by Klaus Doring
It seems that a lot more people in the Philippines do so. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is expected to beat for the fifth straight month since December 2009 its monthly collection goal in April due to enhanced tax administration.
The BIR has a goal to collect more or less PHP 86 billion in April. Of course, because of several measures put in place by the agency since last year, so this is indeed likely to be achieved. Some of these measures include a reinvigorated “Run After Tax Evaders”, or the implementation of the “Oplan Kandado Program” wherein business establishments with tax deficiencies are temporarily padlocked. Measurements like for example a lifestyle check on private citizens similar to that applied against public officials and stricter monitoring of bazaars or other business establishments will not meet with general approval by all of us. I am pretty sure about it.
Let’s be honest: Can a government survive on collection efficiency alone? And one thing more, if I read the BIR figures: “Ondoy”-related losses are estimated up tp PHP 9 billion! The losses stem from the income tax deductions filed by those taxpayers whose businesses have been affected by that and other natural disasters.
Do you pay your taxes on time? Do I pay my taxes on time? Yes, I do. I did it all over the world where I stayed and earned an income. I do it also here in the Philippines where I am living as an expatriate for good.
We all have to pay taxes, whether we like it or not, although tax paying seems to be many times unfair, if we observe how our taxes have been poured down the drain… .
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Last but not the least, on the spot: A report from Germany says the government is considering taking legal action against the United States banking giant Goldman Sachs in a case in which the investment bank is accused of defrauding investors. I wish that this legal action is not coming too late. “Legacy” – not only in the Philippines… .
Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or follow me in Facebook.
