CH collects P1.2B in biz taxes

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Treasurer’s Office has collected P1.2 billion in just 18 days from the renewal of mayor’s business permits.

Acting City Treasurer Arlene Rentuza said the P1.2 billion collection in January this year is 20 percent higher compared to last year’s P1 billion.

“We wrapped up last January 25, for the 18 days, we generated P1.244 billion which is about 20.82 percent than last year’s 21-day collection period,” she told reporters.

Rentuza attributed the increase in collection to Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s public announcement about the renewal of business permits.

Apart from that, she said her office also intensified its campaign against tax evaders.

“The consciousness nila nga the government is really serious in collecting the business taxes,” she added.

At least 32, 869 establishments were assessed, higher than last year’s 30,828.

Of the 32,869 establishments, Rentuza said 600 business owners have failed to pay their business taxes last January 25.

She said her office will continue accepting and processing the payments and renewal of business permits until March, but with corresponding surcharges and penalties.

The city will impose two percent interest per month and 25 percent surcharge and penalties.

After March, she said her office will conduct a tax mapping to identify businesses that are operating without business permits.

“To spare you the agony of paying penalties, I’m pretty sure business practices would tell you nga unnecessary na nga expense ang penalties and interests, they better do their obligation in paying taxes to continue operating their businesses,” she said.

Moreover, Rentuza said her office also offers on-site releasing of community tax certificate (cedula) to business establishments in Cebu City.

To streamline procedures and to spare taxpayers from the intolerable waiting time and long queues at City Hall, the treasurer’s office is also offering an online application for cedula. (FREEMAN)