Cash, HK trip await Pasay taxpayers

Some local government units in Metro Manila are offering incentives to entice residents and business owners to settle their taxes on or before Friday.

In Pasay City, for example, early birds who beat the deadline will get a shot at winning huge sums of money or a trip for two to Hong Kong.

On the other hand, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. has announced that residents who either pay promptly or in full their annual real property taxes will be entitled to discounts.

Las Piñas, meanwhile, is offering a “no audit” scheme should business owners agree to pay 20 percent more compared with what they paid last year.

In a statement, Pasay Mayor Antonino Calixto Jr. said that the incentives being dangled by the city government were aimed at increasing residents’ awareness of the importance of paying one’s taxes on time so that these could be used to fund basic services.

To encourage them to settle their obligations on or before January 20, taxpayers who pay P50,000 or more will automatically qualify for a raffle draw with P100,000 as first prize, P50,000 as second prize and P30,000 as third prize, he added.

Another set of prizes awaits those with tax payments below P50,000. These range from an all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong for two or its cash equivalent (first prize); P25,000 in tax credits (second prize) and P15,000 in tax credits (third prize).

In Makati City, Binay reminded residents that they would be entitled to a 10 percent discount if they pay in full their annual real property taxes. Should they opt for quarterly installments, they will get five percent off if they pay their taxes on or before the deadline set for each quarter.

At the same time, he warned that penalties would be meted out to those who fail to beat the deadline as he ordered agencies in charge of receiving the payments to extend their operating hours.

Las Piñas Mayor Vergel Aguilar, meanwhile, reminded business owners that they could avoid having their financial records audited if they just agree to pay 20 percent more than what they paid the city government last year.

According to him, the no-audit program seeks to reward legitimate business owners who voluntarily declare their income and pay the correct taxes due the city government.

Under the scheme, those who agree to the outright increase will no longer be required to submit the documents necessary for the renewal of business licenses like an audited financial statement and value-added tax certifications for the previous year, among other documents.