LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Jan. 30 (PIA) – Business owners in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte can still renew their business permits without any fines until Feb. 29.

The business permit renewal deadline was extended because about 20 percent or about 1,200 of the expected 6,000 registered businesses have applied for renewal.

After Feb, 29, the city government will start implementing a minimum of P2,500 fine for late renewals.

Business owners can physically process their papers at the Laoag City Business Permit Licensing Office (BPLO) or through an online renewal process.

Online business renewal can be accessed on the website: https://bpbc.ibpls.com/cityoflaoagilocosnorte/ for their application.

The BPLO is still open for business owners needing assistance in the online business renewal.

Moreover, the business one-stop-shop is still accommodating clients from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the first floor of the Laoag City Hall.

Business owners or their authorized representatives need to submit the following documents for business permit renewal: new barangay permit; the original and photocopy of their previous business permit; receipt of payment of the previous business permit; income statement from the previous year; lease contract covering their stay for the year; local insurance; and their Community Tax Certificate (CTC) or cedula.

According to Diomedes Gayban, head of the City Treasury office, this extension period will give more time for business owners to secure their documents and payment for registration fees.

“This is good because those who were not able to renew on the deadline can still process their papers and they are not that rushed in getting their fees and documents,” he said.

Originally, the deadline was Jan. 20.

Businesses who failed to renew their license can get a 25% surcharge on their tax assessed and an additional 2% penalty for every month in which the business permit was not renewed, and can get a closure or seizure order of properties and assets for extremely delinquent accounts.

For concerns, business owners can contact the city BPLO at 0998-558-8082 or 077 772 0001 local 208, or email cmo.pld@gmail.com.

The local government is expecting more business opportunities to open this year with the ongoing construction of a mall and a housing project in the city. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)