ITAD BIR Ruling No. 243-11

November 9, 2011 ITAD BIR RULING NO. 243-11 Sections 106 & 108, NIRC of 1997; Article 34, Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 7th Floor GC Corporate Plaza Building 150 Legaspi Street Legaspi Village, Makati City Gentlemen : This has reference to your Note Verbale TPN No. 98/2011 dated August 22, 2011 referred to this Office by the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), requesting for exemption from payment of value-added tax (VAT) on the local purchase of a motor vehicle for the official use of the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, specifically described as follows: Type of Use: Official Make: NISSAN URVAN ESTATE 3.0L 12 SEATER VAN Model Year: 2011 Color: Pearl Black Frame Number: TWS4LPFE25A07549 Engine Number: ZD30276724K 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." (Underscoring supplied) Thus, the tax exemption privilege of an Embassy and its diplomatic agents does not include exemption from VAT 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 VAT as prescribed under Sections 106 and 108 both of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (NIRC of 1997). cSTHaE However, applying the principle of reciprocity, this Office may confirm the VAT exemption of the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and/or its personnel on their local purchase of motor vehicles, it appearing from the list submitted by the DFA dated September 13, 2011 that the Government of Sri Lanka allows similar exemption to the Philippine Embassy and/or its personnel on their local purchases of motor vehicles thereat. Hence, the local purchase of one (1) unit 2011 Nissan Urvan Estate 3.0L 12 Seater Van for the official use of the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is exempt from VAT. As for the sale made by a VAT-registered business establishment to the qualified foreign embassy, it shall enjoy the benefit of zero percent (0%) VAT pursuant to Revenue Memorandum No. 22-2004. 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.) KIM S. JACINTO-HENARES Commissioner of Internal Revenue