Mr. Juan Dela Cruz is a self-employed professional based in the Philippines. He provides consulting services in the field of information technology. As a resident Filipino citizen, Mr. Dela Cruz is subject to the income tax provisions of the Philippine taxation laws. Mr. Dela Cruz recently completed his fiscal year and is preparing to file his income tax return. He seeks to understand the complexities of the income tax system and wants to ensure compliance while optimizing his tax liabilities. However, he faces challenges in understanding the various deductions, exemptions, and tax rates applicable to his income. Below are the questions that will help Mr. Dela Cruz informed about his tax obligations. By addressing these case study questions, Mr. Dela Cruz will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Philippine income tax system, enabling him to navigate the complexities of individual income taxation. Furthermore, this knowledge will help him make informed decisions to optimize his tax liabilities while ensuring compliance with the country's tax laws.

Case Study Questions: 

1. What are the key components of Mr. Dela Cruz's taxable income? Identify the sources of income that should be included in his computation, considering his self-employment as a consultant in the IT field. 

2. Explain the progressive tax rate system used in the Philippines and how it applies to Mr. Dela Cruz's taxable income. Calculate his income tax liability based on a hypothetical income level and determine the corresponding tax rate.

3. Discuss the available deductions and exemptions that Mr. Dela Cruz can utilize to optimize his tax liabilities. Identify any specific deductions or exemptions applicable to self-employed professionals and their limitations. 

4. Analyze the impact of recent changes or updates in the Philippine income tax system, such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Assess how these changes affect Mr. Dela Cruz's tax liabilities and any potential benefits or disadvantages they bring.

5. Discuss the importance of maintaining proper records and documentation to support income tax filings for self-employed individuals like Mr. Dela Cruz. Identify the necessary documents he needs to gather and maintain to ensure compliance with tax regulations and facilitate efficient filing.