On Wednesday, the Makati City government announced the office charged with handling licenses for business renewal and tax payments will be extending its hours through January 18.
The Makati business permits office and the property tax division of city hall will be open from 8am until 10pm on Monday through Friday. The office will also be open on weekends from 8am to 8pm.
Complementing the longer hours, satellite branches are to be set up in village halls (barangay), better allowing citizens to pay their realty taxes. Said payment centers will be open from 9am to 4pm. According to reporting from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the satellite centers will be open in the following areas: Barangay Urdaneta on Jan. 10, Barangay Magallanes on Jan. 11 and 12; Barangay San Lorenzo on Jan. 14; Barangays Bangkal and Pio del Pilar on Jan. 15; Barangays Tejeros and San Antonio on Jan. 16; Barangays Guadalupe Nuevo and East Rembo on Jan. 17; and Barangay West Rembo on Jan. 18.
It should be noted that anyone who settles their realty tax payments prior to the January 20 deadline, and pays in full, is entitled to a 10% discount. Those who opt to settle before January 20, and agree to pay in four installments, are entitled to a 5% discount as well. Those who are delinquent on payment risk a surcharge of 25% as well as a penalty of 2% per month.
As of last year, taxes on business and property comprised the bulk of Makati city government revenue.
