Property Tax is a local tax based on the “government assessed value” (much lower than the actual value) of a property or “valor catastral.” The concept is not unlike our system of taxation in Canada and the U.S., yet the amounts involved are usually much less in Mexico. In the Lake Chapala area we all love to pay our taxes; they range from $50 USD to $200 USD a year, with a 10% discount for early payment. It covers police protection, schooling, and road repair, and in some areas - garbage pick up. In a fully planned community, the condominium board ensures that the above items are maintained in an above-standard manner.
You will not receive a tax bill so the initiative is yours to make the payment. Imagine having to prove that you need to pay your property tax! And you need to bring last year’s tax receipt with you to provide the information to pay them.