‘Sari-sari’ stores, carinderias in Marikina get tax relief

MANILOA, Philippines — ‘Sari-sari’ stores and carinderias, or eateries, in Marikina City will be exempted from business tax and permit fees after the local government on Monday approved an ordinance aimed at helping the informal sector.

Under Ordinance No. 103, ‘sari-sari’ stores and carinderias with a start-up capital of less than P10,000; annual income of not more than P180,000; or are not selling cigarettes and alcohols are eligible for 100 percent relief on tax and business permit fees.

“Through the ordinance, [we hope] that it will be able to provide ease and support to owners of small businesses in Marikina,” the local government said. The exemption period will begin on Jan. 1, 2022, until Dec. 31, 2022.

—JANE BAUTISTA