Good news for taxpayers with special children

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill granting an additional P50,000 tax exemption for children requiring special needs.

Passed on second reading was House Bill 5431 principally authored by former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Sorsogon Rep. Deogracias Ramos, Pangasinan Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, and Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo.

Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, chairman of the House committee on ways and means, will present the bill at the plenary for approval.

Mandanas introduced only one amendment by setting the allowable income tax exemption at P50,000 for each physically or mentally challenged dependent.

Arroyo has not been attending House sessions as a result of her hospitalization but her presence was no longer required in view of the strong support for the bill that was demonstrated by her colleagues.

HB 5431 defines a disabled person as somebody suffering from restriction or different abilities as a result of mental, physical or sensory impairment.

The proposal will amend Section 35 (b) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, which grants individual taxpayers personal exemption for taxable income.

Under the law, parents and guardians may claim additional exemption of P25,000 for each dependent without disability.

Another key provision of the bill is the removal of limitation on the number of allowable dependents and the inclusion of children and parents in the definition of dependents.