Thursday, January 15, 2009 Taxpayers now more responsible
IN just six days after the Business Bureau opened application and renewal of business permits, almost half of the total number of establishments have enlisted and renewed.
Business Bureau chief Jhopee Agustin told the media Monday that the bureau is expecting an increase in business applicants this year as compared to the previous years.
This, she said, despite the looming global financial crisis which is expected to affect local business.
In the first six days, 14,742 business permits have already been renewed, amounting to P16.5 million in terms of collection.
Agustin said this year's application and renewal is better participated than last year, which only reached a total of 12,947 in six days of operation.
"This shows that our business taxpayers have become more responsible and they now know when to pay their taxes so as not to incur penalties and surcharges," Agustin said.
With the initial outcome of the operation, the Business Bureau sees no need for an extension of the application and renewal of permits.
This is contrary to the proposed extension by the legislative department of the City Government.
Agustin said the city must follow what is stated in the local government code, claiming that the public is given the first 20 days of January for business application and renewal.
"The law can only be exempted if there is a justifiable reason. However, their claim of having a long holiday vacation cannot be considered a justifiable reason to bend the law," she said.
The Business Bureau also sees an increase in the number of applicants and permit renewals, which would make the extension premature.
The bureau also needs the penalties and surcharges to add to the business tax collection of the city.
Agustin said the Business Bureau employees have been rendering overtime services until 9 p.m. and until noon on weekends.
She added that the taxpayers now have a more systematic way to pay taxes as procedures have been lessened and simplified. (PIA)
