**Primary Article: Anticipated Fee Hikes in Baja California’s 2025 Revenue Law**
As we look ahead to the year 2025, residents and businesses in Baja California are set to experience increased costs in water and vehicle services, as outlined in the proposed Revenue Law. This legislation, introduced by the state’s Finance Secretariat, suggests a rise in commercial, governmental, and non-domestic water rates by 10% to 26%. Additionally, the costs for driver’s licenses and vehicle plates are expected to increase by approximately 20%.
The proposal also includes a requirement for vehicle owners with plates issued before 2021 to exchange them for new ones. State Finance Secretary Marco Antonio Moreno Mexía had earlier mentioned potential “adjustments” in water commissions but assured that there would be no unexpected financial burdens on taxpayers. He emphasized a projected economic package with reasonable income forecasts.
During a session held on December 11th, Congress member Daylín García of the Citizens’ Movement inquired about the rationale behind the increases in vehicle control services. Gustavo Sánchez, Director of the State Tax Administration Service, clarified that the costs of licenses and plates respond to market dynamics beyond inflation. He noted that the process involves biometric data collection, which includes iris scans and fingerprints, necessitating a reliable database maintained for five years for each user.
The state’s projected income for the coming year is slated to reach nearly 99.24 billion pesos, an 8.5% increase from 2024. Part of this growth is attributed to an expected rise in the Income Tax on Personal Work Remuneration, driven largely by a 12% increase in the minimum wage.
Baja California’s legislators are currently reviewing the Revenue Law and Expenditure Budget for 2025, which will ultimately be subject to approval by vote.
**Secondary Article: Rising Costs on the Horizon for Baja California Residents**
Residents of Baja California should brace themselves as water and vehicle-related services are poised for price increases in 2025. The proposed Revenue Law highlights these adjustments, with commercial, governmental, and non-domestic water rates seeing significant hikes, while driver’s licenses and vehicle plates may cost 20% more.
This legislation also enforces a plate exchange requirement for vehicles registered with outdated plates from before 2021. The Finance Ministry assures that these changes, although surprising, are necessary and align with market conditions. It pledges to maintain a fair economic outlook through the Revenue Law.
As Baja California gears up for these financial changes, government officials have planned increased income largely attributed to a wage increase. Lawmakers are now tasked with dissecting the proposed Revenue Law and budgeting to ensure it aligns with the state’s fiscal goals for 2025.