CEBU, Philippines — Business owners in Cebu City can heave a sigh of relief as the City Council has approved the call for an extension of the deadline for the renewal of business permit and licenses until the end of January 2025.
Earlier, the deadline was set on the 20th of January, but many business owners have requested for an extension, the City’s Public Information Office (PIO) said.
Under the Local Government Code of 1991, all local taxes, fees, and charges should be scheduled for payment within the first 20 days of January or of each subsequent quarter, as the case may be.
The Sanggunian, however, may extend the time for payment of such taxes, fees, or charges without surcharges or penalties for some justifiable reasons but only for a period not exceeding six (6) months.
During its regular session recently, the City Council approved a resolution authored by Councilor Noel Wenceslao, Committe on Budget and Finance chairperson, which aims to give business owners more time to renew their business permits and licenses.
With the extension, business owners could get away with paying the penalties and surcharges.
Beyond the extension set by the city government, a surcharge may be imposed not exceeding 25 percent of the amount of taxes, fees or charges not paid on time and an interest at the rate not exceeding two percent per month of the unpaid taxes, fees or charges including surcharges, until such amount is fully paid. The total interest on the unpaid amount or portion should not exceed 36 months as mandated under the Local Government Code.
Renewal and payment of business permits can be done through the Cebu City Government’s online portal: https://www.cebucity.gov.ph.
One can also personally go to the City Treasurer’s Office and Business Permit Licensing Office satellite offices set up at SM Seaside City Cebu for South District and Robinson’s Galleria for North District taxpayers.
City Treasurer Mare Vae Reyes earlier reminded taxpayers to strictly follow the assigned venues for the north and south districts on the processing and payment of business taxes, fees and charges. JG (CEBU NEWS)