Which motel paid the most taxes in 2012?

Mariposa topped the list of motels that paid the highest taxes in 2012, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) latest Tax Watch ad.

Mariposa paid P73.513 million income tax in 2012, "higher than luxury hotel Ascott Makati - The Residence," the BIR said in the ad.

Ascott Makati paid P55.549 million income tax.

Unlike the luxury hotel however, Mariposa has several branches – in Marikina, Taytay, Cubao, Pasig and Anonas.

Following Mariposa in the list of top motel taxpayers were:

Anito Lodge (P15.245 million)
Microtel Inn & Suites (P9.816 million)
Victoria Court (P7.169 million)
Sogo (P2.361 million)
Gardenia Terrace Motel (P1.263 million)
The rest of the motels in the list paid income taxes below P1 million.

"Based on preliminary reviews of the BIR, a total of 14 motels have no TINs (Tax Identification Numbers)," the BIR said.

The agency also listed down several motels that had zero income tax in 2012, based on BIR records. These were Bali-Hai Travelodge, Eurotel, Nice Hotel, and Town & Country Sta. Mesa.

The BIR's Tax Watch ads are part of a campaign to encourage companies, establishments and individuals to pay the right taxes. The bureau is hard-pressed to improve tax collections, which the government uses to fund its spending program. The government wants to continue accelerating spending to sustain the country's high economic growth.

Story by: rappler.com
Photo by: rappler.com