SEC extends MSMEs registration fee discount until December 2026

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Tuesday announced it is extending the registration fee discount for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to incorporate their businesses until the end of 2026.

In a statement, the SEC said it issued on March 26 Memorandum Circular No. 13, Series of 2026, extending the effectivity of the 20% discount for MSMEs' corporate registration until December 31, 2026.

As of March 26 this year, the discounted corporate registration fee, which has been in place since July 16, 2025, has resulted in P54.77 million in savings for MSMEs registering with the commission, according to the corporate regulator.

“As the backbone of the Philippine economy, MSMEs deserve every opportunity to grow and thrive. The savings already realized by our entrepreneurs since July represent the businesses that now have legal standing to access credit, grow their operations, and contribute more robustly to our economy,” said SEC Chairperson Francis Lim.

“By extending these discounted rates through the end of 2026, we are reaffirming our commitment to the accessibility and affordability of doing business in the Philippines,” added Lim.

Meanwhile, the SEC said the 50% discount on the registration of securities of MSMEs remains in effect until June 30, 2026.

The commission said its latest memorandum circular adopts the classification of MSMEs based on asset size provided under Republic Act 9501, or the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

Under the Magna Carta for MSMEs, microenterprises are companies with an asset size of up to P3 million, up to P15 million for small-sized businesses, and up to P100 million for medium-sized enterprises. —VBL, GMA News