Opening a Sole Proprietorship Business: DTI Process

One of the things in my life list that I would want to cross out this year is to start my own Sole Proprietorship business (That’s #37 in my Life List). Aside from just simply crossing it out, I wanted to experience how it really was in opening a business. I had a partnership opened before (a partnership with my friend, Sharon), and most of the paper work was actually outsourced to a messenger. We, of course had to pay for them to process our papers.

I wanted to find out how hard (or how easy it was) to open a business. So what I did was I really went to DTI to go through the process. I went to the DTI Area 2 Office for (Makati, Pasig, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Pateros) which was at the 2/F Atrium of Makati Bldg., Makati Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. They are open from Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm (tel. No. 501-5135). For those applying with a business address in QC, this is where you should go instead: DTI Area 3 Office(Mandaluyong, Marikina, QC and San Juan) at G/F Highway 54 Plaza, EDSA, (Across SM Megamall) Mandaluyong City which is also open on Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm (Tel. No. 706-1767). Shout out to my sister-in-law, Neva!

When I got there, I didn’t have to get the form from the guard because I already filled up a form that I got online. So to save you time, just download this form, fill it out and create two copies.

BN Application Form (2011-06-13)

The guard got it and stamped a number. This will be your number while you wait in line. I got there at 1:30 pm and some of the DTI officers were still on their lunch break. I think it would be better to go in the morning instead. I think the line would be faster. When I got there, there was only 1 person receiving the application forms. Around 2:00 pm, three people arrived to help out, so the processing time was faster.

DTI in Makati

When I was called, I handed over my form. The first thing she said was that I had to change the name. I applied for Manila Workshops or Manila Workshop or ManilaWorkshop.com. Apparently, you cannot use any name of a place in your business name. That’s one tip I have for you. I had to change it to GPA Events Management Services.

Another tip is that you cannot be vague. That is the reason why my business name is long. It has to contain words that really tell of your service. The good thing about processing your own papers is that you can decide quickly. If you have someone else process it for you, that person will have to call you and ask for the name that you would like to use to replace what you wrote. Then he/she will have to ask the DTI processor again and then get back to you. That process would be tedious.

DTI Cashier Window

After we agreed on the name, the DTI processor asked for my ID. I gave my passport. It took her some time before she could finally type everything into her computer. Finally, she gave the document back and I went to the cashier’s window to pay for my fee. The fee that you have to pay depends on the scope of your business. Fees are:
Barangay: Php 200
City/Municipality: Php 500
Regional: Php 1000
National: Php 2000

You also have to pay Php 15 for the documentary stamp tax. After paying, you give your application form and the receipt to another processor. She will be the one to release your DTI Certificate of Registration.

DTI window for release of Certificate of Registration

When she calls out your name, be sure to check the spelling of your name, your business name and the address. This is very important! Don’t just leave. I found 3 errors, which I asked them to change.

After they retype it, you are done with the DTI process! 🙂 Congratulations, you have managed to pass through the first step in setting up a Sole Proprietorship Business.

The next step would be the application for Mayor’s Permit in the Municipal Hall of your place of business and then with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

This is a great guide to follow when setting up your own Sole Proprietorship business:
http://www.dti.gov.ph/uploads/DownloadableFiles/A_Guide_to_Registering_Business.pdf

Hope this article helps!

Mommy Ginger