Tax Evasion

Just last week, I saw on the news that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed a tax evasion complaint against a former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) official. The news said that the official was assessed with an income tax deficiency amounting to 18.91 Million Pesos from the years 2006 until 2010. Also, just a few months ago, some actresses and actors were also found to have failed to file their correct taxes forcing the BIR to file complaints against them.

I wonder why the number of tax evasion cases in the Philippines is constantly growing. I do not understand the reason behind the failure of these people to file their correct taxes. I am in the knowledge that celebrities have their own managers who are or should be responsible with their talents’ income hence should also be responsible in filing the correct tax. As to government officials, well, it’s not really surprising at all given that our country currently tops the Most Corrupt Country list in Asia. I am not one proud Filipino to say the least.

Another thing is come April of every year, employed citizens rush to the nearest BIR offices or banks to file their tax income returns and every year, the same story unfolds. Most were not able to file their returns on time and most are asking for a tax return extension. The BIR has been very lenient on this, even extending their working hours on the final day of filing to twelve midnight. Why in the world would some people decide to file their tax return on the last day of filing knowing there will be long lines and limited time?

I just hope that in the coming years the situation will improve. I would like to see the cases of tax evasion lessen every year, most Filipinos not rushing to BIR on the final day of filing and our country be removed from the list of Most Corrupt Countries. I can only hope.