Here is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to pay your Real Property Tax (Amilyar) in Bacolod City, based exactly on the Citizen’s Charter from the Office of the City Treasurer – Land Tax Division.
Requirements to Prepare Before Your Visit
Before heading to the City Treasurer’s Office, make sure you have the following documents ready. Incomplete requirements will delay your transaction.
- Photocopy of Title or Titles (Secured from the Registry of Deeds)
- Previous Tax Receipt (Your owner’s copy from the last payment)
- Latest Tax Declaration (Secured from the City Assessor’s Office)
- Property Index Number (PIN) of the Property (Found on your Tax Declaration or via the City Assessor’s Office)
Step-by-Step Payment Process
The payment process is classified as a “Simple” transaction by the local government and takes approximately 11 minutesto complete once you are at the correct windows.
1. Secure a Statement of Account (SOA)
- What you do: Proceed to the Land Tax Division and request an SOA.
- What the LGU does: The CTO – Land Tax Accounting Section will evaluate your documents and compute your real property tax due.
- Processing Time: 2 to 3 minutes
- Fees: None
2. Get a Queuing Number
- What you do: Head to the front desk to secure a priority number.
- What the LGU does: The CTO – Land Tax Information Section issues a priority number after evaluating that your documents are complete and ready for payment.
- Processing Time: 2 to 3 minutes
- Fees: None
3. Pay at the Designated Cashier
- What you do: Wait for your number to be called, then proceed to the designated cashier to make your payment.
- What the LGU does: The CTO – Land Tax Collection Section will receive and collect your realty taxes (including any applicable penalties and interests). They will then issue your Official Receipt.
- Processing Time: 3 to 5 minutes
- Fees: The exact amount depends on your Real Property Assessment.
Paying real property taxes is part of due diligence in owning, selling, or even buying real property. Get a real property lawyer to ensure legal safeguards.