The Tax Forum conducted last March 14 at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB) marked the first crucial step toward genuine tax reform. The presence of forum speakers BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares, former Finance Secretary Dr. Jesus Estanislao, CSO Mon Abrea of the Center for Strategic Reforms of the Philippines together with reactors Usec. Lesley Cordero of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Cyril Rocke of the French Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Jacqueline Arquiza of the AGSB Student Council, Mr. Carlos Cabochan of the Philippine Association of Supermarkets, Dr. Ely Aurellado of AGSB Finance Cluster, Mr. Mario Gatus of Lee Hecht Harrison-Drake Beam Moris Philippines, Atty. Alex Lacson of the Kabayanihan Foundation and Dr. Paul Dumol of the University of Asia & the Pacific.
The forum, moderated by Prof. Solita “Winnie” Monsod, opened doors to meaningful dialogue and collaboration among the government and the private sectors. With the proposed Citizen Tax Planning, taxpayers and tax collectors are challenged to employ the One Strategy that could make all the difference: To Do What Is Right.
The Citizen Tax Planning provides an opportunity for taxpayers to be free from penalties and compromises through honest declaration of profit and increased voluntary compliance. By doing what is right, taxpayers are able to maximize their profit and enjoy a lifestyle free form the burden of paying unnecessary, excessive and illegal settlements. In the end, paying the right taxes proves to be much cheaper than paying increasing compromises year on year. The Citizen Tax Planning is a concrete response to help micro, small and medium enterprises to optimize their business operation and ultimately keep the country’s economy afloat.
As part of the genuine tax reform agenda, the Citizen Tax Planning also serves a means to push for legislative reforms to simplify the tax system so that more taxpayers are encouraged to conscientiously and voluntarily comply.
Realizing genuine reforms in the country’s tax system remains to be a very strong possibility. The forum started a more active and value-based partnership between the tax collectors and the taxpayers. Now, more than ever, the call to be wise, honest and responsible taxpayers is much clearer. Everyone must do his part in making the genuine tax reform happen.
To know more about Citizen Tax Planning, the game-changing tax strategy to enjoy a tax-free lifestyle, you may contact consult@acg.ph or (02) 345 4789.
Tax Forum 2013
