A lot of Filipinos don’t know that a cedula, which is often required in various government or private transactions, can serve as valid identification. The proceeds of cedula collection add to the general funds of your city, municipality, or barangay.
Despite the measures filed by some politicians to abolish it, a cedula remains an important piece of document that Filipinos can benefit from. Learn its purpose and how to get a cedula in this short guide.
What is a Cedula?
A cedula is a document issued to Filipinos upon payment of a residence tax. Currently, the cedula is one of the basic requirements for most government transactions. It can also serve as valid identification for individuals and corporations residing or located in the same municipality from where it’s acquired.
What are the Features of a Cedula?
A community tax certificate for individuals shows the year, place, and date of issue. It also has the following information:
- Full name (surname, first name, and middle name)
- Address
- Sex
- Citizenship
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Height and weight
- Civil status
- Profession/occupation/business
- Tax Identification Number
- Community tax due
- Signature and right thumbprint
- Issuing officer’s signature
Why is a Cedula Important?
The cedula’s importance dates back to the Spanish era when all residents 18 years old and above were required to present it as identification and proof of tax payment.
Based on Article 6 of the Local Government Code of 1991,[1] cities and municipalities are empowered to levy an annual community tax on individuals and juridical persons.
The Local Government Code mandates that the community tax shall accrue on the first day of January each year, which shall be paid no later than the last day of February of each year.
It also exempts the following from paying the community tax:
- Diplomatic and consular representatives;
- Transient visitors who stay in the Philippines for three months or less.
If the person or corporation is exempted from the community tax, a Community Tax Certificate can still be obtained upon payment of ₱1.
Related article: Ask Moneymax: What are the Different Taxes in the Philippines?
Where Can You Get a Cedula?
You can apply for a cedula from your barangay, city, or municipal hall. However, since most barangays already issue a Barangay Clearance, you can obtain a cedula from the city hall or municipal hall of your residence or where the business is located.
What Do You Need a Cedula For?
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Although this document is not usually required, many transactions still require a cedula or a community tax certificate number. Here are some instances when you need to get a cedula:
- Registering a new business - Did you recently open a small business? Aside from the usual documentary requirements, you will also need to get your cedula.
- Renewing a business - You’ll also need a cedula if you’re going to renew your business. Present the accomplished community Tax Declaration Form with other requirements like proof of income and valid IDs.
- Applying for a job - Some employers also request a cedula from new hires as part of their employment requirements.
- Purchasing a house - A cedula is also one of the standard documents required when buying a house. You need to provide this to settle the reservation fee.
- Marriage license requirement - Tying the knot soon? A cedula is also one of the requirements when getting a marriage license in the Philippines.
- Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) - It also serves as proof that you have complied with and paid your basic community tax.
- Seeking notarization of documents - You can present a cedula as another valid identification together with other valid IDs.
- Applying for licenses, receipts, and certificates from government offices - Your cedula can be accepted as a supporting document and proof that you’re a resident of the city or municipality you’re transacting in.
- Receiving payment or salary from government agencies - When you need to present a document that bears your residential address, you can use a cedula.
- Requirement for Proof of Ownership of Real Estate Properties, Residency, or Payment of Dues to exercise a profession - If you don’t have a valid ID with your address, a cedula can also suffice.
More importantly, you can also present your cedula as a valid document to receive your COVID-19 vaccination.[2] The cedula can be presented along with your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN).
Read more: PWD ID Application Guide: Requirements, Steps, Benefits, and More
Who Can Get a Cedula?
Different municipalities may have their own cedula requirements. But in general, individuals who meet the following criteria can get a cedula:
- A resident of the Philippines 18 years old and above
- Individuals who are salaried employees for at least 30 consecutive working days during the calendar year
- Those who own a business or are engaged in business within the municipality or city
- Those who have a real estate property or a collective asset value of ₱1,000 and above within the municipality
- Those who are required by law to file income tax returns
Can Students Get a Cedula?
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Yes, students can get a cedula as long as they're Philippine inhabitants and at least 18 years old.
To apply, just bring a school ID or the most recent school study load (for those who don't have school IDs issued yet). Fill out the form, pay the corresponding fees, and wait for the cedula to be issued.
Can You Get a Cedula Through a Representative?
No, you can’t. Part of the cedula application process is the affixing of your signature and thumbprint. If your city has an online cedula facility, you can ask someone to register and fill out the online form for you.
Print the form and proceed to the barangay or municipal hall. Submit the form and other requirements, pay the necessary fees, affix your signature and thumbprint, and wait for your cedula to be issued.
Cedula Requirements 2022
Again, the requirements may differ from one municipality or city to another. However, here are the basic requirements you can prepare in advance:
Individual Requirements for Cedula
- Accomplished Community Tax Declaration Form
- Valid government-issued ID
- Proof of Income
- Payslip
Cedula Requirements for Business Owners
- Accomplished Community Tax Declaration Form
- A valid government-issued ID
- Approved business tax declaration as evaluated by the City Treasurer’s office
Cedula Requirements for Authorized Representatives
- Valid government-issued ID
- Authorization letter
- Photocopy of the valid government-issued ID of the person or business owner being represented
How Much are the Cedula Fees?
The fees depend on your municipality, profession, income, and business. Below is a guide on how to compute cedula fees this 2022.
For Individuals:
- Basic community tax (minimum of ₱5)
- Additional tax of ₱1 for every ₱1,000 of gross earnings for the previous year
- ₱1 tax for every ₱1,000 of the property’s total assessed value
Note: Additional community tax should not exceed ₱5,000.
For Corporations:
- Basic community tax (minimum of ₱5)
- Additional tax of ₱2 for every ₱5,000 of gross earnings for the previous year
- Additional tax of ₱2 for every ₱5,000 of the property’s total assessed value
Note: Additional community tax should not exceed ₱10,000.
How to Get a Community Tax Certificate
Wondering how to obtain a community tax certificate but don’t know how to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a community tax certificate:
- Visit your barangay, municipal, or city hall and go to the designated counter or window for cedula applications.
- Accomplish the Community Tax Declaration Form by providing the required information.
- Submit the form for encoding and present your valid ID and required documents. For employed individuals, present your proof of income. Business establishment owners can present the business assessments.
- Pay the fees, sign the copies, and affix your thumbprint as required by the issuing officer.
- Wait for your copy of the cedula to be issued.
How to Get Cedula Online
Not all barangays, cities, and municipalities have an online platform for cedula applications. But if you’re a resident of Manila,[3] San Fernando in La Union,[4] or Cebu,[5] you can accomplish the Community Tax Declaration Form online, print it, and present it at the city hall when you pay the fees.
Manila residents can also download the Go! Manila app on their smartphones to get a cedula without going to the Manila City Hall.
When is the Cedula Expiration?
The cedula validity is one year from the date of issue. So if you get a cedula on July 27 this year, it will only be valid until July 27 next year.
Related articles:
- How to Apply for a CENOMAR or Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificate Online
- Everything You Need to Know About the PhilSys National ID
- How to Get Police Clearance Online: A Simple Guide for Filipinos
Final Thoughts
You never know the importance of a document until you’re required to get it, and that’s usually the case with the cedula. Good thing you can get one pretty easily and don’t have to shell out a lot of money for it.
More importantly, it’s also a document that proves you’re paying your community tax. Learning how to get a cedula can make your future transactions with the government and other establishments easier, especially if they require documentary requirements like a cedula.
Sources:
- [1] The Local Government Code of the Philippines (Official Gazette)
- [2] Galvez: Any valid ID can be presented for COVID-19 vaccination (GMA, 2021)
- [3] City of Manila Local Government Services
- [4] Treasury Operations Management System, City of San Fernando, La Union
- [5] City of Cebu Business Permits & Cedula Application System
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