Kedungkandang (malangkota.go.id) – From the records of the Regional Tax Service Agency (BP2D) of Malang City, since the beginning of January to the end of July 2019, there have been more than 500 files of applications for reductions and relief piled up on the desk of the Head of BP2D Malang City, Ir. Ade Herawanto, MT.
In detail, 434 Taxpayers (WP) submitted requests for Land & Building Tax (PBB) reductions, 32 for Advertising Tax, 14 for Land & Building Acquisition Tax (BPHTB), 10 for Entertainment Tax and many more requests for restitution.
"Of course this is an ironic situation. At a time when we have to be able to achieve such a high target, but on the other hand more and more people are applying for relief for various regional tax payments," said Sam Ade, as he is familiarly called.
The mechanism for granting reductions is not against the rules. The procedure is even stated in standard rules. For example, specifically for land tax, namely Land & Building Tax (PBB) is regulated in Law Number 28 of 2009 concerning Regional Taxes & Regional Retributions and Mayor Regulation (Perwal) Number 15 of 2013.
"For all approvals for tax relief, it is the authority of the mayor (of Malang), but specifically for PBB reduction, there has been a delegation of authority to us in accordance with applicable regulations," continued Sam Ade, who is also known as an Aremania figure.
The granting of this relief, he continued, requires various criteria and administrative provisions as well as verification in the field, such as a Certificate of Inability to Pay (SKTM) from the RT/RW and sub-district where the taxpayer lives.
"However, of course, the field verification activities will drain a lot of energy and concentration of tax officers in the context of daily tax services and collection," he continued.
Meanwhile, for the relief of Land & Building Acquisition Tax (BPHTB) or commonly called sales and purchase tax refers to Law No. 28 of 2009 and also Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 15 of 2010 with a maximum relief percentage of 25 percent. Meanwhile, for other regional taxes, relief of up to a maximum of 50 percent also applies.
However, the large number of people applying for tax relief is certainly not in line with the spirit of increasing Regional Original Income (PAD) by the Malang City Government. This will have a negative impact on the development of Malang City in the future as well as having implications for the welfare of its citizens.
In response to this, Ade hopes that the public can be wiser in applying for regional tax relief.
"So not all taxpayers can immediately apply for relief. We also do not discriminate in providing reductions. There are aspects of eligibility and considerations such as social and economic conditions and taxpayers who truly meet the requirements. All must also be in line with regulations," said the man who is also known as the East Java Amateur Boxing coach for the 2019-2023 period.
The former Head of Public Relations for the Malang City Government then gave an example of an appeal displayed in his office, so that the public would not flock to file objections or ask for leniency even though they were actually able to pay their obligations.
"It seems natural and humane that everyone will definitely avoid their tax obligations. So we suggest, it is better to intend worship like when carrying out zakat and sacrifice on Eid al-Adha. So there will be no reluctance or burden to carry out their tax obligations," he said.
This was responded specifically by the Mayor of Malang Drs. H. Sutiaji. The number one person in the ranks of the Malang City Government did not deny that many people had applied for tax relief.
"I continue to monitor the performance of BP2D, and I appreciate the creative steps that have been taken. Regarding reports of requests for tax relief, there are already rules and mechanisms and they are very selective. There must be careful verification, so as not to make a wrong diagnosis. Including seeing track record the taxpayer himself," he explained.
Sutiaji understands that there are many requests for reductions, but hopes that this will not reduce the enthusiasm of Bumi Arema residents in fulfilling their tax obligations.
"But I still appeal and encourage active participation of residents in fulfilling tax obligations. Because its use will also return to residents and to the city of Malang," concluded the mayor who is a badminton enthusiast. (hms/yon)
