CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government is expected to collect at least P1.5 billion from over 30,000 businesses in the city that are renewing their permits this year.
The number of businesses is on top of the over 1,000 average new applicants of business permits this month, said City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo.
She reminded that requirements should be complied with and taxes should be truthfully stated to avoid legal problems with the city.
“Ang atong requirements for the renewal is dapat i-comply to avoid nga mapasakaan og kaso sa siyudad,” she told THE FREEMAN yesterday.
The city government has so far filed criminal cases against SM Prime Holdings, Banco De Oro-Magallanes Branch, and GDS Security and Detective Agency Inc. for alleged tax fraud. These cases are pending before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
For the issuance of a Mayor’s Business Permit, Camarillo said requirements are a duly filled-up application form, preceding year’s income tax return, and the financial statements duly received by the Bureau of Internal Revenue or BIR (if available) or the preceding year’s Sales Journal or VAT/Percentage returns (for the first, second and third quarters, and for the months of October and November).
The city government started the renewal of business permit last Wednesday, January 4, at the ground floor of Robinsons Galleria Cebu. It will last until January 27, with those renewing their business permits after January 27 being imposed a two percent interest per month and 25 percent surcharge and penalties.
“Target collection for this year is P2.8 billion, including other taxes and business permits. During the renewal, maka-collect ta og P1.5 billion for the whole year,” she said.
The one-stop shop for business permit processing at Robinsons Galleria Cebu will also cater to the application for Special and Delivery Permits.
Camarillo said the one-stop shop at the mall is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
She said CTO employees will be deployed on two Saturdays this month for the same purpose.
After renewing business taxes, Camarillo said her office would conduct tax mapping to trace those businesses that have not secured or renewed theirs. (FREEMAN)