The Parañaque City government announced Sunday the high turnout of taxpayers who took advantage of big discounts in paying their real property taxes (RPT).

Mayor Florencio Bernabe said that the city government has not increased its real property rates as they urged them to avail of big discounts.

Bernabe said that taxpayers may avail of the 20 percent discount for early payment of the 2010 real property taxes paid on or before December 15, 2009 on condition that the accounts are up-to-date and have no arrears.

But the mayor said that the city government is now offering 16 percent discounts from December 16 to 31.

Bernabe also said that taxpayers may also avail of 10 percent discounts on RPT payments in full from January 1to 20, 2010.

The mayor said that the same discounts will also be applied to RPT installments that are made on or before the 20th day of the starting month of each calendar quarter.

The city chief executive also clarified that the city government has not raised real property taxes.

Bernabe said that the schedule of fair market values of land remains at 1997 level while the valuation schedule of improvements stays at the 1992 level.

He added that the high turnout of those who avail of the big discounts has not encountered any problem while paying because they also enjoy the convenience and amenities of the modern and spacious taxpayers lounge while waiting for their turn.

Bernabe also said that the computerized taxpayers’ lounge which is fully air-conditioned also offers free snack to the taxpayers.