In addition to the official registration in Portugal (registo predial) properties are also registered in the finance department at a certain fiscal value. A copy of this registration (caderneta predial) can be obtained by the property owner.

The caderneta predial consists of a plot description and the taxable value (valor tributavel) on which the local authority tax is calculated at 0.8% for agricultural land and, depending on the municipality, from 0.8% to 1.3% for residential properties.

It is important to note that the local authority tax is payable in two stages, 50% at the end of April and 50% at the end of September. It is invoiced in arrears which means, for example, that on the 30th of September 2000 the 2nd instalment of the local authority tax is due for the year 1999.