In so far as tax obligations are concerned, what happens after you complete your studies in New Zealand (or wherever you studied abroad) and return to the Philippines? Is a Filipino overseas postgrad student required to file an income tax return (ITR) with the Bureau of Internal Revenue?
- Well, according to the Official Philippine Government website, the short answer is no.
- Gov.ph states that non-resident citizens are exempt from filing income tax returns.
Which begs the question, do Filipino overseas postgrad students fall under the definition of 'non-resident citizens'?
- In my opinion, yes.
- Among those listed, Filipino overseas postgrad students fall under the classification of 'Filipino citizen who leaves the Philippines during the taxable year to reside abroad, either as an immigrant of or for permanent employment.'
HOWEVER, if you earned income from sources WITHIN the Philippines while you were away, you are required to declare that income and file an ITR.
So, to summarize:
- If you are a Filipino overseas postgrad student who did not earn any income from sources within the Philippines during the taxable year, you are EXEMPT from filing an ITR.
- If you are a Filipino overseas postgrad student who earned income from sources within the Philippines, you are required to file an ITR.
Salamat Kris!
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