STOP BRIBING BIR EXAMINERS

the right taxes. But honest tax payment may not be enough. Weneed to demand honesty as well from our business partners, employers/employees, suppliers, customers and even government.

In this regard, BIR in partnership with the Center for Strategic Reforms of the Philippines (CSR Philippines), launched the Seal of Honesty (SOH) certification program to promote a culture of integrity and honesty in paying taxes.

Commissioner Dulay believes that to fight the culture of corruption, we need to promote a culture of integrity and honesty.

First, we need to pay the right taxes. Then, stop bribing BIR examiners!

Here are some frequently asked questions about SOH certification program:

1. What is the Seal of Honesty Certification Program?

Seal of Honesty (SOH) is a certification program spearheaded by CSR Philippines in partnership with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to promote a culture of honesty and integrity in paying taxes. SOH supports and complements the Integrity Pledge of the Integrity Initiative (II), signed by professionals and corporations for ethical and corporate good governance.

2. Who is CSR Philippines?

Center for Strategic Reforms of the Philippines Inc. (CSR Philippines) is a nonstock, non-profit and non-government organization which aims to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) find a solution to concerns such as low productivity and competitiveness and lack of access to new technology.

3. Who can apply?

All taxpayers, both individuals or corporations, may apply to get SOH especially:

a. The self-employed and professionals;

b. Family businesses, regardless of size and industry; and

c. Those being audited by BIR regularly.

4. What are the criteria to qualify?

Individual and corporate taxpayers who will subscribe to the certification program will commit to:

a. settle all open cases and pending assessments;

b. observe full and honest compliance to all BIR regulations and requirements at all times;

c. sign the Integrity Pledge to promote and uphold honesty and integrity in paying taxes, and in dealing with all government agencies, customers and suppliers without compromises;

d. commit not to bribe or to stop bribing BIR examiners;

e. increase their voluntary compliance by at least 20 percent in total tax payments for those who are regularly audited by BIR, based on the level of their compliance.

5. What are the benefits of subscribing to the certification program?

Upon confirmation of the Evaluation Committee under the Office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue and approval of the Board of Accreditors, the following incentives will be extended to certified taxpayers:

a. Issuance of annual tax clearance, without prejudice to information not available at the time of issuance b. Last Priority Audit c. Other privileges which DTI and other government agencies may also extend to certified honest taxpayers

For more information about SOH certification program, you may join the exclusive roundtable discussion on paying the right taxes scheduled daily starting July 3. E-mail us at info@sealofhonesty.ph or call 3725727.