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If we ask taxpayers what they think about what’s next for them, we could certainly get varying responses. One would answer, “Tax deadlines, of course!” Another would say, “Tax assessments and maybe, tax reform?” One might even say, “I would rather not think about it right now; don’t spoil my December!”

On weekends, I travel from my workplace to my province for a quick break from my busy working life. Every time I travel to my home town, I always notice the expanding industry of Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) enterprises, with special economic zones and technoparks being established in almost every city of my province, wherever I go. In fact, our province is known for its numerous economic zones. This makes me realize the rise in demand for PEZA-registered entities.

Last week, we discussed the definition of financial instrument and how it was categorized both for accounting and tax perspectives.

Most companies will have financial instruments in their portfolios. Their purpose is solely for capital appreciation and income.

Taxes are the lifeblood of our government and, by paying the right taxes, we contribute what is due to society. There are instances, however, that another tax could be imposed by the government of another country on the same income; thus, the establishment of a tax resident status by a taxpayer might be necessary.

Last week’s article discussed the accounting treatment for a short-term lease and a lease for low-value assets under the new Philippine Financial Reporting Standard (PFRS) 16 and taxation of operating lease as prescribed in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 19-86 both for the lessee and the lessor. The discussion also tackled how the lessee and the lessor will record in their respective books various transactions related to leases, such as prepaid rentals and security deposits, and the proper reporting of these transactions for income tax purposes.

Philippine Financial Reporting Standard (PFRS) 16 is the new accounting standard for lease of assets or arrangements that contain a lease. It became effective on Jan. 1. It replaces Philippine Accounting Standard (PAS) 17, which means that entities reporting under PFRS shall apply this new standard in their lease transactions starting on the effectivity date.

In February, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11210 or the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (EMLL). The expanded maternity leave benefits under the EMLL are fully tax-exempt. This is the interpretation issued by the BIR in RMC 105-2019. Indeed, this is a deserved tax break for working mothers.