MASANTOL -- The local government is offering special discounts to residents who will pay their real property tax (RPT) for the coming year in advance.

The Municipal Assessor's Office (MAO) stated that a 20 percent discount awaits tax payers who will settle their dues on or before December 31, 2019.

The RPT is collected by the local government for the house and lot as well as the furniture placed in it.

MAO added that the early bird discount is a program offered by the local government to encourage residents to do their contribution to the community by paying taxes.

"In this way, we are able to collect what is due to the residents and increase our local funds while also easing the burden for our tax payers," the assessor's office said.

Residents are urged to proceed to the treasurer's office for the tax declaration document and settling of account before the deadline to avail of the discount.

MAO reminded residents that failure to pay real property tax may result to the property's inclusion to the delinquent belongings and later on foreclosure by the local government.