Public urged: Be mindful of tax payment deadlines

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Treasurer’s Office has urged taxpayers to be mindful of cutoff dates for paying taxes to avoid penalties and surcharges, as provided by the Revenue Code of the Province of Cebu of 2008.

The deadline for payment of real property taxes, including the additional tax for Special Education Fund (SEF), is on March 31, 2015. Those who will be prompt in paying will get to avail of the 10 percent discount.

The deadline for taxes for businesses in printing and publication based on the gross receipts from the preceding calendar year is on January 20, 2015 while businesses enjoying a franchise based on gross receipts of cash sales and sales on account is on January 20, 2015.

Payment for professional tax on specified professions in lawful engagement of such profession is on January 30, 2015.

Other provincial taxes such as the annual fixed tax for every delivery and hauling truck or van of manufacturers or producers, wholesalers, dealers or retailers delivering or distributing distilled spirits, fermented liquors, soft drinks, cigars and cigarettes, and all other products directly or indirectly within the province is on January 20, 2015.

Payments for the renewal of Governor’s Permit and fee for the extraction of ordinary stones, sand, gravel, earth and other quarry/mineral resources is on January 20, 2015.

Payment for the renewal of Governor’s Accreditation and Fees for operators, processors, haulers, traders, dealers/retailers of the above-mentioned products/byproducts is on January 30, 2015.

Under Sections 230, 231, Article A of Chapter VII of the Code, “there is hereby collected a 25 percent surcharge on taxes, fees and charges not paid on time and an interest of two percent per month of the unpaid taxes, fees, or charges including surcharges until such amount is fully paid but in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid amount or a portion thereof shall exceed 36 months.”

“Any violation of the Code shall be punished by a fine of not less than P1,000 but not more than P5,000 or imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court,” the court provides further.—Gregg M. Rubio/JMO (FREEMAN)