What is a Cedula for and How to Get Yours in 2024

Do you need more valid identification documents to add to your personal files? No problem! You can always get a community tax certificate, or cedula, as a supporting document. 

Many Filipinos don’t know that a cedula can serve as valid identification. Moreover, 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,^[1] the cedula remains an essential document. 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 issue date. It also contains 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 

👉 What's the Cedula Validity in the Philippines in 2024? 

The validity of your cedula is one year from the date of issue. So if you get a cedula on July 27 this year, it will be valid only until July 27 next year. 

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Why is a Cedula Important?

The cedula 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,^[2] 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 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.

What Do You Need a Cedula For?

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 must get your cedula. 
• Renewing a business - You also need a cedula if you 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 request a cedula from new hires as part of their employment requirements. 
• Purchasing a house - A cedula is one of the standard documents required when buying a house. You need to provide this to settle the reservation fee.
• Getting a marriage license - Tying the knot? A cedula is one of the requirements when getting a marriage license in the Philippines.
• Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) - It 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 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.
• Submitting requirements 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 might suffice. 

Read more: How to Get a PRC ID in 2023: Complete Guide for New Professionals

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?

Yes, students can get a cedula if 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 involves affixing your signature and thumbprint. 

However, if your city has an online cedula facility, you can ask someone to help you register for an account, complete the online form, and print it. 

What are the Cedula Requirements in 2024?

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
• Pay slip

📌 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

Where Can You Get a Cedula?

You can apply for a cedula from your barangay, city, or municipal hall. You can also obtain a cedula from the city hall or municipal hall of your residence or where the business is located.

How to Get a Community Tax Certificate or Cedula

Wondering how to obtain a community tax certificate but don’t know where to start? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a cedula from the barangay, municipal, or city hall:

1. Visit your barangay, municipal, or city hall and go to the designated counter or window for cedula applications.
2. Accomplish the Community Tax Declaration Form by providing the required information.  
3. 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. 
4. Pay the fees, sign the copies, and affix your thumbprint as the issuing officer requires.
5. 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] or San Fernando in La Union,^[4] you can complete 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.

How Much Does a Cedula Cost? 

The fees depend on your municipality, profession, income, and business. Here’s how to compute cedula fees in 2024:

📌 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.

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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 quickly and don’t have to shell out a lot of money for it. 

More importantly, this document proves you’re paying your community tax. If you know how to get a cedula, you can enjoy easier future transactions with the government and other establishments. 

Sources:

• ^[1] Salceda wants cedula abolished, gov’t processes streamlined (Inquirer, 2021)
• ^[2] The Local Government Code of the Philippines (Official Gazette)
• ^[3] City of Manila Local Government Services 
• ^[4] Treasury Operations Management System, City of San Fernando, La Union