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The Philippines has taken a step to boost tourism and enhance the shopping experience for international visitors through Republic Act (RA) No. 12079. This new law allows non-resident foreign tourists to claim a refund on the Value-Added Tax (VAT) they pay when purchasing goods in the country.

Under the law, non-resident foreign passport holders can claim a refund on the VAT paid for goods purchased personally from accredited stores, provided these goods are taken out of the Philippines within 60 days from the purchase date. To qualify, the value of goods in a single transaction must be at least ₱3,000.

The ₱3,000 per transaction threshold is subject for review and adjustment every three years by the Secretary of Finance, upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, considering the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

VAT refunds may be made either electronically or in cash. To effectively implement this system, the Department of Finance (DOF) is mandated to engage the services of reputable, globally recognized, and experienced VAT refund operators.

The DOF, in consultation with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, National Economic Development Authority, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Bureau of Customs, shall issue implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within 90 days from the law’s effectivity.

Please be guided accordingly.

 

Source: 

P&A Grant Thornton 

Certified Public Accountants 

P&A Grant Thornton is the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

 

As published in SunStar Cebu, dated 08 January 2024