EXPONENT
Certified Public Accountant · Sto. Tomas, Batangas
BusinessExponent
GPP & Co. · General Professional Partnership

Your trusted accounting partner for business registration, tax compliance, audit, and financial advisory — built for businesses that mean business.

Our Services
CPA
Licensed Firm
6+
Core Services
SEC
Registered
SSS
Compliance Ready
Scroll
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tax Compliance & BIR Filing Audit Services Management Consultancy Business Registration Payroll & HR Compliance Sto. Tomas, Batangas 0917 504 7962 Accounting & Bookkeeping Tax Compliance & BIR Filing Audit Services Management Consultancy Business Registration Payroll & HR Compliance Sto. Tomas, Batangas 0917 504 7962

More Than Numbers — We're Your Business Partner.

Business Exponent GPP & Co. is a General Professional Partnership of Certified Public Accountants based in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. We combine technical expertise with a deep commitment to helping businesses thrive through sound financial management.

From startups to established enterprises, we provide end-to-end accounting, compliance, and consulting solutions tailored to your unique business needs.

Certified Public Accountants
BIR Tax Filing & Compliance

Full handling of monthly, quarterly, and annual BIR filings for your peace of mind.

Financial Statement Preparation

Accurate and auditable financial reports that reflect your true business performance.

Business Registration Services

SEC, DTI, LGU, and other registrations handled efficiently from start to finish.

Payroll & Government Remittances

SSS, Pag-IBIG (HDMF), PhilHealth — we keep your employees' benefits on track.

Our Core Services

Click on any service to learn more about what's included.

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Systematic recording of your financial transactions with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accurate books at all times.

Learn More
Tax Compliance

BIR registration, tax mapping, filing of returns (VAT, income tax, withholding), and representation in tax investigations.

Learn More
Audit Services

External and internal audit services that provide reliable assurance on your financial statements for stakeholders and regulators.

Learn More
Management Consultancy

Strategic advice on financial planning, cost control, budgeting, and business process improvement for sustainable growth.

Learn More
Business Registration

End-to-end assistance for SEC, DTI, Mayor's Permit, and other regulatory registrations and annual renewals.

Learn More
Payroll & HR Compliance

Monthly payroll processing, payslip generation, and remittances to SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG (HDMF).

Learn More

Government Compliance

We handle your compliance obligations — so you don't have to.

BIR — Bureau of Internal Revenue
SSS — Social Security System
PhilHealth — Health Insurance
HDMF — Pag-IBIG Fund
SEC — Securities & Exchange Commission

Why Choose Business Exponent?

Licensed CPAs

Our team consists of licensed Certified Public Accountants with deep expertise across industries.

Reliable & Timely

We meet deadlines consistently — because late filings cost you money and reputation.

Local Expertise

Based in Sto. Tomas, Batangas — we know the local business landscape and LGU requirements.

Personal Approach

We treat every client as a long-term partner, not just a transaction. Your growth is our success.

Resources & Guides

Practical guides and compliance reminders to help you run your business smarter.

BIR Guide
Understanding Your BIR Certificate of Registration (COR)

Your Certificate of Registration from the BIR is one of the most important documents your business holds. It lists your Tax Identification Number (TIN), registered address, and the types of taxes you are required to file.

3 min read  ·  Tax Compliance
What is the COR?

The Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303) is issued after successful registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. It is your official proof that your business is registered for tax purposes in the Philippines.

What Information Does It Contain?
  • Your Business TIN (Tax Identification Number)
  • Registered business name and address
  • Types of taxes you are required to file (e.g., VAT or Percentage Tax, Income Tax, Withholding Tax)
  • BIR RDO (Revenue District Office) where you are registered
Common Requirements Before COR Issuance
  • DTI Certificate (for sole proprietors) or SEC Registration (for corporations/partnerships)
  • Mayor's Permit / Business Permit
  • Barangay Clearance
  • Proof of address (lease contract or land title)
  • Valid government-issued ID of the owner or authorized representative
Important: Your COR must be displayed in a conspicuous place in your place of business at all times. Failure to display it may result in penalties during BIR inspection.
What Happens If You Need to Update It?

Changes in business name, address, tax type, or other registered details require filing BIR Form 1905 (Application for Registration Information Update). Business Exponent GPP & Co. can assist you with COR updates to ensure your records remain accurate.

Filing Guide
BIR Filing Deadlines Every Business Owner Must Know

Missing BIR filing deadlines results in surcharges, interest, and penalties that can accumulate quickly. Understanding which forms to file and when is essential for every registered business in the Philippines.

4 min read  ·  Tax Compliance
Monthly Filing Requirements
  • BIR Form 2550M (Monthly VAT Return) — Due on the 20th day of the following month
  • BIR Form 1601-C (Withholding Tax on Compensation) — Due on the 10th or 15th of the following month
  • BIR Form 1601-E / 1601-F (Expanded/Final Withholding Tax) — Due on the 10th or 15th of the following month
  • BIR Form 2551M (Monthly Percentage Tax) — Applicable for non-VAT registered businesses; due on the 20th
Quarterly Filing Requirements
  • BIR Form 2550Q (Quarterly VAT Return) — Due 25 days after the close of each taxable quarter
  • BIR Form 1701Q (Quarterly Income Tax) — For individuals; due on May 15, August 15, and November 15
  • BIR Form 1702Q (Quarterly Income Tax) — For corporations; due 60 days after the close of each taxable quarter
Annual Filing Requirements
  • BIR Form 1701 / 1701A (Annual ITR) — For individuals; due April 15 of the following year
  • BIR Form 1702 (Annual ITR for Corporations) — Due April 15 or within 105 days from the close of the fiscal year
  • BIR Form 1604-C / 1604-E (Annual Alphalist) — Due January 31 of the following year
Pro Tip: Set calendar reminders for all BIR deadlines or let Business Exponent GPP & Co. handle them for you — ensuring you never miss a filing and avoid costly penalties.
Tax Tips
VAT vs. Percentage Tax: Which Applies to Your Business?

One of the most common questions from new business owners is whether they should register as VAT or non-VAT (Percentage Tax). The answer depends primarily on your gross sales threshold and the nature of your business.

3 min read  ·  Tax Planning
VAT (Value-Added Tax)

VAT is a 12% tax imposed on the sale of goods, properties, and services in the Philippines. You are required to register as a VAT taxpayer if your annual gross sales or receipts exceed ₱3,000,000.

  • VAT rate: 12% of gross sales or receipts
  • Input VAT from purchases can be used to offset Output VAT
  • Requires monthly (Form 2550M) and quarterly (Form 2550Q) filing
  • Mandatory for businesses exceeding the ₱3M threshold
Percentage Tax (Non-VAT)

If your annual gross sales are below ₱3,000,000, you may opt to register as non-VAT and pay Percentage Tax instead. The standard rate is 3% of gross sales or receipts.

  • Standard rate: 3% of gross sales (or 1% as extended during certain periods)
  • Simpler compliance requirements compared to VAT
  • No input tax credits available
  • Filed monthly using BIR Form 2551M
Note: Once your sales exceed ₱3,000,000, you are legally required to switch to VAT registration within 10 days from the end of the month the threshold is crossed.
Registration
How to Register a Business in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business in the Philippines involves multiple government agencies. Understanding the process helps you avoid delays and ensures you operate legally from day one.

5 min read  ·  Business Registration
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
  • Sole Proprietorship — Simplest form; registered with DTI. Owner has unlimited liability.
  • Partnership — Two or more persons; registered with the SEC.
  • Corporation (OPC or Domestic) — Separate legal entity; registered with the SEC. Offers limited liability to shareholders.
Step 2: Register with the Appropriate Agency
  • Sole Proprietors → DTI for business name registration
  • Partnerships & Corporations → Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Step 3: Secure Local Permits
  • Barangay Clearance from the barangay where your business is located
  • Mayor's Permit / Business Permit from the city or municipal government
  • Additional permits depending on nature of business (sanitation, fire safety, etc.)
Step 4: Register with the BIR
  • File BIR Form 1901 (for individuals) or 1903 (for non-individuals)
  • Pay the annual registration fee of ₱500 (BIR Form 0605)
  • Obtain your Certificate of Registration (COR) — BIR Form 2303
  • Register your Books of Accounts (manual or computerized)
  • Apply for Authority to Print (ATP) official receipts and invoices
Step 5: Register with Government Benefit Agencies
  • Social Security System (SSS)
  • PhilHealth (PHIC)
  • Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF)
Business Exponent GPP & Co. offers end-to-end business registration services. We handle all the paperwork, agency visits, and follow-ups — so you can focus on launching your business.
Annual Renewal
Business Permit Renewal: What to Prepare Every January

Every registered business in the Philippines must renew its Mayor's Permit annually, typically during the first quarter of the year. Late renewal is subject to surcharges and penalties.

3 min read  ·  Compliance
Typical Renewal Deadline

Most LGUs set the renewal deadline on January 20 of each year. Processing beyond this date incurs a 25% surcharge on the business tax due, plus additional daily interest.

Common Documents Required for Renewal
  • Previous year's Mayor's/Business Permit
  • Barangay Clearance (renewed annually)
  • Audited Financial Statements (for larger businesses)
  • BIR Form 2303 (Certificate of Registration)
  • Proof of business address (lease contract or property title)
  • Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
  • Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) — from BFP
  • Sanitary Permit (from local health office, for applicable businesses)
SEC Annual Reporting (for Corporations and Partnerships)

SEC-registered entities must file their General Information Sheet (GIS) and Audited Financial Statements (AFS) annually. Deadlines vary based on the last digit of your SEC registration number.

Tip: Prepare your renewal documents as early as December so you're ready to file on the first working day of January. Avoid the January rush — long queues at city hall are common.
SSS Guide
SSS Contribution Table & Employer Obligations

As an employer, you are required to remit both the employer and employee share of SSS contributions every month. Understanding the contribution schedule and deadlines is essential to avoid late payment penalties.

4 min read  ·  Payroll Compliance
Who Must Contribute?

All private sector employees and their employers are required to contribute to the SSS. Self-employed individuals and voluntary members may also contribute independently.

Contribution Breakdown
  • Contributions are based on the employee's Monthly Salary Credit (MSC)
  • The employer share is approximately 9.5% of the MSC
  • The employee share is approximately 4.5% of the MSC
  • Maximum MSC is currently ₱30,000; minimum is ₱4,000
Remittance Deadlines
  • Monthly remittance deadline depends on the last digit of your Employer ID Number
  • Late payments are subject to a 2% monthly penalty on the overdue amount
Employer Obligations
  • Register all new employees within 30 days of hiring
  • File the monthly contribution report (Form R-3) along with payment
  • Ensure correct amounts are deducted from employee salary each month
Penalty Note: Failure to remit SSS contributions is a criminal offense under RA 8282 (Social Security Law). Employers can face imprisonment for non-compliance.
Payroll
13th Month Pay: What Employers Need to Know

The 13th month pay is a mandatory benefit under Presidential Decree 851. All rank-and-file employees who have worked for at least one month during the calendar year are entitled to receive it.

3 min read  ·  HR Compliance
Who Is Covered?
  • All rank-and-file employees who have worked for at least one month during the calendar year
  • Applicable regardless of employment status (regular, probationary, contractual, project-based) as long as they have actually worked
  • Managerial employees are generally excluded under the law
How to Compute 13th Month Pay

Formula: Total Basic Salary Earned During the Year ÷ 12

Note: "Basic salary" excludes allowances, overtime, holiday pay, and other monetary benefits — only the base pay is used in the computation.

Payment Deadline
  • Must be paid on or before December 24 of each year
  • May be given in two tranches: half on or before May 15, remaining half on or before December 24
Tax Treatment

The first ₱90,000 of 13th month pay and other bonuses is exempt from income tax. Amounts beyond ₱90,000 are subject to regular income tax withholding.

Employers must submit a report to DOLE on compliance with 13th month pay at end of year. Business Exponent GPP & Co. ensures your payroll computation and reporting are accurate and on time.
Accounting
Why Small Businesses Need Proper Books of Accounts

Many small business owners think bookkeeping is only for large companies — but this is a costly misconception. The BIR requires all registered businesses to maintain Books of Accounts.

3 min read  ·  Bookkeeping
What are Books of Accounts?

Books of Accounts are the official records of your business's financial transactions. The BIR requires these to be registered and maintained for every taxable year. There are two types:

  • Manual Books of Accounts — Physical journals and ledgers registered and stamped by the BIR
  • Computerized Accounting System (CAS) — BIR-approved accounting software; requires separate application and approval
Basic Books Required by BIR
  • General Journal & General Ledger
  • Cash Receipts Journal & Cash Disbursements Journal
  • Sales Journal & Purchases Journal (for VAT-registered entities)
Penalties for Non-Maintenance

Failure to maintain proper books of accounts is a ground for criminal prosecution under the Tax Code. BIR auditors may disallow expenses and reconstruct your income based on presumptions, leading to significantly higher tax assessments.

Good Practice: Update your books monthly, not annually. Waiting until year-end makes reconciliation extremely difficult and increases the risk of errors that can trigger a BIR audit.
Financial Mgmt
5 Financial Habits Every Business Owner Should Build

Good financial habits separate businesses that survive from those that thrive. These five practices are simple to start but powerful in building long-term financial health for your business.

4 min read  ·  Financial Management
1. Separate Business and Personal Finances

Open a dedicated business bank account and never mix personal and business transactions. Commingling funds makes bookkeeping nearly impossible and can create legal and tax problems.

2. Track Every Peso In and Out

Record all sales and expenses as they happen — not at the end of the month. Use a simple spreadsheet or accounting software to log every transaction with the date, amount, and purpose.

3. Review Financial Statements Monthly

At minimum, review your Income Statement (P&L) and cash position every month. These tell you if your business is profitable and whether you have enough cash to pay your obligations.

4. Build a Cash Reserve

Aim to keep at least 2–3 months of operating expenses in reserve. This buffer protects your business from sudden drops in revenue, unexpected costs, or emergency repairs.

5. Work With a CPA — Even If You're Small

Many small business owners wait until they have a tax problem before seeking professional help. A CPA can save you more in avoided penalties and proper tax planning than their fee costs.

Business Exponent GPP & Co. offers management advisory services specifically designed for small and medium businesses. We help you build financial systems that support growth — not just compliance.
Have a compliance question? We're here.

Our licensed CPAs are ready to assess your situation and recommend the right services — no commitment required. Book your free 30-minute consultation today.

Call Now

Ready to Work Together?