ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Amid growing concerns from business owners, newly appointed City Treasurer Lawyer Laurentino P. Badelles assured the public that there has been no increase in taxes for businesses operating in the city.
He clarified in a media forum that the tax computation remains based on the Amended 2010 Revenue Code, dispelling speculations of rising tax rates.
Meanwhile, Maria Nimfa Briones from the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) further explained that new businesses have not yet been charged business taxes because they have not declared any income. Initially, they are only required to pay regulatory fees such as business permits and other mandatory annual charges. She added that business tax computations will only be made upon renewal, once a business has declared its income through its Income Tax Return.
“Pag-abot sa renewal, mo-presentar na sila sa ilang income tax return, especially sa katong mga corporation o mga individual nga naay gi-file sa BIR. So, kato ang amoang basihan sa pag-compute sa ilang gross receipt,” she said.
(When businesses apply for renewal, they must present their income tax return, especially corporations or individuals who file with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. This document will serve as the basis for computing their gross receipts.)
To ensure accurate tax collection, the CTO has also conducted tax mapping operations in various barangays. This process involves surveying businesses to assess their daily income, expenses, and rental costs.
Additionally, barangay clearance fees have been integrated into the city’s tax collection system. Briones shared that each barangay has its own ordinance for clearance fees, which are not uniform across the city because fees depend on the business type and corresponding rates set by the barangay.
Meanwhile, the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) will launch a citywide inspection of businesses starting in March. According to Maria Rhodora Omlero of the BPLO, businesses found operating without permits will be given a 10-day notice to comply with all necessary requirements.
“Tagaan nato sila og notice, og dili lang business permit, tan-awon pud namo ang sulod sa ilang tindahan kay basin sari-sari store pero naa diay silay laing line of business nga gi-operate,” she said.
(We will issue notices not only for business permits but also inspect the actual operations. For example, a sari-sari store might also be running another line of business that requires proper documentation.)
Moreover, the BPLO encourages the public to report businesses operating without the required permits to ensure a fair and transparent business environment in the City. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
