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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Solon hopeful as bicam panel OKs bill sparing OFWs from ITR filing

Solon hopeful as bicam panel OKs bill sparing OFWs from ITR filing

Published Sep 28, 2023 10:41 am

At A Glance

  • The House of Representatives and the Senate have approved in the bicameral conference committee meeting an amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code exempting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who derive their income solely from employment abroad from filing their income tax returns (ITR). 

IMG-37effd52c8668b6220aac4e0eef5909f-V.jpg(Noel Pabalate/ MANILA BULLETIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The House of Representatives and the Senate have approved in the bicameral conference committee meeting an amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code exempting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who derive their income solely from employment abroad from filing their income tax returns (ITR). 

"This will bring significant relief to our Filipino migrant workers," Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said in a statement Thursday, Sept. 28. 

"This bill, once enacted into law, will exempt Filipino migrant workers from the obligation of filing income tax returns, marking a significant step towards easing their financial and emotional burdens," he said. 

The amendment, which Salo introduced, is part of the"Ease of Paying Taxes Bill". The measure was previously approved by the two Houses of Congress. 

Salo noted that while Filipino migrant workers are already exempt from paying income taxes, they are not exempt from filing their ITRs. 

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has previously issued regulations exempting Filipino migrant workers from filing their ITRs. 

"This exemption is already in the issuances of the BIR. Thus, it is necessary to institutionalize the exemption through this legislative measure," Salo explained. 

"The approval of this provision in this legislative measure sends a clear message: we recognize the sacrifices our Filipino migrant workers make, and we want to unburden them from unnecessary bureaucratic procedures," underscored the veteran lawmaker. 

However, Salo reminded the public that this exemption only applies to Filipino migrant workers whose income is solely derived from employment abroad. The bill wiill soon be submitted to President Marcos for his signature. 

"I thank the co-chairs of the bicameral conference committee, Senator Win Gatchalian and [Albay 2nd district] Rep. Joey Salceda, for recognizing the wisdom in my proposal. This speaks volumes of their genuine care and concern for our Filipino migrant workers," Salo added. 

"Our Filipino migrant workers should not have to grapple with tax paperwork while working hard to support their families and contribute to our country's economic stability. This exemption will free their minds from unnecessary stress and allow them to concentrate on their jobs and personal lives," he concluded.

Related Tags

overseas Filipino worker ron Salo Kabayan Party-List income tax return
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