ATRIGs required before the release of imported automobiles from Customs

23 Mar 2016

All imported automobiles released from customs custody after March 31, 2016 without required Authority to Release Imported Goods (ATRIGs) may be detained, and if warranted, shall be subject to seizure. In the transition, those that were released without securing ATRIGs may still apply until March 31, 2016 with the Excise LT Regulatory Division (ELTRD) and pay any unpaid excise tax and VAT, subject to 50% surcharge and 20% interest for late payment. An ATRIG is an authority issued by the BIR, addressed to the Commissioner of Customs, allowing the release of imported goods from customs custody upon payment of applicable taxes, or proof of exemption from payment thereof, whichever is applicable.

Availability of version 6.0 of eBIRForms package and other reminders

23 Mar 2016

The latest version may be downloaded from the following sites: 1. www.knowyourtaxes.ph; 2. www.dof.gov.ph 3. Dropbox using this link: http://goo.gl/UCr8XS; 4. Direct link: http://ftp.pregi.net/bir/ebirforms_package_v6.0.zip; or 5. www.bir.gov.ph Modification of the new package includes: a. one-click submission of Tax Returns; and b. reduced package size for easier downloading Filing procedures: 1. eFPS Taxpayers                     a. annual income tax returns and excise tax returns: prepare using the offline package and submit to eFPS by clicking the SUBMIT/FINAL COPY button.           b. other returns: file using the online eFPS. Payments shall be made online through eFPS facility. 2. Non-eFPS Taxpayers: tax returns shall be prepared thrugh eBIRForms, printed and payment be made through Authorized Agent Banks (AABs), Revenue Collection Officer (RCOs), or GCASH 3. Schedules and manual attachments, duly signed printed efiled return and printed system-generated confirmation receipt shall be shall be submitted by the taxpayer within 15 days after filing of the return to the concerned LT Office/RDO.  4. Summary Alphalist of Withholding Tax (SAWT) shall be emailed to esubmission@bir.gov.ph

Protocol amending RP- New Zealand tax treaty

23 Mar 2016

The definition of "royalties" under Article 12 has also been expanded to cover the supply of any assistance that is ancillary and subsidiary to, and is furnished as a means of enabling the application or enjoyment of, the property or right, equipment, or knowledge/information. In case of transfer pricing adjustments in one jurisdiction, Article 9 on Associated Enterprises now provides for appropriate adjustment to the amount of the tax charged in other jurisdiction, subject to certain conditions.   New Zealand resident income earner or an authorized representative should file a duly accomplished BIR Form No. 0901 (Application for Relief from Double Taxation) together with required documents to the International Tax Affairs Division (ITAD) National Office to effect the treaty rates.

Securities and Exchange Commission's Express Nationwide Submission (SENS)

22 Mar 2016

The SEC is now introducing an innovative, integrated solution to address the increasing volume of Annual Reports submission consisting of Audited Financial Statements stamped received by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and General Information Sheet that will be able to integrate seamlessly with the SEC process resulting in a more efficient, reliable and convenient process for compliance of Annual Reportorial Requirements of entities without the need to proceed to the SEC personally to submit the said documents. In line with this, on March 18, 2016, the SEC soft-launched a new system for the submission of these documents called the SEC Express Nationwide Submission or SENS. This allows filers an additional submission option to the SEC's standard procedures. With this option, filers can simply send their documents to the SEC through a designated courier or courier of their choice instead of submitting these personally at SEC office and/or Satellite Offices. For the details of the step-by-step process on how to use SENS, please see attached file. You might be interested on this development.

Submission of the Annual Corporate Governance Report Together with the Annual Report

21 Mar 2016

On March 16, 2016, the SEC issued an advisory directing all publicly-listed companies to submit their 2015 Annual Corporate Governance Report (ACGR) together with their 2015 Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A) to the SEC and to the Philippine Stock Exchange. The ACGR is intended to take the place of the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report. The ACGR shall be attached to the Annual Report with the proper reference, i.e., "Please refer to attached ACGR," in Item 13. Part IV - Corporate Governance portion of the Annual Report. Without the ACGR, the reporting entity's Annual Report shall be deemed an incomplete filing.