SEC gives up to 50% filing fee discounts to MSMEs

​The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is solidifying its commitment to the growth of small businesses by providing discounted rates on certain transactions to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  

The Commission on July 16 issued Memorandum Circular No. 8, Series of 2025, aimed at Further Supporting the Growth and Expansion of MSMEs by Providing Discounted Rates for Certain Filing Fees.

“MSMEs are the backbone of our business sector, accounting for more than 99% of all businesses in the country and generating millions of jobs for our fellow Filipinos,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said.

“This policy represents our strong resolve to help bring down the barriers to entry of small businesses to ensure they can grow, thrive, and continuously contribute to economic growth,” he added.

Under the memorandum circular, MSMEs that seek to register as a corporation will be given a 20% discount on registration fees.

MSMEs seeking to increase their capital stock through an amendment of their articles of incorporation will also be given a 25% discount on filing fees.  

The discounted rates will be effective until the end of the year, or on December 31, 2025.

Meanwhile, consistent with its commitment to further reduce friction costs associated with going public, the SEC is also providing a 50% discount for the registration of securities for MSMEs who will tap the capital market. This discount will be effective until June 30, 2026.

The memorandum circular adopts the classification of MSMEs based on asset size provided under Republic Act No. 9501, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.  

Under the law, micro-sized businesses have assets of up to P3 million; up to P15 million for small businesses; and up to P100 million for medium-sized enterprises.  

For increase in capital stock and securities registration filings, the president or treasurer of the applicant company shall issue a signed certification of qualification stating that the company’s total assets, exclusive of the land on which particular business entity’s office, plant and equipment are situated. 

The discounted rates for MSMEs marks another milestone in the Commission’s push toward improving the ease of doing business. Earlier this month, the SEC also reduced the rates for corporate data requests by 50% under Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2025. 

It has likewise committed to strict timelines for the processing of applications for permits, licenses, registrations, certificates, clearances, and other authorizations, in a bid to eliminate delays and remove backlogs, through the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 7, Series of 2025.