DA ITAD BIR Ruling No. 056-08

July 23, 2008 DA ITAD BIR RULING NO. 056-08 Sec. 106 & 108, Sec. 149 of the Tax Code 1997; Article 34, Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; BIR Ruling No. DA-ITAD-112-01 Embassy of the Republic of Korea 10/F, Pacific Star Building Makati Avenue, Makati City Gentlemen : This has reference to your Note No. KPH 2008-233 dated June 27, 2008 referred to this Office by the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs, requesting for the exemption from payment of value-added tax (VAT) on the local purchase of one (1) motor vehicle for the official use of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, specifically described as follows: Make: Toyota Camry 2.4V A/T Model Year: 2008 Color: Xtreme Black Engine Number: 2AZE073427 Chassis Number: MR053BK4007020460 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 goods or services; xxx xxx xxx" Thus, the tax exemption privilege of an Embassy and/or its diplomatic agents does not include exemption from value-added tax (VAT) and ad valorem tax on its local purchases of goods and services. In other words, purchases by that Embassy and its diplomatic agents of goods and/or services shall, in general, be subject to the value-added tax prescribed under Sections 106 and 108, all of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997. EHACcT However, applying the principle of reciprocity, this Office may confirm exemption of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and/or its personnel on their purchases of locally-assembled motor vehicles it appearing from the list submitted by the Department of Foreign Affairs as of January 25, 2008, that your Government allows similar exemption to Philippine Embassy and/or its personnel on their purchase of locally-assembled motor vehicles in your country. Hence, the local purchase of one (1) unit of 2008 Toyota Camry 2.4V A/T for the official use of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea is exempt from value-added tax. (BIR Ruling No. ITAD 112-01 dated November 5, 2001) 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.) JAMES H. ROLDAN Assistant Commissioner Legal Service