Wealth tax debate reignites as BURS targets P48bn
Friday, March 04, 2022 | 3540 Views |
Aiming higher: The BURS is tightening its tax collections PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
The tax target for the upcoming financial year is compared to the P42 billion the BURS was charged with collecting in the 2021-2022 financial year. By December, the tax agency had raked in P38.5 billion, setting it on course to reach the target.
Finance ministry documents indicate that of the total taxes due in the upcoming financial year, P8.5 billion are classified as assessed income taxes, which include the taxes filed by individuals and companies through tax returns. Value Added Tax is expected to increase to P11.2 billion in the upcoming financial year, compared to P10.8 billion in 2021-2022.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...