are we also tax exempt?

hello!
i am employed with a non-stock, non-profit humanitarian international organization which funds are coming from donations from different entities worldwide. upon employment, our HR said that the organization is tax exempt and not in the authority to deduct tax on income on their employees. the only items they deduct on our monthly salary are sss, pag-ibig and philhealth.

i asked some of my colleagues (especially those who were employed more than 5 years now) on this matter and asked if they were paying their taxes. none of them are paying their taxes believing that the employees were also exempt from taxes. i asked if there was an issuance from the BIR of such declaration and no one could give me a copy. much our HR does not care about it and all that she says is, "it's up to you if you want to pay your taxes."

now, it's tax payment season and i am confused whether to pay my taxes or not.

please, educate me on this matter. thanks!

in addition, i am constrained to consult the legal department of BIR because i was thinking that they might probe on this matter; and if they do (and if they found out that we are not tax exempt), my colleagues who were not paying their taxes since the commencement of their employment will be put to question and might be charged with tax evasion.

i just want to make sure that if i go to BIR for advise, i am not putting any one in trouble.

in law, it is the one who claims exemption who has the burden of proof to show that he is exempt. even if you were tax exempt, definitely, there are still reports to be made and all of you are still required to file your ITRs.

if you are like with a UN org, then it's possible. but if it's some NGO, then my guess is that you are not exempt.

attyLLL,

if i will be asking to resolve this issue with the BIR, what must i do or how should i start?

thanks for sharing your knowledge and time.

go to the rdo where your office is located and inquire with the officer of the day