Last March 24, President Aquino approved a bill that exempts Persons With Disability (PWDs) from paying the 12% Value Added Tax (VAT), just like senior citizens.
Republic Act No. 10754 amends the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability and includes other benefits such as educational assistance; and, when possible, special discounts and express lanes. It also provides a tax deduction of P25,000 to relatives taking care of them.
Previously, PWDs could enjoy 20% off on establishments such as fast-food stores and pharmacies. However, they still had to pay for VAT.
Now, instead of just saving P12 for every P100 on goods and services, they can save P20.
On the other hand, the tax deduction can be claimed by "relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity taking care of the handicapped." This would include first cousins and grand nephews or nieces.
The law will be implemented by mid-April. More details will be available when the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) are completed.
Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who authored the bill, did mention that PWDs will need a card issued by their local government in order to enjoy the discount, similar to the senior citizen ID.
This is definitely welcome news to families of children with special needs and persons with disability.
READ: 10 things you should not say to the parent of a special needs child
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