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MsCompE

Tieza Tax Exemption/Combo Card Holder

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Philippines
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Hi,

 

My husband and I are going to visit PH this coming November. We got multiple side trips departing from Mactan Cebu International Airport.

So, I am wondering if I can qualify for a travel tax exemption more than a reduced travel tax. 

Anyone who got a recent experience? 

 

I did a couple of readings from the official TIEZA website and it says Filipino Permanent Residents are qualified for tax exemption.

At this point, I am not yet a resident since my AOS is pending. A small clause in the website says "As provided by RA 6768, balikbayans are also exempted provided that stay in Philippines is less than 1year". This applies to me, I left PH and have not visited for more than a year. 

 

we all know how bad the consistency of PH rules and regulations are. If you dont know your rights, they are more than happy to take your money. 

 

Thanks!

Previous U.S. Visa/Trips
03-10-2014 : B1 issued date
03-24-2015 : B1/B2 issued date
02-26-2016 : Visited my aunt in Corpus Christi
02-27-2016 : Meet Ryan and he asked me out 
03-30-2016 : He proposed before I left U.S.
04-01-2016 : I left U.S. I wish I had enough days to marry him.
But, I have a very important business meeting to physically attend in Cebu on 04/04. I also have a business trip due in Japan for May 2016. 
Circumstances lead me to K-1. 
K1 - Journey
Spoiler

 

04-22-2016 : Sent I-129F Packet
07-20-2016 : Received NOA2
08-01-2016 : NVC Case # assigned
08-25-2016 : Interview Date and APPROVED!!! 
09-03-2016 : VOH
AOS - Journey
Spoiler

12-14-2016 : POE

12-30-2016 : Wedding Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
01-20-2017 : Sent I-485, I-765, I-131 Packet
01-24-2017 : NOA1 Received Date
02-03-2017 : Received NOA1 Hard Copy
02-04-2017 : Received Biometrics Appointment Scheduled on 02/17
02-08-2017 : Completed Biometrics
04-22-2017 : EAD Update - Card in Production
04-27-2017 : Received EAD & AP Approval Notice
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
11-17-2017 : I-485 Approved Date
11-25-2017 : I-485 Approved Notice Received
11-27-2017 : GC Received at the mailbox. No text/email notification. USCIS Case Status is still at "Fingerprint Fee Received" 
 
 
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3 hours ago, MsCompE said:

Hi,

 

My husband and I are going to visit PH this coming November. We got multiple side trips departing from Mactan Cebu International Airport.

So, I am wondering if I can qualify for a travel tax exemption more than a reduced travel tax. 

Anyone who got a recent experience? 

 

I did a couple of readings from the official TIEZA website and it says Filipino Permanent Residents are qualified for tax exemption.

At this point, I am not yet a resident since my AOS is pending. A small clause in the website says "As provided by RA 6768, balikbayans are also exempted provided that stay in Philippines is less than 1year". This applies to me, I left PH and have not visited for more than a year. 

 

we all know how bad the consistency of PH rules and regulations are. If you dont know your rights, they are more than happy to take your money. 

Thanks!

As long as you are a Philippine Citizen that is coming back under AP you can qualify under the Balikbayan visa and your asawa as well. You just need to make sure you bring your AP, and NOA1, and your marriage license with you and SUBMIT THOSE DOCUMENTS to immigration when you arrive in the country. Do not wait for them to ask for it because they might never ask for it, but have them already to give to them at immigration when y'all get in front of the officer. They will then let your asawa in under the bayan visa and you as returning citizen under the balikbayan as well. 

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Filed: Other Country: Philippines
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6 hours ago, MsCompE said:

Hi,

 

My husband and I are going to visit PH this coming November. We got multiple side trips departing from Mactan Cebu International Airport.

So, I am wondering if I can qualify for a travel tax exemption more than a reduced travel tax. 

Anyone who got a recent experience? 

 

I did a couple of readings from the official TIEZA website and it says Filipino Permanent Residents are qualified for tax exemption.

At this point, I am not yet a resident since my AOS is pending. A small clause in the website says "As provided by RA 6768, balikbayans are also exempted provided that stay in Philippines is less than 1year". This applies to me, I left PH and have not visited for more than a year. 

 

we all know how bad the consistency of PH rules and regulations are. If you dont know your rights, they are more than happy to take your money. 

 

Thanks!

Philippine citizen don't get a Balikbayan Stamp...

RA 6768  Applies to your husband not you.

 

"Filipino Permanent Residents" are former Philippine citizens that HAVE a resident visa for the Philippines.    They are not referring to your Legal Permanent Resident status in the USA.

 

Travel Tax, TIEZA does look at how long you stay in the Philippines as to whether you pay travel tax.  When my wife traveled with a green card, she was required to pay P200 "Exemption Fee" at the booth at the front of the terminal before she could check-in with the airline.  

 

Do you have your Advance Parole card from USCIS?   

Edited by Hank_

Hank

"Chance Favors The Prepared Mind"

 

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“LET’S GO BRANDON!”

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Filed: Other Country: Philippines
Timeline
3 hours ago, cyberfx1024 said:

As long as you are a Philippine Citizen that is coming back under AP you can qualify under the Balikbayan visa and your asawa as well. You just need to make sure you bring your AP, and NOA1, and your marriage license with you and SUBMIT THOSE DOCUMENTS to immigration when you arrive in the country. Do not wait for them to ask for it because they might never ask for it, but have them already to give to them at immigration when y'all get in front of the officer. They will then let your asawa in under the bayan visa and you as returning citizen under the balikbayan as well. 

Citizens of the Philippines can't get a BB stamp.. they are citizens of the Philippines, thus are not limited to how long they can stay.  ;)    Her husband gets the stamp.

Edited by Hank_

Hank

"Chance Favors The Prepared Mind"

 

Picture

 

“LET’S GO BRANDON!”

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Philippines
Timeline

We are there only for 2 weeks. I dont think my husband would even need the BB visa.

 

my concern is solely about the travel tax since our itinerary includes 1week cebu, cebu-hk-cebu, then cebu back to US. Technically, we will be departing cebu intl airport twice. I dont wanna pay unnecessarily twice for a travel tax.

 

Yes, i got AP. But technically, i am not a resident due to pending AOS. Thats why i want to know if i can qualify for tax exemption regardless of the limbo status abroad. 

 

 

Previous U.S. Visa/Trips
03-10-2014 : B1 issued date
03-24-2015 : B1/B2 issued date
02-26-2016 : Visited my aunt in Corpus Christi
02-27-2016 : Meet Ryan and he asked me out 
03-30-2016 : He proposed before I left U.S.
04-01-2016 : I left U.S. I wish I had enough days to marry him.
But, I have a very important business meeting to physically attend in Cebu on 04/04. I also have a business trip due in Japan for May 2016. 
Circumstances lead me to K-1. 
K1 - Journey
Spoiler

 

04-22-2016 : Sent I-129F Packet
07-20-2016 : Received NOA2
08-01-2016 : NVC Case # assigned
08-25-2016 : Interview Date and APPROVED!!! 
09-03-2016 : VOH
AOS - Journey
Spoiler

12-14-2016 : POE

12-30-2016 : Wedding Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
01-20-2017 : Sent I-485, I-765, I-131 Packet
01-24-2017 : NOA1 Received Date
02-03-2017 : Received NOA1 Hard Copy
02-04-2017 : Received Biometrics Appointment Scheduled on 02/17
02-08-2017 : Completed Biometrics
04-22-2017 : EAD Update - Card in Production
04-27-2017 : Received EAD & AP Approval Notice
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
11-17-2017 : I-485 Approved Date
11-25-2017 : I-485 Approved Notice Received
11-27-2017 : GC Received at the mailbox. No text/email notification. USCIS Case Status is still at "Fingerprint Fee Received" 
 
 
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Filed: Other Country: Philippines
Timeline
15 hours ago, MsCompE said:

We are there only for 2 weeks. I dont think my husband would even need the BB visa.

 

my concern is solely about the travel tax since our itinerary includes 1week cebu, cebu-hk-cebu, then cebu back to US. Technically, we will be departing cebu intl airport twice. I dont wanna pay unnecessarily twice for a travel tax.

 

Yes, i got AP. But technically, i am not a resident due to pending AOS. Thats why i want to know if i can qualify for tax exemption regardless of the limbo status abroad. 

 

 

Here is a link to TIEZA .. rules and requirements are listed there.

 

http://tieza.gov.ph/travel-tax/
 

Hank

"Chance Favors The Prepared Mind"

 

Picture

 

“LET’S GO BRANDON!”

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  • 1 month later...
Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Philippines
Timeline

Just in case anyone will stumble on this and needs some answers. Below is my experience: 

 

Combo Card Holders need to pay the full travel tax of P1,620 upon departing any Philippines terminal.

Unless if, you had been away from Philippines for more than a year. (Not every officer knows about it and so, at times, you may need to inform the officer in charge. "Hey, I am away from the country for more than one year, under balikbayan act, I am waived from paying the travel tax" )

Previous U.S. Visa/Trips
03-10-2014 : B1 issued date
03-24-2015 : B1/B2 issued date
02-26-2016 : Visited my aunt in Corpus Christi
02-27-2016 : Meet Ryan and he asked me out 
03-30-2016 : He proposed before I left U.S.
04-01-2016 : I left U.S. I wish I had enough days to marry him.
But, I have a very important business meeting to physically attend in Cebu on 04/04. I also have a business trip due in Japan for May 2016. 
Circumstances lead me to K-1. 
K1 - Journey
Spoiler

 

04-22-2016 : Sent I-129F Packet
07-20-2016 : Received NOA2
08-01-2016 : NVC Case # assigned
08-25-2016 : Interview Date and APPROVED!!! 
09-03-2016 : VOH
AOS - Journey
Spoiler

12-14-2016 : POE

12-30-2016 : Wedding Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
01-20-2017 : Sent I-485, I-765, I-131 Packet
01-24-2017 : NOA1 Received Date
02-03-2017 : Received NOA1 Hard Copy
02-04-2017 : Received Biometrics Appointment Scheduled on 02/17
02-08-2017 : Completed Biometrics
04-22-2017 : EAD Update - Card in Production
04-27-2017 : Received EAD & AP Approval Notice
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
11-17-2017 : I-485 Approved Date
11-25-2017 : I-485 Approved Notice Received
11-27-2017 : GC Received at the mailbox. No text/email notification. USCIS Case Status is still at "Fingerprint Fee Received" 
 
 
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Filed: Other Country: Philippines
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You got it slightly wrong.  It isn't being away from the Philippines for more that a year that exempts you, it is being IN the Philippines for less than one (1) year under the BB privilege 

 

You traveled on your AP (I-131), don't have your green card yet?     You can't avail to the BB anyway.  But you don't have to pay travel tax if your stay is UNDER 1 year.

 

 http://tieza.gov.ph/travel-tax/travel-tax-exemption/

Who may be exempted from paying the Travel Tax?

The following Filipino citizens are exempted from the payment of travel tax pursuant to Sec. 2 of PD 1183, as amended:

  1. Overseas Filipino workers
  2. Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay in the Philippines is less than one year
  3. Infants (2 years and below)

** As provided under R.A. 6768, Balikbayans whose stay in the Philippines is less than one (1) year

Edited by Hank_

Hank

"Chance Favors The Prepared Mind"

 

Picture

 

“LET’S GO BRANDON!”

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Philippines
Timeline
44 minutes ago, Hank_ said:

You got it slightly wrong.  It isn't being away from the Philippines for more that a year that exempts you, it is being IN the Philippines for less than one (1) year under the BB privilege 

 

You traveled on your AP (I-131), don't have your green card yet?     You can't avail to the BB anyway.  But you don't have to pay travel tax if your stay is UNDER 1 year.

 

 http://tieza.gov.ph/travel-tax/travel-tax-exemption/

Who may be exempted from paying the Travel Tax?

The following Filipino citizens are exempted from the payment of travel tax pursuant to Sec. 2 of PD 1183, as amended:

  1. Overseas Filipino workers
  2. Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay in the Philippines is less than one year
  3. Infants (2 years and below)

** As provided under R.A. 6768, Balikbayans whose stay in the Philippines is less than one (1) year

Yes agree that stay IN the philippines has to be less than one year.

 

BUT, a PH holder has to be away from PH for more than one year. That's the very definition of a balikbayan as stated by RA 6768. 

If a combo card holder isn't away from PH for more than a year, she needs to pay the travel tax. 

 

Section 2. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act:

(a) The term "balikbayan" shall mean a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year, a Filipino overseas worker, or a former Filipino citizen and his family, as this term is defined hereunder, who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines; and

 

http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1989/ra_6768_1989.html

Previous U.S. Visa/Trips
03-10-2014 : B1 issued date
03-24-2015 : B1/B2 issued date
02-26-2016 : Visited my aunt in Corpus Christi
02-27-2016 : Meet Ryan and he asked me out 
03-30-2016 : He proposed before I left U.S.
04-01-2016 : I left U.S. I wish I had enough days to marry him.
But, I have a very important business meeting to physically attend in Cebu on 04/04. I also have a business trip due in Japan for May 2016. 
Circumstances lead me to K-1. 
K1 - Journey
Spoiler

 

04-22-2016 : Sent I-129F Packet
07-20-2016 : Received NOA2
08-01-2016 : NVC Case # assigned
08-25-2016 : Interview Date and APPROVED!!! 
09-03-2016 : VOH
AOS - Journey
Spoiler

12-14-2016 : POE

12-30-2016 : Wedding Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
01-20-2017 : Sent I-485, I-765, I-131 Packet
01-24-2017 : NOA1 Received Date
02-03-2017 : Received NOA1 Hard Copy
02-04-2017 : Received Biometrics Appointment Scheduled on 02/17
02-08-2017 : Completed Biometrics
04-22-2017 : EAD Update - Card in Production
04-27-2017 : Received EAD & AP Approval Notice
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
11-17-2017 : I-485 Approved Date
11-25-2017 : I-485 Approved Notice Received
11-27-2017 : GC Received at the mailbox. No text/email notification. USCIS Case Status is still at "Fingerprint Fee Received" 
 
 
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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Philippines
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1 hour ago, Hank_ said:

...

 

 http://tieza.gov.ph/travel-tax/travel-tax-exemption/

Who may be exempted from paying the Travel Tax?

The following Filipino citizens are exempted from the payment of travel tax pursuant to Sec. 2 of PD 1183, as amended:

  1. Overseas Filipino workers
  2. Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay in the Philippines is less than one year
  3. Infants (2 years and below)

** As provided under R.A. 6768, Balikbayans whose stay in the Philippines is less than one (1) year

For PH passport holders traveling with combo card with pending AOS based on marriage, the above qualifications doesnt always apply.

 

1. Overseas Filipino workers are those hired directly by foreign companies or those who applied directly to POEA accredited agencies

2. A combo card doesn't equate to a greencard. A combo card isn't acknowledged as a proof of residency abroad. Thus, combo card holders doesn't qualify under Filipino Permanent Residents abroad. 

 

Thus, the only way for combo card holders to avail the exemption is under this part:

http://tieza.gov.ph/travel-tax/travel-tax-exemption/

As provided under R.A. 6768, Balikbayans whose stay in the Philippines is less than one (1) year Identification pages of passport and stamps of last departure from and arrival in the Philippines, duration of which is at least one (1) year
Airline ticket used in traveling to the Philippines

 

However, a Filipino is only considered as balikbayan only if he has been continuously out of the country for more than a year

 

Edited by MsCompE
Previous U.S. Visa/Trips
03-10-2014 : B1 issued date
03-24-2015 : B1/B2 issued date
02-26-2016 : Visited my aunt in Corpus Christi
02-27-2016 : Meet Ryan and he asked me out 
03-30-2016 : He proposed before I left U.S.
04-01-2016 : I left U.S. I wish I had enough days to marry him.
But, I have a very important business meeting to physically attend in Cebu on 04/04. I also have a business trip due in Japan for May 2016. 
Circumstances lead me to K-1. 
K1 - Journey
Spoiler

 

04-22-2016 : Sent I-129F Packet
07-20-2016 : Received NOA2
08-01-2016 : NVC Case # assigned
08-25-2016 : Interview Date and APPROVED!!! 
09-03-2016 : VOH
AOS - Journey
Spoiler

12-14-2016 : POE

12-30-2016 : Wedding Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
01-20-2017 : Sent I-485, I-765, I-131 Packet
01-24-2017 : NOA1 Received Date
02-03-2017 : Received NOA1 Hard Copy
02-04-2017 : Received Biometrics Appointment Scheduled on 02/17
02-08-2017 : Completed Biometrics
04-22-2017 : EAD Update - Card in Production
04-27-2017 : Received EAD & AP Approval Notice
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
11-17-2017 : I-485 Approved Date
11-25-2017 : I-485 Approved Notice Received
11-27-2017 : GC Received at the mailbox. No text/email notification. USCIS Case Status is still at "Fingerprint Fee Received" 
 
 
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Filed: Other Country: Philippines
Timeline

Ah, I see where you are coming from.    Part of your issue is not having your green card, you traveled using the Advance Parole card (as you call combo card) which is not evidence of permanent residency in a foreign country, if you had your green card showing you are a permanent resident of a foreign country you would have been exempted also.

 

 

 

http://osakapcg.dfa.gov.ph/balikbayan-program

 

 

 

 

Hank

"Chance Favors The Prepared Mind"

 

Picture

 

“LET’S GO BRANDON!”

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Philippines
Timeline

oops! sorry I auto assumed that combo card was understood in my initial post. 

I literally meant EAD/AP combo card and as noted in my initial post my AOS was pending at the time of travel. 

Previous U.S. Visa/Trips
03-10-2014 : B1 issued date
03-24-2015 : B1/B2 issued date
02-26-2016 : Visited my aunt in Corpus Christi
02-27-2016 : Meet Ryan and he asked me out 
03-30-2016 : He proposed before I left U.S.
04-01-2016 : I left U.S. I wish I had enough days to marry him.
But, I have a very important business meeting to physically attend in Cebu on 04/04. I also have a business trip due in Japan for May 2016. 
Circumstances lead me to K-1. 
K1 - Journey
Spoiler

 

04-22-2016 : Sent I-129F Packet
07-20-2016 : Received NOA2
08-01-2016 : NVC Case # assigned
08-25-2016 : Interview Date and APPROVED!!! 
09-03-2016 : VOH
AOS - Journey
Spoiler

12-14-2016 : POE

12-30-2016 : Wedding Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
01-20-2017 : Sent I-485, I-765, I-131 Packet
01-24-2017 : NOA1 Received Date
02-03-2017 : Received NOA1 Hard Copy
02-04-2017 : Received Biometrics Appointment Scheduled on 02/17
02-08-2017 : Completed Biometrics
04-22-2017 : EAD Update - Card in Production
04-27-2017 : Received EAD & AP Approval Notice
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
05-01-2017 : Received EAD & AP Combo Card
11-17-2017 : I-485 Approved Date
11-25-2017 : I-485 Approved Notice Received
11-27-2017 : GC Received at the mailbox. No text/email notification. USCIS Case Status is still at "Fingerprint Fee Received" 
 
 
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Filed: Other Country: Philippines
Timeline
1 hour ago, MsCompE said:

oops! sorry I auto assumed that combo card was understood in my initial post. 

I literally meant EAD/AP combo card and as noted in my initial post my AOS was pending at the time of travel. 

Was understood.  Just pointing out that if you had your green card instead of the AP  you would have been exempt from the travel tax (for under a year stay)

Hank

"Chance Favors The Prepared Mind"

 

Picture

 

“LET’S GO BRANDON!”

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