Amendments to R.A. No. 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code

October 4, 2011 DA ITAD BIR RULING NO. 036-11 Sections 106 and 108, NIRC of 1997, as amended; Article 34, Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; BIR Ruling No. DA-ITAD-036-10 Embassy of the United States of America 1201 Roxas Boulevard Ermita 1000 Manila Attention: Mr. Brian Scott Zabin Second Secretary Gentlemen : This has reference to your Note No. 1280 dated August 15, 2011 referred to this Office by the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), requesting for the exemption from payment of value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase of a second-hand, previously tax-exempted motor vehicle for the personal use of Mr. Brian Scott Zabin, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the United States of America, from Ms. Claire J. Johnson, Regional Controller, USAID of the Mission of the same Embassy, specifically described as follows: cTDIaC Make: Honda CRV Model Year: 2004 Color: Lithium Engine Number: PRLD85-4200605 Frame Number: PADRD48504V200622 In reply, please be informed that Article 34 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations reads: "ARTICLE 34 A diplomatic agent shall be exempt from all dues and taxes, personal or real, national, regional or municipal, except : (a) indirect taxes of a kind which are normally incorporated in the price of the goods and services; xxx xxx xxx." (Emphasis supplied) Thus, the tax exemption privilege of an Embassy and its diplomatic agents does not include exemption from VAT, which is an indirect tax, on its local purchases of goods and services. In other words, purchases by that Embassy of goods and/or services shall, in general, be subject to the VAT prescribed under Sections 106 and 108 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (NIRC of 1997) as amended. However, applying the principle of reciprocity, this Office may confirm exemption of the Embassy of the United States of America and/or its personnel on their purchase of motor vehicles it appearing from the list submitted by the DFA dated August 23, 2011 that the Government of America allows similar exemption to the Philippine Embassy and/or its personnel on their purchase of motor vehicles in the US. Hence, since the transferor and the transferee of the subject motor vehicle are VAT exempt individuals, the sale of one (1) unit 2004 Honda CRV by Ms. Claire J. Johnson to Mr. Brian Scott Zabin, for the latter's personal use continues to be exempt from VAT. (BIR Ruling No. DA-ITAD-036-10 dated March 25, 2010) ECHSDc This ruling is issued on the basis of the facts as represented. However, if upon investigation it shall be disclosed that the actual facts are different, then this ruling shall be without force and effect insofar as the herein parties are concerned. Very truly yours, (SGD.) MARISSA O. CABREROS OIC-Assistant Commissioner Legal Service