Taxes along the campaign trail

While the campaign period for the May 2022 elections has yet to formally start — February 8 for those vying for national posts and March 25 for those aspiring for local positions — the push to raise candidates' profiles has unmistakably begun. Considering the volume of transactions involved in mounting a serious campaign, political teams should ensure compliance with their tax obligations, especially during this time when our government needs the revenue the most.

Tax exemptions apply only to contributions or donations made during the campaign period. Thus, the rules cited here are not applicable to donations made prior to or after the campaign period set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).