Marikina grants 100% tax relief, amnesty

MANILA, Philippines — To ease the financial burden of its constituents, the Marikina government has granted a 100-percent tax relief for small businesses for 2026 as well as amnesty on interests and surcharges for delinquent real property taxpayers.

Mayor Marjorie Ann Teodoro approved the measures on Monday as part of the city’s efforts to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and household livelihood.

Under the ordinance, owners of sari-sari stores and eateries are exempted from paying taxes, business permit fees and other local regulatory fees from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.

Teodoro said the city government restored the tax exemption for stores and carinderias that do not sell alcohol or cigarettes.

The city’s business permit and licensing office will issue certificates of exemption to qualified establishments.

Stores selling cigarettes and liquor are not covered by the tax relief.

Apart from tax relief for small businesses, city hall also approved a 100-percent amnesty on interests and surcharges for delinquent real property taxpayers until July.

Taxpayers may pay their obligations in full or on a staggered basis during the amnesty period.

Teodoro also announced the extension of the business permit renewal deadline from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28, with no surcharges imposed within the period.

She said the measures aim to strengthen MSMEs and protect Marikina residents.