MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares on Thursday said the tax agency will recognize Miss Universe Pia Wurzbach’s tax payment in the United States provided it will be duly attached in her income tax return.
Henares advised Wurtzbach to declare her total winnings and compute the Philippine tax then show the amount she paid in the US so that the BIR will be able to see it.
“Attach it to your ITR so we will recognize the payment that you made to the US,” Henares said.
Henares said Wurtzbach will only be exempted from tax until a law is passed.
“A resolution is not a law... So if you want to exempt somebody you have to pass a law. Law requires both the Lower House and the Senate,” Henares said.
On January 26, the House ways and means committee approved House Bill 6367 moving to exempt Wurtzbach from paying taxes from her winnings. The measure has yet to be submitted and approved by the plenary.
RELATED: Pia Wurtzbach: $300K Miss Universe crown can't be taxed