With the New Year’s holiday falling on a Friday, government agencies in Chapala will begin the collection of 2016 taxes and fees on Monday, January 4. For local residents keen to deal promptly with fiscal responsibilities and take advantage of early bird discount rates, here is a basic guide to effecting payments.
PROPERTY TAXES
Pay impuesto predial (property tax) in person in a two-step process at the Catastro (Land Registry) and cashier windows located in the Chapala City Hall lobby, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pull a numbered ficha from the ticket dispenser and wait until the number lights up on the digital screen above the Castrato counter to show last year’s receipt for access to the current property account. Then wait for the number to reappear at cashier windows across the room to pay by cash or bank card and collect the 2016 receipt.
Service is generally fast and efficient unless a large crowd of tax payers shows up simultaneously. The city provides ample seating and free coffee to ease delays.
To access on-line billing and payment, go to www.chapala.gob.mx and click on the button labeled “catastro (predial)” on the left side of the screen, which should be activated by January 4. Bill print-outs may be obtained this way to pay the tax at Santander and Bancomer branches or any state Recaudora tax office.
According to Chapala treasurer Roberto Molina, most local predial accounts will show a 4.5 to 5 percent increase over last year’s bill. Catastro staff is available to clarify and adjust fees when pertinent. Pay in full by February 28 for a 15 percent discount.
WATER SERVICE FEES
Pay local water supply and sewage services in person at the Simapa office corresponding to your place of residence. Locations are Privada Zaragoza 12-A, one block east of the Pemex station in Chapala; Guadalupe Victoria 63, behind Farmacias Guadalajara, Ajijic; Carretera 117, next to Oxxo store, San Antonio Tlayacapan; and Delegación offices in Atotonilquillo, Santa Cruz de la Soledad and San Nicolás de Ibarra. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tariffs for 2016 remain fixed at last year’s rate, with a 15-percent discount applied to annual bills paid in full by February 28.
VEHICLE RENEWALS
Pay the 2016 Refrendo Vehicular (registration renewals) for Jalisco-plated motor vehicles in person Chapala’s state tax office at Degollado 306, to obtain official receipt, vehicle ID card and 2016 stickers on the spot. Cashiers require only the license plate number to access accounts and documents. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Refrendos may also be paid at banks, convenience stores and the sepaf.jalisco.gob.mx website, but without the benefit of immediate new documentation.
The discounted cost is 418 pesos during January, 443 pesos in February, 467 pesos in March, with the full 492 peso fee plus applicable penalties kicking in on April 1. The full rate for motorcycles is 144 pesos.