Question for V. but could be useful for others. V now you have bought your condo have you been to predial to change it into your name and pay for the year? If so what papers etc. did you need to take and any advice to speed the process up for those of us that have to run down in their lunch hour. Also have you got your original deeds yet and again any advice?
Mat, You don't go to Predial to pay your Predial. There are many places to pay it. I have used Transito on Coba at La Costa/Prolongacion La Luna. In your closing documents you most likely have a copy of the most current year's receipt paid by the seller. This will be a huge help. It is not a simple matter to walk in with your Escritura to pay; maybe even impossible. You don't change it into your name there though. You go to Cadastro (spelling??) on Uxmal, in the office to the left of Aguakan. I don't even think there is a Predial office but I may be off on that. There are many gov't buildings where you can pay. If you can't drag yourself to Transito, which is open 24/7, let me know and I will get the info on other payment locations. The earlier you pay, the bigger the discount. You have already missed the two biggest discount periods.
Hi, Mat. I paid the tax at City Hall, on Av Tulum. The office is to the right, just after you clear the breezeway entrance. Collecting this money is one of the most efficient things the local gov does, there is no waiting, as they have multiple lines to serve the "customers". I believe any document that shows the legal description may be sufficient for identifying the account, and completing the transaction. I brought the tax bill which the previous owner had received just before he sold. As you know, these taxes are quite modest when compared to rates, elsewhere, but in addition, we got a 25% discount by paying during a 15 day window the first half of December. I haven't bothered to change the name on the tax records, yet. (The previous owner only did this just before he sold to us, and he had owned the place for five years, almost. I may be a little quicker than that, however.) _________________________ As for receiving the title documents, this will involve a little longer wait, for us. The Notary didn't submit the documents to Chetumal until just over a month had passed following closing, and it will take about three months from that date, I'm told, to get them back.
Thanks fellas. So there's no real rush to change it into my name then - that's good. Now I've got to see if I have last years or something. Will they post me a bill at some point? Is changing the name on the electricity an easy thing to do? or will they want me to make a new contract and charge me a load of dosh? In which case I might as well not bother. Thanks for the advice!
Easy. Take one of the old bills, and a copy of your title showing your purchase of the property- just the page(s) that name the seller and buyer, and shows the address- and be prepared to pay a deposit of around 500 pesos. Take some extra dough if there is any chance of an outstanding balance on the old bill, as well. You'll also need positive ID, of some kind, passport or immigration document. I'd recommend going at 3 PM, just before closing, if you want to avoid a wait (my experience is with the CFE offices near Puerto Juarez, on Av L. Portillo).
Just paid the predial at the town hall - you were right, so easy. I took an old phone bill with the address and I was in and out in less than 10 minutes - I've never seen such government efficiency and the staff were really friendly as well.
Just changed the electricity into my name at last.... It was easy and straightforward - I went around 2.30 and it was practically empty. No deposit was asked for, I just had to pay the most current bill. Anyone know if the water is as easy to do and where to do it?
Is this for a trust? If so it may take longer to get back, since it has to go to Mexico City as well before everything goes back to Cancun and your notary. But once you have the Notary send it off the property is yours.
Rawkus, I thought I answered your question of today but don't see it. I changed the Aguakan bill from the former owner's name to mine, at their office down the side street, I think it is called Rosas, that runs beside Los Arcos. Anything is better than going to Aguakan on Nader. The Rosas location is smaller, but still with lots of staff and you should be able to get in and out easily and quickly. A suggestion I got from Cancun Fun years ago is to pay $500 at a time and then let the credit/saldo pay your bills for several months. Unlike CFE, Aguakan shows the Saldo on the bills and it is easy to keep track; far easier than going somewhere to pay $83 every month.
