Ensenada’s municipal government is offering property owners and businesses discounts of up to 80 percent on overdue tax surcharges and fines through July 31. The amnesty program, approved in late April, is now in its final month.
Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz announced the campaign to help families and businesses catch up on past-due municipal obligations before the deadline. The program covers property taxes (predial), business permits, traffic violations, and other municipal fees.
What the Discounts Cover
The largest discount, 80 percent off accumulated surcharges and penalties, applies specifically to property tax arrears. That same rate covers installment-plan extensions for outstanding predial balances. For property owners who have let payments lapse over several years, the savings on penalties alone could be substantial.
A second tier of discounts, ranging from 50 to 60 percent, covers a broad list of municipal obligations. These include alcohol permit renewals, street vendor licenses, commercial signage fees, outdoor seating permits, and traffic fines. One notable exception: DUI-related citations are excluded from the discount program.
How and Where to Pay
The city has set up nine in-person payment locations across Ensenada. Residents and property owners can also pay online around the clock at servicios.ensenada.gob.mx. The online portal accepts payments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The discounts apply only to the penalty and surcharge portion of outstanding balances, not to the underlying tax or fee itself. Property owners still owe the original amount due. The amnesty simply eliminates or reduces the extra charges that accumulate when payments are late.
Why It Matters for Property Owners
Mexico’s predial system charges annual property taxes based on assessed values, and municipalities add recargos (surcharges) on overdue balances that compound over time. For owners who have fallen behind by multiple years, penalties can sometimes rival the original tax debt. An 80 percent reduction on those accumulated charges represents a significant one-time opportunity to clear the books.
The amnesty program expires at the close of business on July 31. No extension has been announced. The city government has not disclosed how many taxpayers have already taken advantage of the program since its April approval.
This story was first reported by Jornada BC.