At a regular session held last Thursday, 18 January 2024, the City Council of Manila approved a resolution extending the period to pay business fees and taxes to 9 February, from the original deadline of 23 January.
The extension was requested by the city government itself, through the City Treasurer, citing the low number of business permit applications at 31,314, out of an estimated 56,000 business establishments throughout the city.
“This is a yearly practice in the City of Manila to encourage our taxpayers to pay their dues”, explained Third District Councilor and Majority Floor Leader Ernesto “Jong” Isip Jr., who authored the resolution, in his sponsorship speech.
During the extended period, business owners can settle any fee or tax due without penalties or surcharges being imposed. They cannot avail themselves, however, of the 10% discount offered to those paying before the original deadline of 23 January 2024. They can also utilize Go! Manila, a digital platform that allows users to transact online with frontline city government offices, including the payment of various local fees and taxes.
Under Section 167 of the Local Government Code, the City Council may, for a justifiable reason or cause, extend the time for paying local taxes, fees, and charges for a period not exceeding six months.
