Challenges in paying Real Property Tax in the Philippines

Challenges in paying Real Property Tax in the Philippines

According to the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act no. 7160, property owners are required by the law to pay the Real Property Tax (RPT) every year. For the government to collect real property taxes, they need to identify every piece of real property owner. Tax mapping has an essential role since it provides the public with vital real property tax information. And a basis of an adequate tax record.

However, in most regions, including Caraga, the challenges in paying real property tax are outdated valuation references and low collection processes. They are still not using the advanced tools in tax mapping and payment methods.

There are two ways to pay taxes in the Philippines. First is through the Local Government Unit (LGU) that is often through the Treasurer’s Office. The second one is online. Some places, specifically in the National Capital Region, are already using the online payment mode, which makes it a lot easier and less hassle because they are no longer experiencing long queues for them to pay.

Unfortunately, with the two options in paying the Real Property Tax (RPT), people from Visayas and Mindanao are still using the traditional way. Since online payment for real property tax is still not available. Most of the payers put too much effort into visiting LGUs where their properties are. As a result, property owners experience a long queue and use old-fashioned ways of processing the payment to comply with taxpayers’ responsibilities.