Salceda has message for BIR after P50-M tax erasure

Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda

He underscored this after the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) ruled to cancel over P50 million in tax liabilites in favor of the IBM Plaza Condominium Association, Inc. in Quezon City.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/26/cta-erases-condo-firms-p50m-tax-debts-over-birs-procedural-lapses/

The favorable ruling for the Quezon City-based condominium came about after the BIR failed to send a notice of informal conference to the taxpayers, which was a lapse in due process.

“Not following due process to the very extreme leads tax cases open to litigation. When tax dues are litigated, we don’t get to collect immediately. The government already loses, even when it wins the case in the end,” Salceda said on Thursday, Oct. 27.

“So, I strongly remind the officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue to make sure every process is according to the law, regulations, and standards of due process. Nothing should be left to chance,” added the Bicolano.

He took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the “Ease of Paying Taxes Bill,” something he says can prevent future violations of taxpayer rights and due process.

“The measure will make tax procedures simpler, hopefully reducing litigation and disagreements between tax authorities and taxpayers,” Salceda explained.

“Ease of Paying Taxes will make taxpayer rights clearer, so BIR doesn’t violate them. A BIR that is a stickler for due process to the last detail is a BIR that is more immune to tax cases. That’s good for everybody, taxpayer and government alike,” he said.

He expects the Senate would take up the measure by November when it resumes its regular session.

House Bill (HB) 4125 or the Ease of Paying Taxes Bill was principally authored by Salceda. It was approved on third reading by the House last Sept. 26, the final step before its transmission to the Senate.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/26/ease-of-paying-taxes-bill-gets-final-house-nod/