TAX DAY

No, not US income tax.  Mexican property tax.  We paid two years of tax on our Puerto Vallarta condo to the city.  2010 and 2011 taxes came to about $9600 pesos, $775 US.  Thats around $390 per year.  One month's property tax on our Seattle condo was way more then a whole year's tax here in Mexico.




OUTSIDE THE TAX OFFICE
PV CITY HALL

 When we arrived at city hall we found a large crowd of people outside the tax office.  Not knowing the procedure I told the gentleman guarding the doorway we wanted to pay our tax.  He stepped out of the way and pointed to teller #6, who had nobody in line.  I am not sure if this is true, but I have heard that if you don't speak Spanish they jump you to the head of the line because it is easier then trying to explain the usual check in procedure.

Unlike other government transactions we have been in, the tax office was the height of efficiency.  They checked our account, took our money and issued our reciept taking only a couple minutes.  Usually one must check in with the official, they write out the document stating how much you owe, then you take it to a specified bank where you make payment, then return back to the official with a reciept from the bank.  He stamps the paperwork a bunch of times, gives you a copy, and then waves his hands like a baseball ump calling a runner safe to let you know you're done.

Maybe they let the city officials collect money because they pay them enough that they are not compelled to bribe or steal to make ends meet.