Manila traders told: Pay taxes early

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza advised establishment owners yesterday to avoid the rush and pay their city business taxes before the Jan. 21 deadline.

By paying on time, Atienza said owners would avoid paying penalties and avail of some discounts.

The mayor also announced that the city government has stretched the working hours of the Business Permits Division in the City Hall to facilitate the payment of taxes and other fees.

"We have made it very convenient for taxpayers of Manila to settle their obligations," noted Atienza, who said personnel in the tax division are required to report for work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Atienza pointed out that those who pay quarterly in the first month of each quarter get a 15 percent discount. Those who settle their taxes on the second or third month of each quarter get 10 percent discount.

"Those who pay their real property taxes for the year 2002 in full get 20 percent discount," he stressed.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. warned establishment owners of facing immediate closure if they avoid paying their taxes to the city government.

Belmonte mentioned in particular nightspots, which continue to operate despite non-payment of their permits to operate. "We have closed down several clubs for non-payment (of taxes)," Belmonte told reporters during a forum at the Manila Hotel. He noted that some owners of nightspots have claimed they have paid their taxes but failed to present proof of payment.

The mayor stressed that establishment owners should deal only with personnel designated by the city government in paying their financial obligation. He said they would not honor any claim of payment if it did not pass through City Hall. – Cecille Suerte Felipe