Makati taxpayers laud fast, convenient processing of permits, tax payments at City Hall

MANILA—Taxpayers in Makati have expressed satisfaction with the fast and convenient processing of tax payments and renewal of business permits at City Hall beginning this month, attributing it to certain innovations put in place by the current administration.

Among the innovations are the strategic positioning of all concerned frontline offices at the ground floor lobby of City Hall Building II, highly visible signage showing the step-by-stop processes for each type of transaction, and special lanes dedicated to senior citizens and persons with disability.

Some clients who agreed to be interviewed noted that “transactions were being done more systematically and quickly”, as compared with their experience during the renewal period last year.

Sari-sari storeowner Tirso Lagasca said aside from speedy transactions, he also appreciated the provision of a comfortable waiting area where clients can take a seat while waiting for the release of their papers.

“Unlike last year, we no longer have to crowd in the same area while transactions are taking place. The setup now is more organized and efficient,” Lagasca said.

A first-timer in renewing business permit, Jong Gomera, said he has not encountered any problem while renewing his employer’s business permit. “As long as the requirements are complete, transaction is fast,” he said.

Another client, Boyet Cruz who works in a foundation, noted that steps and procedures are visible in the area.

“All we have to do is follow the step-by-step instructions, and we would complete our transaction with ease,” he said.

Atty. Maribert Pagente, head of the city’s Business Permit Office (BPO), said that with the new setup, clients have been relieved of the burden of going from one building to another at the City Hall complex in renewing their permits and making payments.

Pagente also urged business owners to prioritize the renewal of their permits to avoid penalties.

Earlier, the city extended its working hours to accommodate taxpayers and business permit transactions. Satellite tax realty payment centers have also been opened to serve clients from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on scheduled dates in 31 barangays of the city.

This week, BPO and other frontline offices will be open to serve clients until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The deadline for the payment of realty tax in the city is on January 20.

The remaining schedule for realty tax payment in the barangays is as follows: La Paz, Sta. Cruz, Singkamas, Tejeros, and Kasilawan (Jan. 11); Carmona, Olympia, Valenzuela, Poblacion, and Guadalupe Viejo (Jan. 12); Guadalupe Nuevo, Pinagkaisahan, Pitogo, Cembo, and South Cembo (Jan. 13).

Payment centers in barangays West Rembo, East Rembo, Comembo, Pembo, and Rizal will be open on January 16.

The following are the requirements for the renewal of business permits: Notarized Application Form (triplicate copy) with the following, Gross Declaration/Receipts of the Preceding Year, Number of Employees and Capital Investment; Previous Year Mayor’s Business Permit, Billing Assessment and Official Receipt; Audited Financial Statement and/or Income Tax Return for the year 2015.

For Consolidated Financial Statement, attach breakdown of gross sales/receipts and proof of payments from other Cities/Municipalities. For Fiscal Year Financial Statement, attach breakdown of gross sales/receipts from January to December.

Other requirements include Barangay Clearance for Business; Community Tax Certificate A & B for Sole/Single Proprietorship, C & C1 in case of Corporation or Partnership; and Comprehensive General Liability Insurance (Exempted: Sari-Sari Store, Carinderia and Lessor, except Building).

The requirements for new business application are the following: Locational Clearance; Contract of Lease between the lessor and the lessee (If leased, attach Mayor’s Permit of the building owner/landlord as a real estate lessor. If not, Contract of Lease between the lessee and sub-lessee with conformity of the building owner or building administrator. If owned, Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or tax declaration);

Business Name Registration with the DTI, if sole/single proprietorship; Approved Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnership; Barangay Clearance; Public Liability Insurance (CGL); Inspection Report; and other pertinent information, documents and data that may be required.