Iloilo City launches business tax mapping
The city government yesterday officially launched the Business Tax Mapping for Iloilo City. Business tax mapping will determine the unregistered, undeclared and undervalued businesses in the city which is disadvantageous to the government's tax collection efforts.
City Treasurer Katherine Tingson said the business tax mapping is an effective tool firmed up by the city through her office to weed out businesses operating without the required permits. It will neutralize the underground operation of unscrupulous businessmen, she said.
As of June 30, 2009, there are 8,526 registered businesses and 1,180 new business applicants. In 2008, 9,000 businesses have registered to the treasurers’ office.
Tingson added the business tax mapping levels the playing field in the conduct of business. Everybody secures the required permit to do business and pays the corresponding regulatory fees. They receive the same benefits from the city government out of the taxes they paid.
The City Proper is the pilot area of the business tax mapping. About 50 personnel from the treasurers’ office will conduct the tax mapping daily. The tax mapping takes effect today. Tingson said they are expecting to wrap up their business tax mapping in the month of November.
The business tax mapping will identify all the commercial establishments operating in the area. The areas will be classified per square kilometer according to the scheme prepared by the treasurers’ office.
The business tax mapping will improve the city’s business climate and same time enhance its investment competitiveness compared to other cities in the country.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas said the business tax mapping is a combined idea of the treasurers’ office and the City Assessors Office. It is also part of the business streamlining efforts of the city government.
Treñas said the inner force of the treasurers’ office will be augmented by contractual workers hired under the Barangay Emergency Employment Program (BEEP). They are trained by experts from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).