If you own property in Cebu City and have been avoiding those "pesky" tax bills, your time is officially running out—the city has issued a final reminder for the 2026 Real Property Tax (RPT) Amnesty that could save you thousands in penalties.
Property owners in the Queen City are currently facing a "golden window" that is set to close in just a few months. The Cebu City Government and the Municipality of San Fernando have recently intensified their information campaigns regarding the Real Property Tax (RPT) Amnesty, which remains effective until July 5, 2026. This program is a massive financial relief measure that allows landowners to pay only the "basic tax" owed, completely wiping out years of accumulated surcharges and interest. For many families and developers with long-delinquent titles, this represents a unique opportunity to "clean" their property records and protect their ownership before the city moves toward a new, higher market-based valuation system.
The coverage of the amnesty is extensive, including not only the basic property tax but also the Special Education Fund (SEF) and Idle Land Tax incurred prior to mid-2024. To avail of the waiver, owners simply need to present a photocopy of their latest Tax Declaration and a computation from the Municipal or City Treasurer’s office. Officials are warning that once the July 2026 deadline passes, the 2% monthly interest on delinquencies will be reinstated, and the city may resume public auctions for properties with high tax arrears. As the city looks to boost its revenue for 2026 infrastructure projects, this amnesty is being positioned as a "win-win" for both the government and the private sector.
