Pia Wurtzbach says she would settle her tax dues in the Philippines
However, the beauty queen clarified that BIR cannot tax her crown because it was just loaned to her
The House of Representatives will be passing a bill to exempt the Ms. Universe 2015 from her prizes’ tax
Ms. Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach cleared that she is not evading her taxes in the Philippines.
“I am aware just like any employee that I have to pay taxes. I have never (missed it) when I was with ABS-CBN, Binibining Pilipinas. When I start working in the US, I’d be doing that as well,” Pia told Inquirer in an exclusive interview.
However, she stressed that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) cannot impose tax on her crown made of gems.
Instagram: Pia Wurtzbach
“I don’t think they can tax me for something that’s not mine. This is on loan,” the beauty queen said.
BIR has earlier reminded Pia of her tax obligations for all the prizes she got during last year’s coronation, including her $300,000-worth crown.
According to BIR officials, Pia’s earnings in and outside the country has to be subjected to 32% income tax rate.
They also said, as cited in a Manila Bulletin report, that only Congress can exempt her from tax.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said they are “likely” to pass a legislation that will exempt the Ms. Universe from the income tax. Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez has earlier filed the proposal under House Bill 6367.
“It is possible that we can approve the bill filed by Rodriguez granting Wurtzbach tax exemption,” Belmonte said in another Manila Bulletin report.
“I have no problem with it. I have no objection to push for the tax exemption of her prize,” he added.
Belmonte noted that this will serve as a token for Pia who brought home the crown 42 years after the Philippines’ last Ms. Universe victory with Margie Moran.