Title
Books must be kept in native, English, or Spanish
Law
Republic Act No. 445
Decision Date
Jun 7, 1950
Republic Act No. 445 requires corporations, companies, partnerships, or individuals to keep their books or records in a native language, English, or Spanish, and mandates a certified translation if kept in any other language.

Law Summary

Translation Requirement for Records in Other Languages

  • If the taxpayer keeps additional books or records in a language other than native languages, English, or Spanish, they must provide a true and complete translation of all entries into a native language, English, or Spanish.
  • The translation must be prepared by the taxpayer’s bookkeeper, or in the absence of the bookkeeper, by the manager of the business.
  • The translation must be certified under oath by the bookkeeper or manager attesting to its correctness.
  • This certified translation shall be considered an integral part of the official books of accounts.

Prohibition Against Keeping Books in Other Languages

  • The law expressly prohibits keeping accounting books or records solely in any language other than a native language, English, or Spanish without proper certified translation.

Effectivity Clause

  • The amendments provided by this Act take effect immediately upon approval.

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