Taxation 101 - Part 2

As I've have mentioned in my last post, we were required by the BIR to have a DTI permit before they would process our tax registration. So I went to the DTI office in Park n' Ride, Lawton to apply for a business name. For software consultants like me, we are classified under sole-proprietorship. It took me more than 4 hours to get my permit.

For those who would register their business someday, I've prepared a short guide...

The office opens at 8AM, if you arrive there at 8:30, you'll probably be getting number 50 and above, just like I did. :(

But before you could obtain that number you would have to wait outside for 30 minutes or so. Make sure you that have something to do, like reading a book or listening to a music player, otherwise it is going to be pretty boring. :|

Once you have obtained a number, you may leave the office, go somewhere else. SM Manila is just a few minutes away by foot. By the way, the guard might tell you to sit in the waiting area, just tell him you're going to the comfort room. >:)

After 2 hours, head back to the DTI office. Then tell the guard your number and he will insert you to your appropriate seat location, that is between two people who have now developed some hatred towards you. >:P

Try your best to ignore them. By this time, you should be on the front row, there will probably be around 5 to 7 people ahead of you but that's fine.

The next thing you would want to do is to make friends with you seat mates. If one of them wants to buy food or go to the toilet, tell him/her that you will save his/her seat.

Once he returns, you can have your turn. By the way, the entrance ticket for the comfort room costs 5 pesos. Yes, you can sell virtually anything in this country.

Note that the previous step is optional. That is going to depend on how near you are to being called.

Once you're called, proceed to the officer's window for processing. Make sure you have all the requirements with you, otherwise, they will ask you to come back after you've completed your requirements. You'll probably have to comeback on the next working day. o_O

Try to be nice when talking to the officer since some of them seems to have attitude problems. Smiling also helps. :)

After 5-10 minutes, you'll be sent to payment section. The registration fee is 300 pesos. After paying, you'll be asked to wait for your permit in window #9.

Check the time, if it's already past 11:30, just leave, and head for lunch. There's no way you're going to get your permit before lunch time. I learned this the hard way.

If possible, get back before 1PM, so you'll be able to secure a seat. And if everything goes well, you will be having your permit in no time. :)

But if you really don't want to spend too much time for this, just get there before 8AM. :)

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To be continued...