Printing of Books, the Publication of Books and the Printing and Publication of Books are Exempt from VAT

June 5, 1997 BIR RULING NO. 068-97 103 (y) 000-00 068-97 Father Lazaro Revilla, sdb Salesian Society of St. John Bosco P.O. Box 2420, MCPO, Makati City Reverend Father: This refers to your letter dated April 16, 1997 requesting clarification on the interpretation of Answer A-2 of Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 4-96 specifically whether or not both book publishing and printing separately or taken together are exempt from VAT. In reply thereto, please be informed that the sale, importation, printing or publication of books and any newspaper, magazine, review, or bulletin which appears at regular intervals with fixed prices for subscription and sale and which is not devoted principally to the publication of paid advertisements are exempt from VAT pursuant to Section 103 (y) of the Tax Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 8241 and as implemented by Revenue Regulations No. 6-97. In view thereof, the printing of books, the publication of books and the printing and publication of books are exempt from VAT. Very truly yours, LIWAYWAY VINZONS-CHATO Commissioner of Internal Revenue