Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach isn’t exempted from tax says BIR
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said that Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s winnings/prizes from the said prestigious pageant isn’t tax exempted based on Philippine regulations.
Wurtzbach winnings will be subject to a maximum of 32 percent income tax rate.
Miss Universe has not disclosed the exact cash prize Pia will receive but she will at least get a year’s salary as reigning queen and accommodations to a posh New York City apartment.
She will also get a $100,000 scholarship from the New York Film Academy College of Visual Performing Arts.
As part and parcel of her becoming a beauty queen, Pia will be pampered with various designer products and beauty services including hair, skin, and dental care. She will be given a custom diamond tiara with matching jewelry when she ends her reign after the crowning of her successor.
In 1964, Gemma Cruz-Araneta who was then crowned Miss International was granted tax exemption for her earnings by the BIR after the Congress passed a special legislation.
Pia is scheduled to return home for the first time after winning the crown on January 23.
