What is Real Property Tax?
Real property tax is an ad valorem tax imposed on real estate paid annually to the Local Government Unit.

Ad Valorem Tax is a levy on real property determined based on a fixed proportion of the value of the property.

What is the legal basis for Real Property Tax?
The legal basis for real property tax is in Title II of the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act 7160. RA 7160 vested local government units the power to create local and external revenue sources such as the property tax, business tax, professional tax, amusement tax and other fees and charges. RA 7160 also established limitations such as ceiling limits and base rates.

Who is responsible for paying Real Property Tax?
The homeowner for residential properties or property administrator for commercial properties is responsible to for real property tax.

Exempted from the tax includes government properties, charitable institutions, churches, cooperatives, and schools.

When is Real Property Tax due?
Real Property tax is collected every 31st of January each year. However, taxpayers can also decide to pay in quarterly installment every:

• March 31
• June 30
• September 30
• December 31

If a taxpayer opts to pay the basic real property tax and the additional tax for public education called Special Education Fund in advance, the municipality concerned may grant a discount of not more than 20% of the annual tax.

Where can taxpayers pay the Real Property Tax?
The Treasurer’s Office of the municipality collects the payment of real property tax.

Aside from the chosen mode of payment, taxpayers have to bring the latest tax declaration and official receipts. For first-time homeowners, tax declaration and official receipts are part of the attachments given by the developer upon unit turnover or from the bank after loan approval.

How do you compute for Real Property Tax?

The annual real property tax is the assessed value of the property multiplied by the tax rate.

Real property tax rate for most cities and municipalities in Metro Manila is 2% and 1% for the provinces. The assessed property value, or the taxable value of the property, is the fair market value multiplied by the assessment level. Maximum assessment level for residential property is 20%, while for commercial and industrial property is 50%. Some cities have different tax rates. To verify your city’s tax rate, contact the city treasurer office.

To illustrate, let us compute for homeowner Angel’s recently acquired Makati condominium unit worth Php 3,500,000.

What are the consequences of late and non-payment of Real Property Tax?
Late payments will result in an interest rate of 2% surcharge per month to a maximum of 72% percent or 36 months of late payment.

Non-payment will result in the local government to foreclose and auction the property under the category tax-delinquent properties.

What other tax do you need to know?
Aside from real property tax, homeowners also need to take note of capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, estate tax, and income tax. The Bureau of Internal Revenue lists the tax obligations of its citizen.

Need help with taxes? Here is the list of BIR accredited tax practitioners/agents.

Taxes may seem confusing and overwhelming, but do not let that dissuade you from owning your dream condominium for sale and fulfilling your obligation to your city. Educate yourself on tax rates, price hikes, property values, due dates, proper computation, and available discounts. As much as possible, avoid late payments, as it could lead to property foreclosure.

When in doubt or need of clarifications, contact the City Treasurer’s Office of your community to get an accurate response.