 20 percent of their tax obligations at once, with the remaining 80 percent to be paid within 24 months, either on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the restructured plans.
The 80 percent can be paid monthly or quarterly depending on the restructured plan.
During the two-year period, no interest will be added to the amount contained in the compromise agreement, but the landowner will have to pay the current tax.
Under the proposed ordinance, a landowner can also redeem his property already up for auction.
Lacson, for his part, said he would like to see the tax relief ordinance take effect within the second quarter of this year.
“No doubt, this would be a big help especially to the municipalities,” the governor said./PN
