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INTRODUCTORY LECTURE o Police Power –


o Eminent Domain –
« VAT
o VAT is not inflationary. b. Amount of exaction, if any
o Unlike sales tax that has a cascading o Taxation – amount or rate must be clear
effect (tax upon tax à tax component of in the law. This determination is within
selling price is subjected to tax), VAT has the exclusive competence of Congress or
no tax cascade. the Legislature.
§ Cf. Sec. 106, NIRC: Gross o Police Power – only regulatory fees,
selling price – “excluding which must be minimal (or just enough
VAT”- base of VAT at 12% to cover expenses of regulation)
rate o Eminent Domain – no exaction but just
§ Unlike in sales tax, only the compensation
value that is added is subject to
VAT. c. Benefits received by the citizenry
o VAT does not distinguish between types o T – cost of living in a civilized society
of commodities. It imposes the same rate (e.g., for infrastructure)
for all goods. o PP – orderly society
§ Equal opportunities for o ED – for a public purpose (plus just
businessmen. compensation)
§ Therefore, the price of goods
and services will be influenced d. As to relationship with the non-impairment
only by the law of supply and clause
demand. o T – inferior to the NIC, unlike PP and
o VAT forces all business people to be ED, but only when one of the
honest, as such people have to issue VAT contracting parties is the Government.
invoice and reflect them on their ITRs. § E.g., public borrowings of the
Government
I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TAXATION § When the Government enters
into contracts with private
A. Definition and concept of taxation individuals, it stoops down to
the level of that individual,
Characteristics or Scope of Taxation therefore, it cannot renege on
its obligations.
a. Unlimited – can cover any subject or object which o All contracts are subject to the (silent)
Congress deems wise to tax condition that they will not prevail over
b. Comprehensive – covers rights, privileges, any changes in the law, even if it would
persons, corporations, businesses, professions, etc. impose more burdensome obligations on
o Note: Only cities and provinces, and one party.
municipalities within Metro Manila
(Pateros), can impose RPT e. As to scope
c. Plenary power – complete process from levy to o Taxation – supreme (everything that
assessment to collection to payment Congress deems wise to tax, therefore,
d. Supreme over the other inherent powers of the the power to destroy notion)
Government – only insofar as selection of subject o Police Power – subjects only legal
is concerned. businesses or activities
o Eminent Domain –
B. Power of taxation compared with other inherent powers
C. Source of the power to tax
Similarities between three inherent powers a. National government – an inherent
a. Inherent in the government power of the sovereign government
b. Legislative i. Constitutional provisions
relating to the power of taxation
Distinctions do not operate as grants of the
a. Purpose power to the Government, but
o Taxation – to provide government with instead, merely constitute
operational fund, or to raise revenues limitations upon a power which
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would otherwise be without pay. It can be done through distraint (for


limit. PP), garnishment (for bank accounts),
and levy (for RP).
b. LGUs – have taxing powers only by « Note: If there is no bidder
virtue of a direct constitutional grant in an auction after levy of
(1987 Constitution, Art. X) RP, the property shall be
forfeited to the
D. Basis of the power to tax Government.
d. Payment – the voluntary act of
« Necessity theory extinguishing tax liability. This culminates
« Benefits-protection theory (Symbiotic relationship) the process. It is not an admission of the
validity of the assessment, as the taxpayer
E. Purpose or objective of taxation can later file a claim for refund, or
exercise other remedies available to him
Primary Purpose of Taxation against the tax assessment.
« Raise revenues for the Government
G. Basic principles of a sound tax system
Secondary Purposes of Taxation a. Fiscal adequacy
a. Promotion of the general welfare (e.g., Araneta b. Administrative feasibility
case – sugar industry is a national concern) i. Violated when a tax law requires
b. Regulation (e.g., sin tax – to regulate consumption) that the payment of taxes be in
c. Reduction of social inequality (mandate of kind.
Congress to evolve as progressive system of c. Theoretical justice
taxation à progressive rates) i. Founded on the ability-to-pay
d. Encourage economic growth (e.g., income tax principle
holiday)
e. Protectionism – protect local industries from « A deficit in tax collection is not in accord with
foreign competition a sound tax system because the Government
i. Protective tariff will have no sufficient funds to deliver the
a. For agricultural products, by the DA basic services to the people.
Secretary, upon recommendation of
the Commissioner of Customs. « What is the relationship between regressive
b. For non-agri, by the DTI Secretary, taxes and the principle of theoretical justice?
upon recommendation of the o Regressive taxes tend to impose more
Commissioner of Customs. burden on those who do not have the
ii. Even VAT ability to pay, hence, it violates the ability-
a. Exports are 0%. to-pay principle which is the foundation
b. Imports 12% (even if for personal of theoretical justice.
use)
c. Destination principle (cross-border) « The Constitution does not prohibit the
imposition of regressive taxes. What it provides
F. Stages, steps, processes of phases of taxation is simply to evolve a progressive system of
taxation. [PAL v. Secretary of Finance, et al., G.R.
a. Levy – act of the Legislature of enacting No. 115852, October 30, 1995)
law
b. Assessment – determination of tax H. Definition and characteristics of taxes
liability. It is an act of the Executive
Department through the BIR. Taxes – enforced proportional contributions from
« Note: Income tax is persons and property levied by the law-making
through self-assessment. body of the State by virtue of its sovereignty for
Pay-as-you-file system. the support of the government and for public
However, it is still subject needs
to audit (deficiency taxes).
c. Collection – not the voluntary act of Characteristics:
paying tax liability, therefore, not equal to a. Forced charge
payment. Collection is simply an act of b. Generally payable in money
enforcement, if taxpayer can’t or won’t c. Levied by the legislative body
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d. Assessed in accordance with some


reasonable rule of apportionment d. Exemption of the Government from taxes
(observance of ability-to-pay principle) e. International comity
e. It must be imposed within jurisdiction of
the State Constitutional Limitations
f. It is levied for public purpose.
a. Due process clause, whether it be substantial
I. Tax vis-à-vis other forms of exactions or procedural
i. Sec. 1, Art. III
a. Tariff – taxes on exports and imports
b. Toll – b. Equal protection of the laws
c. License fee – i. Sec. 1, Art. III
d. Special assessment –
« The tax law should be applied with equal force and
e. Debt effect to persons, articles and properties belonging
o A tax is not a debt because it is an to the same class.
obligation solely imposed by law; while a « Singling out one class for taxation purposes does
debt is an obligation created by contract, not contravene the EP clause because singling out
express or implied. one taxpayer belonging to a class will run counter
to the requirements of the fundamental law.
J. Classification of taxes « Classification is permitted if:
i. The standards used therefor are not
Direct v. indirect taxes arbitrary but are reasonable and
« Direct tax is demanded from the very person who, substantial;
as intended, should pay the tax which he cannot ii. The classification is germane to
shift to another. Examples: income tax, donor’s achieve the purpose of the
tax, estate tax [Maceda v. Macaraig, 223 SCRA 217] legislation;
« Indirect tax is demanded in the first instance from iii. That classification applies to both
one person with the expectation that can shift the present and future conditions, other
burden to someone else, not as a tax but as part of circumstances being equal; and
the purchase price. Examples: VAT, DST, excise iv. The classification applies equally to
tax on certain products, percentage tax [Maceda v. all those belonging to the same class.
Macaraig, 223 SCRA 217] [Pepsi Cola v. City of Butuan, 24 SCRA
3]
Ad-valorem v. specific taxes « A tax on an “installation manager” is not
discriminatory just because at the time said tax was
K. Limitations on the power to tax imposed, there was no other person in the locality
who exercised such occupation. [Shell Co. of P.I.,
Inherent Limitations Ltd. v. Vano, etc., 94 Phil. 987]
a. Public purpose – The test of public purpose « A tax ordinance levied on export tax on centrifugal
are: sugar milled by Ormoc Sugar Central, mentioning
i. Whether the object to be furthered only this company name. Although Ormoc Sigar
by the appropriation of public Central was the only sugar central existing at that
revenue is something which is the time, the ordinance is defective because even if a
duty of the Government to provide; similar company is later set up, it cannot be subject
and to the tax levied by the ordinance. [Ormoc Sugar
ii. Whether the proceeds of the tax will Central v. Treasurer of Ormoc City, L-23794, February
directly promote the welfare of the 17, 1968]
community in equal measure
c. Freedom of speech and of the press
b. Non-delegability of the power to tax i. Sec. 4, Art. III
i. Principle of potestas delegata non
potest delegare d. Non-infringement of religious freedom and
ii. Exceptions worship
i. Sec. 5, Art. III
c. Territoriality or situs of taxation
i. Multiplicity of tax situs e. Non-impairment of contracts
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i. Sec. 10, Art. III e. Contractual


f. Partial
f. Non-imprisonment for debt or non-payment g. Total
of poll tax
i. Sec. 20, Art. III M. Double taxation
ii. If a taxpayer fails or refuses to pay
income tax and a criminal action is Double taxation (direct duplicate taxation) – means taxing
filed against him, can he not raise as for the same tax period the same thing or activity twice,
a defense this constitutional when it should be taxed but once, for the same purpose and
provision? No. with the same kind or character of tax.

g. Rule requiring that appropriations, revenue Direct duplicate taxation – a prohibitive type of double
and tariff bills shall originate exclusively from taxation, also called obnoxious double taxation, for being
the House of Representatives violative of the rule on uniformity in taxation.
i. Sec. 24, Art. VI
Indirect duplicate taxation – It is allowed, and it will not
h. Uniformity, equitability and progressivity of invalidate a tax measure on the ground that there is double
taxation taxation. It is also called permissive double taxation.
i. Sec. 28(1), Art. VI [Villanueva v. City of Iloilo, L-26251, December 28, 1968]

i. Limitations on the congressional power to N. Forms of escape from taxation; Tax avoidance and tax
delegate to the President the authority to fix evasion
tariff rates, import and export quotas, etc.
i. Sec. 28(2), Art. VI Elements of tax evasion
a. Payment of an amount of tax that is less than
j. Tax exemption of properties actually, directly what is known by the taxpayer to be legally
and exclusively used for religious, charitable due;
and educational purposes b. An accompanying state of mind which is evil,
i. Sec. 28(3), Art. VI in bad faith, deliberate and not merely
accidental; and
k. Voting requirement in connection with the c. A cause of action or failure of action which is
legislative grant of tax exemption unlawful. [CIR v. Benigno Toda, Jr., 438 SCRA
i. Sec. 28(4), Art. VI 290]

l. Non-impairment of the jurisdiction of the O. Powers and duties of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue
Supreme Court in tax cases
i. Sec. 2, Art. VIII a. Interpret provisions of the NIRC and other
ii. Sec. 5, Art. VIII tax laws subject to review of the Secretary of
Finance (Sec. 4)
m. Exemption from taxes of the revenues and b. Decide tax cases (Sec. 4)
assets of educational institutions, including i. Disputed assessments
grants, endowments, donations and ii. Refunds of internal revenue taxes,
contributions fees and charges
i. Sec. 4(3) and (4), Art. XIV iii. Penalties imposed in relation thereto
iv. Other matters arising from the
L. Tax exemption NIRC or other laws or portions
thereof administered by the BIR
« It is a grant of immunity, express or implied, subject to the exclusive appellate
to particular persons or corporations from the jurisdiction of the CTA
obligation to pay taxes.
c. Obtain information, and to summon/
Kinds of tax exemption: examine, and take testimony of persons (Sec.
a. Constitutional 5)
a. Statutory d. Make assessments and prescribe additional
b. Express requirements for tax administration and
c. Implied enforcement – supplements the self-
d. Unilateral assessment system (Sec. 6)
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e. Conduct inventory-taking, surveillance and to o Fiscal year – any 12-month period ending
prescribe presumptive gross sales and receipts on any month other than Dec.
f. Prescribe real property values
g. Inquire into bank deposit accounts WHEN IS AN INCOME TAXABLE?
« 3 requirements:
« International Double Taxation (Income Tax) o There has to be a closed and completed
o Resident Citizens transaction à REALIZATION
o Domestic Corporations o Gain or profit is derived therefrom à
à Both are taxed on income sourced REALIZATION
within and without the Philippines o There is no law which excludes it from
taxation à RECOGNITION
« Remedies
1. __
« An income to be taxable must be BOTH realized
2. Reciprocal Exception (under tax treaties)
AND recognized.
3. Reduced tax rates (principle of
reciprocity) « An increase in the value of an investment is not a
realized gain, hence, not subject to income tax.
§ E.g., dividends received by a
[FDC v. CIR, 2011]
non-resident corporation (Sec.
28, NIRC) « An interest cannot be imputed in a loan where the
parties did not provide for interest. There must be
real income before the CIR is allowed to allocate
II. NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE the same.
OF 1997, AS AMENDED (NIRC) « Enhancement of control in a controlled
corporation is still tax-free.
A. INCOME TAXATION
« Distinction between realization and
- Tax on income, whether gross or net recognition
o Realization is broader. Not all realized
- Not everything received by a taxpayer during a
income is recognized, but all recognized
taxable year is income. What he may have received
income is realized.
is only capital.
o Realization always comes first.
WHAT IS AN INCOME?
« Who makes the recognition? Congress. You find
« Income may be defined as the gain defined from
it in the law.
capital, from labor, or from both combined,
o The basic rule is: If an income is realized,
provided it is understood to include profit gained
and there is no law excluding it from
through a sale or conversion of capital assets.
taxation, then it is taxable.
[Doyle v. Mitchell, 247 US 179]
o Recognition is always presumed.
o Capital Asset (Sec. 29) – property of a
taxpayer, whether or not… When you are
TESTS OF TAXABILITY OF INCOME
selling capital asset, you are not
« Flow of Wealth Test – gain derived from capital
employing capital. Because capital asset is
an investment. « Realization Test – closed and completed
o Versus ordinary assets: When selling transaction
ordinary assets, you are employing capital « Economic-Benefit Principle
to gain income therefrom. « Recognition Principle

« Income is any wealth that flows into the taxpayer WHEN IS AN INCOME REALIZED? (DOCTRINES
other than a mere return of capital. [Fisher v. OF REALIZATION)
Trinidad, 43 Phil. 973]
« Income is wealth that is accumulated over a period 1. Severance Test: An income is not realized until
of time. the fruit is plucked from the tree. The gain must be
o Element of “periodicity” is always there. severed from the capital.
Calendar year or fiscal year accounting
periods. REVENUE REGULATIONS NO. 02-40
o Calendar year – any 12-month period SECTION 49. Improvements by lessees. — When buildings
ending Dec. 31 are erected or improvements made by a lessee in pursuance of
an agreement with the lessor, and such buildings or
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improvements are not subject to removal by the lessee, the 2. Claim of right doctrine: If a taxpayer during a
lessor may at his option report the income therefrom upon taxable year received something of value and legal
either of the following bases; or equitable title thereon, and you appropriated it
as your own. (Therefore, windfalls are taxable, e.g.,
(a) The lessor may report as income at the time when such if you found something on the street.) You are
buildings or improvements are completed the fair market value required to declare that in your ITR.
of such buildings or improvements subject to the lease. • Commissioner v. Javier
(b) The lessor may spread over the life of the lease the • See Sec. 32B à Exclusions from Gross
estimated depreciated value of such buildings or improvements Income à #3. Gifts, Bequests, and
at the termination of the lease and report as income for each Devises
year of the lease an aliquot part thereof.
3. Doctrine of Involuntary Conversion of
If for any other reason than a bona fide purchase from the Property
lessee by the lessor the lease is terminated, so that the lessor • Forfeiture, confiscation, etc., and the
comes into possession or control of the property prior to the proceeds is used to acquire a like-kind
time originally fixed for the termination of the lease, the lessor
receives additional income for the year in which the lease is so
property, then it is not taxable à there is
terminated to the extent that the value of such buildings or continuity of ownership as if there was
improvements when he became entitled to such possession no gain realized. Also not taxable if
exceeds the amount already reported as income on account of exchange from one residential lot to
the erection of such buildings or improvements. No another residential lot.
appreciation in value due to causes other than the premature • Sale or conversion à there is no law
termination of the lease shall be included. Conversely, if the excluding it (insurance proceeds from
building or improvements are destroyed prior to the expiration warehouse that burned down)
of the lease, the lessor is entitled to deduct as a loss for the year
when such destruction takes place the amount previously 4. Equivalent of cash doctrine
reported as income because of the erection of such buildings or • If services are paid in kind (e.g., jewelry).
improvements, less any salvage value subject to the lease to the
Or stock dividends acquired during a
extent that such loss was not compensated for by insurance. If
transaction that resulted in a change of
the buildings or improvements destroyed were acquired prior
to March 1, 1913, the deduction shall be based on the cost or ownership interests of shareholders.
the value subject to the lease to the extent that such loss was • For as long as what is received is
not compensated for by insurance. measurable in money or money’s worth.
Not love and affection!
• Is there an instance when stock dividends • See Sec. 32
become a realized gain subject to income
tax? Fisher v. Trinidad MEASUREMENT OF GAIN OR LOSS IN A SALE
o Yes. When there is a change in OR EXCHANGE
the ownership interests of the
shareholder. But this merely an NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
EXCEPTION. Section 40. Determination of Amount and Recognition of
o For example, when there is an Gain or Loss. -
option to avail of cash dividends (A) Computation of Gain or Loss. - The gain from the sale or other
or property, instead of stock disposition of property shall be the excess of the amount
realized therefrom over the basis or adjusted basis for
dividends, and some
determining gain, and the loss shall be the excess of the basis or
shareholders availed of that
adjusted basis for determining loss over the amount realized.
option. ALL of them will be The amount realized from the sale or other disposition of
subject to income tax, not only property shall be the sum of money received plus the fair
those who received cash market value of the property (other than money) received;
dividends or property, because
there is a change in ownership (B) Basis for Determining Gain or Loss from Sale or Disposition of
interests (equivalent to cash). Property. - The basis of property shall be -
The withholding agent is legally (1) The cost thereof in the case of property acquired on or after
liable to pay for the tax March 1, 1913, if such property was acquired by purchase; or
(withhold 10%). (2) The fair market price or value as of the date of acquisition,
if the same was acquired by inheritance; or
(3) If the property was acquired by gift, the basis shall be the
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same as if it would be in the hands of the donor or the last b) If, in connection with the exchange described in the
preceding owner by whom it was not acquired by gift, except above exceptions, the transferor corporation receives
that if such basis is greater than the fair market value of the not only stock permitted to be received without the
property at the time of the gift then, for the purpose of recognition of gain or loss but also money and/or
determining loss, the basis shall be such fair market value; or other property, then (i) if the corporation receiving
(4) If the property was acquired for less than an adequate such money and/or other property distributes it in
consideration in money or money's worth, the basis of such pursuance of the plan of merger or consolidation, no
property is the amount paid by the transferee for the property; gain to the corporation shall be recognized from the
or exchange, but (ii) if the corporation receiving such
(5) The basis as defined in paragraph (C)(5) of this Section, if other property and/or money does not distribute it in
the property was acquired in a transaction where gain or loss is pursuance of the plan of merger or consolidation, the
not recognized under paragraph (C)(2) of this Section. gain, if any, but not the loss to the corporation shall
be recognized but in an amount not in excess of the
(C) Exchange of Property. - sum of such money and the fair market value of such
(1) General Rule. - Except as herein provided, upon the sale or other property so received, which is not distributed.
exchange or property, the entire amount of the gain or loss, as
the case may be, shall be recognized. (4) Assumption of Liability. -
a) If the taxpayer, in connection with the exchanges
(2) Exception. - No gain or loss shall be recognized if in described in the foregoing exceptions, receives stock
pursuance of a plan of merger or consolidation - or securities which would be permitted to be received
a) A corporation, which is a party to a merger or without the recognition of the gain if it were the sole
consolidation, exchanges property solely for stock in consideration, and as part of the consideration,
a corporation, which is a party to the merger or another party to the exchange assumes a liability of
consolidation; or the taxpayer, or acquires from the taxpayer property,
b) A shareholder exchanges stock in a corporation, subject to a liability, then such assumption or
which is a party to the merger or consolidation, solely acquisition shall not be treated as money and/or
for the stock of another corporation also a party to other property, and shall not prevent the exchange
the merger or consolidation; or from being within the exceptions.
c) A security holder of a corporation, which is a party to b) If the amount of the liabilities assumed plus the
the merger or consolidation, exchanges his securities amount of the liabilities to which the property is
in such corporation, solely for stock or securities in subject exceed the total of the adjusted basis of the
such corporation, a party to the merger or property transferred pursuant to such exchange, then
consolidation. such excess shall be considered as a gain from the
sale or exchange of a capital asset or of property
No gain or loss shall also be recognized if property is which is not a capital asset, as the case may be.
transferred to a corporation by a person in exchange for stock
or unit of participation in such a corporation of which as a (5) Basis -
result of such exchange said person, alone or together with a) The basis of the stock or securities received by the
others, not exceeding four (4) persons, gains control of said transferor upon the exchange specified in the above
corporation: Provided, That stocks issued for services shall not exception shall be the same as the basis of the
be considered as issued in return for property. property, stock or securities exchanged, decreased by
(1) the money received, and (2) the fair market value
(3) Exchange Not Solely in Kind. - of the other property received, and increased by (a)
a) If, in connection with an exchange described in the the amount treated as dividend of the shareholder
above exceptions, an individual, a shareholder, a and (b) the amount of any gain that was recognized
security holder or a corporation receives not only on the exchange: Provided, That the property
stock or securities permitted to be received without received as 'boot' shall have as basis its fair market
the recognition of gain or loss, but also money value: Provided, further, That if as part of the
and/or property, the gain, if any, but not the loss, consideration to the transferor, the transferee of
shall be recognized but in an amount not in excess of property assumes a liability of the transferor or
the sum of the money and fair market value of such acquires form the latter property subject to a liability,
other property received: Provided, That as to the such assumption or acquisition (in the amount of the
shareholder, if the money and/or other property liability) shall, for purposes of this paragraph, be
received has the effect of a distribution of a taxable treated as money received by the transferor on the
dividend, there shall be taxed as dividend to the exchange: Provided, finally, That if the transferor
shareholder an amount of the gain recognized not in receives several kinds of stock or securities, the
excess of his proportionate share of the undistributed Commissioner is hereby authorized to allocate the
earnings and profits of the corporation; the basis among the several classes of stocks or securities.
remainder, if any, of the gain recognized shall be b) The basis of the property transferred in the hands of
treated as a capital gain. the transferee shall be the same as it would be in the
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hands of the transferor increased by the amount of • A (100K) donated to B (300K FMV) à
the gain recognized to the transferor on the transfer. B (300K) sold to C (400K) = gain is
300K
(6) Definitions. - • Therefore, any increase in value in the
a) The term 'securities' means bonds and debentures but
hands of the donor will be carried over to
not 'notes" of whatever class or duration.
the donee.
b) The term 'merger' or 'consolidation', when used in
4. Stepped-Up Basis – if a property is acquired by
this Section, shall be understood to mean: (i) the
ordinary merger or consolidation, or (ii) the inheritance
acquisition by one corporation of all or substantially • The basis is the fair market price or value
all the properties of another corporation solely for as of the time of the death of the
stock: Provided, That for a transaction to be regarded decedent (time of inheritance).
as a merger or consolidation within the purview of • A (100K) then FMV increased to 300K
this Section, it must be undertaken for a bona fide à died à B inherited (300K) à B sold
business purpose and not solely for the purpose of to C (400K) = gain is 100K
escaping the burden of taxation: Provided, further,
That in determining whether a bona fide business
• Why does the law impose a heavier
purpose exists, each and every step of the transaction income tax on the donee rather than on
shall be considered and the whole transaction or the heir? “Para maibsan ang kalungkutan ng
series of transaction shall be treated as a single unit: namatayan.” – Sir Abella
Provided, finally , That in determining whether the 5. Substituted basis – for tax-free exchanges
property transferred constitutes a substantial portion
of the property of the transferor, the term 'property' EXCHANGES THAT DO NOT RESULT IN
shall be taken to include the cash assets of the RECOGNITION OF GAIN
transferor.
c) The term 'control', when used in this Section, shall 1. Principle of substance over form
mean ownership of stocks in a corporation 2. Mergers or consolidation
possessing at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the total 3. Transfer to a controlled corporation
voting power of all classes of stocks entitled to vote.
d) The Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of CLASSIFICATION OF INCOME TAXPAYERS
the Commissioner, is hereby authorized to issue rules
and regulations for the purpose 'substantially all' and
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
for the proper implementation of this Section.
Section 23. General Principles of Income Taxation in the
Philippines. - Except when otherwise provided in this Code:
- The determination of the difference between the A. A citizen of the Philippines residing therein is taxable
amount realized and the basis of the property on all income derived from sources within and
- What is the amount realized? Sec. 40 à the without the Philippines;
amount of money received or the fair market value B. A nonresident citizen is taxable only on income
of the property received, and you deduct derived from sources within the Philippines;
therefrom the basis. If the amount realized exceeds C. An individual citizen of the Philippines who is
the basis, there is a gain. If it is less than, there is a working and deriving income from abroad as an
loss. overseas contract worker is taxable only on income
derived from sources within the Philippines:
« Different Types of Bases Provided, That a seaman who is a citizen of the
Philippines and who receives compensation for
services rendered abroad as a member of the
1. Acquisition cost – if a property is acquired by
complement of a vessel engaged exclusively in
purchase international trade shall be treated as an overseas
• Purchase price plus expenses of contract worker;
acquisition D. An alien individual, whether a resident or not of the
2. Adjusted bases Philippines, is taxable only on income derived from
3. Carry-over Basis – if a property is acquired by sources within the Philippines;
donation E. A domestic corporation is taxable on all income
• The basis is the same as it would be in derived from sources within and without the
the hands of the donor or at the last Philippines; and
preceding owner by whom it was not F. A foreign corporation, whether engaged or not in
acquired by gift, or the fair market value trade or business in the Philippines, is taxable only on
at the time the gift was made, whichever income derived from sources within the Philippines.
is lower.
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Section 22. Definitions - When used in this Title: foreign corporation not engaged in trade or business within the
(B) The term 'corporation' shall include partnerships, no matter Philippines.
how created or organized, joint-stock companies, joint
accounts (cuentas en participacion), association, or insurance Section 26. Tax Liability of Members of General
companies, but does not include general professional Professional Partnerships. - A general professional
partnerships and a joint venture or consortium formed for the partnership as such shall not be subject to the income tax
purpose of undertaking construction projects or engaging in imposed under this Chapter. Persons engaging in business as
petroleum, coal, geothermal and other energy operations partners in a general professional partnership shall be liable for
pursuant to an operating consortium agreement under a service income tax only in their separate and individual capacities.
contract with the Government. 'General professional
partnerships' are partnerships formed by persons for the sole For purposes of computing the distributive share of the
purpose of exercising their common profession, no part of the partners, the net income of the partnership shall be computed
income of which is derived from engaging in any trade or in the same manner as a corporation.
business.
Each partner shall report as gross income his distributive share,
(C) The term 'domestic,' when applied to a corporation, means actually or constructively received, in the net income of the
created or organized in the Philippines or under its laws. partnership.

(D) The term 'foreign,' when applied to a corporation, means a 1. Individuals


corporation which is not domestic. a. Citizens
i. Resident citizens - those who
(E) The term 'nonresident citizen' means: stay in the Philippines on more
1) A citizen of the Philippines who establishes to the or less permanent basis. Taxable
satisfaction of the Commissioner the fact of his
on income from within and
physical presence abroad with a definite intention to
without the Philippines.
reside therein.
2) A citizen of the Philippines who leaves the
Philippines during the taxable year to reside abroad, ii. Non-resident citizens (Sec. 22E)
either as an immigrant or for employment on a - those who have established
permanent basis. their physical presence abroad
3) A citizen of the Philippines who works and derives on more or less permanent basis
income from abroad and whose employment thereat (e.g., OCWs, Filipino seamen
requires him to be physically present abroad most of employed as complement in a
the time during the taxable year. vessel engaged exclusively on
4) A citizen who has been previously considered as international trade) à Citizen
nonresident citizen and who arrives in the Philippines of the Philippines who works
at any time during the taxable year to reside and derives income from abroad
permanently in the Philippines shall likewise be and whose employment thereat
treated as a nonresident citizen for the taxable year in requires him to be physically
which he arrives in the Philippines with respect to his
present abroad most of the time
income derived from sources abroad until the date of
during the taxable year (183
his arrival in the Philippines.
5) The taxpayer shall submit proof to the Commissioner DAYS)
to show his intention of leaving the Philippines to « taxable only on income
reside permanently abroad or to return to and reside from within
in the Philippines as the case may be for purpose of
this Section. b. Aliens
i. Resident aliens - If the aggregate
(F) The term 'resident alien' means an individual whose period of his stay in the
residence is within the Philippines and who is not a citizen Philippines is more than 180
thereof. days during any calendar year.
ii. Non-resident aliens
(G) The term 'nonresident alien' means an individual whose 1. Engaged in trade or
residence is not within the Philippines and who is not a citizen business
thereof. 2. Not engaged in trade
or business
(H) The term 'resident foreign corporation' applies to a foreign
corporation engaged in trade or business within the Philippines. c. Special classes of individual taxpayers
(Sec. 60-66)
(I) The term 'nonresident foreign corporation' applies to a
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i. Taxable estate Sec. 34 à the taxpayer has an option whether to claim as a


ii. Taxable trust tax credit or as a tax deduction à to eliminate international
double taxation
2. Corporations (Sec. 22B) - Filipino working in Saudi Arabia (income tax paid
− Very broad definition of a corporation. there) but also receives rentals from the
Philippines, can he avail of this option?
a. Domestic corporations – those organized - No. Only available to resident citizens and
under the laws of the Philippines. All others domestic corporations à because they are the
are foreign. only ones taxable for income from within or
without à they are the only ones exposed to
b. Foreign corporation danger of international double taxation. (Note:
i. Resident foreign corporation – engaged Even if under Sec. 34.C.3.a, the language used is
in trade or business in the Philippines “citizen of the Philippines and of domestic
(there is a branch or establishment where corporations”
it can transact its own business in the
country) TAX CREDIT v. TAX DEDUCTION
ii. Non-resident foreign corporation – not - Tax credit – reduces the tax liability; after
engaged in trade or business in the computing the liability; greater impact or more
Philippines. Can only earn passive beneficial
investment income from the Philippines. - Tax deduction – reduces the tax base; before
computing the liability;
3. Partnerships, Joint Ventures and Consortiums
• Not taxable SOURCES OF INCOME TAXABLE IN THE
• Rationale: The law encourages the PHILIPPINES FOR THE DIFFERENT CLASSES
pooling of resources for the realization of OF TAXPAYERS (Sec. 23, NIRC)
huge projects.
Kind of Taxpayer Source of Income
4. General Professional Partnerships (Sec. 26, NIRC) Resident citizen Within and without
• Sec. 22B, NIRC: A GPP is a partnership Non-resident citizen Within only
formed by persons for the sole purpose Alien individual (resident and Within only
of exercising their COMMON non-resident)
PROFESSION, no part of the income of Domestic corporation Within and without
which is derived from engaged in trade or Foreign corporation (resident Within only
business. and non-resident)
• Not taxable. If not common profession,
taxable. RULES IN DETERMINING THE SOURCE OF
THE INCOME
Question: Who are not required to file income tax returns (ITR)?
1. Non-resident foreign corporation à No branch NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
here so no one can file. Even if they earn income
from Philippine sources. Section 42. Income from Sources Within the Philippines.-
2. Non-resident aliens who are NOT engaged in
trade or business in the Philippines (A) Gross Income From Sources Within the Philippines. - The
following items of gross income shall be treated as gross
§ Common denominator: Lack of physical presence income from sources within the Philippines:
here in the Philippines. Cannot send summons 1) Interests. - Interests derived from sources within the
Philippines, and interests on bonds, notes or other
abroad.
interest-bearing obligation of residents, corporate or
otherwise;
§ So how can we collect tax from them? Thru 2) Dividends. - The amount received as dividends:
withholding tax. The person legally liable to pay a) from a domestic corporation; and
the tax is the withholding agent, but this is without b) from a foreign corporation, unless less than
prejudice to the right of the withholding agent to fifty percent (50%) of the gross income of such
recover from the NRFC or NRANETB. foreign corporation for the three-year period
ending with the close of its taxable year
preceding the declaration of such dividends or
for such part of such period as the corporation
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has been in existence) was derived from sources deductions properly allocated thereto and a ratable
within the Philippines as determined under the part of expenses, interests, losses and other
provisions of this Section; but only in an deductions effectively connected with the business or
amount which bears the same ration to such trade conducted exclusively within the Philippines
dividends as the gross income of the which cannot definitely be allocated to some items or
corporation for such period derived from class of gross income: Provided, That such items of
sources within the Philippines bears to its gross deductions shall be allowed only if fully substantiated
income from all sources. by all the information necessary for its calculation.
3) Services. - Compensation for labor or personal services The remainder, if any, shall be treated in full as
performed in the Philippines; taxable income from sources within the Philippines.
4) Rentals and royalties. - Rentals and royalties from 2) Exception. - No deductions for interest paid or
property located in the Philippines or from any incurred abroad shall be allowed from the item of
interest in such property, including rentals or royalties gross income specified in subsection (A) unless
for - indebtedness was actually incurred to provide funds
a) The use of or the right or privilege to use in the for use in connection with the conduct or operation
Philippines any copyright, patent, design or of trade or business in the Philippines.
model, plan, secret formula or process,
goodwill, trademark, trade brand or other like (C) Gross Income From Sources Without the Philippines. - The
property or right; following items of gross income shall be treated as income
b) The use of, or the right to use in the Philippines from sources without the Philippines:
any industrial, commercial or scientific 1) Interests other than those derived from sources
equipment; within the Philippines as provided in paragraph (1) of
c) The supply of scientific, technical, industrial or Subsection (A) of this Section;
commercial knowledge or information; 2) Dividends other than those derived from sources
d) The supply of any assistance that is ancillary and within the Philippines as provided in paragraph (2) of
subsidiary to, and is furnished as a means of Subsection (A) of this Section;
enabling the application or enjoyment of, any 3) Compensation for labor or personal services
such property or right as is mentioned in performed without the Philippines;
paragraph (a), any such equipment as is 4) Rentals or royalties from property located without the
mentioned in paragraph (b) or any such Philippines or from any interest in such property
knowledge or information as is mentioned in including rentals or royalties for the use of or for the
paragraph (c); privilege of using without the Philippines, patents,
e) The supply of services by a nonresident person copyrights, secret processes and formulas, goodwill,
or his employee in connection with the use of trademarks, trade brands, franchises and other like
property or rights belonging to, or the properties; and
installation or operation of any brand, 5) Gains, profits and income from the sale of real
machinery or other apparatus purchased from property located without the Philippines.
such nonresident person;
f) Technical advice, assistance or services (D) Taxable Income From Sources Without the Philippines. - From the
rendered in connection with technical items of gross income specified in Subsection (C) of this
management or administration of any scientific, Section there shall be deducted the expenses, losses, and other
industrial or commercial undertaking, venture, deductions properly apportioned or allocated thereto and a
project or scheme; and ratable part of any expense, loss or other deduction which
g) The use of or the right to use: cannot definitely be allocated to some items or classes of gross
i. Motion picture films; income. The remainder, if any, shall be treated in full as taxable
ii. Films or video tapes for use in connection income from sources without the Philippines.
with television; and
iii. Tapes for use in connection with radio (E) Income From Sources Partly Within and Partly Without the
broadcasting. Philippines.- Items of gross income, expenses, losses and
5) Sale of Real Property. - gains, profits and income from deductions, other than those specified in Subsections (A) and
the sale of real property located in the Philippines; (C) of this Section, shall be allocated or apportioned to sources
and within or without the Philippines, under the rules and
6) Sale of Personal Property. - gains; profits and income regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon
from the sale of personal property, as determined in recommendation of the Commissioner. Where items of gross
Subsection (E) of this Section. income are separately allocated to sources within the
Philippines, there shall be deducted (for the purpose of
(B) Taxable Income From Sources Within the Philippines. - computing the taxable income therefrom) the expenses, losses
1) General Rule. - From the items of gross income and other deductions properly apportioned or allocated thereto
specified in Subsection (A) of this Section, there shall and a ratable part of other expenses, losses or other deductions
be deducted the expenses, losses and other which cannot definitely be allocated to some items or classes of
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gross income. The remainder, if any, shall be included in full as foreign corporation for the three
taxable income from sources within the Philippines. In the case preceding years was derived from
of gross income derived from sources partly within and partly sources within the Philippines
without the Philippines, the taxable income may first be à then apply the percentage
computed by deducting the expenses, losses or other (The grandfather of the
deductions apportioned or allocated thereto and a ratable part dividend is the gross income of
of any expense, loss or other deduction which cannot definitely the corporation declaring it)
be allocated to some items or classes of gross income; and the
portion of such taxable income attributable to sources within If 1M à 50% = 500K. If 75%
the Philippines may be determined by processes or formulas of = 750K.
general apportionment prescribed by the Secretary of Finance.
Gains, profits and income from the sale of personal property
c. Compensation for services
produced (in whole or in part) by the taxpayer within and sold
without the Philippines, or produced (in whole or in part) by • Performed within PH
the taxpayer without and sold within the Philippines, shall be
treated as derived partly from sources within and partly from d. Rentals and royalties
sources without the Philippines. • Location rule

Gains, profits and income derived from the purchase of e. Sale of real property
personal property within and its sale without the Philippines, or • Location of property
from the purchase of personal property without and its sale
within the Philippines shall be treated as derived entirely form f. Sale of personal property
sources within the country in which sold: Provided, however,
That gain from the sale of shares of stock in a domestic • Place of market rule
corporation shall be treated as derived entirely form sources • Exceptions:
within the Philippines regardless of where the said shares are i. Partly or wholly
sold. The transfer by a nonresident alien or a foreign produced within but
corporation to anyone of any share of stock issued by a sold without OR partly
domestic corporation shall not be effected or made in its book or wholly produced
unless: (1) the transferor has filed with the Commissioner a without but sold
bond conditioned upon the future payment by him of any within à gain is partly
income tax that may be due on the gains derived from such within and partly
transfer, or (2) the Commissioner has certified that the taxes, if without
any, imposed in this Title and due on the gain realized from ii. Sale of shares of stocks
such sale or transfer have been paid. It shall be the duty of the of a domestic
transferor and the corporation the shares of which are sold or corporation à gain is
transferred, to advise the transferee of this requirement.
an income from within
(F) Definitions. - As used in this Section the words 'sale' or 'sold'
irrespective of place of
include 'exchange' or 'exchanged'; and the word 'produced' sale
includes 'created', 'fabricated,' 'manufactured', 'extracted,'
'processed', 'cured' or 'aged.' o The sale of shares of stock of a domestic
corporation between two aliens residing
**Sir: Secs. 23 and 42 are very important. outside of the Philippines is taxable. How
Note: If imposed by different taxing authorities, although on is the tax collected? (See Sec. 39.B à this
the same taxpayer and on the same subject matter, it is not applies only to a capital asset held by
prohibited as double taxation. individual taxpayers other than shares of
stock in a domestic corporation, and real
1. Gross income from sources within the Philippines property classified as a capital asset
(Sec. 42A) located in the Philippines)
a. Interests (cf. NDC case) § Classification of capital
assets:
b. Dividends • Shares of stock in a
i. From a domestic corporation domestic
ii. From a foreign corporation, corporation
applying the grandfather rule • Real property
classified as a
Grandfather Rule – if at least capital asset located
50% of the gross income of the in the Philippines
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(owned by all types rates established in the following schedule:


of individuals,
special taxpayers, Not over P10,000 5%
and domestic Over P10,000 but not over P500+10% of the excess
corporations à cf. P30,000 over P10,000
Sec. 24D and 27D Over P30,000 but not over P2,500+15% of the
– gain presumed to P70,000 excess over P30,000
have been realized) Over P70,000 but not over P8,500+20% of the
• Other capital assets P140,000 excess over P70,000
à Therefore, the Over P140,000 but not over P22,500+25% of the
rule of period P250,000 excess over P140,000
recognition or Over P250,000 but not over P50,000+30% of the
P500,000 excess over P250,000
holding period
under Sec. 39.B Over P500,000 P125,000+34% of the
excess over P500,000 in
applies only to this
1998
type of capital asset
(cf. Sec. 39.A.1 For married individuals, the husband and wife, subject to the
definition) provision of Section 51 (D) hereof, shall compute separately
their individual income tax based on their respective total
taxable income: Provided, that if any income cannot be definitely
2. Gross income from sources without the attributed to or identified as income exclusively earned or
Philippines (Sec. 42C) realized by either of the spouses, the same shall be divided
equally between the spouses for the purpose of determining
3. Income partly within or partly without the their respective taxable income.
Philippines (Sec. 42E)
Provided, That minimum wage earners as defined in Section 22
DIFFERENT CLASSES OF INCOME FOR (HH) of this Code shall be exempt from the payment of
INCOME TAX PURPOSES (Sections 24, 25, 27 & 28) income tax on their taxable income: Provided, further, That the
holiday pay, overtime pay, night shift differential pay and
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE hazard pay received by such minimum wage earners shall
Section 24. Income Tax Rates. likewise be exempt from income tax.

(A) Rates of Income Tax on Individual Citizen and Individual (B) Rate of Tax on Certain Passive Income.
Resident Alien of the Philippines. 1) Interests, Royalties, Prizes, and Other Winnings. - A
final tax at the rate of twenty percent (20%) is hereby
(1) An income tax is hereby imposed: imposed upon the amount of interest from any
a) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this currency bank deposit and yield or any other
Code, other than income subject to tax under monetary benefit from deposit substitutes and from
Subsections (B), (C) and (D) of this Section, derived trust funds and similar arrangements; royalties, except
for each taxable year from all sources within and on books, as well as other literary works and musical
without the Philippines be every individual citizen of compositions, which shall be imposed a final tax of
the Philippines residing therein; ten percent (10%); prizes (except prizes amounting to
b) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) or less which shall be
Code, other than income subject to tax under subject to tax under Subsection (A) of Section 24;
Subsections (B), (C) and (D) of this Section, derived and other winnings (except Philippine Charity
for each taxable year from all sources within the Sweepstakes and Lotto winnings), derived from
Philippines by an individual citizen of the Philippines sources within the Philippines: Provided, however,
who is residing outside of the Philippines including That interest income received by an individual
overseas contract workers referred to in taxpayer (except a nonresident individual) from a
Subsection(C) of Section 23 hereof; and depository bank under the expanded foreign currency
c) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this deposit system shall be subject to a final income tax
code, other than income subject to tax under at the rate of seven and one-half percent (7 1/2%) of
Subsections (B), (C) and (D) of this Section, derived such interest income: Provided, further, That interest
for each taxable year from all sources within the income from long-term deposit or investment in the
Philippines by an individual alien who is a resident of form of savings, common or individual trust funds,
the Philippines. deposit substitutes, investment management accounts
and other investments evidenced by certificates in
(2) The tax shall be computed in accordance with and at the such form prescribed by the Bangko Sentral ng
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Pilipinas (BSP) shall be exempt from the tax imposed conditional sales, by individuals, including estates and
under this Subsection: Provided, finally, That should trusts: Provided, That the tax liability, if any, on gains
the holder of the certificate pre-terminate the deposit from sales or other dispositions of real property to
or investment before the fifth (5th) year, a final tax the government or any of its political subdivisions or
shall be imposed on the entire income and shall be agencies or to government-owned or controlled
deducted and withheld by the depository bank from corporations shall be determined either under Section
the proceeds of the long-term deposit or investment 24 (A) or under this Subsection, at the option of the
certificate based on the remaining maturity thereof: taxpayer.

Four (4) years to less than five (5) years 5% 2) Exception. - The provisions of paragraph (1) of this
Three (3) years to less than (4) years 12% Subsection to the contrary notwithstanding, capital
Less than three (3) years 20% gains presumed to have been realized from the sale or
disposition of their principal residence by natural
2) Cash and/or Property Dividends - A final tax at the persons, the proceeds of which is fully utilized in
following rates shall be imposed upon the cash acquiring or constructing a new principal residence
and/or property dividends actually or constructively within eighteen (18) calendar months from the date
received by an individual from a domestic of sale or disposition, shall be exempt from the
corporation or from a joint stock company, insurance capital gains tax imposed under this Subsection:
or mutual fund companies and regional operating Provided, That the historical cost or adjusted basis of
headquarters of multinational companies, or on the the real property sold or disposed shall be carried
share of an individual in the distributable net income over to the new principal residence built or acquired:
after tax of a partnership (except a general Provided, further, That the Commissioner shall have
professional partnership) of which he is a partner, or been duly notified by the taxpayer within thirty (30)
on the share of an individual in the net income after days from the date of sale or disposition through a
tax of an association, a joint account, or a joint prescribed return of his intention to avail of the tax
venture or consortium taxable as a corporation of exemption herein mentioned: Provided, still further,
which he is a member or co-venturer: That the said tax exemption can only be availed of
once every ten (10) years: Provided, finally, that if
Six percent (6%) beginning January 1, 1998; there is no full utilization of the proceeds of sale or
Eight percent (8%) beginning January 1, 1999; disposition, the portion of the gain presumed to have
Ten percent (10% beginning January 1, 2000. been realized from the sale or disposition shall be
subject to capital gains tax. For this purpose, the
Provided, however, That the tax on dividends shall apply only gross selling price or fair market value at the time of
on income earned on or after January 1, 1998. Income forming sale, whichever is higher, shall be multiplied by a
part of retained earnings as of December 31, 1997 shall not, fraction which the unutilized amount bears to the
even if declared or distributed on or after January 1, 1998, be gross selling price in order to determine the taxable
subject to this tax. portion and the tax prescribed under paragraph (1) of
this Subsection shall be imposed thereon.
(C) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock not Traded in
the Stock Exchange. - The provisions of Section 39(B) Section 25. Tax on Nonresident Alien Individual. -
notwithstanding, a final tax at the rates prescribed below is (A) Nonresident Alien Engaged in trade or Business Within the
hereby imposed upon the net capital gains realized during the Philippines. -
taxable year from the sale, barter, exchange or other disposition 1) In General. - A nonresident alien individual engaged in
of shares of stock in a domestic corporation, except shares trade or business in the Philippines shall be subject to
sold, or disposed of through the stock exchange. an income tax in the same manner as an individual
citizen and a resident alien individual, on taxable
Not over P100,000 5% income received from all sources within the
Philippines. A nonresident alien individual who shall
On any amount in excess of P100,000 10%
come to the Philippines and stay therein for an
aggregate period of more than one hundred eighty
(D) Capital Gains from Sale of Real Property. -
(180) days during any calendar year shall be deemed a
1) In General. - The provisions of Section 39(B)
'nonresident alien doing business in the Philippines'.
notwithstanding, a final tax of six percent (6%) based
Section 22 (G) of this Code notwithstanding.
on the gross selling price or current fair market value
as determined in accordance with Section 6(E) of this
2) Cash and/or Property Dividends from a Domestic
Code, whichever is higher, is hereby imposed upon
Corporation or Joint Stock Company, or Insurance or Mutual
capital gains presumed to have been realized from the
Fund Company or Regional Operating Headquarter or
sale, exchange, or other disposition of real property
Multinational Company, or Share in the Distributable Net
located in the Philippines, classified as capital assets,
Income of a Partnership (Except a General Professional
including pacto de retro sales and other forms of
Partnership), Joint Account, Joint Venture Taxable as a
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Corporation or Association., Interests, Royalties, Prizes, and determinable annual or periodic or casual gains, profits, and
Other Winnings. - Cash and/or property dividends income, and capital gains, a tax equal to twenty-five percent
from a domestic corporation, or from a joint stock (25%) of such income. Capital gains realized by a nonresident
company, or from an insurance or mutual fund alien individual not engaged in trade or business in the
company or from a regional operating headquarter of Philippines from the sale of shares of stock in any domestic
multinational company, or the share of a nonresident corporation and real property shall be subject to the income tax
alien individual in the distributable net income after prescribed under Subsections (C) and (D) of Section 24.
tax of a partnership (except a general professional
partnership) of which he is a partner, or the share of (C) Alien Individual Employed by Regional or Area
a nonresident alien individual in the net income after Headquarters and Regional Operating Headquarters of
tax of an association, a joint account, or a joint Multinational Companies. - There shall be levied, collected and
venture taxable as a corporation of which he is a paid for each taxable year upon the gross income received by
member or a co-venturer; interests; royalties (in any every alien individual employed by regional or area
form); and prizes (except prizes amounting to Ten headquarters and regional operating headquarters established in
thousand pesos (P10,000) or less which shall be the Philippines by multinational companies as salaries, wages,
subject to tax under Subsection (B)(1) of Section 24) annuities, compensation, remuneration and other emoluments,
and other winnings (except Philippine Charity such as honoraria and allowances, from such regional or area
Sweepstakes and Lotto winnings); shall be subject to headquarters and regional operating headquarters, a tax equal
an income tax of twenty percent (20%) on the total to fifteen percent (15%) of such gross income: Provided,
amount thereof: Provided, however, that royalties on however, That the same tax treatment shall apply to Filipinos
books as well as other literary works, and royalties on employed and occupying the same position as those of aliens
musical compositions shall be subject to a final tax of employed by these multinational companies. For purposes of
ten percent (10%) on the total amount thereof: this Chapter, the term 'multinational company' means a foreign
Provided, further, That cinematographic films and firm or entity engaged in international trade with affiliates or
similar works shall be subject to the tax provided subsidiaries or branch offices in the Asia-Pacific Region and
under Section 28 of this Code: Provided, other foreign markets.
furthermore, That interest income from long-term
deposit or investment in the form of savings, (D) Alien Individual Employed by Offshore Banking Units. -
common or individual trust funds, deposit There shall be levied, collected and paid for each taxable year
substitutes, investment management accounts and upon the gross income received by every alien individual
other investments evidenced by certificates in such employed by offshore banking units established in the
form prescribed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Philippines as salaries, wages, annuities, compensation,
(BSP) shall be exempt from the tax imposed under remuneration and other emoluments, such as honoraria and
this Subsection: Provided, finally, that should the allowances, from such off-shore banking units, a tax equal to
holder of the certificate pre-terminate the deposit or fifteen percent (15%) of such gross income: Provided,
investment before the fifth (5th) year, a final tax shall however, That the same tax treatment shall apply to Filipinos
be imposed on the entire income and shall be employed and occupying the same positions as those of aliens
deducted and withheld by the depository bank from employed by these offshore banking units.
the proceeds of the long-term deposit or investment
certificate based on the remaining maturity thereof: (E) Alien Individual Employed by Petroleum Service
Contractor and Subcontractor. - An Alien individual who is a
Four (4) years to less than five (5) years 5% permanent resident of a foreign country but who is employed
Three (3) years to less than (4) years 12% and assigned in the Philippines by a foreign service contractor
Less than three (3) years 20% or by a foreign service subcontractor engaged in petroleum
operations in the Philippines shall be liable to a tax of fifteen
3) Capital Gains. - Capital gains realized from sale, barter percent (15%) of the salaries, wages, annuities, compensation,
or exchange of shares of stock in domestic remuneration and other emoluments, such as honoraria and
corporations not traded through the local stock allowances, received from such contractor or subcontractor:
exchange, and real properties shall be subject to the Provided, however, That the same tax treatment shall apply to
tax prescribed under Subsections (C) and (D) of a Filipino employed and occupying the same position as an
Section 24. alien employed by petroleum service contractor and
subcontractor.
(B) Nonresident Alien Individual Not Engaged in Trade or
Business Within the Philippines. - There shall be levied, Any income earned from all other sources within the
collected and paid for each taxable year upon the entire income Philippines by the alien employees referred to under
received from all sources within the Philippines by every Subsections (C), (D) and (E) hereof shall be subject to the
nonresident alien individual not engaged in trade or business pertinent income tax, as the case may be, imposed under this
within the Philippines as interest, cash and/or property Code.
dividends, rents, salaries, wages, premiums, annuities,
compensation, remuneration, emoluments, or other fixed or Section 27. Rates of Income tax on Domestic Corporations.
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-
(A) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, an For a manufacturing concern, 'cost of goods manufactured and
income tax of thirty-five percent (35%) is hereby imposed sold' shall include all costs of production of finished goods,
upon the taxable income derived during each taxable year from such as raw materials used, direct labor and manufacturing
all sources within and without the Philippines by every overhead, freight cost, insurance premiums and other costs
corporation, as defined in Section 22(B) of this Code and incurred to bring the raw materials to the factory or warehouse.
taxable under this Title as a corporation, organized in, or
existing under the laws of the Philippines: Provided, That In the case of taxpayers engaged in the sale of service, 'gross
effective January 1, 1998, the rate of income tax shall be thirty- income' means gross receipts less sales returns, allowances and
four percent (34%); effective January 1, 1999, the rate shall be discounts.
thirty-three percent (33%); and effective January 1, 2000 and
thereafter, the rate shall be thirty-two percent (32%). (B) Proprietary Educational Institutions and Hospitals. -
Proprietary educational institutions and hospitals which are
In the case of corporations adopting the fiscal-year accounting nonprofit shall pay a tax of ten percent (10%) on their taxable
period, the taxable income shall be computed without regard to income except those covered by Subsection (D) hereof:
the specific date when specific sales, purchases and other Provided, that if the gross income from unrelated trade,
transactions occur. Their income and expenses for the fiscal business or other activity exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the
year shall be deemed to have been earned and spent equally for total gross income derived by such educational institutions or
each month of the period. hospitals from all sources, the tax prescribed in Subsection (A)
hereof shall be imposed on the entire taxable income. For
The reduced corporate income tax rates shall be applied on the purposes of this Subsection, the term 'unrelated trade, business
amount computed by multiplying the number of months or other activity' means any trade, business or other activity, the
covered by the new rates within the fiscal year by the taxable conduct of which is not substantially related to the exercise or
income of the corporation for the period, divided by twelve. performance by such educational institution or hospital of its
primary purpose or function. A 'Proprietary educational
Provided, further, That the President, upon the institution' is any private school maintained and administered
recommendation of the Secretary of Finance, may effective by private individuals or groups with an issued permit to
January 1, 2000, allow corporations the option to be taxed at operate from the Department of Education, Culture and Sports
fifteen percent (15%) of gross income as defined herein, after (DECS), or the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), or
the following conditions have been satisfied: the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA), as the case may be, in accordance with existing laws
1) A tax effort ratio of twenty percent (20%) of Gross and regulations.
National Product (GNP);
2) A ratio of forty percent (40%) of income tax (C) Government-owned or Controlled-Corporations, Agencies
collection to total tax revenues; or Instrumentalities. - The provisions of existing special or
3) A VAT tax effort of four percent (4%) of GNP; and general laws to the contrary notwithstanding, all corporations,
4) A 0.9 percent (0.9%) ratio of the Consolidated Public agencies, or instrumentalities owned or controlled by the
Sector Financial Position (CPSFP) to GNP. Government, except the Government Service Insurance
System (GSIS), the Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine
The option to be taxed based on gross income shall be Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), the Philippine Charity
available only to firms whose ratio of cost of sales to gross sales Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement
or receipts from all sources does not exceed fifty-five percent and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), shall pay such rate of
(55%). tax upon their taxable income as are imposed by this Section
upon corporations or associations engaged in s similar
The election of the gross income tax option by the corporation business, industry, or activity.
shall be irrevocable for three (3) consecutive taxable years
during which the corporation is qualified under the scheme. (D) Rates of Tax on Certain Passive Incomes. -
1) Interest from Deposits and Yield or any other
For purposes of this Section, the term 'gross income' derived Monetary Benefit from Deposit Substitutes and from
from business shall be equivalent to gross sales less sales Trust Funds and Similar Arrangements, and
returns, discounts and allowances and cost of goods sold. "Cost Royalties. - A final tax at the rate of twenty percent
of goods sold' shall include all business expenses directly (20%) is hereby imposed upon the amount of interest
incurred to produce the merchandise to bring them to their on currency bank deposit and yield or any other
present location and use. monetary benefit from deposit substitutes and from
trust funds and similar arrangements received by
For a trading or merchandising concern, 'cost of goods' sold domestic corporations, and royalties, derived from
shall include the invoice cost of the goods sold, plus import sources within the Philippines: Provided, however,
duties, freight in transporting the goods to the place where the That interest income derived by a domestic
goods are actually sold, including insurance while the goods are corporation from a depository bank under the
in transit. expanded foreign currency deposit system shall be
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subject to a final income tax at the rate of seven and computed under Subsection (A) of this Section for
one-half percent (7 1/2%) of such interest income. the taxable year.

2) Capital Gains from the Sale of Shares of Stock Not 2) Carry Froward of Excess Minimum Tax. - Any excess
Traded in the Stock Exchange. - A final tax at the of the minimum corporate income tax over the
rates prescribed below shall be imposed on net capital normal income tax as computed under Subsection
gains realized during the taxable year from the sale, (A) of this Section shall be carried forward and
exchange or other disposition of shares of stock in a credited against the normal income tax for the three
domestic corporation except shares sold or disposed (3) immediately succeeding taxable years.
of through the stock exchange:
3) Relief from the Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Not over P100,000 5% Under Certain Conditions. - The Secretary of Finance
On any amount in excess of P100,000 10% is hereby authorized to suspend the imposition of the
minimum corporate income tax on any corporation
3) Tax on Income Derived under the Expanded Foreign which suffers losses on account of prolonged labor
Currency Deposit System. - Income derived by a dispute, or because of force majeure, or because of
depository bank under the expanded foreign currency legitimate business reverses.
deposit system from foreign currency transactions
with local commercial banks, including branches of The Secretary of Finance is hereby authorized to
foreign banks that may be authorized by the Bangko promulgate, upon recommendation of the
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to transact business with Commissioner, the necessary rules and regulation that
foreign currency depository system units and other shall define the terms and conditions under which he
depository banks under the expanded foreign may suspend the imposition of the minimum
currency deposit system, including interest income corporate income tax in a meritorious case.
from foreign currency loans granted by such
depository banks under said expanded foreign 4) Gross Income Defined. - For purposes of applying
currency deposit system to residents, shall be subject the minimum corporate income tax provided under
to a final income tax at the rate of ten percent (10%) Subsection (E) hereof, the term 'gross income' shall
of such income. mean gross sales less sales returns, discounts and
allowances and cost of goods sold. "Cost of goods
Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or sold' shall include all business expenses directly
corporations, from transactions with depository incurred to produce the merchandise to bring them
banks under the expanded system shall be exempt to their present location and use.
from income tax.
For a trading or merchandising concern, 'cost of goods sold'
4) Intercorporate Dividends. - Dividends received by a shall include the invoice cost of the goods sold, plus import
domestic corporation from another domestic duties, freight in transporting the goods to the place where the
corporation shall not be subject to tax. goods are actually sold including insurance while the goods are
in transit.
5) Capital Gains Realized from the Sale, Exchange or
Disposition of Lands and/or Buildings. - A final tax For a manufacturing concern, cost of 'goods manufactured and
of six percent (6%) is hereby imposed on the gain sold' shall include all costs of production of finished goods,
presumed to have been realized on the sale, exchange such as raw materials used, direct labor and manufacturing
or disposition of lands and/or buildings which are overhead, freight cost, insurance premiums and other costs
not actually used in the business of a corporation and incurred to bring the raw materials to the factory or warehouse.
are treated as capital assets, based on the gross selling
price of fair market value as determined in In the case of taxpayers engaged in the sale of service, 'gross
accordance with Section 6(E) of this Code, whichever income' means gross receipts less sales returns, allowances,
is higher, of such lands and/or buildings. discounts and cost of services. 'Cost of services' shall mean all
direct costs and expenses necessarily incurred to provide the
(E) Minimum Corporate Income Tax on Domestic services required by the customers and clients including (A)
Corporations. - salaries and employee benefits of personnel, consultants and
1) Imposition of Tax. - A minimum corporate income specialists directly rendering the service and (B) cost of facilities
tax of two percent (2%0 of the gross income as of directly utilized in providing the service such as depreciation or
the end of the taxable year, as defined herein, is rental of equipment used and cost of supplies: Provided,
hereby imposed on a corporation taxable under this however, That in the case of banks, 'cost of services' shall
Title, beginning on the fourth taxable year include interest expense.
immediately following the year in which such
corporation commenced its business operations, Section 28. Rates of Income Tax on Foreign Corporations. -
when the minimum income tax is greater than the tax (A) Tax on Resident Foreign Corporations. -
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1) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this point of transshipment shall form part of Gross Philippine
Code, a corporation organized, authorized, or existing Billings.
under the laws of any foreign country, engaged in
trade or business within the Philippines, shall be (b) International Shipping. - 'Gross Philippine Billings' means
subject to an income tax equivalent to thirty-five gross revenue whether for passenger, cargo or mail originating
percent (35%) of the taxable income derived in the from the Philippines up to final destination, regardless of the
preceding taxable year from all sources within the place of sale or payments of the passage or freight documents.
Philippines: provided, That effective January 1, 1998,
the rate of income tax shall be thirty-four percent 4) Offshore Banking Units. - The provisions of any law
(34%); effective January 1, 1999, the rate shall be to the contrary notwithstanding, income derived by
thirty-three percent (33%), and effective January 1, offshore banking units authorized by the Bangko
2000 and thereafter, the rate shall be thirty-two Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to transact business with
percent (32%). offshore banking units, including any interest income
derived from foreign currency loans granted to
In the case of corporations adopting the fiscal-year residents, shall be subject to a final income tax at the
accounting period, the taxable income shall be rate of ten percent (10%) of such income.
computed without regard to the specific date when
sales, purchases and other transactions occur. Their Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or
income and expenses for the fiscal year shall be corporations, from transactions with said offshore
deemed to have been earned and spent equally for banking units shall be exempt from income tax.
each month of the period.
5) Tax on Branch Profits Remittances. - Any profit
The reduced corporate income tax rates shall be remitted by a branch to its head office shall be
applied on the amount computed by multiplying the subject to a tax of fifteen (15%) which shall be based
number of months covered by the new rates within on the total profits applied or earmarked for
the fiscal year by the taxable income of the remittance without any deduction for the tax
corporation for the period, divided by twelve. component thereof (except those activities which are
registered with the Philippine Economic Zone
Provided, however, That a resident foreign Authority). The tax shall be collected and paid in the
corporation shall be granted the option to be taxed at same manner as provided in Sections 57 and 58 of
fifteen percent (15%) on gross income under the this Code: provided, that interests, dividends, rents,
same conditions, as provided in Section 27 (A). royalties, including remuneration for technical
services, salaries, wages premiums, annuities,
2) Minimum Corporate Income Tax on Resident emoluments or other fixed or determinable annual,
Foreign Corporations. - A minimum corporate periodic or casual gains, profits, income and capital
income tax of two percent (2%) of gross income, as gains received by a foreign corporation during each
prescribed under Section 27 (E) of this Code, shall be taxable year from all sources within the Philippines
imposed, under the same conditions, on a resident shall not be treated as branch profits unless the same
foreign corporation taxable under paragraph (1) of are effectively connected with the conduct of its trade
this Subsection. or business in the Philippines.

3) International Carrier. - An international carrier doing 6) Regional or Area Headquarters and Regional
business in the Philippines shall pay a tax of two and Operating Headquarters of Multinational Companies.
one-half percent (2 1/2%) on its 'Gross Philippine -
Billings' as defined hereunder: (a) Regional or area headquarters as defined in Section 22(DD)
shall not be subject to income tax.
(a) International Air Carrier. - 'Gross Philippine Billings' refers (b) Regional operating headquarters as defined in Section
to the amount of gross revenue derived from carriage of 22(EE) shall pay a tax of ten percent (10%) of their taxable
persons, excess baggage, cargo and mail originating from the income.
Philippines in a continuous and uninterrupted flight,
irrespective of the place of sale or issue and the place of 7) Tax on Certain Incomes Received by a Resident
payment of the ticket or passage document: Provided, That Foreign Corporation. –
tickets revalidated, exchanged and/or indorsed to another
international airline form part of the Gross Philippine Billings (a) Interest from Deposits and Yield or any other Monetary
if the passenger boards a plane in a port or point in the Benefit from Deposit Substitutes, Trust Funds and Similar
Philippines: Provided, further, That for a flight which Arrangements and Royalties. - Interest from any currency bank
originates from the Philippines, but transshipment of passenger deposit and yield or any other monetary benefit from deposit
takes place at any port outside the Philippines on another substitutes and from trust funds and similar arrangements and
airline, only the aliquot portion of the cost of the ticket royalties derived from sources within the Philippines shall be
corresponding to the leg flown from the Philippines to the subject to a final income tax at the rate of twenty percent (20%)
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of such interest: Provided, however, That interest income


derived by a resident foreign corporation from a depository 3) Nonresident Owner or Lessor of Vessels Chartered by
bank under the expanded foreign currency deposit system shall Philippine Nationals. - A nonresident owner or lessor
be subject to a final income tax at the rate of seven and one- of vessels shall be subject to a tax of four and one-
half percent (7 1/2%) of such interest income. half percent (4 1/2%) of gross rentals, lease or
charter fees from leases or charters to Filipino
(b) Income Derived under the Expanded Foreign Currency citizens or corporations, as approved by the Maritime
Deposit System. - Income derived by a depository bank under Industry Authority.
the expanded foreign currency deposit system from foreign
currency transactions with local commercial banks including 4) Nonresident Owner or Lessor of Aircraft, Machineries and
branches of foreign banks that may be authorized by the Other Equipment. - Rentals, charters and other fees
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to transact business with derived by a nonresident lessor of aircraft,
foreign currency deposit system units, including interest machineries and other equipment shall be subject to a
income from foreign currency loans granted by such depository tax of seven and one-half percent (7 1/2%) of gross
banks under said expanded foreign currency deposit system to rentals or fees.
residents, shall be subject to a final income tax at the rate of ten
percent (10%) of such income. 5) Tax on Certain Incomes Received by a Nonresident Foreign
Corporation. -
Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or (a) Interest on Foreign Loans. - A final withholding tax at the rate
corporations, from transactions with depository banks under of twenty percent (20%) is hereby imposed on the amount of
the expanded system shall be exempt from income tax. interest on foreign loans contracted on or after August 1, 1986;

(c) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock Not Traded in (b) Intercorporate Dividends. - A final withholding tax at the rate of
the Stock Exchange. - A final tax at the rates prescribed below fifteen percent (15%) is hereby imposed on the amount of cash
is hereby imposed upon the net capital gains realized during the and/or property dividends received from a domestic
taxable year from the sale, barter, exchange or other disposition corporation, which shall be collected and paid as provided in
of shares of stock in a domestic corporation except shares sold Section 57 (A) of this Code, subject to the condition that the
or disposed of through the stock exchange: country in which the nonresident foreign corporation is
domiciled, shall allow a credit against the tax due from the
Not over P100,000 5% nonresident foreign corporation taxes deemed to have been
On any amount in excess of P100,000 10% paid in the Philippines equivalent to twenty percent (20%) for
1997, nineteen percent (19%) for 1998, eighteen percent (18%)
(d) Intercorporate Dividends. - Dividends received by a for 1999, and seventeen percent (17%) thereafter, which
resident foreign corporation from a domestic corporation liable represents the difference between the regular income tax of
to tax under this Code shall not be subject to tax under this thirty-five percent (35%) in 1997, thirty-four percent (34%) in
Title. 1998, and thirty-three percent (33%) in 1999, and thirty-two
percent (32%) thereafter on corporations and the fifteen
(B) Tax on Nonresident Foreign Corporation. - percent (15%) tax on dividends as provided in this
1) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph;
Code, a foreign corporation not engaged in trade or
business in the Philippines shall pay a tax equal to (c) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock not Traded in the Stock
thirty-five percent (35%) of the gross income Exchange. - A final tax at the rates prescribed below is hereby
received during each taxable year from all sources imposed upon the net capital gains realized during the taxable
within the Philippines, such as interests, dividends, year from the sale, barter, exchange or other disposition of
rents, royalties, salaries, premiums (except shares of stock in a domestic corporation, except shares sold,
reinsurance premiums), annuities, emoluments or or disposed of through the stock exchange:
other fixed or determinable annual, periodic or casual
gains, profits and income, and capital gains, except Not over P100,000 5%
capital gains subject to tax under subparagraphs (C) On any amount in excess of P100,000 10%
and (d): Provided, That effective 1, 1998, the rate of SUMMARY:
income tax shall be thirty-four percent (34%); Categories of Income of Individuals and How They Are Taxed
effective January 1, 1999, the rate shall be thirty-three
percent (33%); and, effective January 1, 2000 and Category How Taxed
thereafter, the rate shall be thirty-two percent (32%).
Global System Schedular
System
2) Nonresident Cinematographic Film Owner, Lessor or
Distributor. - A cinematographic film owner, lessor, or 1. Compensation ✓
distributor shall pay a tax of twenty-five percent income* (except
(25%) of its gross income from all sources within the for estate and
Philippines. trust)
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2. Income from ✓ Section 31. Taxable Income Defined. - The term taxable
trade, business income means the pertinent items of gross income specified in
or practice of this Code, less the deductions and/or personal and additional
profession* exemptions, if any, authorized for such types of income by this
3. Fringe benefits ✓ ✓ Code or other special laws.
(Only if received by (This is the
rank-and-file general rule; Taxable Income – means the pertinent items of gross
employees; will applies to income (Sir: returnable income) less deductions and/or
form part of the managerial & personal and additional exemptions, if any
compensation supervisory • Refers to the tax base in the ITRs to be filed by
income) employees) the taxpayer to cover all income earned by him
during the taxable year
4. Passive ✓ ✓ WHAT COMPRISES GROSS INCOME (cf. Sec. 32.A)
investment Only those not (This is the
income (e.g. subject to final general rule)
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
interests on withholding tax
Section 32. Gross Income. -
bank deposits, (FWT) (c.f. Sec.
(A) General Definition. - Except when otherwise provided in
prizes, 24B)
this Title, gross income means all income derived from
winnings) à e.g. Interest whatever source, including (but not limited to) the following
income on a items:
loan to a friend (1) Compensation for services in whatever form paid,
(because friend including, but not limited to fees, salaries, wages,
is not a commissions, and similar items;
withholding (2) Gross income derived from the conduct of trade or
agent); royalties business or the exercise of a profession;
derived from (3) Gains derived from dealings in property;
abroad (4) Interests;
5. Capital gains ✓ ✓ (5) Rents;
à For capital à For capital (6) Royalties;
gains from sale of gains from sales of
(7) Dividends;
other capital assets. shares of stock of a
(8) Annuities;
Must be reported domestic
(9) Prizes and winnings;
in the ITR as non- corporation
(10) Pensions; and
compensation à For capital (11) Partner's distributive share from the net income of the
income. gains from sale of general professional partnership.
real properties
located in the
1. Compensation for services – in whatever form
Philippines
paid, in cash or in kind; but to be taxable, it should
be measurable in money
6. Exempt income
*Returnable income
o Compensation income - all remuneration for
services performed by an employee under
Global Tax System – all the different classes of income
an employer-employee relationship. The
will be taxed at the same rate (individuals, 5-32%;
name by which the remuneration is
corporations, 30%) (the graduated tax rates under Sec. 24)
designated is immaterial.
o The term includes salaries, wages,
Schedular Tax System – each type of income is taxed at a
emoluments, honoraria, allowances,
rate different from those of the other types.
commissions (e.g. transportation,
representation, entertainment and the
Q: Which of the abovementioned types of income will you
like); fees including director’s fees, if the
include in the ITR?
director is, at the same time, an employee
A: Only those under the global system.
of the corporation; taxable bonuses and
fringe benefits except those subject to
DEFINITION OF TAXABLE INCOME
FBT; taxable pensions and retirement
pay; and other income of similar nature.
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
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o Note: Retirement benefits will be (B) Exclusions from Gross Income. - The following items shall not
considered part of compensation income, be included in gross income and shall be exempt from taxation
even if received after the termination of under this title:
employer-employee relationship.
(1) Life Insurance. - The proceeds of life insurance policies
2. Gross income from business – business (legal or paid to the heirs or beneficiaries upon the death of the insured,
illegal), trade, profession whether in a single sum or otherwise, but if such amounts are
a. Sir: Even if illegal business, you are still held by the insurer under an agreement to pay interest thereon,
entitled to legitimate business deductions the interest payments shall be included in gross income.
(e.g., abortion clinic à does not include
expenses for protection money to the (2) Amount Received by Insured as Return of Premium. - The
amount received by the insured, as a return of premiums paid
police = Bribes, cf. Sec. 34.A.1.c. Legit
by him under life insurance, endowment, or annuity contracts,
business expenses à rents, laundry for either during the term or at the maturity of the term mentioned
bed sheets) in the contract or upon surrender of the contract.
3. Gains derived from property dealings
4. Interests, rents and royalties (3) Gifts, Bequests, and Devises. _ The value of property
5. Dividends – legal connotation of the term acquired by gift, bequest, devise, or descent: Provided,
“dividend” for tax purposes however, That income from such property, as well as gift,
6. Annuities – How must the annuitant report the bequest, devise or descent of income from any property, in
income- tax now or tax later tax policy options? cases of transfers of divided interest, shall be included in gross
a. Earned from an annuity contract income.
b. Annuity = excess of the amount received
over the amount of investment made (4) Compensation for Injuries or Sickness. - amounts received,
c. Until you have recovered your total through Accident or Health Insurance or under Workmen's
investment, there should be nothing that Compensation Acts, as compensation for personal injuries or
is taxable. But the BIR may come out sickness, plus the amounts of any damages received, whether
with a regulation for a tax now policy. No by suit or agreement, on account of such injuries or sickness.
such regulation now.
7. Prizes and winnings (5) Income Exempt under Treaty. - Income of any kind, to the
extent required by any treaty obligation binding upon the
a. Not exceeding 10K – still taxable as
Government of the Philippines.
returnable income
b. Exceeding 10K - 5% schedular (6) Retirement Benefits, Pensions, Gratuities, etc.-
8. Pensions (if not exempt) – whether paid out of a) Retirement benefits received under Republic Act No.
either contributory or non-contributory pensions 7641 and those received by officials and employees of
plans private firms, whether individual or corporate, in
9. Partner’s distributive share in net income of GPP accordance with a reasonable private benefit plan
a. Because the GPP is not a taxable entity maintained by the employer: Provided, That the
(cf. Sec. 26) retiring official or employee has been in the service of
b. How about partner’s share in a taxable the same employer for at least ten (10) years and is
partnership (e.g. a general co- not less than fifty (50) years of age at the time of his
partnership)? Yes. Still gross income. But retirement: Provided, further, That the benefits
they fall under dividends. Partnership granted under this subparagraph shall be availed of by
should withhold, otherwise, it will an official or employee only once. For purposes of
become directly liable for the tax. this Subsection, the term 'reasonable private benefit
10. Income from whatever source derived – claim of plan' means a pension, gratuity, stock bonus or
right doctrine profit-sharing plan maintained by an employer for the
a. Whether the income is legal or illegal (e.g. benefit of some or all of his officials or employees,
ransom money of the Abu Sayaff – but wherein contributions are made by such employer for
the officials or employees, or both, for the purpose of
who would send the assessment notice to
distributing to such officials and employees the
them? LOL)
earnings and principal of the fund thus accumulated,
and wherein its is provided in said plan that at no
EXCLUSIONS FROM GROSS INCOME AND THE time shall any part of the corpus or income of the
REASONS FOR THEIR EXCLUSION fund be used for, or be diverted to, any purpose
Sir: Lots of bar questions on this topic. other than for the exclusive benefit of the said
officials and employees.
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE b) Any amount received by an official or employee or by
Section 32. Gross Income. - his heirs from the employer as a consequence of
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separation of such official or employee from the ii. Benefits received by employees pursuant to
service of the employer because of death sickness or Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended by
other physical disability or for any cause beyond the Memorandum Order No. 28, dated August 13,
control of the said official or employee. 1986;
c) The provisions of any existing law to the contrary iii. Benefits received by officials and employees not
notwithstanding, social security benefits, retirement covered by Presidential decree No. 851, as
gratuities, pensions and other similar benefits amended by Memorandum Order No. 28, dated
received by resident or nonresident citizens of the August 13, 1986; and
Philippines or aliens who come to reside permanently iv. Other benefits such as productivity incentives
in the Philippines from foreign government agencies and Christmas bonus: Provided, further, That
and other institutions, private or public. the ceiling of Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000)
d) Payments of benefits due or to become due to any may be increased through rules and regulations
person residing in the Philippines under the laws of issued by the Secretary of Finance, upon
the United States administered by the United States recommendation of the Commissioner, after
Veterans Administration. considering among others, the effect on the
e) Benefits received from or enjoyed under the Social same of the inflation rate at the end of the
Security System in accordance with the provisions of taxable year.
Republic Act No. 8282.
f) Benefits received from the GSIS under Republic Act f) GSIS, SSS, Medicare and Other Contributions. -
No. 8291, including retirement gratuity received by GSIS, SSS, Medicare and Pag-ibig contributions, and
government officials and employees. union dues of individuals.
g) Gains from the Sale of Bonds, Debentures or other
(7) Miscellaneous Items. - Certificate of Indebtedness. - Gains realized from the
a) Income Derived by Foreign Government. - Income same or exchange or retirement of bonds, debentures
derived from investments in the Philippines in loans, or other certificate of indebtedness with a maturity of
stocks, bonds or other domestic securities, or from more than five (5) years.
interest on deposits in banks in the Philippines by (i) h) Gains from Redemption of Shares in Mutual Fund. -
foreign governments, (ii) financing institutions Gains realized by the investor upon redemption of
owned, controlled, or enjoying refinancing from shares of stock in a mutual fund company as defined
foreign governments, and (iii) international or in Section 22 (BB) of this Code.
regional financial institutions established by foreign *Increased from P30,000 pursuant to R.A. No. 10653 (Feb.
governments. 12, 2015)
b) Income Derived by the Government or its Political
Subdivisions. - Income derived from any public utility 1. Proceeds of life insurance policy
or from the exercise of any essential governmental a. The proceeds of life insurance policies
function accruing to the Government of the paid to the heirs or beneficiaries upon
Philippines or to any political subdivision thereof.
the death of the insured
c) Prizes and Awards. - Prizes and awards made
primarily in recognition of religious, charitable,
b. Excluded because it is not an income,
scientific, educational, artistic, literary, or civic but a return of capital à human capital
achievement but only if: (compensation for the loss of life)
i. The recipient was selected without any action c. Note: Under Sec. 36.A, personal, living or
on his part to enter the contest or proceeding; family expenses are not deductible.
and d. But if the insurance company retains part
ii. The recipient is not required to render of the proceeds, subject to the payment
substantial future services as a condition to of interests, the interests shall be taxed
receiving the prize or award. (debtor-creditor relationship). Declare it
d) Prizes and Awards in sports Competition. - All prizes in the ITR, because not subject to FWT.
and awards granted to athletes in local and
international sports competitions and tournaments 2. Return of premium to the insured
whether held in the Philippines or abroad and a. Excluded because it’s a return of capital.
sanctioned by their national sports associations. b. Endowment – when you outlive the term
e) 13th Month Pay and Other Benefits. - Gross benefits of the insurance contract, the insurance
received by officials and employees of public and company will give you back the
private entities: Provided, however, That the total endowment = therefore, return of
exclusion under this subparagraph shall not exceed
premium to the insured (endowment
P82,000* which shall cover:
contract – special type of life insurance
i. Benefits received by officials and employees of
the national and local government pursuant to contract; term is 20 years); but if you die
Republic Act No. 6686; before the term expires, the insurance
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company will pay to the beneficiary (see Section 1. Article 287 of Presidential Decree No. 442, as
#1) amended, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the
c. Not entire 1M is excluded = only the Philippines, is hereby amended to read as follows:
400K premiums paid is. The 600K is Art. 287. Retirement. – Any employee may be retired upon
taxable. Only the premiums are excluded reaching the retirement age established in the collective
from tax. bargaining agreement or other applicable employment contract.

3. Value of property acquired by gift, bequest or In case of retirement, the employee shall be entitled to receive
devise such retirement benefits as he may have earned under existing
a. Excluded because not considered as laws and any collective bargaining agreement and other
income – Remember, income is from agreements: Provided, however, That an employee's retirement
benefits under any collective bargaining and other agreements
capital or labor or both combined (e.g.
shall not be less than those provided herein.
rentals from the property) à Straight
donation In the absence of a retirement plan or agreement providing for
b. What if donation by divided interest? retirement benefits of employees in the establishment, an
Donor transfers property to a trustee à employee upon reaching the age of sixty (60) years or more, but
Income/rentals (Usufruct) to wife for not beyond sixty-five (65) years which is hereby declared the
life. Remainder of the property (naked compulsory retirement age, who has served at least five (5)
title) to the son. Can the wife argue that years in the said establishment, may retire and shall be entitled
the rentals are donation, therefore, not to retirement pay equivalent to at least one-half (1/2) month
taxable income? No. Not different from a salary for every year of service, a fraction of at least six (6)
straight donation. (Cf. relevant provision months being considered as one whole year.
in the NIRC; US case of Erwin v. Gibbin)
Unless the parties provide for broader inclusions, the term one-
4. Amount received through accident or health half (1/2) month salary shall mean fifteen (15) days plus one-
insurance twelfth (1/12) of the 13th month pay and the cash equivalent
a. As compensation for personal injuries or of not more than five (5) days of service incentive leaves.
sickness, plus the amounts of any
damages received, whether by suit or Retail, service and agricultural establishments or operations
employing not more than (10) employees or workers are
agreement, on account of such injuries or
exempted from the coverage of this provision.
sickness
b. Personal injuries – broader than Violation of this provision is hereby declared unlawful and
physical injuries subject to the penal provisions provided under Article 288 of
c. Punitive damages excluded because not this Code.
intended to compensate the injury that
was sustained, but to punish the offender, RA 4917, AN ACT PROVIDING THAT RETIREMENT
therefore, an income to the recipient = BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEES OF PRIVATE FIRMS
taxable. SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ATTACHMENT,
d. Excluded because injury to human LEVY, EXECUTION, OR ANY TAX WHATSOEVER
capital. Relate to #1. (1967)

5. Income exempt under tax treaty Section 1. Any provision of law to the contrary
a. Application of the principle of notwithstanding, the retirement benefits received by officials
international comity. and employees of private firms, whether individual or
b. Tax treaties intended to avoid double corporate, in accordance with a reasonable private benefit plan
taxation and fiscal evasion. (Now, mostly maintained by the employer shall be exempt from all taxes and
on income taxes only) shall not be liable to attachment, garnishment, levy or seizure
by or under any legal or equitable process whatsoever except to
pay a debt of the official or employee concerned to the privates
6. Retirement benefits, pensions, gratuities, etc.
benefit plan or that arising from liability imposed in a criminal
action: Provided, That the retiring official or employee has been
TWO TYPES: in the service of the same employer for at least ten (10) years
a. RA 7641 amending Art. 287, Labor Code; and is not less than fifty years of age at the time of his
b. RA 4917 – scope of exemption of an retirement: Provided, further, That the benefits granted under this
employee’s trust – Sec. 60, NIRC Act shall be availed of by an official or employee only
once: Provided, finally, That in case of separation of an official or
RA 7641, AMENDING ART. 287, LABOR CODE (1992) employee from the service of the employer due to death,
sickness or other physical disability or for any cause beyond the
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control of the said official or employee, any amount received • Refers to retirement benefits given by employers
by him or by his heirs from the employer as a consequence of to their employees.
such separation shall likewise be exempt as hereinabove • 2 requirements:
provided. i. Age – Not less 60, not more than 65
As used in this Act, the term "reasonable private benefit plan"
ii. Service – at least 5 years à even broken
means a pension, gratuity, stock bonus or profit sharing plan service is counted
maintained by an employer for the benefit of some or all of his
officials and employees, wherein contributions are made by • Sir: No frequency requirement because of the
such employer or officials and employees, or both, for the retirement age. Who would hire you pa? Lels.
purpose of distributing to such officials and employees the • The two requirements must concur; otherwise, the
earnings and principal of the fund thus accumulated, and entire benefit will be taxable as compensation.
wherein it is provided in said plan that at no time shall any part • Minimum of ½ basic monthly salary for every year
of the corpus or income of the fund be used for, or be diverted of service or for every fraction thereof. But the
to, any purpose other than for the exclusive benefit of the said employer can give a higher amount by providing
officials and employees.
for it under a collective bargaining agreement
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
(CBA).
CHAPTER X. ESTATES AND TRUSTS
b. Employer’s Trust Act (RA 4917)
Section 60. Imposition of Tax. -
(A) Application of Tax. - The tax imposed by this Title upon • Refers to retirement benefits from a reasonable
individuals shall apply to the income of estates or of any kind private benefit plan; pre-approved by the BIR.
of property held in trust, including: • The following 3 requirements must concur.
1. Income accumulated in trust for the benefit of i. Service requirement – EE served ER for at
unborn or unascertained person or persons with least 10 years. Broken service covered. What
contingent interests, and income accumulated or held matters is the aggregate years of service.
for future distribution under the terms of the will or ii. Age – Retiring EE must at least be 50 years
trust; of age (365 days = 1 year)
2. Income which is to be distributed currently by the
iii. Frequency – The benefit must be availed of
fiduciary to the beneficiaries, and income collected by
only once.
a guardian of an infant which is to be held or
distributed as the court may direct;
3. Income received by estates of deceased persons • What if not all the requisites concur? Example: A
during the period of administration or settlement of served X Corporation (which has a reasonable
the estate; and private benefit plan) for 12 years, retired at the age
4. Income which, in the discretion of the fiduciary, may of 49, got a lump sum retirement benefit of 3M
be either distributed to the beneficiaries or pesos. What would be the tax implication?
accumulated. o Obviously, the retirement benefit is not
excluded under law, but which portion of
(B) Exception. - The tax imposed by this Title shall not apply to the 3M is taxable and which portion is
employee's trust which forms part of a pension, stock bonus or not?
profit-sharing plan of an employer for the benefit of some or o First, determine which portion is
all of his employees (1) if contributions are made to the trust by contributory and which is non-
such employer, or employees, or both for the purpose of contributory.
distributing to such employees the earnings and principal of the § Contributory retirement plan –
fund accumulated by the trust in accordance with such plan,
both the employer and the
and (2) if under the trust instrument it is impossible, at any
employee contribute (e.g. SSS)
time prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities with respect to
employees under the trust, for any part of the corpus or à If this is the case, know how
income to be (within the taxable year or thereafter) used for, or much the employee contributed
diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of his (through salary deductions) =
employees: Provided, That any amount actually distributed to e.g. Employee contributed 1M,
any employee or distributee shall be taxable to him in the year while employer contributed 2M.
in which so distributed to the extent that it exceeds the amount à ONLY THE AMOUNT
contributed by such employee or distributee. CONTRIBUTED BY THE
EMPLOYER IS TAXABLE.
a. Herrera Law (RA 7641 amending Art. That contributed by the
287, Labor Code) employee is not taxable because
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return of capital (cf. Sec. 60 in ii. Sanctioned by the national sports


relation to Sec. 32.B) associations (Philippine Olympic
§ Non-contributory – no salary Committee à Sir: designed to
deductions to the employee. promote amateurism. What.)
The entire amount accepted as
retirement benefit, therefore, is Note: The term “awards” as defined in the law includes
taxable. everything received by the athlete during his training, after
§ Sir: If the problem is silent as to his winning, etc. à excluded because all intended to uplift
whether contributory or not, the his well-being (e.g. Onyok Velasco). Not subject to both
entire amount is taxable. donor’s tax and income tax.
7. Benefits or separation pay received due to 10. Exclusions intended to enhance the capital market
involuntary separation from employment a. Gains from long-term certificates of
a. Death, sickness or physical disability or indebtedness, etc. But it is only the gain
any cause beyond the control of the EE that is excluded, not the interests.
(e.g., retrenchment due to redundancy) i. Interests – passive income;
(illegal dismissal cases) Gain – active income.
b. Never tender a courtesy resignation, b. Gains from redemption of shares in
otherwise, not involuntary separation mutual fund companies. Excluded to
anymore even if there is ongoing encourage investors to share their
retrenchment. Best evidence rule! investments.
8. 13th month pay and other benefits – treatment of Question: What are the two captions or categories for income
excess over de minimis benefits tax under the ITR?
a. P82,000 threshold applies only to 1. Compensation Income
employees, not to self-employed 2. Income from trade, business, or practice of
individuals (trade, business, practice of profession à DEFAULT RULE à All income
profession) required to be declared which are not covered
under compensation income will fall under this
9. Prizes and awards in recognition of specified category.
achievements and those received in sports a. Interest income
competition b. Windfalls
c. Prizes not exceeding P10K
TWO TYPES: d. Dividends from abroad
e. All capital gains that has no specific tax
a. Prizes and awards in recognition of specified treatment under the law
achievements (religious, charitable, scientific, f. Income from whatever source derived
educational, artistic, literary or civic).
Therefore, there are only two types of income that are
Two requirements: required to be declared in an ITR. Why not just lump them
i. Recipient must not have done any act to all together? Why the COMPARTMENTALIZED
receive such award APPROACH?
ii. Recipient must not be required to render
• Cf. Sec. 34 à No deductions shall be allowed
substantial future services as a condition
from compensation income save for the special
to receiving the prize or award.
deduction under Sec. 34.M (Premium Payments on
§ Sir’s Example: Tatay X was
Health and/or Hospitalization Insurance of an
watching Eat Bulaga at home;
Individual Taxpayer à 200 per month or a
they called his name as recipient
maximum of 2400 per annum; a family deduction)
of Gintong Ama Award à • Each and every taxpayer who earns mixed income
scientific achievement for
• MIXED INCOME EARNER – there are more
having sired 50 children. LOL
than one type of returnable income
ugh
o E.g., an employee maintains an account
b. Prizes and awards in sports competition. with the bank, and such earns interest à
i. Local and international sports Not a mixed income earner
competitions o Personal & additional exemptions will be
deducted only from compensation
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income if there is mixed income. But • Non-resident foreign corporations are taxed on
offsetting allowed if there is a negative gross income; withholding agent is directly liable
compensation income. for the payment of the income tax.
§ 50K personal exemption • NRA-NETB and NRFC can only earn passive
§ 25K additional exemption for a investment income from the Philippines. It does
dependent (maximum of 4) = not require their physical presence here.
100K
ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS FROM GROSS
TAXABLE COMPENSATION INCOME INCOME
• = Gross compensation income minus Sec. 34M
minus personal & additional exemptions NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
Section 34. Deductions from Gross Income. - Except for
NET INCOME FROM TRADE, BUSINESS OR taxpayers earning compensation income arising from personal
PRACTICE OF PROFESSION services rendered under an employer-employee relationship
• = Gross income from TBP MINUS itemized where no deductions shall be allowed under this Section other
deductions/optional standard deductions than under subsection (M) hereof, in computing taxable
income subject to income tax under Sections 24 (A); 25 (A); 26;
= ADD the two = AGGREGATE TAXABLE 27 (A), (B) and (C); and 28 (A) (1), there shall be allowed the
INCOME, then apply the graduated tax rates under Sec. 24 following deductions from gross income;
• If the taxable compensation income is a (A) Expenses. -
NEGATIVE FIGURE, can you combine it with 1. Ordinary and Necessary Trade, Business or
the POSITIVE taxable income from TBP? Or can Professional Expenses.-
you offset them? (Excess or unclaimed personal
exemptions?) a) In General. - There shall be allowed as
• Yes, you can offset them, because you are entitled deduction from gross income all the ordinary
to a maximum of P150K. That is a matter of right and necessary expenses paid or incurred during
given by law. You can claim it against business the taxable year in carrying on or which are
income if there are excess personal exemptions. directly attributable to, the development,
• BUT loss from business cannot be offset against management, operation and/or conduct of the
compensation income but can be carried over as trade, business or exercise of a profession,
NOLCO (net operating loss carry-over). No including:
i. A reasonable allowance for salaries,
deduction shall be allowed against compensation
wages, and other forms of compensation
income à Sec 34 à COMPARTMENTALIZED for personal services actually rendered,
APPROACH including the grossed-up monetary value
of fringe benefit furnished or granted by
FOR INDIVIDUALS the employer to the employee: Provided,
• Gross income – deductions & personal That the final tax imposed under Section
exemptions = Taxable income (Sec. 31) 33 hereof has been paid;
ii. A reasonable allowance for travel
FOR CORPORATIONS expenses, here and abroad, while away
• No personal exemptions from home in the pursuit of trade,
• Gross income – deductions = Taxable income business or profession;
iii. A reasonable allowance for rentals and/or
other payments which are required as a
TWO TYPES OF DEDUCTIONS FROM GROSS
condition for the continued use or
INCOME possession, for purposes of the trade,
1. Itemized deductions (Sec. 34 A-J) à business or profession, of property to
2. Optional Standard Deduction (Sec. 34L) which the taxpayer has not taken or is not
taking title or in which he has no equity
• Not all taxpayers taxable on net income can other than that of a lessee, user or
choose what deduction to claim. Non-resident possessor;
alien engaged in trade or business in the iv. A reasonable allowance for entertainment,
Philippines can only claim itemized deductions. amusement and recreation expenses
(NRA-NETB is taxable on gross income; during the taxable year, that are directly
withholding agent is directly liable for the payment connected to the development,
of the income tax) management and operation of the trade,
business or profession of the taxpayer, or
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that are directly related to or in reduced by an amount equal to the following


furtherance of the conduct of his or its percentages of the interest income subjected to final
trade, business or exercise of a profession tax:
not to exceed such ceilings as the
Secretary of Finance may, by rules and Forty-one percent (41%) beginning January 1, 1998;
regulations prescribe, upon Thirty-nine percent (39%) beginning January 1, 1999;
recommendation of the Commissioner, and
taking into account the needs as well as Thirty-eight percent (38%) beginning January 1, 2000;
the special circumstances, nature and
character of the industry, trade, business, 2. Exceptions. - No deduction shall be allowed in respect
or profession of the taxpayer: Provided, of interest under the succeeding subparagraphs:
That any expense incurred for
entertainment, amusement or recreation a) If within the taxable year an individual taxpayer
that is contrary to law, morals public reporting income on the cash basis incurs an
policy or public order shall in no case be indebtedness on which an interest is paid in
allowed as a deduction. advance through discount or otherwise:
Provided, That such interest shall be allowed a a
b) Substantiation Requirements. - No deduction deduction in the year the indebtedness is paid:
from gross income shall be allowed under Provided, further, That if the indebtedness is
Subsection (A) hereof unless the taxpayer shall payable in periodic amortizations, the amount
substantiate with sufficient evidence, such as of interest which corresponds to the amount of
official receipts or other adequate records: (i) the principal amortized or paid during the year
the amount of the expense being deducted, and shall be allowed as deduction in such taxable
(ii) the direct connection or relation of the year;
expense being deducted to the development, b) If both the taxpayer and the person to whom
management, operation and/or conduct of the the payment has been made or is to be made are
trade, business or profession of the taxpayer. persons specified under Section 36 (B); or
c) If the indebtedness is incurred to finance
c) Bribes, Kickbacks and Other Similar Payments. petroleum exploration.
- No deduction from gross income shall be
allowed under Subsection (A) hereof for any 3. Optional Treatment of Interest Expense. - At the option of
payment made, directly or indirectly, to an the taxpayer, interest incurred to acquire property
official or employee of the national used in trade business or exercise of a profession may
government, or to an official or employee of be allowed as a deduction or treated as a capital
any local government unit, or to an official or expenditure.
employee of a government-owned or -
controlled corporation, or to an official or (C) Taxes.-
employee or representative of a foreign 1. In General. - Taxes paid or incurred within the taxable
government, or to a private corporation, general year in connection with the taxpayer's profession,
professional partnership, or a similar entity, if trade or business, shall be allowed as deduction,
the payment constitutes a bribe or kickback. except
a) The income tax provided for under this Title;
2. Expenses Allowable to Private Educational b) Income taxes imposed by authority of any
Institutions. - In addition to the expenses allowable as foreign country; but this deduction shall be
deductions under this Chapter, a private educational allowed in the case of a taxpayer who does not
institution, referred to under Section 27 (B) of this signify in his return his desire to have to any
Code, may at its option elect either: (a) to deduct extent the benefits of paragraph (3) of this
expenditures otherwise considered as capital outlays subsection (relating to credits for taxes of
of depreciable assets incurred during the taxable year foreign countries);
for the expansion of school facilities or (b) to deduct c) Estate and donor's taxes; and
allowance for depreciation thereof under Subsection d) Taxes assessed against local benefits of a kind
(F) hereof. tending to increase the value of the property
assessed.
(B) Interest.-
1. In General. - The amount of interest paid or incurred Provided, That taxes allowed under this
within a taxable year on indebtedness in connection Subsection, when refunded or credited, shall be
with the taxpayer's profession, trade or business shall included as part of gross income in the year of
be allowed as deduction from gross income: receipt to the extent of the income tax benefit
Provided, however, That the taxpayer's otherwise of said deduction.
allowable deduction for interest expense shall be
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2. Limitations on Deductions. - In the case of a nonresident case of such a tax incurred but not paid, the
alien individual engaged in trade or business in the Commissioner as a condition precedent to the
Philippines and a resident foreign corporation, the allowance of this credit may require the taxpayer to
deductions for taxes provided in paragraph (1) of this give a bond with sureties satisfactory to and to be
Subsection (C) shall be allowed only if and to the approved by the Commissioner in such sum as he
extent that they are connected with income from may require, conditioned upon the payment by the
sources within the Philippines. taxpayer of any amount of tax found due upon any
such redetermination. The bond herein prescribed
3. Credit Against Tax for Taxes of Foreign Countries. - If the shall contain such further conditions as the
taxpayer signifies in his return his desire to have the Commissioner may require.
benefits of this paragraph, the tax imposed by this
Title shall be credited with: 6. Year in Which Credit Taken. - The credits provided for
a) Citizen and Domestic Corporation. - In the case in Subsection (C)(3) of this Section may, at the option
of a citizen of the Philippines and of a domestic of the taxpayer and irrespective of the method of
corporation, the amount of income taxes paid accounting employed in keeping his books, be taken
or incurred during the taxable year to any in the year which the taxes of the foreign country
foreign country; and were incurred, subject, however, to the conditions
b) Partnerships and Estates. - In the case of any prescribed in Subsection (C)(5) of this Section. If the
such individual who is a member of a general taxpayer elects to take such credits in the year in
professional partnership or a beneficiary of an which the taxes of the foreign country accrued, the
estate or trust, his proportionate share of such credits for all subsequent years shall be taken upon
taxes of the general professional partnership or the same basis and no portion of any such taxes shall
the estate or trust paid or incurred during the be allowed as a deduction in the same or any
taxable year to a foreign country, if his succeeding year.
distributive share of the income of such
partnership or trust is reported for taxation 7. Proof of Credits. - The credits provided in Subsection
under this Title. (C)(3) hereof shall be allowed only if the taxpayer
establishes to the satisfaction of the Commissioner
An alien individual and a foreign corporation the following:
shall not be allowed the credits against the tax a) The total amount of income derived from
for the taxes of foreign countries allowed under sources without the Philippines;
this paragraph. b) The amount of income derived from each
country, the tax paid or incurred to which is
4. Limitations on Credit. - The amount of the credit taken claimed as a credit under said paragraph, such
under this Section shall be subject to each of the amount to be determined under rules and
following limitations: regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
a) The amount of the credit in respect to the tax Finance; and
paid or incurred to any country shall not exceed c) All other information necessary for the
the same proportion of the tax against which verification and computation of such credits.
such credit is taken, which the taxpayer's taxable
income from sources within such country under (D) Losses. -
this Title bears to his entire taxable income for 1. In General. - Losses actually sustained during the
the same taxable year; and taxable year and not compensated for by insurance or
b) The total amount of the credit shall not exceed other forms of indemnity shall be allowed as
the same proportion of the tax against which deductions:
such credit is taken, which the taxpayer's taxable a) If incurred in trade, profession or business;
income from sources without the Philippines b) Of property connected with the trade, business
taxable under this Title bears to his entire or profession, if the loss arises from fires,
taxable income for the same taxable year. storms, shipwreck, or other casualties, or from
robbery, theft or embezzlement.
5. Adjustments on Payment of Incurred Taxes. - If accrued
taxes when paid differ from the amounts claimed as The Secretary of Finance, upon
credits by the taxpayer, or if any tax paid is refunded recommendation of the Commissioner, is
in whole or in part, the taxpayer shall notify the hereby authorized to promulgate rules and
Commissioner; who shall redetermine the amount of regulations prescribing, among other things, the
the tax for the year or years affected, and the amount time and manner by which the taxpayer shall
of tax due upon such redetermination, if any, shall be submit a declaration of loss sustained from
paid by the taxpayer upon notice and demand by the casualty or from robbery, theft or
Commissioner, or the amount of tax overpaid, if any, embezzlement during the taxable year:
shall be credited or refunded to the taxpayer. In the Provided, however, That the time limit to be so
SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN TAXATION | PROF. E.R. ABELLA 29
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prescribed in the rules and regulations shall not provided for under Executive Order No. 226, as
be less than thirty (30) days nor more than amended, otherwise known as the Omnibus
ninety (90) days from the date of discovery of Investments Code of 1987, incurred in any of the
the casualty or robbery, theft or embezzlement first ten (10) years of operation may be carried over
giving rise to the loss. as a deduction from taxable income for the next five
c) No loss shall be allowed as a deduction under (5) years immediately following the year of such loss.
this Subsection if at the time of the filing of the The entire amount of the loss shall be carried over to
return, such loss has been claimed as a the first of the five (5) taxable years following the
deduction for estate tax purposes in the estate loss, and any portion of such loss which exceeds, the
tax return. taxable income of such first year shall be deducted in
like manner form the taxable income of the next
2. Proof of Loss. - In the case of a nonresident alien remaining four (4) years.
individual or foreign corporation, the losses
deductible shall be those actually sustained during the 4. Capital Losses. -
year incurred in business, trade or exercise of a a) Limitation. - Loss from sales or Exchanges of
profession conducted within the Philippines, when capital assets shall be allowed only to the extent
such losses are not compensated for by insurance or provided in Section 39.
other forms of indemnity. The secretary of Finance, b) Securities Becoming worthless. - If securities as
upon recommendation of the Commissioner, is defined in Section 22 (T) become worthless
hereby authorized to promulgate rules and during the taxable year and are capital assets,
regulations prescribing, among other things, the time the loss resulting therefrom shall, for purposes
and manner by which the taxpayer shall submit a of this Title, be considered as a loss from the
declaration of loss sustained from casualty or from sale or exchange, on the last day of such taxable
robbery, theft or embezzlement during the taxable year, of capital assets.
year: Provided, That the time to be so prescribed in
the rules and regulations shall not be less than thirty 5. Losses From Wash Sales of Stock or Securities. -
(30) days nor more than ninety (90) days from the Losses from 'wash sales' of stock or securities as
date of discovery of the casualty or robbery, theft or provided in Section 38.
embezzlement giving rise to the loss; and
6. Wagering Losses. - Losses from wagering
3. Net Operating Loss Carry-Over. - The net operating loss transactions shall b allowed only to the extent of the
of the business or enterprise for any taxable year gains from such transactions.
immediately preceding the current taxable year, which
had not been previously offset as deduction from 7. Abandonment Losses. -
gross income shall be carried over as a deduction a) In the event a contract area where petroleum
from gross income for the next three (3) consecutive operations are undertaken is partially or wholly
taxable years immediately following the year of such abandoned, all accumulated exploration and
loss: Provided, however, That any net loss incurred in development expenditures pertaining thereto
a taxable year during which the taxpayer was exempt shall be allowed as a deduction: Provided, That
from income tax shall not be allowed as a deduction accumulated expenditures incurred in that area
under this Subsection: Provided, further, That a net prior to January 1, 1979 shall be allowed as a
operating loss carry-over shall be allowed only if deduction only from any income derived from
there has been no substantial change in the the same contract area. In all cases, notices of
ownership of the business or enterprise in that - abandonment shall be filed with the
i. Not less than seventy-five percent (75%) in nominal Commissioner.
value of outstanding issued shares., if the business is b) In case a producing well is subsequently
in the name of a corporation, is held by or on behalf abandoned, the unamortized costs thereof, as
of the same persons; or well as the undepreciated costs of equipment
ii. Not less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the paid directly used therein , shall be allowed as a
up capital of the corporation, if the business is in the deduction in the year such well, equipment or
name of a corporation, is held by or on behalf of the facility is abandoned by the contractor:
same persons. Provided, That if such abandoned well is
reentered and production is resumed, or if such
For purposes of this subsection, the term 'not equipment or facility is restored into service, the
operating loss' shall mean the excess of allowable said costs shall be included as part of gross
deduction over gross income of the business in a income in the year of resumption or restoration
taxable year. and shall be amortized or depreciated, as the
case may be.
Provided, That for mines other than oil and gas wells,
a net operating loss without the benefit of incentives (E) Bad Debts. -
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1. In General. - Debts due to the taxpayer actually by the Secretary of Finance upon recommendation of
ascertained to be worthless and charged off within the Commissioner, the taxpayer and the
the taxable year except those not connected with Commissioner have entered into an agreement in
profession, trade or business and those sustained in a writing specifically dealing with the useful life and
transaction entered into between parties mentioned rate of depreciation of any property, the rate so
under Section 36 (B) of this Code: Provided, That agreed upon shall be binding on both the taxpayer
recovery of bad debts previously allowed as and the national Government in the absence of facts
deduction in the preceding years shall be included as and circumstances not taken into consideration
part of the gross income in the year of recovery to during the adoption of such agreement. The
the extent of the income tax benefit of said responsibility of establishing the existence of such
deduction. facts and circumstances shall rest with the party
initiating the modification. Any change in the agreed
2. Securities Becoming Worthless. - If securities, as defined in rate and useful life of the depreciable property as
Section 22 (T), are ascertained to be worthless and specified in the agreement shall not be effective for
charged off within the taxable year and are capital taxable years prior to the taxable year in which notice
assets, the loss resulting therefrom shall, in the case in writing by certified mail or registered mail is served
of a taxpayer other than a bank or trust company by the party initiating such change to the other party
incorporated under the laws of the Philippines a to the agreement.
substantial part of whose business is the receipt of
deposits, for the purpose of this Title, be considered Provided, however, that where the taxpayer has
as a loss from the sale or exchange, on the last day of adopted such useful life and depreciation rate for any
such taxable year, of capital assets. depreciable and claimed the depreciation expenses as
deduction from his gross income, without any written
(F) Depreciation. - objection on the part of the Commissioner or his
1. General Rule. - There shall be allowed as a depreciation duly authorized representatives, the aforesaid useful
deduction a reasonable allowance for the exhaustion, life and depreciation rate so adopted by the taxpayer
wear and tear (including reasonable allowance for for the aforesaid depreciable asset shall be considered
obsolescence) of property used in the trade or binding for purposes of this Subsection.
business. In the case of property held by one person
for life with remainder to another person, the 4. Depreciation of Properties Used in Petroleum Operations. -
deduction shall be computed as if the life tenant were An allowance for depreciation in respect of all
the absolute owner of the property and shall be properties directly related to production of petroleum
allowed to the life tenant. In the case of property held initially placed in service in a taxable year shall be
in trust, the allowable deduction shall be apportioned allowed under the straight-line or declining-balance
between the income beneficiaries and the trustees in method of depreciation at the option of the service
accordance with the pertinent provisions of the contractor.
instrument creating the trust, or in the absence of
such provisions, on the basis of the trust income However, if the service contractor initially elects the
allowable to each. declining-balance method, it may at any subsequent
date, shift to the straight-line method.
2. Use of Certain Methods and Rates. - The term 'reasonable
allowance' as used in the preceding paragraph shall The useful life of properties used in or related to
include, but not limited to, an allowance computed in production of petroleum shall be ten (10) years of
accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by such shorter life as may be permitted by the
the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of Commissioner.
the Commissioner, under any of the following
methods: Properties not used directly in the production of
a) The straight-line method; petroleum shall be depreciated under the straight-line
b) Declining-balance method, using a rate not method on the basis of an estimated useful life of five
exceeding twice the rate which would have been (5) years.
used had the annual allowance been computed
under the method described in Subsection (F) 5. Depreciation of Properties Used in Mining Operations. - an
(1); allowance for depreciation in respect of all properties
c) The sum-of-the-years-digit method; and used in mining operations other than petroleum
d) any other method which may be prescribed by operations, shall be computed as follows:
the Secretary of Finance upon recommendation a) At the normal rate of depreciation if the
of the Commissioner. expected life is ten (10) years or less; or
b) Depreciated over any number of years between
3. Agreement as to Useful Life on Which Depreciation Rate is five (5) years and the expected life if the latter is
Based. - Where under rules and regulations prescribed more than ten (10) years, and the depreciation
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thereon allowed as deduction from taxable exploration and development expenditures paid or
income: Provided, That the contractor notifies incurred during the taxable year: Provided, That the
the Commissioner at the beginning of the amount deductible for exploration and development
depreciation period which depreciation rate expenditures shall not exceed twenty-five percent
allowed by this Section will be used. (25%) of the net income from mining operations
computed without the benefit of any tax incentives
6. Depreciation Deductible by Nonresident Aliens Engaged in under existing laws. The actual exploration and
Trade or Business or Resident Foreign Corporations. - In the development expenditures minus twenty-five percent
case of a nonresident alien individual engaged in trade (25%) of the net income from mining shall be carried
or business or resident foreign corporation, a forward to the succeeding years until fully deducted.
reasonable allowance for the deterioration of
Property arising out of its use or employment or its The election by the taxpayer to deduct the
non-use in the business trade or profession shall be exploration and development expenditures is
permitted only when such property is located in the irrevocable and shall be binding in succeeding taxable
Philippines. years.

(G) Depletion of Oil and Gas Wells and Mines. - 'Net income from mining operations', as used in this
1. In General. - In the case of oil and gas wells or mines, Subsection, shall mean gross income from operations
a reasonable allowance for depletion or amortization less 'allowable deductions' which are necessary or
computed in accordance with the cost-depletion related to mining operations. 'Allowable deductions'
method shall be granted under rules and regulations shall include mining, milling and marketing expenses,
to be prescribed by the Secretary of finance, upon and depreciation of properties directly used in the
recommendation of the Commissioner. Provided, mining operations. This paragraph shall not apply to
That when the allowance for depletion shall equal the expenditures for the acquisition or improvement of
capital invested no further allowance shall be granted: property of a character which is subject to the
Provided, further, That after production in allowance for depreciation.
commercial quantities has commenced, certain
intangible exploration and development drilling costs: In no case shall this paragraph apply with respect to
(a) shall be deductible in the year incurred if such amounts paid or incurred for the exploration and
expenditures are incurred for non-producing wells development of oil and gas.
and/or mines, or (b) shall be deductible in full in the
year paid or incurred or at the election of the The term 'exploration expenditures' means
taxpayer, may be capitalized and amortized if such expenditures paid or incurred for the purpose of
expenditures incurred are for producing wells and/or ascertaining the existence, location, extent or quality
mines in the same contract area. of any deposit of ore or other mineral, and paid or
incurred before the beginning of the development
Intangible costs in petroleum operations' refers to stage of the mine or deposit.
any cost incurred in petroleum operations which in
itself has no salvage value and which is incidental to The term 'development expenditures' means
and necessary for the drilling of wells and preparation expenditures paid or incurred during the
of wells for the production of petroleum: Provided, development stage of the mine or other natural
That said costs shall not pertain to the acquisition or deposits. The development stage of a mine or other
improvement of property of a character subject to natural deposit shall begin at the time when deposits
the allowance for depreciation except that the of ore or other minerals are shown to exist in
allowances for depreciation on such property shall be sufficient commercial quantity and quality and shall
deductible under this Subsection. end upon commencement of actual commercial
extraction.
Any intangible exploration, drilling and development 3. Depletion of Oil and Gas Wells and Mines Deductible by a
expenses allowed as a deduction in computing taxable Nonresident Alien individual or Foreign Corporation. - In
income during the year shall not be taken into the case of a nonresident alien individual engaged in
consideration in computing the adjusted cost basis trade or business in the Philippines or a resident
for the purpose of computing allowable cost foreign corporation, allowance for depletion of oil
depletion. and gas wells or mines under paragraph (1) of this
Subsection shall be authorized only in respect to oil
2. Election to Deduct Exploration and Development and gas wells or mines located within the Philippines.
Expenditures. - In computing taxable income from
mining operations, the taxpayer may at his option, (H) Charitable and Other Contributions. -
deduct exploration and development expenditures 1. In General. - Contributions or gifts actually paid or
accumulated as cost or adjusted basis for cost made within the taxable year to, or for the use of the
depletion as of date of prospecting, as well as Government of the Philippines or any of its agencies
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or any political subdivision thereof exclusively for health, social welfare, cultural or charitable
public purposes, or to accredited domestic purposes, or a combination thereof, no part
corporation or associations organized and operated of the net income of which inures to the
exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, youth benefit of any private individual;
and sports development, cultural or educational 2) Which, not later than the 15th day of the
purposes or for the rehabilitation of veterans, or to third month after the close of the accredited
social welfare institutions, or to non-government nongovernment organizations taxable year
organizations, in accordance with rules and in which contributions are received, makes
regulations promulgated by the Secretary of finance, utilization directly for the active conduct of
upon recommendation of the Commissioner, no part the activities constituting the purpose or
of the net income of which inures to the benefit of function for which it is organized and
any private stockholder or individual in an amount operated, unless an extended period is
not in excess of ten percent (10%) in the case of an granted by the Secretary of Finance in
individual, and five percent (5%) in the case of a accordance with the rules and regulations to
corporation, of the taxpayer's taxable income derived be promulgated, upon recommendation of
from trade, business or profession as computed the Commissioner;
without the benefit of this and the following 3) The level of administrative expense of
subparagraphs. which shall, on an annual basis, conform
with the rules and regulations to be
2. Contributions Deductible in Full. - Notwithstanding the prescribed by the Secretary of Finance,
provisions of the preceding subparagraph, donations upon recommendation of the
to the following institutions or entities shall be Commissioner, but in no case to exceed
deductible in full; thirty percent (30%) of the total expenses;
a) Donations to the Government. - Donations to and
the Government of the Philippines or to any of 4) The assets of which, in the even of
its agencies or political subdivisions, including dissolution, would be distributed to another
fully-owned government corporations, nonprofit domestic corporation organized
exclusively to finance, to provide for, or to be for similar purpose or purposes, or to the
used in undertaking priority activities in state for public purpose, or would be
education, health, youth and sports distributed by a court to another
development, human settlements, science and organization to be used in such manner as
culture, and in economic development in the judgment of said court shall best
according to a National Priority Plan accomplish the general purpose for which
determined by the National Economic and the dissolved organization was organized.
Development Authority (NEDA), In
consultation with appropriate government Subject to such terms and conditions as may
agencies, including its regional development be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance,
councils and private philantrophic persons and the term 'utilization' means:
institutions: Provided, That any donation which i. Any amount in cash or in kind
is made to the Government or to any of its (including administrative expenses) paid
agencies or political subdivisions not in or utilized to accomplish one or more
accordance with the said annual priority plan purposes for which the accredited
shall be subject to the limitations prescribed in nongovernment organization was
paragraph (1) of this Subsection; created or organized.
b) Donations to Certain Foreign Institutions or
International Organizations. - donations to ii. Any amount paid to acquire an asset
foreign institutions or international used (or held for use) directly in carrying
organizations which are fully deductible in out one or more purposes for which the
pursuance of or in compliance with agreements, accredited nongovernment organization
treaties, or commitments entered into by the was created or organized.
Government of the Philippines and the foreign
institutions or international organizations or in An amount set aside for a specific
pursuance of special laws; project which comes within one or
c) Donations to Accredited Nongovernment more purposes of the accredited
Organizations. - the term 'nongovernment nongovernment organization may be
organization' means a non profit domestic treated as a utilization, but only if at the
corporation: time such amount is set aside, the
1) Organized and operated exclusively for accredited nongovernment organization
scientific, research, educational, character- has established to the satisfaction of the
building and youth and sports development, Commissioner that the amount will be
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paid for the specific project within a method is authorized with respect to a part or all of such
period to be prescribed in rules and expenditures. The election shall not apply to any expenditure
regulations to be promulgated by the paid or incurred during any taxable year for which the taxpayer
Secretary of Finance, upon makes the election.
recommendation of the Commissioner,
but not to exceed five (5) years, and the 3. Limitations on deduction. - This Subsection shall not
project is one which can be better apply to:
accomplished by setting aside such a) Any expenditure for the acquisition or
amount than by immediate payment of improvement of land, or for the improvement
funds. of property to be used in connection with
research and development of a character which
3. Valuation. - The amount of any charitable is subject to depreciation and depletion; and
contribution of property other than money shall be b) Any expenditure paid or incurred for the
based on the acquisition cost of said property. purpose of ascertaining the existence, location,
extent, or quality of any deposit of ore or other
4. Proof of Deductions. - Contributions or gifts shall be mineral, including oil or gas.
allowable as deductions only if verified under the
rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of (J) Pension Trusts. - An employer establishing or maintaining a
Finance, upon recommendation of the pension trust to provide for the payment of reasonable
Commissioner. pensions to his employees shall be allowed as a deduction (in
addition to the contributions to such trust during the taxable
(I) Research and Development.- year to cover the pension liability accruing during the year,
1. In General. - a taxpayer may treat research or allowed as a deduction under Subsection (A) (1) of this Section
development expenditures which are paid or incurred ) a reasonable amount transferred or paid into such trust during
by him during the taxable year in connection with his the taxable year in excess of such contributions, but only if
trade, business or profession as ordinary and such amount (1)has not theretofore been allowed as a
necessary expenses which are not chargeable to deduction, and (2) is apportioned in equal parts over a period
capital account. The expenditures so treated shall be of ten (10) consecutive years beginning with the year in which
allowed as deduction during the taxable year when the transfer or payment is made.
paid or incurred.
(K) Additional Requirements for Deductibility of Certain Payments. -
2. Amortization of Certain Research and Development Any amount paid or payable which is otherwise deductible
Expenditures. - At the election of the taxpayer and in from, or taken into account in computing gross income or for
accordance with the rules and regulations to be which depreciation or amortization may be allowed under this
prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon Section, shall be allowed as a deduction only if it is shown that
recommendation of the Commissioner, the following the tax required to be deducted and withheld therefrom has
research and development expenditures may be been paid to the Bureau of Internal Revenue in accordance
treated as deferred expenses: with this Section 58 and 81 of this Code.
a) Paid or incurred by the taxpayer in connection
with his trade, business or profession; (L) Optional Standard Deduction.* - In lieu of the deductions
b) Not treated as expenses under paragraph 91) allowed under the preceding Subsections, an individual subject
hereof; and to tax under Section 24, other than a nonresident alien, may
c) Chargeable to capital account but not elect a standard deduction in an amount not exceeding forty
chargeable to property of a character which is percent (40%) of his gross sales or gross receipts, as the case
subject to depreciation or depletion. may be. In the case of a corporation subject to tax under
section 27(A) and 28(A)(1), it may elect a standard deduction in
In computing taxable income, such deferred expenses shall be an amount not exceeding forty percent (40%) of it gross
allowed as deduction ratably distributed over a period of not income as defined in Section 32 of this Code. Unless the
less than sixty (60) months as may be elected by the taxpayer taxpayer signifies in his return his intention to elect the optional
(beginning with the month in which the taxpayer first realizes standard deduction, he shall be considered as having availed
benefits from such expenditures). himself of the deductions allowed in the preceding Subsections.
Such election when made in the return shall be irrevocable for
The election provided by paragraph (2) hereof may be made for the taxable year for which the return is made: Provided, That an
any taxable year beginning after the effectivity of this Code, but individual who is entitled to and claimed for the optional
only if made not later than the time prescribed by law for filing standard shall not be required to submit with his tax return
the return for such taxable year. The method so elected, and such financial statements otherwise required under this
the period selected by the taxpayer, shall be adhered to in Code: Provided, further, That except when the Commissioner
computing taxable income for the taxable year for which the otherwise permits, the said individual shall keep such records
election is made and for all subsequent taxable years unless pertaining to his gross sales or gross receipts, or the said
with the approval of the Commissioner, a change to a different corporation shall keep such records pertaining to his gross
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income as defined in Section 32 of this Code during the taxable one’s property, are not ordinary and necessary
year, as may be required by the rules and regulations expenses but are capital expenditures, which
promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon should be spread out over a reasonable period
recommendation of the Commissioner. of time.
[As amended by RA 9504 (2008)] o Here, the benefit that can be derived
is not only for one year. A brand
(M) Premium Payments on Health and/or Hospitalization Insurance of franchise or good will is for life.
an Individual Taxpayer. - the amount of premiums not to exceed • Is an intangible asset subject to depreciation?
Two thousand four hundred pesos (P2,400) per family or Two Can you amortize it?
hundred pesos (P200) a month paid during the taxable year for
o Yes and no. Yes, if the intangible
health and/or hospitalization insurance taken by the taxpayer
for himself, including his family, shall be allowed as a deduction
asset has a definite life. No, if
from his gross income: Provided, That said family has a gross otherwise. See Basilan Estates Inc. v.
income of not more than Two hundred fifty thousand pesos CIR
(P250,000) for the taxable year: Provided, finally, That in the
case of married taxpayers, only the spouse claiming the • When is an expense necessary?
additional exemption for dependents shall be entitled to this o Necessary for the business
deduction. o Unnecessary – personal, living or family
expense?
Notwithstanding the provision of the preceding Subsections, o Can an expense incurred by a corporation
The Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the be disallowed by reason of personal,
Commissioner, after a public hearing shall have been held for living or family expense? No. This applies
this purpose, may prescribe by rules and regulations, limitations only to an individual. But why is it not
or ceilings for any of the itemized deductions under allowed to an individual? Because it is not
Subsections (A) to (J) of this Section: Provided, That for necessary, and only necessary expenses
purposes of determining such ceilings or limitations, the are deductible.
Secretary of Finance shall consider the following factors: (1)
adequacy of the prescribed limits on the actual expenditure
2. Interest
requirements of each particular industry; and (2)effects of
inflation on expenditure levels: Provided, further, That no • Only business-connected interests are
ceilings shall further be imposed on items of expense already deductible. So if the loan is personal or not
subject to ceilings under present law. used in trade or business, then the interest is
also not deductible.
1. Ordinary AND necessary expenses • Interest on deficiency of income tax? (Note:
• When is an expense considered ordinary? Income tax is not a deductible tax) Yes,
Normal and usual in relation to the taxpayer's deductible because considered business-
business and surrounding circumstances; need connected interest (income tax is business-
connected)
not be recurring à THE BENEFIT THAT
THE TAXPAYER WILL DERIVE FROM • Palanca v. CIR: Interest on deficiency taxes is
THE EXPENSE SHOULD NOT EXCEED deductible from gross income.
ONE TAXABLE YEAR, otherwise, it will • Interest, to be deductible, is not limited only
become an extraordinary expense (capital to indebtedness.
expenditure; cf. Sec. 36 items not deductible).
• Matching Principle – All deductions or TAX ARBITRAGE RULE
expenses must be matched against income. If • Allowable interest expense equals interest expense
the income is only for one year, the expense minus 33% of interest income subjected to final
must also be for one year. Otherwise, withholding tax à If the taxpayer incurs interest
capitalized à depreciated or amortized expense in a taxable year and at the same time
(cannot claim as an outright deduction during earns interest income, he shall not be allowed to
one taxable year only) get the full deduction
o There has to be a proper matching • Intended to address the tax differential (effect of
of costs against revenues. the combination of global and schedular income
• General Foods Corporation v. CIR: The media tax systems)
advertising expenses which were found to be • This limitation is apparently intended to counter
inordinately large and thus, not ordinary, and the tax arbitrage scheme where a taxpayer obtains
which were incurred in order to protect the an interest-bearing loan and places the proceeds of
taxpayer’s brand franchise which is analogous such loan in investments that yield interest income
to the maintenance of goodwill or title to
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subject to preferential tax rate of 20% final expenditure for which the taxpayer may claim only
withholding tax. [Valencia and Roxas] as a deduction the periodic amortization of such
• Corporations: Global = 30%; Schedular (e.g., expenditure (CAPITALIZATION)
interest income) = 20% o This gives the taxpayer an avenue to plan
• See example in handouts (p. 11) his tax exposure.
• PICOP v. CIR: Availment of one option excludes
the other. Touch move beh.
NON-DEDUCTIBLE INTEREST EXPENSE
a. Interest paid in advance by the taxpayer who Tax Treatment of a Loan Between Related Parties (cf.
reports income on cash basis shall only be allowed Sec. 36B)
as deduction in the year the indebtedness is paid. • E.g., loan extended by a parent corporation to a
b. If the indebtedness is payable in periodic subsidiary; loan by a father to a son engaged in
amortizations, only the amount of interest which business to be used as additional capital
corresponds to the amount of the principal • Interest income of the father is taxable, but the
amortized or paid during the year shall be allowed interest expense of the son is not deductible.
as deduction in such taxable year. • Is interest on related-party loan double-taxed?
c. Interest payments made between related taxpayers. (taxed at source and at the point of destination)
d. Interest on indebtedness incurred to finance o Yes. But this is to discourage related-
petroleum exploration party loans.
• Indirect prohibition for foreign-owned • They are better off if they will not stipulate any
corporations not to use local money to interest. The CIR cannot impute any interest
finance their project. They should bring in income on the creditor.
their own capital. o Under the Civil Code, there shall be no
• Palanca v. CIR interest unless it is expressly stipulated.
o To be taxable, it must be actually earned
CASH BASIS INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER and legally due.
• Cash basis = an income is earned when money is o Exception: Sec. 33 à Fringe Benefits
received, and an expense is incurred when money Tax à If an ER extends an interest-free
is given out. Expense is deductible when paid. loan to a manager, then the foregone
There has to be actual or constructive receipt of interest is a fringe benefit. Same rule if
the income, or expense made. the ER extends a loan with interest below
• Accrual basis = an income should be recognized the market rate (12%).
when earned; it does not matter when it is not yet § If 6% interest rate only, then the
received (e.g., services already rendered). An foregone 6% will be fringe
expense is deductible when incurred; it does not benefit.
matter when payable on a future date.
• ON INTEREST: No deduction shall be allowed if Three Types of Deductions Limited By Related-Party
within the taxable year an individual taxpayer Transaction
reporting income on cash basis incurs an a. Interest
indebtedness on which an interest is paid in b. Losses on Sales or Exchanges of Property
advance through discount or otherwise. But the Between Related Parties
deduction shall be allowed in the year the c. Bad Debts
indebtedness (principal) is paid, or if payable
through installment, aliquot portion Related Taxpayers
• Why does this follow the accrual method? This is a. Between members of the family, i.e. brothers and
an exception to the cash basis method sisters (whether by the whole or half-blood),
o Prevent evils of an individual taxpayer spouse, ancestor, and lineal descendants; or
getting a loan on the last day of the year b. Except in case of distributions in liquidation,
just to get a deduction (but pay the loan between an individual and a corporation, where
after two days during the next year) the individual owns directly or indirectly more than
50% of the outstanding stock of the corporation
Optional Treatment of Interest Expense c. Except in the case of distributions in liquidation,
• At the option of the taxpayer, interest expense on between two corporations where:
a capital expenditure may be allowed as: (a) A • Either one is a personal holding company of a
deduction in full in the year when incurred foreign personal holding company with
(OUTRIGHT DEDUCTION); (b) A capital
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respect to the taxable year preceding the date § = Not yet deductible
of the sale of exchange; and because you still did not
• More than 50% of the outstanding stock of surrender the possibility
each is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for of collection. See third
the same individual; or requirement for
d. Between parties to a trust – Grantor and Fiduciary; deductibility.
or § Year 3 – Allowance for
e. Fiduciary of a trust and fiduciary of another trust if Doubtful Accounts =
the same person is a grantor with respect to each 100K
trust; or § Write off from Accounts
f. Fiduciary and Beneficiary Receivable = 100K = This
becomes deductible.
3. Taxes
• Not deductible: Progressive Taxes (Income, o Direct Expense or Direct Write-Off
Donor, Estate, Special Levies under the Method
LGC). Otherwise, their nature as progressive § There must be an earnest
taxes will be destroyed. Those will huge effort to collect (collection
income will offset tax paid through letters, bro). Once it is
deductions. ascertained to be worthless,
• As for donor and estate taxes, they are not cancel the amount from the
deductible because they are personal taxes. Accounts Receivable list.
They are not business-connected. § Year 1 – Bad Debt
• Foreign income taxes paid are not allowed as Expense = 100K
a deduction, but only when the taxpayer § Write off from Accounts
chooses to claim it as a deduction. (cf. Sec. Receivable = 100K=
34.3.C) Deductible immediately.
o Only resident citizens and domestic
corporations who are earning § Requirements for Deductibility (PRC v.
income from abroad. CIR)
o Valid and subsisting debt not
4. Losses between related parties
• Doctrine of Involuntary Conversion of o Ascertained to be worthless
o Charged off or written off
Property à not taxable (continuity of during the taxable year (in full
ownership as if no disposition has been made or not at all; partial not allowed)
albeit involuntary § Should be cancelled as
o If insurance proceeds used in part of the asset
acquiring like-kind property
• To be deductible, the casualty loss must be a § Financial Accounting – a recognized
property used in trade or business expense
• But loss on sales or exchanges of property
between related parties is not deductible, but 6. Depreciation
the gain therein is taxable. • Represents an allowance for the gradual
• But not if individual (Net Operating Loss – diminution in the value of an asset due to its
excess of allowable à not deductible; but use in trade or business resulting in ordinary
NOLCO is deductible) wear and tear or normal obsolescence.
o If diminution is abrupt, may not
5. Bad debts qualify as depreciation, but as
• Two Methods of Accounting for Bad Debts casualty loss instead. à E.g. a
o Allowance Method building razed by fire
§ Year 1 – Bad Debt • Purpose: Set aside a part of the business
Expense = 100K income in order to accumulate fund to
§ Credit Allowance or provide for the replacement of that asset
Provision for Doubtful when it is no longer serviceable.
Accounts = 100K • A taxpayer is supposed to declare income and
expenses only for that taxable year. It cannot
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declare as expense something that will benefit § Total invested capital


it for more than one taxable year. DIVIDED BY the
o Depreciation: purpose is to extricate expected units to be
the bla bla – REFER TO recovered
MATCHING PRINCIPLE o Fernandez Hermanos v. CIR: Once the
• General Foods Corporation: An intangible asset invested capital has equaled the
can be the subject of depreciation, IF it has a expected units, then there is no
definite life. depletion deduction that is allowed.
• E.g. copyright, patent, trademark à NOT o What if the expected recovery is
GOOD WILL overestimated? What happens to the
unrecovered invested capital? à
7. Depletion ABANDONMENT LOSSES à
• Distinction between depreciation and deductible also from gross income
depletion: o What if the output was
o Depletion is a deduction that can be underestimated? Once you have
claimed only by taxpayers who are recovered the entire invested capital,
operating WASTING ASSETS like then no further depletion deduction
mines, oil wells, etc. It is a procedure is allowed.
by which they can recover their
invested capital. But the invested 8. Charitable and other contributions
capital should not pertain to
depreciable assets (like bull dozers, 2 categories for income tax purposes:
back hoes) (But they also have to a. Deductible in full
depreciate the depreciable assets) b. Subject to limitation
o Invested capital à construction of
roads, bridges, bunk houses; digging Deductible in full
of tunnels (will benefit them for as a. Donation to government à but not absolute à
long as the wasting asset is It must be in furtherance of the priority programs
operational) established by the Government (education, sports,
o Similarity: Aim of both is to etc. cf. Sec. 34H). If not, then would fall under
recover total invested capital subject to limitation
b. Donation to foreign institutions or international
• How to determine allowable depletion every organizations à UNESCO, UNICEF, Red Cross
year: à Applying the principle of international comity.
o Regulations à There is only No limitation.
depletion procedure allowed à c. Donations to accredited or qualified NGOs à
COST-DEPLETION METHOD See requirements for deductibility (Sec. 34)
• Donee institution must be an accredited
• COST DEPLETION METHOD NGO
o The recovery of invested capital is to • NGO must have been organized in
be determined by the number of furtherance of the purposes recognized
units that you are expected to extract under Sec. 34H
from the mine site. It involves some • Contribution must be utilized for the
sort of estimates by experts. purpose for which the donee-institution
o E.g. Invested 10M pesos and the was established not later than the 15th day
engineer said you are expected to of the month following the close of the
recover = 10M grams of gold from taxable year (Otherwise, not deductible in
the mine site à depletion for every full but subject to limit)
gram that you recover is one peso • Not more than 30% of the contribution
§ So if year 1, recovered only must be used by the donee for
1 gram = depletion is 1 administration purposes (salaries, rentals,
peso etc.), otherwise, not deductible in full à
§ Year 2 = recovered 1000 At least 70% must be utilized for the
grams = depletion is 1000 purpose for which the donee was
pesos established
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10. Premium payments on health and/or


Subject to limitation hospitalization insurance of an individual
à All other contributions taxpayer
• Limitation à Shall not exceed 10% for • At least 200/month or P2400 per year à
individuals and 5% for corporations of taxable MAXIMUM à a family deduction. Allowed
income before contribution only when the aggregate gross family income
does not exceed 250K.
9. Contributions to pension trusts (under RA • Can be claimed only the spouse who claimed
4917) for additional personal exemption.
• ABC Corporation maintains a reasonable • Allowed to all individual taxpayers (whether
private benefit plan for all its EEs. It is a plain compensation income earner or mixed)
contributory plan à 50% EE, 50% ER. A is
one of the covered EEs. During the taxable REQUIREMENTS FOR DEDUCTIBILITY
year, the total contributions = 12K (1K per
month). Is A allowed to claim the 12K as NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
deduction? Section 34. Deductions from Gross Income.
o No. This deduction pertains to the (K) Additional Requirements for Deductibility of Certain Payments. -
contributions made by the ER, not the Any amount paid or payable which is otherwise deductible
EE. The contributions by the EE are not from, or taken into account in computing gross income or for
deductible (no deductions allowed against which depreciation or amortization may be allowed under this
compensation income). Section, shall be allowed as a deduction only if it is shown that
§ Therefore, in some cases, the the tax required to be deducted and withheld therefrom has
ER puts up a non-contributory been paid to the Bureau of Internal Revenue in accordance
with this Section 58 and 81 of this Code.
plan.
o Note: The contributions are not the same
à Factors like age of the EE upon
employment, salary grade, etc. have to be
OPTIONAL STANDARD DEDUCTION
considered.

Take note: This only pertains to the current pension liability NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
Section 34. Deductions from Gross Income.
of the ER à  How is this determined? (L) Optional Standard Deduction.* - In lieu of the deductions
• The contributions made during the payroll period allowed under the preceding Subsections, an individual subject
will answer for the current liability of the ER (to to tax under Section 24, other than a nonresident alien, may
cover for all the pension requirements of its EEs) elect a standard deduction in an amount not exceeding forty
• If the plan was established only during the 5th year percent (40%) of his gross sales or gross receipts, as the case
à contributions for past service cost à the ER may be. In the case of a corporation subject to tax under
section 27(A) and 28(A)(1), it may elect a standard deduction in
has to make a lump sum contribution to the fund
an amount not exceeding forty percent (40%) of it gross
(Note that pensions are paid based on all your
income as defined in Section 32 of this Code. Unless the
years of service, beginning from the first year of taxpayer signifies in his return his intention to elect the optional
business) standard deduction, he shall be considered as having availed
• Can this lump sum contribution be claimed as a himself of the deductions allowed in the preceding Subsections.
deduction in the year the contribution was made? Such election when made in the return shall be irrevocable for
o No. It must be ratably distributed or the taxable year for which the return is made: Provided, That an
amortized over a period of 10 years. individual who is entitled to and claimed for the optional
o Same principle for lump sum standard shall not be required to submit with his tax return
contribution to answer to any deficiency such financial statements otherwise required under this
in the fund. Code: Provided, further, That except when the Commissioner
otherwise permits, the said individual shall keep such records
• What if the contribution in pension plan was made pertaining to his gross sales or gross receipts, or the said
corporation shall keep such records pertaining to his gross
in properties? Is it deductible?
income as defined in Section 32 of this Code during the taxable
o Must sell the property to make the plan
year, as may be required by the rules and regulations
actuarially sound.
promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner.
[As amended by RA 9504 (2008)]
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§ Can be claimed by individuals who are engaged in In the case of legally separated spouses, additional exemptions
TBP (40% of gross sales/ gross receipts) and by may be claimed only by the spouse who has custody of the
corporations (domestic or resident foreign) (40% child or children:
of gross income)
o A non-resident FC cannot claim it Provided, That the total amount of additional exemptions that
because it taxed on gross income. may be claimed by both shall not exceed the maximum
o A non-resident who is engaged in trade additional exemptions herein allowed.
or business cannot claim it.
§ Gross sales v. Gross receipts For purposes of this Subsection, a "dependent" means a
o This is to make a distinction between an legitimate, illegitimate or legally adopted child chiefly
dependent upon and living with the taxpayer if such dependent
accrual basis taxpayer and a cash-basis
is not more than twenty-one (21) years of age, unmarried and
taxpayer. (paid or incurred phrase in Sec.
not gainfully employed or if such dependent, regardless of age,
34) is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical
§ Paid – cash-basis defect.
§ Incurred – Accrual basis
(C) Change of Status. - If the taxpayer marries or should have
§ A taxpayer who claims OSD must do it by additional dependent(s) as defined above during the taxable
checking the appropriate box in the ITR. year, the taxpayer may claim the corresponding additional
Otherwise, the presumption (under the law) is that exemption, as the case may be, in full for such year.
he has claimed itemized deductions. It does not
matter if the amount of deduction is equal to If the taxpayer dies during the taxable year, his estate may still
OSD. claim the personal and additional exemptions for himself and
§ Once claimed, taxpayer need not prove the his dependent(s) as if he died at the close of such year.
existence of actual expenses. Not required to
maintain all the receipts and invoices to If the spouse or any of the dependents dies or if any of such
substantiate the expenses incurred by them during dependents marries, becomes twenty-one (21) years old or
becomes gainfully employed during the taxable year, the
the taxable year. Need not attach financial
taxpayer may still claim the same exemptions as if the spouse
statement to the ITR.
or any of the dependents died, or as if such dependents
§ Once claimed, taxpayer will not be allowed to shift married, became twenty-one (21) years old or became gainfully
to itemized deductions for that taxable year. The employed at the close of such year.
choice or claim is IRREVOCABLE.
o Can a taxpayer who lost his receipts but (D) Personal Exemption Allowable to Nonresident Alien
subsequently found them amend his ITRs Individual. - A nonresident alien individual engaged in trade,
to include the deductions covered by business or in the exercise of a profession in the Philippines
such receipts. à NO. Irrevocable nga. shall be entitled to a personal exemption in the amount equal
Touch move, bes. to the exemptions allowed in the income tax law in the country
of which he is a subject - or citizen, to citizens of the
PERSONAL AND ADDITIONAL EXEMPTIONS Philippines not residing in such country, not to exceed the
amount fixed in this Section as exemption for citizens or
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE resident of the Philippines: Provided, That said nonresident
Section 35. Allowance of Personal Exemption for alien should file a true and accurate return of the total income
Individual Taxpayer. - received by him from all sources in the Philippines, as required
(A) In General. - For purposes of determining the tax provided by this Title.
in Section 24(A) of this title, there shall be allowed a basic
personal exemption amounting to Fifty thousand pesos SPECIFIC TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO
(P50,000) for each individual taxpayer. INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS

In the case of married individual where only one of the spouses A. THOSE EARNING ONLY ONE TYPE OF
is deriving gross income, only such spouse shall be allowed the RETURNABLE INCOME during the taxable year
personal exemption. a. Compensation Income
§ Gross Income
(B) Additional Exemption for Dependents. - There shall be allowed § Minus: Exclusions
an additional exemption of Twenty-five thousand pesos § Minus: Deduction under Sec.
(25,000) for each dependent not exceeding four (4).
34M if the aggregate family
(gross) compensation income
The additional exemption for dependents shall be claimed by
only one of the spouses in the case of married individuals. does not exceed 250K
§ Minus: Personal exemptions
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§ Equals: Taxable Income withholding agent, not the income earner,


is the one legally obligated to pay the tax.
§ Tax Rate: Graduated Rate The BIR cannot go after the income
Under Section 24 earner.

b. Business Income (Self-employed 1. Interests – 20% FWT


individual) a. Currency, bank deposits, trust funds
§ Gross Income and similar arrangements – 20%
§ Minus: Exclusions b. 20-Lender Rule – deposit substitutes
§ Minus: Deductions under Sec. (bonds, money market placements,
34 (Itemized or OSD) government securities, time deposits)
§ Minus: Personal exemptions à 20% FWT on the interest
§ Equals: Taxable Income derived therefrom
2. Royalties – 20%
§ If he wants to claim OSD, he a. Royalties on books, literary works
can claim 40% deduction from and musical compositions – 10%
his gross sales. 3. Prizes exceeding 10K – 20%
§ If he wants itemized deductions, a. If 10K or less = returnable income
he can claim deduction from his 4. Cash and property dividends received by
gross income. individuals – 10%
§ Example: Gross sales = 10M. a. Why not stock dividends? Because
Expenses = 5M. Gross income they are not considered realized gain.
= 5M. How much OSD can he There is no income. No change in
claim? 40% of 10M = 4M. the investment. What is changed is
only the original units representing
B. MIXED-INCOME EARNERS your investment. So unless you sell
§ One who earns compensation income your shares at an adjusted basis,
and income from TBP. there is no income realized.
§ Use the compartmentalized approach i. But when there is a change
in determining taxable income. in the ownership interest,
o Compute taxable compensation taxable. (supra)
income separately from the
taxable income from TBP. SPECIFIC TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO
o Then add them. CORPORATIONS
o Then use the graduated rates
under Sec. 24 § Corporation under the NIRC is so broad. Cf. Sec.
§ Note: Personal exemptions should be 22B
claimed first from compensation income,
and the excess will be claimed from the § Purposive test – if an association is organized for
income from TBP (50K for each TP, profit or business, then it is taxable as a
25K for each dependent = max 4 à corporation; otherwise, it is a mere association.
150K max) o Gatchalian v. CIR: Several EEs
§ Husband and wife should always be taxed contributed to a common fund for the
under separate income, but consolidated purpose of buying a sweepstake ticket.
return (because only one of them can Intention – divide the winnings among
claim additional exemptions). themselves. They won. At that time,
o If it cannot be directly sweepstake winnings are taxable.
attributable to any of them, 50- § Held: The winnings should be
50 distribution between the two taxed as income of the
of them. E.g., coffee shop corporation. They associated
registered under their names. with one another to pursue a
o Directly attributable à salaries profit motive. Thus, members
not taxed individually.
C. PASSIVE INCOME
§ Memorize daw huhu o Obillos v. CIR: Obillos, Sr. tried to acquire
§ Or tax-paid income, because subject to a huge parcel of land from Ortigas et al.
final withholding tax at source. The under an installment plan in order to
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provide a common residential lot for his association shall be taxed as a


children. But after the contract to sell, he corporation.
died. The four Obillos children paid for
the remaining installments. Upon o CIR and Heirs of Oña v. CIR: After
payment of the final amortization, the execution of extrajudicial settlement, the
children demanded from the President of properties were still held under a single
Ortigas Realty Company that the Deed of management with the intent of making
Absolute Sale be executed in the name of profits.
the four children (because they paid for § Held: The association among
it). Ortigas complied, so the four children the heirs is considered as a
became co-owners of the property. taxable corporation.
Instead of constructing their principal
residences on the property, they decided o Pascual and Dragon v. CIR: The character
to liquidate the ownership. They sold it of habituality peculiar to business
and divided the profit among themselves. transactions for the purpose of gain must
They realized a substantial amount of be present.
gain from the disposition (increase in the
value of the property there). Problem: TAXATION OF DOMESTIC CORPORATION
Will the gain that was realized be taxed
against them individually or against them NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
as a corporation? Section 27. Rates of Income tax on Domestic Corporations.
§ CIR: The children had formed a -
corporation. (A) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, an
§ Held: CIR is wrong, because at income tax of thirty-five percent (35%) is hereby imposed
the time the children associated upon the taxable income derived during each taxable year from
themselves, the intention to all sources within and without the Philippines by every
make profit was not there. The corporation, as defined in Section 22(B) of this Code and
sharing of the profits was only taxable under this Title as a corporation, organized in, or
incidental in their desire to existing under the laws of the Philippines: Provided, That
terminate the ownership. effective January 1, 1998, the rate of income tax shall be thirty-
four percent (34%); effective January 1, 1999, the rate shall be
thirty-three percent (33%); and effective January 1, 2000 and
o Reyes v. CIR: Father and son acquired a thereafter, the rate shall be thirty-two percent (32%).
land and building, then hired a building
administrator (introduced improvements, In the case of corporations adopting the fiscal-year accounting
looked for tenants, collected the rents) period, the taxable income shall be computed without regard to
who turned over the net rents to F & S the specific date when specific sales, purchases and other
share and share alike. How will the net transactions occur. Their income and expenses for the fiscal
rents be taxed? year shall be deemed to have been earned and spent equally for
§ Held: The association was each month of the period.
imbued with a profit motive, as
shown by the acts of the father The reduced corporate income tax rates shall be applied on the
and son. amount computed by multiplying the number of months
covered by the new rates within the fiscal year by the taxable
o Heirs of Evangelista v. CIR and Heirs of Oña income of the corporation for the period, divided by twelve.
v. CIR: The same principle applies to
estates that are not under judicial Provided, further, That the President, upon the
settlement. If under judicial settlement, it recommendation of the Secretary of Finance, may effective
becomes a special type of taxpayer. January 1, 2000, allow corporations the option to be taxed at
fifteen percent (15%) of gross income as defined herein, after
§ GR: The heirs are only taxable
the following conditions have been satisfied:
in their individual capacity,
corresponding to their 1) A tax effort ratio of twenty percent (20%) of Gross
respective shares in the National Product (GNP);
inheritance. 2) A ratio of forty percent (40%) of income tax
§ E: If the continued association collection to total tax revenues;
among the heirs is intended to 3) A VAT tax effort of four percent (4%) of GNP; and
pursue a profit motive à the 4) A 0.9 percent (0.9%) ratio of the Consolidated Public
Sector Financial Position (CPSFP) to GNP.
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Corporation (PAGCOR), shall pay such rate of tax upon their


The option to be taxed based on gross income shall be taxable income as are imposed by this Section upon
available only to firms whose ratio of cost of sales to gross sales corporations or associations engaged in s similar business,
or receipts from all sources does not exceed fifty-five percent industry, or activity.
(55%).
(D) Rates of Tax on Certain Passive Incomes. -
The election of the gross income tax option by the corporation 1) Interest from Deposits and Yield or any other
shall be irrevocable for three (3) consecutive taxable years Monetary Benefit from Deposit Substitutes and from
during which the corporation is qualified under the scheme. Trust Funds and Similar Arrangements, and
For purposes of this Section, the term 'gross income' derived Royalties. - A final tax at the rate of twenty percent
from business shall be equivalent to gross sales less sales (20%) is hereby imposed upon the amount of interest
returns, discounts and allowances and cost of goods sold. "Cost on currency bank deposit and yield or any other
of goods sold' shall include all business expenses directly monetary benefit from deposit substitutes and from
incurred to produce the merchandise to bring them to their trust funds and similar arrangements received by
present location and use. domestic corporations, and royalties, derived from
sources within the Philippines: Provided, however,
For a trading or merchandising concern, 'cost of goods' sold That interest income derived by a domestic
shall include the invoice cost of the goods sold, plus import corporation from a depository bank under the
duties, freight in transporting the goods to the place where the expanded foreign currency deposit system shall be
goods are actually sold, including insurance while the goods are subject to a final income tax at the rate of seven and
in transit. one-half percent (7 1/2%) of such interest income.
2) Capital Gains from the Sale of Shares of Stock Not
For a manufacturing concern, 'cost of goods manufactured and Traded in the Stock Exchange. - A final tax at the
sold' shall include all costs of production of finished goods, rates prescribed below shall be imposed on net capital
such as raw materials used, direct labor and manufacturing gains realized during the taxable year from the sale,
overhead, freight cost, insurance premiums and other costs exchange or other disposition of shares of stock in a
incurred to bring the raw materials to the factory or warehouse. domestic corporation except shares sold or disposed
In the case of taxpayers engaged in the sale of service, 'gross of through the stock exchange:
income' means gross receipts less sales returns, allowances and Not over P100,000 5%
discounts. Amount in excess of P100,000 10%

(B) Proprietary Educational Institutions and Hospitals. - Proprietary 3) Tax on Income Derived under the Expanded Foreign
educational institutions and hospitals which are nonprofit shall Currency Deposit System. - Income derived by a
pay a tax of ten percent (10%) on their taxable income except depository bank under the expanded foreign currency
those covered by Subsection (D) hereof: Provided, that if the deposit system from foreign currency transactions
gross income from unrelated trade, business or other activity with local commercial banks, including branches of
exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the total gross income derived foreign banks that may be authorized by the Bangko
by such educational institutions or hospitals from all sources, Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to transact business with
the tax prescribed in Subsection (A) hereof shall be imposed on foreign currency depository system units and other
the entire taxable income. For purposes of this Subsection, the depository banks under the expanded foreign
term 'unrelated trade, business or other activity' means any currency deposit system, including interest income
trade, business or other activity, the conduct of which is not from foreign currency loans granted by such
substantially related to the exercise or performance by such depository banks under said expanded foreign
educational institution or hospital of its primary purpose or currency deposit system to residents, shall be subject
function. A 'Proprietary educational institution' is any private to a final income tax at the rate of ten percent (10%)
school maintained and administered by private individuals or of such income.
groups with an issued permit to operate from the Department
of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), or the Commission Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or
on Higher Education (CHED), or the Technical Education and corporations, from transactions with depository
Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as the case may be, in banks under the expanded system shall be exempt
accordance with existing laws and regulations. from income tax.

(C) Government-owned or Controlled-Corporations, Agencies or 4) Intercorporate Dividends. - Dividends received by a


Instrumentalities. - The provisions of existing special or general domestic corporation from another domestic
laws to the contrary notwithstanding, all corporations, agencies, corporation shall not be subject to tax.
or instrumentalities owned or controlled by the Government, 5) Capital Gains Realized from the Sale, Exchange or
except the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Disposition of Lands and/or Buildings. - A final tax
Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance of six percent (6%) is hereby imposed on the gain
Corporation (PHIC), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office presumed to have been realized on the sale, exchange
(PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming or disposition of lands and/or buildings which are
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not actually used in the business of a corporation and discounts and cost of services. 'Cost of services' shall mean all
are treated as capital assets, based on the gross selling direct costs and expenses necessarily incurred to provide the
price of fair market value as determined in services required by the customers and clients including (A)
accordance with Section 6(E) of this Code, whichever salaries and employee benefits of personnel, consultants and
is higher, of such lands and/or buildings. specialists directly rendering the service and (B) cost of facilities
directly utilized in providing the service such as depreciation or
(E) Minimum Corporate Income Tax on Domestic Corporations. - rental of equipment used and cost of supplies: Provided,
1) Imposition of Tax. - A minimum corporate income however, That in the case of banks, 'cost of services' shall
tax of two percent (2%0 of the gross income as of include interest expense.
the end of the taxable year, as defined herein, is
hereby imposed on a corporation taxable under this Basis question: Under what law is the corporation organized?
Title, beginning on the fourth taxable year If under the laws of the Philippines, then it is a domestic
immediately following the year in which such corporation. We do not follow the ownership test.
corporation commenced its business operations,
when the minimum income tax is greater than the tax
computed under Subsection (A) of this Section for • A DC and a RFC are almost taxed in the same
the taxable year. manner:
2) Carry Froward of Excess Minimum Tax. - Any excess i. Both taxed on their taxable income.
of the minimum corporate income tax over the ii. Both can claim deductions (either
normal income tax as computed under Subsection itemized or OSD)
(A) of this Section shall be carried forward and iii. Both can also be subject to minimum
credited against the normal income tax for the three corporate income tax or MCIT.
(3) immediately succeeding taxable years. a. In no case shall the income tax
3) Relief from the Minimum Corporate Income Tax liability of a DC be lower than
Under Certain Conditions. - The Secretary of Finance 2% of the gross income. (Sec.
is hereby authorized to suspend the imposition of the 27E)
minimum corporate income tax on any corporation b. In no case shall the income tax
which suffers losses on account of prolonged labor liability of an RFC be lower
dispute, or because of force majeure, or because of than 2% of the gross income. –
legitimate business reverses. cf. Sec. 28A2
The Secretary of Finance is hereby authorized to
promulgate, upon recommendation of the
• Distinction: DC taxed from sources within and
Commissioner, the necessary rules and regulation that without. RFC taxed only from sources within.
shall define the terms and conditions under which he
may suspend the imposition of the minimum Taxation of proprietary educational institutions
corporate income tax in a meritorious case. • GR: The tax rate applied to PEIs is either 10% or
30%, depending on their dominant income. (Sec.
4) Gross Income Defined. - For purposes of applying 27B) à pre-dominance test (exceeds 50%)
the minimum corporate income tax provided under • If their dominant income is from school-related
Subsection (E) hereof, the term 'gross income' shall activities (income from tuition fees, library fees,
mean gross sales less sales returns, discounts and
book store inside the campus, cafeteria that caters
allowances and cost of goods sold. "Cost of goods
solely to students and faculty, dormitories that
sold' shall include all business expenses directly
incurred to produce the merchandise to bring them caters only to students), then the aggregate taxable
to their present location and use. or net income shall be taxed at 10%.
• But if the dominant income is derived from non-
For a trading or merchandising concern, 'cost of goods sold' school related activities, then regular 30% rate.
shall include the invoice cost of the goods sold, plus import
duties, freight in transporting the goods to the place where the Can a proprietary educational institution be subject to MCIT?
goods are actually sold including insurance while the goods are • Yes, for as long as the aggregate income is subject
in transit. to the regular tax rate of 30% applicable to
domestic corporations.
For a manufacturing concern, cost of 'goods manufactured and
• What if 50-50? Sir: Then add one centavo to the
sold' shall include all costs of production of finished goods,
school-related income, because you want to avail
such as raw materials used, direct labor and manufacturing
overhead, freight cost, insurance premiums and other costs of the lower rate. LELS
incurred to bring the raw materials to the factory or warehouse.
In the case of taxpayers engaged in the sale of service, 'gross Taxation of GOCCs, agencies or instrumentalities (Sec.
income' means gross receipts less sales returns, allowances, 27C)
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• GR: Taxable on their taxable income, at the rate corporation organized, authorized, or existing under the laws of
imposed upon corporations or associations in any foreign country, engaged in trade or business within the
similar business, industry or activity. Philippines, shall be subject to an income tax equivalent to
• Exempt: GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, local water thirty-five percent (35%) of the taxable income derived in the
districts, PCSO preceding taxable year from all sources within the Philippines:
provided, That effective January 1, 1998, the rate of income tax
shall be thirty-four percent (34%); effective January 1, 1999, the
Tax Sparing Rule (Sec. 34.C.3)
rate shall be thirty-three percent (33%), and effective January 1,
• This shall include not only the tax actually paid, 2000 and thereafter, the rate shall be thirty-two percent (32%).
but also the tax deemed paid here in the
Philippines In the case of corporations adopting the fiscal-year accounting
• Purpose: reduce the impact of double taxation period, the taxable income shall be computed without regard to
• Scope: Only those who are exposed to the specific date when sales, purchases and other transactions
international double taxation, or those who are occur. Their income and expenses for the fiscal year shall be
taxed for income sourced from within and without deemed to have been earned and spent equally for each month
of the period.
the Philippines à Resident citizen and domestic
corporation The reduced corporate income tax rates shall be applied on the
• Wander Philippines v. CIR. Sir: Correct decision!!! amount computed by multiplying the number of months
covered by the new rates within the fiscal year by the taxable
Tax on dividends income of the corporation for the period, divided by twelve.
• Second layer on income tax. It is a tax on the Provided, however, That a resident foreign corporation shall be
limited liability of the corporation. granted the option to be taxed at fifteen percent (15%) on
gross income under the same conditions, as provided in
Improperly Accumulated Earnings Tax (Sec. 29) Section 27 (A).
• Rate: 10% of the IAE
(2) Minimum Corporate Income Tax on Resident Foreign Corporations.
• There is no improper accumulation if it is done to - A minimum corporate income tax of two percent (2%) of
meet the reasonable needs of the business (e.g., gross income, as prescribed under Section 27 (E) of this Code,
plant expansion, or business expansion) but this shall be imposed, under the same conditions, on a resident
should comply with the immediacy test. foreign corporation taxable under paragraph (1) of this
• The accumulation must be distributed within one Subsection.
year from the close of the taxable year when the
income was earned. (3) International Carrier. - An international carrier doing business
• But accumulation not exceeding the paid-up in the Philippines shall pay a tax of two and one-half percent (2
capital is allowed. It is not improper. 1/2%) on its 'Gross Philippine Billings' as defined hereunder:
a) International Air Carrier. - 'Gross Philippine Billings'
• What if IAE tax was paid, and a month after that,
refers to the amount of gross revenue derived from
the corporation declared all the dividends and
carriage of persons, excess baggage, cargo and mail
distributed them to all stockholders of records, is
originating from the Philippines in a continuous and
the distribution subject to the 10% dividends tax? uninterrupted flight, irrespective of the place of sale
o Yes. The 10% IAE tax and the 10% or issue and the place of payment of the ticket or
dividends tax are different. One is a passage document: Provided, That tickets revalidated,
penalty tax (to correct the wrongful exchanged and/or indorsed to another international
behavior of the corporation à to airline form part of the Gross Philippine Billings if
compel the distribution of after tax the passenger boards a plane in a port or point in the
profits), while the other is merely a tax on Philippines: Provided, further, That for a flight which
the shareholders. originates from the Philippines, but transshipment of
o Therefore, the corporation is not relieved passenger takes place at any port outside the
of the obligation to withhold FWT of Philippines on another airline, only the aliquot
10%. portion of the cost of the ticket corresponding to the
leg flown from the Philippines to the point of
TAXATION OF RESIDENT FOREIGN transshipment shall form part of Gross Philippine
Billings.
CORPORATIONS
b) International Shipping. - 'Gross Philippine Billings'
means gross revenue whether for passenger, cargo or
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE mail originating from the Philippines up to final
Section 28. Rates of Income Tax on Foreign Corporations. - destination, regardless of the place of sale or
(A) Tax on Resident Foreign Corporations. - payments of the passage or freight documents.
(1) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, a
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(4) Offshore Banking Units. - The provisions of any law to the foreign currency deposit system units, including
contrary notwithstanding, income derived by offshore banking interest income from foreign currency loans granted
units authorized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to by such depository banks under said expanded
transact business with offshore banking units, including any foreign currency deposit system to residents, shall be
interest income derived from foreign currency loans granted to subject to a final income tax at the rate of ten percent
residents, shall be subject to a final income tax at the rate of ten (10%) of such income.
percent (10%) of such income.
Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or
Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or corporations, from transactions with depository
corporations, from transactions with said offshore banking banks under the expanded system shall be exempt
units shall be exempt from income tax. from income tax.

(5) Tax on Branch Profits Remittances. - Any profit remitted by a c) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock Not
branch to its head office shall be subject to a tax of fifteen Traded in the Stock Exchange. - A final tax at the
(15%) which shall be based on the total profits applied or rates prescribed below is hereby imposed upon the
earmarked for remittance without any deduction for the tax net capital gains realized during the taxable year from
component thereof (except those activities which are registered the sale, barter, exchange or other disposition of
with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority). The tax shall shares of stock in a domestic corporation except
be collected and paid in the same manner as provided in shares sold or disposed of through the stock
Sections 57 and 58 of this Code: provided, that interests, exchange:
dividends, rents, royalties, including remuneration for technical Not over P100,000 5%
services, salaries, wages premiums, annuities, emoluments or On any amount in excess of 10%
other fixed or determinable annual, periodic or casual gains, P100,000
profits, income and capital gains received by a foreign
corporation during each taxable year from all sources within d) Intercorporate Dividends. - Dividends received by a
the Philippines shall not be treated as branch profits unless the resident foreign corporation from a domestic
same are effectively connected with the conduct of its trade or corporation liable to tax under this Code shall not be
business in the Philippines. subject to tax under this Title.

(6) Regional or Area Headquarters and Regional Operating Resident FC (Sec. 28A) – one which has established its
Headquarters of Multinational Companies. - physical presence in the Philippines, either through a branch
a) Regional or area headquarters as defined in Section
or its own establishment, independent of its main office
22(DD) shall not be subject to income tax.
abroad. Insofar as income attributable to the branch
b) Regional operating headquarters as defined in Section
22(EE) shall pay a tax of ten percent (10%) of their concerned, that is income of RFC.
taxable income.
• Note: However, if despite the existence of a
(7) Tax on Certain Incomes Received by a Resident Foreign Corporation. branch, the RFC earns income through its main
- office, without the participation of the branch
a) Interest from Deposits and Yield or any other office, then that is income of earned by the
Monetary Benefit from Deposit Substitutes, Trust nonresident FC. Therefore, a foreign corporation
Funds and Similar Arrangements and Royalties. - can be taxed both as a resident and nonresident
Interest from any currency bank deposit and yield or FC in the same taxable year à dual tax
any other monetary benefit from deposit substitutes personality of a foreign corporation
and from trust funds and similar arrangements and
royalties derived from sources within the Philippines • Marubeni v. CIR (1989)– established under the laws
shall be subject to a final income tax at the rate of of Japan. There is a Manila branch.
twenty percent (20%) of such interest: Provided, • Attribution rule – in determining who earned the
however, That interest income derived by a resident income or the dividends. SC: Considering that the
foreign corporation from a depository bank under the investment was made directly by the home office
expanded foreign currency deposit system shall be without the participation of the branch, then any
subject to a final income tax at the rate of seven and and all income received from such income is
one-half percent (7 1/2%) of such interest income. attributable to the main office, therefore, subject to
b) Income Derived under the Expanded Foreign income tax.
Currency Deposit System. - Income derived by a
depository bank under the expanded foreign currency Two types of dividends that is exempt from income tax
deposit system from foreign currency transactions a. Dividends received by a DC from another DC
with local commercial banks including branches of (Sec. 27D4)
foreign banks that may be authorized by the Bangko b. Dividends received by a RFC from a domestic
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to transact business with corporation (Sec. 28A5)
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the regular income tax of thirty-five percent (35%) in


TAXATION OF NON-RESIDENT FOREIGN 1997, thirty-four percent (34%) in 1998, and thirty-
CORPORATIONS three percent (33%) in 1999, and thirty-two percent
(32%) thereafter on corporations and the fifteen
NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE percent (15%) tax on dividends as provided in this
Section 28. Rates of Income Tax on Foreign Corporations. subparagraph;
(B) Tax on Nonresident Foreign Corporation. - c) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock not Traded in the
(1) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, a Stock Exchange. - A final tax at the rates prescribed
foreign corporation not engaged in trade or business in the below is hereby imposed upon the net capital gains
Philippines shall pay a tax equal to thirty-five percent (35%) of realized during the taxable year from the sale, barter,
the gross income received during each taxable year from all exchange or other disposition of shares of stock in a
sources within the Philippines, such as interests, dividends, domestic corporation, except shares sold, or disposed
rents, royalties, salaries, premiums (except reinsurance of through the stock exchange:
premiums), annuities, emoluments or other fixed or Not over P100,000 5%
determinable annual, periodic or casual gains, profits and On any amount in excess of 10%
income, and capital gains, except capital gains subject to tax P100,000
under subparagraphs (C) and (d): Provided, That effective 1,
1998, the rate of income tax shall be thirty-four percent (34%); IMPROPERLY ACCUMULATED EARNINGS OF
effective January 1, 1999, the rate shall be thirty-three percent CORPORATION
(33%); and, effective January 1, 2000 and thereafter, the rate
shall be thirty-two percent (32%). Section 29. Imposition of Improperly Accumulated Earnings
Tax. -
(2) Nonresident Cinematographic Film Owner, Lessor or Distributor. - (A) In General. - In addition to other taxes imposed by this Title,
A cinematographic film owner, lessor, or distributor shall pay a there is hereby imposed for each taxable year on the
tax of twenty-five percent (25%) of its gross income from all improperly accumulated taxable income of each corporation
sources within the Philippines. described in Subsection B hereof, an improperly accumulated
earnings tax equal to ten percent (10%) of the improperly
(3) Nonresident Owner or Lessor of Vessels Chartered by Philippine accumulated taxable income.
Nationals. - A nonresident owner or lessor of vessels shall be
subject to a tax of four and one-half percent (4 1/2%) of gross (B) Tax on Corporations Subject to Improperly Accumulated Earnings
rentals, lease or charter fees from leases or charters to Filipino Tax. -
citizens or corporations, as approved by the Maritime Industry (1) In General. - The improperly accumulated earnings tax
Authority. imposed in the preceding Section shall apply to every
corporation formed or availed for the purpose of avoiding the
(4) Nonresident Owner or Lessor of Aircraft, Machineries and Other income tax with respect to its shareholders or the shareholders
Equipment. - Rentals, charters and other fees derived by a of any other corporation, by permitting earnings and profits to
nonresident lessor of aircraft, machineries and other equipment accumulate instead of being divided or distributed.
shall be subject to a tax of seven and one-half percent (7 1/2%) (2) Exceptions. - The improperly accumulated earnings tax as
of gross rentals or fees. provided for under this Section shall not apply to:
(a) Publicly-held corporations;
(5) Tax on Certain Incomes Received by a Nonresident Foreign (b) Banks and other nonbank financial intermediaries; and
Corporation. - (c) Insurance companies.
a) Interest on Foreign Loans. - A final withholding tax at
the rate of twenty percent (20%) is hereby imposed (C) Evidence of Purpose to Avoid Income Tax. -
on the amount of interest on foreign loans contracted (1) Prima Facie Evidence. - the fact that any corporation is a mere
on or after August 1, 1986; holding company or investment company shall be prima facie
b) Intercorporate Dividends. - A final withholding tax at the evidence of a purpose to avoid the tax upon its shareholders or
rate of fifteen percent (15%) is hereby imposed on members.
the amount of cash and/or property dividends (2) Evidence Determinative of Purpose. - The fact that the earnings
received from a domestic corporation, which shall be or profits of a corporation are permitted to accumulate beyond
collected and paid as provided in Section 57 (A) of the reasonable needs of the business shall be determinative of
this Code, subject to the condition that the country in the purpose to avoid the tax upon its shareholders or members
which the nonresident foreign corporation is unless the corporation, by the clear preponderance of evidence,
domiciled, shall allow a credit against the tax due shall prove to the contrary.
from the nonresident foreign corporation taxes
deemed to have been paid in the Philippines (D) Improperly Accumulated Taxable Income. - For purposes of this
equivalent to twenty percent (20%) for 1997, Section, the term 'improperly accumulated taxable income'
nineteen percent (19%) for 1998, eighteen percent means taxable income' adjusted by:
(18%) for 1999, and seventeen percent (17%) (1) Income exempt from tax;
thereafter, which represents the difference between
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(2) Income excluded from gross income; such employer, or employees, or both for the purpose of
(3) Income subject to final tax; and distributing to such employees the earnings and principal of the
(4) The amount of net operating loss carry-over deducted; fund accumulated by the trust in accordance with such plan,
And reduced by the sum of: and (2) if under the trust instrument it is impossible, at any
(1) Dividends actually or constructively paid; and time prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities with respect to
(2) Income tax paid for the taxable year. employees under the trust, for any part of the corpus or
Provided, however, That for corporations using the calendar income to be (within the taxable year or thereafter) used for, or
year basis, the accumulated earnings under tax shall not apply diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of his
on improperly accumulated income as of December 31, 1997. employees: Provided, That any amount actually distributed to
In the case of corporations adopting the fiscal year accounting any employee or distributee shall be taxable to him in the year
period, the improperly accumulated income not subject to this in which so distributed to the extent that it exceeds the amount
tax, shall be reckoned, as of the end of the month comprising contributed by such employee or distributee.
the twelve (12)-month period of fiscal year 1997-1998. (C) Computation and Payment. -
(1) In General. - The tax shall be computed upon the taxable
(E) Reasonable Needs of the Business. - For purposes of this income of the estate or trust and shall be paid by the fiduciary,
Section, the term 'reasonable needs of the business' includes except as provided in Section 63 (relating to revocable trusts)
the reasonably anticipated needs of the business. and Section 64 (relating to income for the benefit of the
grantor).
(2) Consolidation of Income of Two or More Trusts. - Where, in the
TAXATION OF GENERAL PROFESSIONAL case of two or more trusts, the creator of the trust in each
PARTNERSHIPS instance is the same person, and the beneficiary in each
instance is the same, the taxable income of all the trusts shall be
consolidated and the tax provided in this Section computed on
such consolidated income, and such proportion of said tax shall
Section 26. Tax Liability of Members of General
be assessed and collected from each trustee which the taxable
Professional Partnerships. - A general professional
income of the trust administered by him bears to the
partnership as such shall not be subject to the income tax
consolidated income of the several trusts.
imposed under this Chapter. Persons engaging in business as
Section 61. Taxable Income. - The taxable income of the estate
partners in a general professional partnership shall be liable for
or trust shall be computed in the same manner and on the
income tax only in their separate and individual capacities.
same basis as in the case of an individual, except that:
(A) There shall be allowed as a deduction in computing the
For purposes of computing the distributive share of the
taxable income of the estate or trust the amount of the income
partners, the net income of the partnership shall be computed
of the estate or trust for the taxable year which is to be
in the same manner as a corporation.
distributed currently by the fiduciary to the beneficiaries, and
the amount of the income collected by a guardian of an infant
Each partner shall report as gross income his distributive share,
which is to be held or distributed as the court may direct, but
actually or constructively received, in the net income of the
the amount so allowed as a deduction shall be included in
partnership.
computing the taxable income of the beneficiaries, whether
distributed to them or not. Any amount allowed as a deduction
TAXATION OF ESTATES AND TRUSTS (Sec. 60-66) under this Subsection shall not be allowed as a deduction under
Subsection (B) of this Section in the same or any succeeding
Section 60. Imposition of Tax. - taxable year.
(A) Application of Tax. - The tax imposed by this Title upon (B) In the case of income received by estates of deceased
individuals shall apply to the income of estates or of any kind persons during the period of administration or settlement of
of property held in trust, including: the estate, and in the case of income which, in the discretion of
(1) Income accumulated in trust for the benefit of unborn or the fiduciary, may be either distributed to the beneficiary or
unascertained person or persons with contingent interests, and accumulated, there shall be allowed as an additional deduction
income accumulated or held for future distribution under the in computing the taxable income of the estate or trust the
terms of the will or trust; amount of the income of the estate or trust for its taxable year,
(2) Income which is to be distributed currently by the fiduciary which is properly paid or credited during such year to any
to the beneficiaries, and income collected by a guardian of an legatee, heir or beneficiary but the amount so allowed as a
infant which is to be held or distributed as the court may direct; deduction shall be included in computing the taxable income of
(3) Income received by estates of deceased persons during the the legatee, heir or beneficiary.
period of administration or settlement of the estate; and (C) In the case of a trust administered in a foreign country, the
(4) Income which, in the discretion of the fiduciary, may be deductions mentioned in Subsections (A) and (B) of this
either distributed to the beneficiaries or accumulated. Section shall not be allowed: Provided, That the amount of any
(B) Exception. - The tax imposed by this Title shall not apply to income included in the return of said trust shall not be included
employee's trust which forms part of a pension, stock bonus or in computing the income of the beneficiaries.
profit-sharing plan of an employer for the benefit of some or Section 62. Exemption Allowed to Estates and Trusts. - For the
all of his employees (1) if contributions are made to the trust by purpose of the tax provided for in this Title, there shall be
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allowed an exemption of Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) apartment), how will such income be taxed? Who
from the income of the estate or trust. is the taxpayer? Who will report the income?
Section 63. Revocable trusts. - Where at any time the power to o The estate will become an income
revest in the grantor title to any part of the corpus of the trust taxpayer ONLY if the estate is under
is vested (1) in the grantor either alone or in conjunction with judicial settlement. The law accords it a
any person not having a substantial adverse interest in the juridical personality, independent from
disposition of such part of the corpus or the income therefrom, the personality of the heirs and the
or (2) in any person not having a substantial adverse interest in decedent. It is the administrator who will
the disposition of such part of the corpus or the income file the return.
therefrom, the income of such part of the trust shall be o But if the estate is not under judicial
included in computing the taxable income of the grantor. settlement, the rules on co-ownership will
Section 64. Income for Benefit of Grantor.-
apply. All the heirs should declare it in
(A) Where any part of the income of a trust (1) is, or in the
their ITRs, in accordance with their
discretion of the grantor or of any person not having a
substantial adverse interest in the disposition of such part of
respective shares in the inheritance.
the income may be held or accumulated for future distribution o But if the continued association among
to the grantor, or (2) may, or in the discretion of the grantor or the heirs is intended to pursue business in
of any person not having a substantial adverse interest in the order to gain profit, then the association
disposition of such part of the income, be distributed to the becomes a taxable corporation.
grantor, or (3) is, or in the discretion of the grantor or of any
person not having a substantial adverse interest in the When does a trust acquire a tax personality?
disposition of such part of the income may be applied to the • E.g. A created a trust, and transferred the interest
payment of premiums upon policies of insurance on the life of in a 10-door commercial apartment by virtue of a
the grantor, such part of the income of the trust shall be trust instrument to the Trust Department of
included in computing the taxable income of the grantor. Metrobank. However, all the rental income to be
(B) As used in this Section, the term 'in the discretion of the collected by the trustee is to be received by A. Is
grantor' means in the discretion of the grantor, either alone or this a taxable trust?
in conjunction with any person not having a substantial adverse o No. The taxpayer is A, the trustor. The
interest in the disposition of the part of the income in question.
trust is for the benefit of the trustor
Section 65. Fiduciary Returns. - Guardians, trustees, executors,
(grantor’s trust). There is a taxable trust
administrators, receivers, conservators and all persons or
only when there is an irrevocable trust –
corporations, acting in any fiduciary capacity, shall render, in
duplicate, a return of the income of the person, trust or estate both as to purpose and as to the
for whom or which they act, and be subject to all the designation of the beneficiary.
provisions of this Title, which apply to individuals in case such o The transfer of the property from the
person, estate or trust has a gross income of Twenty thousand trustor to the trustee or beneficiary must
pesos (P20,000) or over during the taxable year. Such fiduciary be a completed gift for the trust to be
or person filing the return for him or it, shall take oath that he taxable. (Pay donor’s tax à all transfer
has sufficient knowledge of the affairs of such person, trust or of property by trust or otherwise)
estate to enable him to make such return and that the same is, o Not an irrevocable trust if: “I reserve my
to the best of his knowledge and belief, true and correct, and right of reservation.”
be subject to all the provisions of this Title which apply to o There can still be an irrevocable trust
individuals: Provided, That a return made by or for one or two even if there is suspension of the transfer
or more joint fiduciaries filed in the province where such
fiduciaries reside; under such rules and regulations as the of ownership à e.g., when the minor
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the becomes of age
Commissioner, shall prescribe, shall be a sufficient compliance
with the requirements of this Section. • Who will pay the tax?
Section 66. Fiduciaries Indemnified Against Claims for Taxes Paid. - o The trustee – who is the manager of the
Trustees, executors, administrators and other fiduciaries are property.
indemnified against the claims or demands of every beneficiary
for all payments of taxes which they shall be required to make How will the income from the estate or the trust be
under the provisions of this Title, and they shall have credit for taxed? One-layer taxation regime (Sec. 61)
the amount of such payments against the beneficiary or • One-layer taxation regime – Income must be
principal in any accounting which they make as such trustees or taxed but once during the taxable year.
other fiduciaries.
• What is taxable is the net income.
• Current distribution trust – the taxpayer is the
beneficiary or heir, because there is nothing left
• When a person dies, and he leaves behind income-
producing property (like a 10-door commercial
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with the estate or trust (all income during the other than a corporation, only the following percentages of the
taxable year is given to the beneficiary or heir). gain or loss recognized upon the sale or exchange of a capital
• If accumulated income – the taxpayer is the trust asset shall be taken into account in computing net capital gain,
through the trustee. Net income minus the net capital loss, and net income:
personal exemption under Sec. 62 of P20K (1)One hundred percent (100%) if the capital asset has been
• Rate: Sec. 24 – graduated rate held for not more than twelve (12) months; and
(2)Fifty percent (50%) if the capital asset has been held for
• 5 years later, all the income will be distributed to more than twelve (12) months;
the minor, it will not be subject to income tax (C) Limitation on Capital Losses. - Losses from sales or exchanges
anymore because the tax thereon has already been of capital assets shall be allowed only to the extent of the gains
paid by an individual (the trust). from such sales or exchanges. If a bank or trust company
• A trust or an estate is an individual taxpayer. incorporated under the laws of the Philippines, a substantial
part of whose business is the receipt of deposits, sells any
What are the different types of trusts for income tax purposes? bond, debenture, note, or certificate or other evidence of
a. Current distribution trust – can be determined in indebtedness issued by any corporation (including one issued
the provision of the trust instrument. by a government or political subdivision thereof), with interest
• E.g. “The beneficiary is my favorite wife, who coupons or in registered form, any loss resulting from such sale
will receive income every year.” shall not be subject to the foregoing limitation and shall not be
included in determining the applicability of such limitation to
other losses.
b. Accumulation trust – usually if the beneficiary is a
(D) Net Capital Loss Carry-over. - If any taxpayer, other than a
minor corporation, sustains in any taxable year a net capital loss, such
c. Discretionary trust – combination of both. The loss (in an amount not in excess of the net income for such
trustor gives the trustee the discretion of whether year) shall be treated in the succeeding taxable year as a loss
to distribute the income or not (current or from the sale or exchange of a capital asset held for not more
accumulated) than twelve (12) months.
• E.g. 2.5M distributed – income tax to be paid (E) Retirement of Bonds, Etc. - For purposes of this Title, amounts
by the beneficiary received by the holder upon the retirement of bonds,
• 2.5M retained – income tax to be paid by the debentures, notes or certificates or other evidences of
trustee. If later distributed to the beneficiary, indebtedness issued by any corporation (including those issued
not taxable anymore, following the one-layer by a government or political subdivision thereof) with interest
taxation regime. coupons or in registered form, shall be considered as amounts
received in exchange therefor.
(F) Gains or losses from Short Sales, Etc. - For purposes of this
Note: Same principle applies to estates – to be determined
Title -
whether the trustee distributes all income to the heirs, or it
(1) Gains or losses from short sales of property shall be
is accumulated first. considered as gains or losses from sales or exchanges of capital
assets; and
INCOME TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO CAPITAL (2) Gains or losses attributable to the failure to exercise
GAINS AND LOSSES privileges or options to buy or sell property shall be considered
Section 39. Capital Gains and Losses. - as capital gains or losses.
(A) Definitions. - As used in this Title -
(1) Capital Assets. - the term 'capital assets' means property held D. TRANSFER TAXES
by the taxpayer (whether or not connected with his trade or
business), but does not include stock in trade of the taxpayer or Two kinds of donations: Donation inter vivos v.
other property of a kind which would properly be included in
donation mortis causa
the inventory of the taxpayer if on hand at the close of the
taxable year, or property held by the taxpayer primarily for sale « Donations inter vivos
to customers in the ordinary course of his trade or business, or a. Subject to donor’s tax.
property used in the trade or business, of a character which is b. Effective during the lifetime of the
subject to the allowance for depreciation provided in owner, without any consideration.
Subsection (F) of Section 34; or real property used in trade or « Donations mortis causa
business of the taxpayer. c. It is death that completes the transfer.
(2) Net Capital Gain. - The term 'net capital gain' means the Equivalent to a testamentary disposition.
excess of the gains from sales or exchanges of capital assets d. Subject to estate tax.
over the losses from such sales or exchanges.
(3) Net Capital Loss. - The term 'net capital loss' means the 2. CONTROL – determines whether taxable or not.
excess of the losses from sales or exchanges of capital assets a. If you do not have any control over the
over the gains from such sales or exchanges. disposition of a property, then that
(B) Percentage Taken into Account. - In the case of a taxpayer, property is not yours. If you divest
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yourself of control over the property relinquished in contemplation of the decedent's death.
during your lifetime, it is a completed gift, (2) For the purpose of this Subsection, the power to alter,
and it shall be subject to donor’s tax. amend or revoke shall be considered to exist on the date of the
decedent's death even though the exercise of the power is
ESTATE TAX subject to a precedent giving of notice or even though the
alteration, amendment or revocation takes effect only on the
Section 84. Rates of Estate Tax. There shall be levied, expiration of a stated period after the exercise of the power,
assessed, collected and paid upon the transfer of the net estate whether or not on or before the date of the decedent's death
as determined in accordance with Sections 85 and 86 of every notice has been given or the power has been exercised. In such
decedent, whether resident or nonresident of the Philippines, a cases, proper adjustment shall be made representing the
tax based on the value of such net estate, as computed in interests which would have been excluded from the power if
accordance with the following schedule: the decedent had lived, and for such purpose if the notice has
If the net estate is: not been given or the power has not been exercised on or
before the date of his
Over But Not The Tax Plus Of the death, such notice shall be considered to have been given, or
Over Shall Be Excess the power exercised, on the date of his death.
Over (D) Property Passing Under General Power of Appointment. - To the
P200,000 Exempt extent of any property passing under a general power of
appointment exercised by the decedent: (1) by will, or (2) by
P200,000 500,000 0 5% P200,000
deed executed in contemplation of, or intended to take effect in
500,000 2,000,000 P15,000 8% 500,000
possession or enjoyment at, or after his death, or (3) by deed
2,000,000 5,000,000 135,000 11% 2,000,000
under which he has retained for his life or any period not
5,000,000 10,000,000 465,000 15% 5,000,000 ascertainable without reference to his death or for any period
10,000,000 And Over 1,215,000 20% 10,000,000 which does not in fact end before his death (a) the possession
or enjoyment of, or the right to the income from, the property,
or (b) the right, either alone or in conjunction with any person,
Section 85. Gross Estate. - the value of the gross estate of the to designate the persons who shall possess or enjoy the
decedent shall be determined by including the value at the time property or the income therefrom; except in case of a bona fide
of his death of all property, real or personal, tangible or sale for an adequate and full consideration in money or
intangible, wherever situated: Provided, however, that in the money's worth.
case of a nonresident decedent who at the time of his death (E) Proceeds of Life Insurance. - To the extent of the amount
was not a citizen of the Philippines, only that part of the entire receivable by the estate of the deceased, his executor, or
gross estate which is situated in the Philippines shall be administrator, as insurance under policies taken out by the
included in his taxable estate. decedent upon his own life, irrespective of whether or not the
(A) Decedent's Interest. - To the extent of the interest therein of insured retained the power of revocation, or to the extent of
the decedent at the time of his death; the amount receivable by any beneficiary designated in the
(B) Transfer in Contemplation of Death. - To the extent of any policy of insurance, except when it is expressly stipulated that
interest therein of which the decedent has at any time made a the designation of the beneficiary is irrevocable.
transfer, by trust or otherwise, in contemplation of or intended (F) Prior Interests. - Except as otherwise specifically provided
to take effect in possession or enjoyment at or after death, or therein, Subsections (B), (C) and (E) of this Section shall apply
of which he has at any time made a transfer, by trust or to the transfers, trusts, estates, interests, rights, powers and
otherwise, under which he has retained for his life or for any relinquishment of powers, as severally enumerated and
period which does not in fact end before his death (1) the described therein, whether made, created, arising, existing,
possession or enjoyment of, or the right to the income from exercised or relinquished before or after the effectivity of this
the property, or (2) the right, either alone or in conjunction Code.
with any person, to designate the person who shall possess or (G) Transfers of Insufficient Consideration. - If any one of the
enjoy the property or the income therefrom; except in case of a transfers, trusts, interests, rights or powers enumerated and
bonafide sale for an adequate and full consideration in money described in Subsections (B), (C) and (D) of this Section is
or money's worth. made, created, exercised or relinquished for a consideration in
(C) Revocable Transfer. - money or money's worth, but is not a bona fide sale for an
(1) To the extent of any interest therein, of which the decedent adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth,
has at any time made a transfer (except in case of a bona fide there shall be included in the gross estate only the excess of the
sale for an adequate and full consideration in money or fair market value, at the time of death, of the property
money's worth) by trust or otherwise, where the enjoyment otherwise to be included on account of such transaction, over
thereof was subject at the date of his death to any change the value of the consideration received therefor by the
through the exercise of a power (in whatever capacity decedent.
exerciseable) by the decedent alone or by the decedent in (H) Capital of the Surviving Spouse. - The capital of the surviving
conjunction with any other person (without regard to when or spouse of a decedent shall not, for the purpose of this Chapter,
from what source the decedent acquired such power), t o alter, be deemed a part of his or her gross estate.
amend, revoke, or terminate, or where any such power is Section 86. Computation of Net Estate. - For the purpose of the
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tax imposed in this Chapter, the value of the net estate shall be more than two (2) years but not more than three (3) years prior
determined: to the death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred
(A) Deductions Allowed to the Estate of Citizen or a Resident. - In the to him by gift within the same period prior to his death;
case of a citizen or resident of the Philippines, by deducting Forty percent (40%) of the value, if the prior decedent died
from the value of the gross estate - more than three (3) years but not more than four (4) years prior
(1) Expenses, Losses, Indebtedness, and taxes. - Such amounts to the death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred
- to him by gift within the same period prior to his death;
(a) For actual funeral expenses or in an amount equal to five Twenty percent (20%) of the value, if the prior decedent died
percent (5%) of the gross estate, whichever is lower, but in no more than four (4) years but not more than five (5) years prior
case to exceed Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000); to the death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred
(b) For judicial expenses of the testamentary or intestate to him by gift within the same period prior to his death;
proceedings; These deductions shall be allowed only where a donor's tax or
(c) For claims against the estate: Provided, That at the time the estate tax imposed under this Title was finally determined and
indebtedness was incurred the debt instrument was duly paid by or on behalf of such donor, or the estate of such prior
notarized and, if the loan was contracted within three (3) years decedent, as the case may be, and only in the amount finally
before the death of the decedent, the administrator or executor determined as the value of such property in determining the
shall submit a statement showing the disposition of the value of the gift, or the gross estate of such prior decedent, and
proceeds of the loan; only to the extent that the value of such property is included in
(d) For claims of the deceased against insolvent persons where the decedent's gross estate, and only if in determining the value
the value of decedent's interest therein is included in the value of the estate of the prior decedent, no deduction was allowable
of the gross estate; and under paragraph (2) in respect of the property or properties
(e) For unpaid mortgages upon, or any indebtedness in respect given in exchange therefor. Where a deduction was allowed of
to, property where the value of decedent's interest therein, any mortgage or other lien in determining the donor's tax, or
undiminished by such mortgage or indebtedness, is included in the estate tax of the prior decedent, which was paid in whole or
the value of the gross estate, but not including any income tax in part prior to the decedent's death, then the deduction
upon income received after the death of the decedent, or allowable under said Subsection shall be reduced by the
property taxes not accrued before his death, or any estate tax. amount so paid. Such deduction allowable shall be reduced by
The deduction herein allowed in the case of claims against the an amount which bears the same ratio to the amounts allowed
estate, unpaid mortgages or any indebtedness shall, when as deductions under paragraphs (1) and (3) of this Subsection
founded upon a promise or agreement, be limited to the extent as the amount otherwise deductible under said paragraph (2)
that they were contracted bona fide and for an adequate and bears to the value of the decedent's estate. Where the property
full consideration in money or money's worth. There shall also referred to consists of two or more items, the aggregate value
be deducted losses incurred during the settlement of the estate of such items shall be used for the purpose of computing the
arising from fires, storms, shipwreck, or other casualties, or deduction.
from robbery, theft or embezzlement, when such losses are not (3) Transfers for Public Use. - The amount of all the bequests,
compensated for by insurance or otherwise, and if at the time legacies, devises or transfers to or for the use of the
of the filing of the return such losses have not been claimed as Government of the Republic of the Philippines, or any political
a deduction for the income tax purposes in an income tax subdivision thereof, for exclusively public purposes.
return, and provided that such losses were incurred not later (4) The Family Home. - An amount equivalent to the current
than the last day for the payment of the estate tax as prescribed fair market value of the decedent's family home: Provided,
in Subsection (A) of Section 91. however, That if the said current fair market value exceeds One
(2) Property Previously Taxed. - An amount equal to the value million pesos (P1,000,000), the excess shall be subject to estate
specified below of any property forming a part of the gross tax. As a sine qua non condition for the exemption or
estate situated in the Philippines of any person who died within deduction, said family home must have been the decedent's
five (5) years prior to the death of the decedent, or transferred family home as certified by the barangay captain of the locality.
to the decedent by gift within five (5) years prior to his death, (5) Standard Deduction. - An amount equivalent to One
where such property can be identified as having been received million pesos (P1,000,000).
by the decedent from the donor by gift, or from such prior (6) Medical Expenses. - Medical Expenses incurred by the
decedent by gift, bequest, devise or inheritance, or which can decedent within one (1) year prior to his death which shall be
be identified as having been acquired in exchange for property duly substantiated with receipts: Provided, That in no case shall
so received: the deductible medical expenses exceed Five Hundred
One hundred percent (100%) of the value, if the prior decedent Thousand Pesos (P500,000).
died within one (1) year prior to the death of the decedent, or if (7) Amount Received by Heirs Under Republic Act No. 4917. -
the property was transferred to him by gift within the same Any amount received by the heirs from the decedent -
period prior to his death; employee as a consequence of the death of the decedent-
Eighty percent (80%) of the value, if the prior decedent died employee in accordance with Republic Act No. 4917: Provided,
more than one (1) year but not more than two (2) years prior to That such amount is included in the gross estate of the
the death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred to decedent.
him by gift within the same period prior to his death; (B) Deductions Allowed to Nonresident Estates. - In the case
Sixty percent (60%) of the value, if the prior decedent died of a nonresident not a citizen of the Philippines, by deducting
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from the value of that part of his gross estate which at the time such items shall be used for the purpose of computing the
of his death is situated in the Philippines: deduction.
(1) Expenses, Losses, Indebtedness and Taxes. - That (3) Transfers for Public Use. - The amount of all bequests,
proportion of the deductions specified in paragraph (1) of legacies, devises or transfers to or for the use of the
Subsection (A) of this Section which the value of such part Government of the Republic of the Philippines or any political
bears to the value of his entire gross estate wherever situated; subdivision thereof, for exclusively public purposes.
(2) Property Previously Taxed. - An amount equal to the value (C) Share in the Conjugal Property. - the net share of the surviving
specified below of any property forming part of the gross estate spouse in the conjugal partnership property as diminished by
situated in the Philippines of any person who died within five the obligations properly chargeable to such property shall, for
(5) years prior to the death of the decedent, or transferred to the purpose of this Section, be deducted from the net estate of
the decedent by gift within five (5) years prior to his death, the decedent.
where such property can be identified as having been received (D) Miscellaneous Provisions. - No deduction shall be allowed in
by the decedent from the donor by gift, or from such prior the case of a nonresident not a citizen of the Philippines, unless
decedent by gift, bequest, devise or inheritance, or which can the executor, administrator, or anyone of the heirs, as the case
be identified as having been acquired in exchange for property may be, includes in the return required to be filed under
so received: Section 90 the value at the time of his death of that part of the
One hundred percent (100%) of the value if the prior decedent gross estate of the nonresident not situated in the Philippines.
died within one (1) year prior to the death of the decedent, or if (E) Tax Credit for Estate Taxes paid to a Foreign Country. -
the property was transferred to him by gift, within the same (1) In General. - The tax imposed by this Title shall be credited
period prior to his death; with the amounts of any estate tax imposed by the authority of
Eighty percent (80%) of the value, if the prior decedent died a foreign country.
more than one (1) year but not more than two (2) years prior to (2) Limitations on Credit. - The amount of the credit taken under
the death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred to this Section shall be subject to each of the following
him by gift within the same period prior to his death; limitations:
Sixty percent (60%) of the value, if the prior decedent died (a) The amount of the credit in respect to the tax paid to any
more than two (2) years but not more than three (3) years prior country shall not exceed the same proportion of the tax against
to the death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred which such credit is taken, which the decedent's net estate
to him by gift within the same period prior to his death; situated within such country taxable under this Title bears to
Forty percent (40%) of the value, if the prior decedent died his entir net estate; and
more than three (3) years but not more than four (4) years prior (b) The total amount of the credit shall not exceed the same
to the death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred proportion of the tax against which such credit is taken, which
to him by gift within the same period prior to his death; and the decedent's net estate situated outside the Philippines taxable
Twenty percent (20%) of the value, if the prior decedent died under this Title bears to his entire net estate.
more than four (4) years but not more than five (5) years prior
to the death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred Section 87. Exemption of Certain Acquisitions and
to him by gift within the same period prior to his death. Transmissions. - The following shall not be taxed:
These deductions shall be allowed only where a donor's tax, or (A) The merger of usufruct in the owner of the naked title;
estate tax imposed under this Title is finally determined and (B) The transmission or delivery of the inheritance or legacy by
paid by or on behalf of such donor, or the estate of such prior the fiduciary heir or legatee to the fideicommissary;
decedent, as the case may be, and only in the amount finally (C) The transmission from the first heir, legatee or donee in
determined as the value of such property in determining the favor of another beneficiary, in accordance with the desire of
value of the gift, or the gross estate of such prior decedent, and the predecessor; and
only to the extent that the value of such property is included in (D) All bequests, devises, legacies or transfers to social welfare,
that part of the decedent's gross estate which at the time of his cultural and charitable institutions, no part of the net income of
death is situated in the Philippines; and only if, in determining which insures to the benefit of any individual: Provided,
the value of the net estate of the prior decedent, no deduction however, That not more than thirty percent (30%) of the said
is allowable under paragraph (2) of Subsection (B) of this bequests, devises, legacies or transfers shall be used by such
Section, in respect of the property or properties given in institutions for administration purposes.
exchange therefore. Where a deduction was allowed of any
mortgage or other lien in determining the donor's tax, or the Section 88. Determination of the Value of the Estate. -
estate tax of the prior decedent, which was paid in whole or in (A) Usufruct. - To determine the value of the right of usufruct,
part prior to the decedent's death, then the deduction allowable use or habitation, as well as that of annuity, there shall be taken
under said paragraph shall be reduced by the amount so paid. into account the probable life of the beneficiary in accordance
Such deduction allowable shall be reduced by an amount which with the latest Basic Standard Mortality Table, to be approved
bears the same ratio to the amounts allowed as deductions by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the
under paragraphs (1) and (3) of this Subsection as the amount Insurance Commissioner.
otherwise deductible under paragraph (2) bears to the value of (B) Properties. - The estate shall be appraised at its fair market
that part of the decedent's gross estate which at the time of his value as of the time of death. However, the appraised value of
death is situated in the Philippines. Where the property referred real property as of the time of death shall be, whichever is
to consists of two (2) or more items, the aggregate value of higher of -
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(1) The fair market value as determined by the Commissioner, otherwise permits, the return required under Subsection (A)
or shall be filed with an authorized agent bank, or Revenue
(2) The fair market value as shown in the schedule of values District Officer, Collection Officer, or duly authorized
fixed by the Provincial and City Assessors. Treasurer of the city or municipality in which the decedent was
domiciled at the time of his death or if there be no legal
Section 89. Notice of Death to be Filed. - In all cases of transfers residence in the Philippines, with the Office of the
subject to tax, or where, though exempt from tax, the gross Commissioner.
value of the estate exceeds Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000),
the executor, administrator or any of the legal heirs, as the case Section 91. Payment of Tax. -
may be, within two (2) months after the decedent's death, or (A) Time of Payment. - The estate tax imposed by Section 84 shall
within a like period after qualifying as such executor or be paid at the time the return is filed by the executor,
administrator, shall give a written notice thereof to the administrator or the heirs.
Commissioner. (B) Extension of Time. - When the Commissioner finds that the
payment on the due date of the estate tax or of any part thereof
Section 90. Estate Tax Returns. - would impose undue hardship upon the estate or any of the
(A) Requirements. - In all cases of transfers subject to the tax heirs, he may extend the time for payment of such tax or any
imposed herein, or where, though exempt from tax, the gross part thereof not to exceed five (5) years, in case the estate is
value of the estate exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos settled through the courts, or two (2) years in case the estate is
(P200,000), or regardless of the gross value of the estate, where settled extrajudicially. In such case, the amount in respect of
the said estate consists of registered or registrable property which the extension is granted shall be paid on or before the
such as real property, motor vehicle, shares of stock or other date of the expiration of the period of the extension, and the
similar property for which a clearance from the Bureau of running of the Statute of Limitations for assessment as
Internal Revenue is required as a condition precedent for the provided in Section 203 of this Code shall be suspended for the
transfer of ownership thereof in the name of the transferee, the period of any such extension.
executor, or the administrator, or any of the legal heirs, as the Where the taxes are assessed by reason of negligence,
case may be, shall file a return under oath in duplicate, setting intentional disregard of rules and regulations, or fraud on the
forth: part of the taxpayer, no extension will be granted by the
(1) The value of the gross estate of the decedent at the time of Commissioner.
his death, or in case of a nonresident, not a citizen of the If an extension is granted, the Commissioner may require the
Philippines, of that part of his gross estate situated in the executor, or administrator, or beneficiary, as the case may be,
Philippines; to furnish a bond in such amount, not exceeding double the
(2) The deductions allowed from gross estate in determining amount of the tax and with such sureties as the Commissioner
the estate as defined in Section 86; and deems necessary, conditioned upon the payment of the said tax
(3) Such part of such information as may at the time be in accordance with the terms of the extension.
ascertainable and such supplemental data as may be necessary (C) Liability for Payment - The estate tax imposed by Section 84
to establish the correct taxes. shall be paid by the executor or administrator before delivery to
Provided, however, That estate tax returns showing a gross any beneficiary of his distributive share of the estate. Such
value exceeding Two million pesos (P2,000,000) shall be beneficiary shall to the extent of his distributive share of the
supported with a statement duly certified to by a Certified estate, be subsidiarily liable for the payment of such portion of
Public Accountant containing the following: the estate tax as his distributive share bears to the value of the
(a) Itemized assets of the decedent with their corresponding total net estate.
gross value at the time of his death, or in the case of a For the purpose of this Chapter, the term 'executor' or
nonresident, not a citizen of the Philippines, of that part of his 'administrator' means the executor or administrator of the
gross estate situated in the Philippines; decedent, or if there is no executor or administrator appointed,
(b) Itemized deductions from gross estate allowed in Section qualified, and acting within the Philippines, then any person in
86; and actual or constructive possession of any property of the
(c) The amount of tax due whether paid or still due and decedent.
outstanding.
(B) Time for filing. - For the purpose of determining the estate Section 92. Discharge of Executor or Administrator from
tax provided for in Section 84 of this Code, the estate tax Personal Liability. - If the executor or administrator makes a
return required under the preceding Subsection (A) shall be written application to the Commissioner for determination of
filed within six (6) months from the decedent's death. the amount of the estate tax and discharge from personal
A certified copy of the schedule of partition and the order of liability therefore, the Commissioner (as soon as possible, and
the court approving the same shall be furnished the in any event within one (1) year after the making of such
Commissioner within thirty (30) after the promulgation of such application, or if the application is made before the return is
order. filed, then within one (1) year after the return is filed, but not
(C) Extension of Time. - The Commissioner shall have authority after the expiration of the period prescribed for the assessment
to grant, in meritorious cases, a reasonable extension not of the tax in Section 203 shall not notify the executor or
exceeding thirty (30) days for filing the return. administrator of the amount of the tax. The executor or
(D) Place of Filing. - Except in cases where the Commissioner administrator, upon payment of the amount of which he is
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notified, shall be discharged from personal liability for any the tax paid.
deficiency in the tax thereafter found to be due and shall be
entitled to a receipt or writing showing such discharge. Section 97. Payment of Tax Antecedent to the Transfer of Shares,
Bonds or Rights. - There shall not be transferred to any new
Section 93. Definition of Deficiency. - As used in this Chapter, the owner in the books of any corporation, sociedad anonima,
term 'deficiency' means: partnership, business, or industry organized or established in
(a) The amount by which the tax imposed by this Chapter the Philippines any share, obligation, bond or right by way of
exceeds the amount shown as the tax by the executor, gift inter vivos or mortis causa, legacy or inheritance, unless a
administrator or any of the heirs upon his return; but the certification from the Commissioner that the taxes fixed in this
amounts so shown on the return shall first be increased by the Title and due thereon have been paid is shown.
amounts previously assessed (or collected without assessment) If a bank has knowledge of the death of a person, who
as a deficiency and decreased by the amount previously abated, maintained a bank deposit account alone, or jointly with
refunded or otherwise repaid in respect of such tax; or another, it shall not allow any withdrawal from the said deposit
(b) If no amount is shown as the tax by the executor, account, unless the Commissioner has certified that the taxes
administrator or any of the heirs upon his return, or if no imposed thereon by this Title have been paid: Provided,
return is made by the executor, administrator, or any heir, then however, That the administrator of the estate or any one (1) of
the amount by which the tax exceeds the amounts previously the heirs of the decedent may, upon authorization by the
assessed (or collected without assessment) as a deficiency; but Commissioner, withdraw an amount not exceeding Twenty
such amounts previously assessed or collected without thousand pesos (P20,000) without the said certification. For
assessment shall first be decreased by the amounts previously this purpose, all withdrawal slips shall contain a statement to
abated, refunded or otherwise repaid in respect of such tax. the effect that all of the joint depositors are still living at the
time of withdrawal by any one of the joint depositors and such
Section 94. Payment before Delivery by Executor or Administrator. - statement shall be under oath by the said depositors.
No judge shall authorize the executor or judicial administrator
to deliver a distributive share to any party interested in the TAXATION OF GRATUITOUS TRANSFER OF
estate unless a certification from the Commissioner that the PROPERTY
estate tax has been paid is shown.
Transfer in contemplation of death (Sec. 85.B)
Section 95. Duties of Certain Officers and Debtors. - Registers of
Deeds shall not register in the Registry of Property any
• Note Sec. 40.B.2 and 40.B.3 vis-à-vis Sec. 85B (For
document transferring real property or real rights therein or any the final exam)
chattel mortgage, by way of gifts inter vivos or mortis causa, • Governor donated a parcel of land to Lady
legacy or inheritance, unless a certification from the Charmel, receiving the right to the income to
Commissioner that the tax fixed in this Title and actually due himself for the first five years, and the right shall
thereon had been paid is show, and they shall immediately transferred to Lady Charmel upon the end of the
notify the Commissioner, Regional Director, Revenue District period.
Officer, or Revenue Collection Officer or Treasurer of the city o During the time of donation, there is no
or municipality where their offices are located, of the non taxable gift, because there is no
payment of the tax discovered by them. Any lawyer, notary completed gift, as there is no total
public, or any government officer who, by reason of his official divestment of control over the property.
duties, intervenes in the preparation or acknowledgment of • However, if the Governor outlives the five-year
documents regarding partition or disposal of donation
period, then it will become a taxable gift, because
intervivos or mortis causa, legacy or inheritance, shall have the
there is now a total divestment of control over the
duty of furnishing the Commissioner, Regional Director,
Revenue District Officer or Revenue Collection Officer of the
property. Within 30 days after the period, file and
place where he may have his principal office, with copies of pay the tax.
such documents and any information whatsoever which may • If the Governor dies within the period, the
facilitate the collection of the aforementioned tax. Neither shall property will still go to Lady Charmel, but not by
a debtor of the deceased pay his debts to the heirs, legatee, way of donation inter vivos, but as donation
executor or administrator of his creditor, unless the mortis causa.
certification of the Commissioner that the tax fixed in this • Motive of Lady Charmel for killing the Governor
Chapter had been paid is shown; but he may pay the executor on the 4th year: To save on income tax. Sec. 40.B.2
or judicial administrator without said certification if the credit is versus 40.B.3 (carry-over basis).
included in the inventory of the estate of the deceased.
ESTATE TAX
Section 96. Restitution of Tax Upon Satisfaction of Outstanding
Obligations. - If after the payment of the estate tax, new
1) It is a tax on the privilege of transmitting
obligations of the decedent shall appear, and the persons
properties upon death and to the special privilege
interested shall have satisfied them by order of the court, they
shall have a right to the restitution of the proportional part of that a person is given in controlling to a certain
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extent the disposition of his properties to take § Donor Z who is a resident and
effect upon his death. citizen of X foreign country.
Said country does not impose
2) WON a property will form part of the estate of the any transfer taxes of whatever
decedent or WON it will be subject to estate tax nature and type. Z donated one
à Always consider CONTROL. million worth of shares of
a. All properties where the decedent has stocks in a corporation doing
control over their disposition at the time business in that X foreign
of his death, or control of which is country to his son who is a
ascertainable only at the time of his resident since birth of the
death, must be included to his estate, and Philippines, and is about to be
shall be subject to estate tax. married to his Filipina fiancée
i. That’s why revocable transfers (donation in contemplation of
form part of the gross estate. marriage). Can the donor
(Sec. 85.C) invoke the rule of reciprocity in
ii. Proceeds of life insurance the order to be exempt from
beneficiary of which is Philippine’s donor’s tax?
revocable also forms part of the • No, because the
gross estate. (Sec. 85.E) But if donation is simply not
irrevocable, exclude from gross taxable in the
estate, because at the time of his Philippines. The
death, he had no control over donor is a non-
the disposition of the proceeds. resident alien, and the
b. Donation where there is right to income property is an
until “six months before death.” à Not intangible personal
ascertainable period, therefore, there is property not situated
still control at the time of death. in the Philippines.
§ Would the answer be the same
DONOR’S TAX if the shares were that of San
Miguel Corporation, a domestic
« When does a gift occur? corporation?
o It is the relinquishment of control that • No, the donor can
makes the donation taxable. now invoke the rule
« Donor who retained the right to income for life à of reciprocity. All
equivalent to a testamentary disposition. nonresident aliens are
« But if after a few years, the donor relinquishes the taxable on all
right to the income, then it becomes a completed properties situated in
gift subject to donor’s tax. the Philippines.
§ The rule of reciprocity
COMPOSITION OF THE GROSS ESTATE applies only to intangible
personal properties situated
« Only properties within the control of the in the Philippines owned by
decedent. a non-resident alien.
« Rule of situs different from that in income tax. [Collector v. Campos Rueda
o Residents and citizens – All properties (1971)] (Asked three years ago)
wherever situated.
o Non-resident aliens – Only properties
situated in the Philippines, provided that, SPECIFIC RULES ON INCLUSIONS AND
with respect to intangible personal EXCLUSIONS (Sec. 85)
properties, we follow the rule of
reciprocity. « Decedent’s Interest
§ Retain control à estate tax; 1) If co-owned property, and only one dies, only the
relinquish control à donor’s decedent’s share in said property will be included
tax. as part of his gross estate. The FMV of 5 million
§ Sec. 85 in relation to Sec. 104, of said share will be included.
NIRC
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2) Decedent maintains an account in a bank, and « What if he sold the house and lot to the
maintained with a co-depositor. Only 50% will be son for 10M, which is its FMV, but
the extent of the decedent’s interest. retained enjoyment thereof until his
a. If a bank has knowledge of the death of a death? Is it still TICOD?
depositor (whether a lone depositor or a o No, because the first
co-depositor), no withdrawal shall be requirement is missing.
allowed under the law, except upon
presentation of a certification that the « Revocable transfer
estate tax thereon has been paid. (Ask in « Where the decedent reserve the right to
1981?) alter or revoke the transfer, WON that
b. Exception: Written authorization of the right was exercised by the decedent
CIR, but only up to P20K (just enough to during his lifetime, that property shall
augment funeral expenses) form part of the estate of the decedent.
WON a deed of donation is executed, it
« TICOD – Transfer in contemplation of death is not considered a taxable gift.
« If a property owner has been diagnosed
of terminal cancer and was given by the « Property passing under general power of
doctor six months to live, confirmed by appointment
second and third opinions. X went to his « Two types of appointment for purposes
wife and told her that he has 18 months of donor’s tax
to live (PUTA 6 + 6 + 6 = 18 MONTHS o Special power – if power is
HAHAH). Because of his fear of granted to a specific person or
impending death, he decided to sell his specific class of persons.
house and lot to his only son. The house § Mr. X owns a valuable
and lot is worth 10M, and sold it for real property in QC.
10M. Six months later, he decided to die He executed a last will
(Sir’s favorite’s phrase). Is that and testament, naming
TICOD? Is the property includable as his son to be his heir
part of X’s gross estate? over such property.
o It is not TICOD, therefore, not But in the same will,
includable, because it is a sale he gave his son the
for a valuable consideration in power to appoint the
money for money’s worth. latter’s only son (X’s
« Requirements of a TICOD (must grandson) to succeed
concur): over the property in
The transfer must be for the event that the son
insufficient consideration OR dies.
without consideration; AND § If X dies, will the
o The enjoyment or possession property form part of
will NOT vest on the transferee his gross estate?
before the transferor’s death. • Yes. Because
« Therefore, the proximity of the death to when he died,
the transfer is not controlling. he
transmitted
« Same facts. What if he donates because of the property
his fear of his impending death? to his son,
o No. That is a complete gift, therefore,
therefore, subject to donor’s tax. subject to
o Different answer if there is a estate tax.
proviso in the deed of donation The grantee
that the property will be enjoyed has no
by the donee only upon the control over
donor’s death = TICOD, the next heir.
therefore, included as part of § If the son dies, the
the gross estate. property is not
includable.
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§ Transfer of property (A) The merger of usufruct in the owner of the naked title;
from first heir to (B) The transmission or delivery of the inheritance or legacy by
second heir, in the fiduciary heir or legatee to the fideicommissary;
accordance with the (C) The transmission from the first heir, legatee or donee in
wishes of the decedent favor of another beneficiary, in accordance with the desire of
will not be subject to the predecessor; and
tax. (Generation (D) All bequests, devises, legacies or transfers to social welfare,
Skipping Transfer à cultural and charitable institutions, no part of the net income of
effective way of tax which inures to the benefit of any individual: Provided,
avoidance) however, That not more than thirty percent (30%) of the said
bequests, devises, legacies or transfers shall be used by such
§ Use of SPA
institutions for administration purposes.
• Will work to
relieve the
« Merger of the usufruct in the owner of
heir from the
the naked title
imposition of
G transfers to X, but income to W for life, and
the estate tax
remainder to S à merger
upon his tax.
« G is subject to donor’s tax. W is subject
• The two to income tax. Transmission of full
transfers will ownership to S is tax-exempt.
be taxed but 1. It is exempt because W has no control over the
once. transmission of the usufruct to the owner of the
naked title.
o General power – opposite à
person named to assign can « Transmission or delivery of the
name anybody inheritance or legacy by the fiduciary heir
§ Therefore, when X or legatee to the fideicommissary.
died, the transfer is (Generation Skipping Scheme)
taxable. 2. Classic example of a property passing under a
special power of appointment.
« Proceeds of life insurance
« Not subject to income tax (Sec. 32.B) « Transmission from the first heir, legatee
« May or may form part of the estate tax, or donee in favor of another beneficiary,
depending on the type of the designation in accordance with the desire of the
of the beneficiary. If irrevocable, then not predecessor.
subject to estate tax. If revocable, WON « Transmission should be a one-degree
exercised during his lifetime, then transfer.
includable in the estate, and subject to « Exempt because first heir has no control
estate tax. over the transmission to the second heir.
« Nature of designation is immaterial if the The transfer was already taxed when the
beneficiary is the estate, executor or heir’s predecessor died.
administrator. The obvious intention of
the decedent is to make the proceeds « Bequests, devises, legacies or transfers to
available for distribution among all his social welfare, cultural and charitable
heirs. institutions, no part of the net income of
which inures to the benefit of any
« Transfer for insufficient consideration individual, Provided, however, That not
« Only the difference between the FMV more than 30% of said BDLT shall be
and actual consideration will be included. used by such institutions for
« Relate this to TICOD> administration purposes.
« Counterpart provision in Sec. 101 (also
« Capital of surviving spouse exempt from donor’s tax)
EXEMPT TRANSFERS (Sec. 87) RULES OF VALUATION (Sec. 88)

SEC. 87 Exemption of Certain Acquisitions and « FMV as of the time of death


Transmissions. - The following shall not be taxed:
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« Real property – the FMV shall be the high value shareholder’s


between the FMV determined by the CIR (zonal equity
value) (power of the CIR under Sec. 6 to subdivide § Preferred shares – Par
the entire country into zones) and the FMV as value
shown in the schedule of values fixed by the
Provincial and City Assessors (Assessed Value à DEDUCTIONS FORM THE GROSS ESTATE (Sec.
Tax Declaration) 86)
o For zonal value, unless published in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of « ELIT (Expenses, Losses, Indebtedness, and Taxes)
general circulation
o Cf. Sec. 218 of the LGC à cannot go Two Types of Expenses
beyond this [note only provinces and • Funeral Expenses
cities, and municipalities within Metro o 5% of gross estate OR actual, whichever
Manila (Pateros na lang) can impose RPT] is lower, but in no case shall it go beyond
P200K. The least is the one that is
« Personal Property recently acquired by deductible.
o Mourning apparel of the widow, death
the decedent à Purchase price may
notices in the newspapers (obits),
indicate FMV
expenses for the religious rites prior to
o If decedent purchased Toyota
the burial (padasal, pakape LOL), cost of
Fortuner from Cubao, ginamit
tombstone, mausoleum (but not its
niya pauwi. Di sanay sa aircon,
namatay siya. FMV will be the upkeep à duh, tapos na funeral), burial
purchase price as shown in the plot, [card of thanks not included kasi
receipt. tapos na ‘yung libing LOL],
o If old, rely on the classified ads.
• Judicial Expenses of the testamentary or
« Shares of stocks à the FMV will depend intestate proceedings
on WON the shares are traded in
o Traded shares – arithmetic • Note that for casualty losses to be deductible,
mean between the highest and the loss should happen after the decedent’s
lowest quotation (opening bid death, during the settlement of the estate
and close bid; bid price and (within six months from death).
asked price)
o Unlisted shares • Owner with property with FMV of 10M.
§ Common shares – Accidental fire razed it to the ground. The
Book value (*RR 6- owner checked the insurance and found out
2013 à Adjusted net that the policy expired a week before. He died
asset method) after. Is it deductible? No.
• Adjusted net
asset method: « Indebtedness
The FMV of « Claims against insolvent persons, but only if the
the shares is value of decedent’s interest therein is included in
the FMV of the value of the gross estate. Remember, it is a
the receivable, but it cannot be received because the
underlying debtor became bankrupt.
assets. o It is better to include first, because by
• Lands à doing so, you are increasing the threshold
compare of 5% of the gross estate for the
zonal value, deductions for funeral expenses.
assessed
value, « Claims against the estate à should be
• Revalued substantiated.
properties a. Loan documents should be notarized.
less total And if the loan is incurred within three
liabilities years from death, then there has to be a
equals
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document showing the nature of the of death, otherwise, double deduction!


disposition of the proceeds. (Already deducted from donor’s tax)
b. Presumption if loan incurred so close to o Mode of transfer à should be a transfer
the death: The proceeds is still intact. by death (bequests, legacies, devises)
Then it should be included in the gross
estate. « Family Home
o Maximum: 1M (refers only to the
« Taxes interest of the decedent on the property.
o All the taxes that have accrued before Therefore, if conjugal property, and the
death (became due and payable before value of the home is 1M, the deduction
death) AND remained unpaid as of the should only be 500K).
time of death. If already paid, not o Purpose: Perpetuate the family home.
deductible already, otherwise, double o But value now is so low (adopted in
deduction. E.g. RPT 1992).

« Property Previously Taxed (PPT) or Vanishing « Standard Deduction


Deduction or Alternating Vanishing Deduction o 1M
o Reason: To reduce the harshness of o Ratio: Arrest the effect of inflation (Tax
successive taxation for the transmission Reform Act of 1997)
of the same property within a period of o If a bachelor died, and the value of his
five years estate is 1.2M, is his estate liable for any
o Never mind about the computation! Bar estate tax? No. 1M standard deduction,
examiner will not ask. LOL. What will be and 200K exempt. (cf. Sec. 84)
asked is WON entitled to vanishing
deduction. « Medical Expenses
o Requirements: o Incurred by the decedent within one year
§ Location of the property – must prior to his death WON paid, duly
be one that forms part of the substantiated with receipts.
gross estate of the decedent and o Max: 500K
is situated in the Philippines
§ Identification with substitution « Benefits under RA 4917 or the Employer’s Trust
– must be identified to be the Act (reasonable private benefit plan)
same property, or a property o Death benefits received by the heirs,
acquired in exchange to the provided, it is first included as part of the
original one (deed of exchange gross estate (same with claims against the
à Range Rover in exchange estate à again this is advantageous,
for a bicycle LEL) because the 5% threshold for the funeral
§ Interval of transfer – must be expenses increases).
within five years (That’s why
called vanishing deduction, ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
because the deduction vanishes
after five years, or if already 1. Notice of death – all cases of transfers subject to
availed of) tax or exempt but value of gross estate exceeds
§ Previous payment of estate tax P20,000
or donor’s tax on the first a. Failure – minor criminal offense, which
transmission can be compromised
§ No vanishing deduction in b. Sir: Antedate na lang, mga bes.
previous estate involving the
same property or property in 2. Time of giving notice – within 2 months from
exchange therefor death or within like period after qualifying as such
executor or administrator
« Transfer for Public Use – mode of transfer 3. Filing of estate tax return
o Five adjacent properties, donated one a. Who will file – executor, administrator, or
during his lifetime to the QC heirs (or any person in possession of the
Government for public use (public properties)
library). Is it deductible? No. There are b. Time for filing and payment – within 6
only four properties existing at the time months from death; pay-as-you-file
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procedure; extension of time to file return


– not more than 30 days (B) Tax Payable by Donor if Donee is a Stranger. - When the donee
c. Extension of time to pay due to financial or beneficiary is stranger, the tax payable by the donor shall be
difficulties – 5 years if settled judicially, thirty percent (30%) of the net gifts. For the purpose of this
and 2 years if extrajudicially (But in both tax, a 'stranger,' is a person who is not a:
cases, CIR may require posting of a bond) (1) Brother, sister (whether by whole or half-blood), spouse,
i. Posting of a bond is prudent ancestor and lineal descendant; or
or more advantageous to the (2) Relative by consanguinity in the collateral line within the
Government – failure, collect fourth degree of relationship.
on the bond, and the bonding (C) Any contribution in cash or in kind to any candidate,
company will be subrogated to political party or coalition of parties for campaign purposes
shall be governed by the Election Code, as amended.
the right of the Government
to collect from the estate
Section 100. Transfer for Less Than Adequate and full Consideration.
d. Effects of nonpayment of estate tax – no - Where property, other than real property referred to in
property can be transferred to an heir Section 24(D), is transferred for less than an adequate and full
i. Cf. Sec. 94 and 95 à estate tax consideration in money or money's worth, then the amount by
clearance which the fair market value of the property exceeded the value
ii. “This is to certify that the of the consideration shall, for the purpose of the tax imposed
estate of X has paid this by this Chapter, be deemed a gift, and shall be included in
amount of tax, and thereby, computing the amount of gifts made during the calendar year.
this Office interposes no
objection to the transmission Section 101. Exemption of Certain Gifts. - The following gifts or
of the following properties…” donations shall be exempt from the tax provided for in this
iii. Only the properties specified Chapter:
in the estate tax clearance (A) In the Case of Gifts Made by a Resident. -
(“Nothing follows”) can be (1) Dowries or gifts made on account of marriage and before
transmitted. its celebration or within one year thereafter by parents to each
iv. Show to the Register of Deeds, of their legitimate, recognized natural, or adopted children to
concerned bank manager, etc. the extent of the first Ten thousand pesos (P10,000):
(2) Gifts made to or for the use of the National Government
v. Only upon the full payment of
or any entity created by any of its agencies which is not
the estate tax will the BIR
conducted for profit, or to any political subdivision of the said
issue the estate tax clearance. Government; and
(3) Gifts in favor of an educational and/or charitable, religious,
DONOR’S TAX cultural or social welfare corporation, institution, accredited
nongovernment organization, trust or philanthrophic
Section 98. Imposition of Tax. - organization or research institution or organization: Provided,
(A) There shall be levied, assessed, collected and paid upon the however, That not more than thirty percent (30%) of said gifts
transfer by any person, resident or nonresident, of the property shall be used by such donee for administration purposes. For
by gift, a tax, computed as provided in Section 99. the purpose of the exemption, a 'non-profit educational and/or
(B) The tax shall apply whether the transfer is in trust or charitable corporation, institution, accredited nongovernment
otherwise, whether the gift is direct or indirect, and whether the organization, trust or philanthrophic organization and/or
property is real or personal, tangible or intangible. research institution or organization' is a school, college or
university and/or charitable corporation, accredited
Section 99. Rates of Tax Payable by Donor. - nongovernment organization, trust or philanthrophic
(A) In General. - The tax for each calendar year shall be organization and/or research institution or organization,
computed on the basis of the total net gifts made during the incorporated as a nonstock entity, paying no dividends,
calendar year in accordance with the following schedule: governed by trustees who receive no compensation, and
If the net gift is: devoting all its income, whether students' fees or gifts,
Over But Not The Tax Plus Of Excess donation, subsidies or other forms of philanthrophy, to the
Over Shall Be Over accomplishment and promotion of the purposes enumerated in
P100,000 Exempt its Articles of Incorporation.
P100,000 200,000 0 2% P100,000 (B) In the Case of Gifts Made by a Nonresident not a Citizen
200,000 500,000 2,000 4% 200,000 of the Philippines. -
500,000 1,000,000 14,000 6% 500,000 (1) Gifts made to or for the use of the National Government
1,000,000 3,000,000 44,000 8% 1,000,000 or any entity created by any of its agencies which is not
3,000,000 5,000,000 204,000 10% 3,000,000 conducted for profit, or to any political subdivision of the said
5,000,000 10,000,000 404,000 12% 5,000,000 Government.
10,000,000 1,004,000 15% 10,000,000 (2) Gifts in favor of an educational and/or charitable, religious,
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cultural or social welfare corporation, institution, foundation, whether tangible or intangible, or mixed, wherever situated:
trust or philanthrophic organization or research institution or Provided, however, That where the decedent or donor was a
organization: Provided, however, That not more than thirty nonresident alien at the time of his death or donation, as the
percent (30% of said gifts shall be used by such donee for case may be, his real and personal property so transferred but
administration purposes. which are situated outside the Philippines shall not be included
(C) Tax Credit for Donor's Taxes Paid to a Foreign Country. - as part of his 'gross estate' or 'gross gift': Provided, further,
(1) In General. - The tax imposed by this Title upon a donor That franchise which must be exercised in the Philippines;
who was a citizen or a resident at the time of donation shall be shares, obligations or bonds issued by any corporation or
credited with the amount of any donor's tax of any character sociedad anonima organized or constituted in the Philippines in
and description imposed by the authority of a foreign country. accordance with its laws; shares, obligations or bonds by any
(2) Limitations on Credit. - The amount of the credit taken under foreign corporation eighty-five percent (85%) of the business
this Section shall be subject to each of the following of which is located in the Philippines; shares, obligations or
limitations: bonds issued by any foreign corporation if such shares,
(a) The amount of the credit in respect to the tax paid to any obligations or bonds have acquired a business situs in the
country shall not exceed the same proportion of the tax against Philippines; shares or rights in any partnership, business or
which such credit is taken, which the net gifts situated within industry established in the Philippines, shall be considered as
such country taxable under this Title bears to his entire net situated in the Philippines: Provided, still further, that no tax
gifts; and shall be collected under this Title in respect of intangible
(b) The total amount of the credit shall not exceed the same personal property: (a) if the decedent at the time of his death or
proportion of the tax against which such credit is taken, which the donor at the time of the donation was a citizen and resident
the donor's net gifts situated outside the Philippines taxable of a foreign country which at the time of his death or donation
under this title bears to his entire net gifts. did not impose a transfer tax of any character, in respect of
intangible personal property of citizens of the Philippines not
Section 102. Valuation of Gifts Made in Property. - If the gift is residing in that foreign country, or (b) if the laws of the foreign
made in property, the fair market value thereof at the time of country of which the decedent or donor was a citizen and
the gift shall be considered the amount of the gift. In case of resident at the time of his death or donation allows a similar
real property, the provisions of Section 88(B) shall apply to the exemption from transfer or death taxes of every character or
valuation thereof. description in respect of intangible personal property owned by
citizens of the Philippines not residing in that foreign country.
Section 103. Filing of Return and Payment of Tax. - The term 'deficiency' means: (a) the amount by which tax
(A) Requirements. - any individual who makes any transfer by gift imposed by this Chapter exceeds the amount shown as the tax
(except those which, under Section 101, are exempt from the by the donor upon his return; but the amount so shown on the
tax provided for in this Chapter) shall, for the purpose of the return shall first be increased by the amount previously
said tax, make a return under oath in duplicate. The return shall assessed (or Collected without assessment) as a deficiency, and
se forth: decreased by the amounts previously abated, refunded or
(1) Each gift made during the calendar year which is to be otherwise repaid in respect of such tax, or (b) if no amount is
included in computing net gifts; shown as the tax by the donor, then the amount by which the
(2) The deductions claimed and allowable; tax exceeds the amounts previously assessed, (or collected
(3) Any previous net gifts made during the same calendar year; without assessment) as a deficiency, but such amounts
(4) The name of the donee; and previously assessed, or collected without assessment, shall first
(5) Such further information as may be required by rules and be decreased by the amount previously abated, refunded or
regulations made pursuant to law. otherwise repaid in respect of such tax.

(B) Time and Place of Filing and Payment. - The return of the Donation – it is a valid transfer of property from one
donor required in this Section shall be filed within thirty (30) person to another without compensation or consideration
days after the date the gift is made and the tax due thereon shall therefor (Prentice Hall Federal Tax Course)
be paid at the time of filing. Except in cases where the
• Not limited to donations per se, because of the
Commissioner otherwise permits, the return shall be filed and
the tax paid to an authorized agent bank, the Revenue District
concept of “deemed gifts” under Sec. 100.
Officer, Revenue Collection Officer or duly authorized
Treasurer of the city or municipality where the donor was Smith v. Shaughnessy: The donor’s tax was enacted not
domiciled at the time of the transfer, or if there be no legal only to prevent estate tax avoidance, but also to prevent
residence in the Philippines, with the Office of the income tax avoidance by reducing yearly income and
Commissioner. In the case of gifts made by a nonresident, the thereby escaping the effect of the progressive rates of the
return may be filed with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate income tax.
in the country where he is domiciled at the time of the transfer,
or directly with the Office of the Commissioner. Question: Can the sale of a property less than its FMV be
subject to income tax? (Painting worth 1M, sold for 500M)
Section 104. Definitions. - For purposes of this Title, the terms • Yes. (Cf. Sec. 40B)
'gross estate' and 'gifts' include real and personal property,
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• Will the gain of 500M in its entirety be subject to Meaning of consideration


income tax? • When the transferor gives something away and
o Acquired painting for 100K, sold it for does not at the same time replace it with money of
500K. Is the seller liable to pay income equal value or some goods or services capable of
tax for the entire 400K gain? being valuated in money, he is deemed to gave
o “Where there is no law that exempts it made a gift within the taxing law (CIR v. Bristol)
from taxation” à (Rules of exclusion) o Must be measurable in money or money’s
à worth. Mere legal consideration is not
o Sec. 39.B (holding period) (12mos) sufficient.
o The amount of gain taxable depends of o Consideration must flow to the donor;
the holding period of the seller. It can be mere detriment to the donee does not
100% taxable if the holding period does satisfy the purpose of the statute.
not go beyond 12 months. If it does, then o Example: Chain smoker. Friend said that
only 50% of the gain will be taxed for he will give him 1M if chain smoker does
income tax. not smoke for six months. Is that a
taxable donation? à YES
• Will the transaction be subject to donor’s tax?
o Yes. But only the difference between the When does a gift occur?
FMV and the selling price (or amount • When the donor surrenders CONTROL over the
property. If the donor retains an unlimited power
• Do we need to establish donative intent? to revoke a gift, no gift has occurred.
o No, it is a presumed gift (donative intent o If the donor does not relinquish
is presumed). It is a gift by virtue of law. control over the property during
his lifetime (i.e. right of
o Rate of 30% of the net gifts (500K) à
possession, enjoyment, income),
gift to a stranger
the donation is a donation mortis
o Direct tax. The legal obligation to pay the
causa subject to estate tax. It is
tax and the economic burden falls on the
not a completed gift during the
same person à the donor. donor’s lifetime, but is
equivalent to a testamentary
What constitutes a gift? disposition.
• Direct donation = must comply with requirements o What if donated, but the right
of donation under law of contracts (cf. Civil Code) of income is reserved for five
o Statute of Frauds (500K = must be in years. Three years thereafter, a
writing) special deed was executed,
o Real Property = must be in a public waiving the right to the income.
instrument It will then become a taxable
o With Donative intent gift.
§ If the donor outlives
• Sales and exchanges if the consideration received is the five-year period,
lower than the FMV of the property transferred the tax will be donor’s
(Indirect or Deemed Gift) tax, because it became
o Amount of donation = difference a completed gift after
between the consideration received and the expiration of the
FMV of the property transferred period.
o Deemed gift provision will not apply if § But if the donor dies
the property is subject to 6% capital gains within the five-year
tax period, the donation
§ The evil sought to be avoided becomes a donation
by Sec. 100 does not exist if it mortis causa = because
subject. at the time of death,
o Purpose of Sec. 100: All parties of the the donor still had
sale will agree to a decreased price in control over the
order to lessen their income tax exposure property = subject to
otherwise. This compels the parties to estate tax.
declare the true value of the selling price.
Composition of Gross Gift
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• Only properties upon which the donor divests legitimate, recognized natural, or adopted
himself of control during his lifetime children to the extent of the first 100K.
• Residents and citizens = all properties wherever o Condition: the marriage must actually be
situated celebrated
• NRAs = only properties situated in the o 10K each for husband and wife, if the
Philippines, provided that, with respect to property donated is conjugal property,
intangible personal properties, we follow rule of and both executed the deed of donation.
reciprocity o But if only the husband executed a deed
of donation of a conjugal property, there
• Sec. 98 in relation to Sec. 104
will only be one donation. The
presumption is that the husband
Rules of Valuation (cf. Sec. 102)
borrowed the share of the wife, which is
• FMV as of time of donation (Sec. 102) subject to limitation upon settlement of
• RP – higher value between FMV their estate. Necessarily, only 10K will be
• Shares of stock exempt from donor’s tax. [Tangco v. CA]
o Traded – FMV – arithmetic mean
between highest and lowest quotation at • Gifts in favor of the government
the date nearest • Gifts in favor of an educational, charitable, etc.
o Unlisted – Adjusted net asset method institutions (counterpart provision under Sec. 87
(supra) for estate tax, subject to the same requirement)
Net Gift Administrative Provisions
• Tax base = cumulative net gifts during the • Filing of the donor’s tax return
calendar year o If you donate, you should be prepared to
o All the taxes paid for previous gifts will pay the donor’s tax. You cannot invoke
be allowed as deductions. financial incapacity to escape payment.
• Refers to the economic benefit that accrues to the Eh di wag ka nang magdonate kung wala kang
donee pambayad ng tax. Bes.
• If a donee will be given a property but he will be o Who will file – donor
required to assume the mortgage thereon as a o Time for filing and payment
condition for the donation, the net gift would be § Within 30 days from donation
the difference between the FMV minus the § Pay-as-you-file procedure
mortgage assumed by the donee (can be a valid § No extension of time to file
deduction from the gross gift) return
• If given 1M, but required to give 100K to charity, o Effects of non-payment – No property
then the 100K will be allowed as a deduction. Only can be transferred to a donee (RD cannot
900K is the economic benefit that accrues to the cancel title, Secretary of Corporation will
donee. not cancel certificate of shares of stock,
bank will not allow withdrawal)
Gift Splitting § There must be a tax clearance
• A very popular tax avoidance scheme; but this « Strengthening of
applies only if the gifts are between relatives. o Sec. 40 = always the controlling provision
Because if strangers, the gift will always be subject for the measurement of gain or loss
to a flat rate. o Sec. 100 is activated to supplement the
income tax rule
Rate of Donor’s Tax o Effectivity – May 20, 2008
• Donations between relatives = graduated rates of
2-15%. First 100K of net gift is exempt « Trust Arrangements
• Donation to strangers = 30% (cf. Sec. 99B) o Irrevocable Trusts are taxed as a donation
upon transfer or property to the trustee
Exempt Donations (cf. Sec. 101) o Revocable trust – not a donation
• Dowry = 10K o Trust income subject to income tax but
o Gifts made on account of marriage and the incidence of the tax depends on the
before its celebration or within one year provision on distribution.
thereafter by parents to each of their o Transfer of divided interest will make the
usufructuary liable to income tax. Merger
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of the usufruct in the owner of the naked


title is not subject to estate tax. • Credit-invoice-method VAT
o The VAT payable is established through
« Other tax implications of inter vivos gifts the VAT invoice/receipts issued. VAT
o Splitting of gifts during the calendar year on sales less VAT on purchases. This is
to avoid cumulative effect of the donor’s also called the indirect subtraction
tax is a tax avoidance scheme recognized method VAT.
under our jurisdiction. o Indirect subtraction method VAT = Sales
o Property donated is not subject to x 12% minus 12% of purchases.
income tax in the hands of the donee but § Sir: We prefer this because it
the income from said property is taxable. makes the system transparent. It
o Encumbrances on the property reduce is in fact the most transparent
the value of the taxable gift. tax system among all the
methods (Addition method;
E. VALUE-ADDED TAX (VAT) Direct subtraction method).

CONCEPT AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE Why VAT?


PHILIPPINE VAT • Tax reform for sustainable growth
o Sir: It is the only tax that eliminates the
Concept tax cascade = tax upon tax (cf. Sec. 106A
• It is a business tax levied on certain goods, then relate to Sec. 108, infra)
properties, and services. o Tax base = gross selling price
• It is a multi-layered sales tax imposed in all stages o “The term gross selling price means the total
of distribution starting from the point of amount of money or its equivalent which
production and culminates at the point of the purchaser pays or is obligated to pay
consumption. to the seller in consideration of the sale,
• Sir: It is the only type of tax that forces barter or exchange of the goods or
businessmen to be honest. properties, excluding the value-added
tax. The excise tax, if any, on such goods
Features of the Philippine VAT and properties shall form part of the
• It is a consumption-type tax. gross selling price.”
o The ultimate burden falls on consumers. § Unlike the sales tax! The
Note: All indirect taxes are consumption- cascading effect of taxes is
type of tax, because it is passed on the prevalent in ALL forms of
buyer. indirect taxes.
o Sir: VAT is the only type of tax that is
NOT inflationary, because everything is • Equitable tax system
taxed at the same rate (12%) (beer man ‘yan o There is an even distribution of tax
or kape, same rate lang). It is neutral, not burden in all stages of distribution from
distortionary. The economic decision of production to consumption. Everyone
buyers on what goods to buy and of pays 12% tax on the value-added amount
businessmen on what goods to sell does (=value added to his cost).
not take into consideration the rate of the § Buy product for 100, sell it for
tax. Law of supply and demand lang talaga, 110. Pay VAT on 100.
mga bes. § Input tax
§ Output tax
• It adheres to the destination principle or the § If you sell it for the same price
cross-border doctrine when you purchased it, then you
o This means that imports are taxable, don’t pay VAT, because nothing
while exports are zero-rated. The tax will is added to your cost. Your
be imposed on all goods and services input tax is 12, your output tax
destined to be consumed in the is 12, then the VAT payable is 0.
Philippines.
o Sir: Banks are the most taxed business in • Simplified tax administration
the Philippines, although exempt from o The tax agency will be monitoring only
VAT. one rate of tax (under the old law,
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essential goods are taxed at a rate a) Real properties held primarily for sale to
different from tax on semi-essential or customers or held for lease in the ordinary
non-essential goods = encourages course of trade or business;
monopoly, and hinders progress). b) The right or the privilege to use patent,
o If different tax rates, taxpayers will be copyright, design or model, plan, secret formula
encouraged to restructure their business or process, goodwill, trademark, trade brand or
in order to pay at the lowest rate. other like property or right;
c) The right or the privilege to use in the
• Fosters honesty Philippines of any industrial, commercial or
scientific equipment;
o Self-policing mechanism embedded in the
d) The right or the privilege to use motion picture
VAT provisions films, tapes and discs; and
o VAT invoice or VAT official receipt e) Radio, television, satellite transmission and
(Credit invoice method VAT) cable television time.

• Higher government revenues The term 'gross selling price' means the total amount of money
o Whether a purchase or a sale, somebody or its equivalent which the purchaser pays or is obligated to pay
should remit a tax, which is collectible by to the seller in consideration of the sale, barter or exchange of
the Government. the goods or properties, excluding the value-added tax. The
o Plus the built-in self-policing mechanism. excise tax, if any, on such goods or properties shall form part
of the gross selling price.
TAXABLE TRANSACTIONS
2) The following sales by VAT-registered persons shall
Section 105. Persons Liable. - Any person who, in the course of be subject to zero percent (0%) rate:
trade or business, sells barters, exchanges, leases goods or a) Export Sales. - The term 'export sales' means:
properties, renders services, and any person who imports 1. The sale and actual shipment of goods from
goods shall be subject to the value-added tax (VAT) imposed in the Philippines to a foreign country,
Sections 106 to 108 of this Code. irrespective of any shipping arrangement
that may be agreed upon which may
The value-added tax is an indirect tax and the amount of tax influence or determine the transfer of
may be shifted or passed on to the buyer, transferee or lessee ownership of the goods so exported and
of the goods, properties or services. This rule shall likewise paid for in acceptable foreign currency or its
apply to existing contracts of sale or lease of goods, properties equivalent in goods or services, and
or services at the time of the effectivity of Republic Act No. accounted for in accordance with the rules
7716. and regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP);
The phrase 'in the course of trade or business' means the 2. Sale of raw materials or packaging materials
regular conduct or pursuit of a commercial or an economic to a nonresident buyer for delivery to a
activity, including transactions incidental thereto, by any person resident local export-oriented enterprise to
regardless of whether or not the person engaged therein is a be used in manufacturing, processing,
nonstock, nonprofit private organization (irrespective of the packing or repacking in the Philippines of
disposition of its net income and whether or not it sells the said buyer's goods and paid for in
exclusively to members or their guests), or government entity. acceptable foreign currency and accounted
for in accordance with the rules and
The rule of regularity, to the contrary notwithstanding, services regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng
as defined in this Code rendered in the Philippines by Pilipinas (BSP);
nonresident foreign persons shall be considered as being course 3. Sale of raw materials or packaging materials
of trade or business. to export-oriented enterprise whose export
sales exceed seventy percent (70%) of total
Section 106. Value-Added Tax on Sale of Goods or Properties. - annual production;
(A) Rate and Base of Tax. - There shall be levied, assessed and 4. Sale of gold to the Bangko Sentral ng
collected on every sale, barter or exchange of goods or Pilipinas (BSP); and
properties, value-added tax equivalent to ten percent (10%) of 5. Those considered export sales under
the gross selling price or gross value in money of the goods or Executive Order NO. 226, otherwise
properties sold, bartered or exchanged, such tax to be paid by known as the Omnibus Investment Code of
the seller or transferor. 1987, and other special laws.
1) The term 'goods' or 'properties' shall mean all
tangible and intangible objects which are capable of b) Foreign Currency Denominated Sale. - The
pecuniary estimation and shall include: phrase 'foreign currency denominated sale'
means sale to a nonresident of goods, except
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those mentioned in Sections 149 and 150, Section 107. Value-Added Tax on Importation of Goods. -
assembled or manufactured in the Philippines (A) In General. - There shall be levied, assessed and collected on
for delivery to a resident in the Philippines, paid every importation of goods a value-added tax equivalent to ten
for in acceptable foreign currency and percent (10%) based on the total value used by the Bureau of
accounted for in accordance with the rules and Customs in determining tariff and customs duties plus customs
regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas duties, excise taxes, if any, and other charges, such tax to be
(BSP). paid by the importer prior to the release of such goods from
c) Sales to persons or entities whose exemption customs custody: Provided, That where the customs duties are
under special laws or international agreements determined on the basis of the quantity or volume of the
to which the Philippines is a signatory goods, the value-added tax shall be based on the landed cost
effectively subjects such sales to zero rate. plus excise taxes, if any.

(B) Transactions Deemed Sale. - The following transactions shall (B) Transfer of Goods by Tax-exempt Persons. - In the case of tax-
be deemed sale: free importation of goods into the Philippines by persons,
1) Transfer, use or consumption not in the course of entities or agencies exempt from tax where such goods are
business of goods or properties originally intended subsequently sold, transferred or exchanged in the Philippines
for sale or for use in the course of business; to non-exempt persons or entities, the purchasers, transferees
2) Distribution or transfer to: or recipients shall be considered the importers thereof, who
a) Shareholders or investors as share in the profits shall be liable for any internal revenue tax on such importation.
of the VAT-registered persons; or The tax due on such importation shall constitute a lien on the
b) Creditors in payment of debt; goods superior to all charges or liens on the goods, irrespective
3) Consignment of goods if actual sale is not made of the possessor thereof.
within sixty (60) days following the date such goods
were consigned; and Section 108. Value-added Tax on Sale of Services and Use or Lease of
4) Retirement from or cessation of business, with Properties. -
respect to inventories of taxable goods existing as of (A) Rate and Base of Tax. - There shall be levied, assessed and
such retirement or cessation. collected, a value-added tax equivalent to ten percent (10%)
(now 12% per RMC 7-2006, effective Jan. 31, 2006) of gross
(C) Changes in or Cessation of Status of a VAT-registered Person. - receipts derived from the sale or exchange of services,
The tax imposed in Subsection (A) of this Section shall also including the use or lease of properties; Provided, That the
apply to goods disposed of or existing as of a certain date if President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of
under circumstances to be prescribed in rules and regulations Finance, shall, effective Jan. 1, 2006, raise the rate of VAT to
to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon 12%, after any of the following conditions has been satisfied:
recommendation of the Commissioner, the status of a person i. Value-added tax collection as a percentage of Gross
as a VAT-registered person changes or is terminated. Domestic Product (GDP) of previous year exceeds
two and four-fifth percent; or
(D) Determination of the Tax. - ii. National government deficit as a percentage of GDP
1) The tax shall be computed by multiplying the total of previous year exceeds one and one-half percent.
amount indicated in the invoice by one-eleventh
(1/11). The phrase 'sale or exchange of services' means the
2) Sales Returns, Allowances and Sales Discounts. - The performance of all kinds or services in the Philippines for
value of goods or properties sold and subsequently others for a fee, remuneration or consideration, including those
returned or for which allowances were granted by a performed or rendered by construction and service contractors;
VAT-registered person may be deducted from the stock, real estate, commercial, customs and immigration
gross sales or receipts for the quarter in which a brokers; lessors of property, whether personal or real;
refund is made or a credit memorandum or refund is warehousing services; lessors or distributors of
issued. Sales discount granted and indicated in the cinematographic films; persons engaged in milling processing,
invoice at the time of sale and the grant of which manufacturing or repacking goods for others; proprietors,
does not depend upon the happening of a future operators or keepers of hotels, motels, resthouses, pension
event may be excluded from the gross sales within houses, inns, resorts; proprietors or operators of restaurants,
the same quarter it was given. refreshment parlors, cafes and other eating places, including
3) Authority of the Commissioner to Determine the clubs and caterers; dealers in securities; lending investors;
Appropriate Tax Base. - The Commissioner shall, by transportation contractors on their transport of goods or
rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of cargoes, including persons who transport goods or cargoes for
Finance, determine the appropriate tax base in cases hire another domestic common carriers by land, air and water
where a transaction is deemed a sale, barter or relative to their transport of goods or cargoes; services of
exchange of goods or properties under Subsection franchise grantees of telephone and telegraph, radio and
(B) hereof, or where the gross selling price is television broadcasting and all other franchise grantees except
unreasonably lower than the actual market value. those under Section 119 of this Code; services of banks, non-
bank financial intermediaries and finance companies; and non-
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life insurance companies (except their crop insurances), acceptable foreign currency and accounted for in
including surety, fidelity, indemnity and bonding companies; accordance with the rules and regulations of the
and similar services regardless of whether or not the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);
performance thereof calls for the exercise or use of the physical 3) Services rendered to persons or entities whose
or mental faculties. The phrase 'sale or exchange of services' exemption under special laws or international
shall likewise include: agreements to which the Philippines is a signatory
effectively subjects the supply of such services to
1) The lease or the use of or the right or privilege to use zero percent (0%) rate; à EFFECTIVELY ZERO-
any copyright, patent, design or model, plan secret RATED
formula or process, goodwill, trademark, trade brand 4) Services rendered to persons in international shipping
or other like property or right; or international air transport, including leases of
2) The lease of the use of, or the right to use of any property for use thereof;
industrial, commercial or scientific equipment; 5) Services performed by subcontractors and/or
3) The supply of scientific, technical, industrial or contractors in processing, converting, of
commercial knowledge or information; manufacturing goods for an enterprise whose export
4) The supply of any assistance that is ancillary and sales exceed seventy percent (70%) of total annual
subsidiary to and is furnished as a means of enabling production;
the application or enjoyment of any such property, or 6) Transport of passengers and cargo by air or sea
right as is mentioned in subparagraph (2) or any such vessels from the Philippines to a foreign country; and
knowledge or information as is mentioned in 7) Sale of power or fuel generated through renewable
subparagraph (3); sources of energy such as, but not limited to,
5) The supply of services by a nonresident person or his biomass, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, ocean
employee in connection with the use of property or energy, and other emerging energy sources using
rights belonging to, or the installation or operation of technologies such as fuel cells and hydrogen fuels.
any brand, machinery or other apparatus purchased
from such nonresident person. (C) Determination of the Tax. - The tax shall be computed by
6) The supply of technical advice, assistance or services multiplying the total amount indicated in the official receipt by
rendered in connection with technical management one-eleventh (1/11).
or administration of any scientific, industrial or
commercial undertaking, venture, project or scheme; a) Sales of goods and properties
7) The lease of motion picture films, films, tapes and b) Sales of services
discs; and c) Importation of goods
8) The lease or the use of or the right to use radio,
television, satellite transmission and cable television
time. • As a rule, the transaction must be in the course of
trade or business to be taxable, except (1)
Lease of properties shall be subject to the tax herein imposed importation, and (2) services performed in the
irrespective of the place where the contract of lease or licensing Philippines by non-residents.
agreement was executed if the property is leased or used in the o #1 intended to achieve protectionism
Philippines. o #2, in order to encourage patronization
of local services
The term 'gross receipts' means the total amount of money or
its equivalent representing the contract price, compensation, TAX BASE FOR VAT
service fee, rental or royalty, including the amount charged for Sir: Avoids the cascading effect of indirect taxes.
materials supplied with the services and deposits and advanced
payments actually or constructively received during the taxable Tax Base
quarter for the services performed or to be performed for Sale of goods Gross selling price
another person, excluding value-added tax. representing the amount
paid for the goods exclusive
(B) Transactions Subject to Zero Percent (0%) Rate - The following
of the VAT charged by the
services performed in the Philippines by VAT- registered
seller
persons shall be subject to zero percent (0%) rate.
1) Processing, manufacturing or repacking goods for Importation of goods Value used by the BOC in
other persons doing business outside the Philippines determining tariff and
which goods are subsequently exported, where the customs duties plus customs
services are paid for in acceptable foreign currency duties and excise taxes if
and accounted for in accordance with the rules and there are any
regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); Sale of services Gross receipts representing
2) Services other than those mentioned in the preceding the amount paid as
paragraph, the consideration for which is paid for in compensation for the
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services exclusive of the VTA • A zero-rated sale is still considered a taxable


charged by the service transaction for VAT purposes, although the VAT
provider/seller of service rate applied is 0%. A sale by a VAT-registered
Sale of real property Selling price/market taxpayer of goods and/or services taxed at 0%
value/zonal value, shall not result in any output tax, while the input
whichever is higher. tax on its purchase of goods or services related to
such zero-rated sale shall be available as tax credit
If the tax base is market or refund [Atlas Consolidated v. CIR, June 8, 2007].
value / zonal value, the
same is deemed exclusive of VAT-EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS
VAT. Cf. Sec. 109(1)(A) to (V)

If the tax base is selling price • VAT-exempt transactions refer to sales of goods/
and the VAT is separately properties and/or services and the use or lease of
billed, selling price is properties that is not subject to VAT (output tax)
deemed inclusive of VAT and the seller is not allowed any tax credit for VAT
(as amended by RR4-2007). (input tax) on purchases. The seller is not covered
Cessation of business Adjusted acquisition cost or within the VAT network. The VAT passed on to
current market price, him by a VAT-registered supplier is simply buried
whichever is higher. as part of his cost.
• Important VAT thresholds (see RR 16-2011):
VAT ON SALE OF GOODS OR PROPERTIES o Sale of goods and services = P1,919,000
Cf. Sec. 106 o Residential lot = P1,919,000
o House and lot = P3,199,200
TRANSACTIONS DEEMED SALE; o Lease of residential units = P12,8000 per
RECOUPMENT RULES unit

• Tax on goods and properties is not limited to Why pawnshops are VAT-exempt
actual sales but to deemed sales as well, to allow
the Government to recover the VAT on the • For purposes of determining their tax liability,
purchases which were utilized as input tax credits pawnshops are treated as non-bank financial
where the goods will not be ultimately sold. intermediaries. The VAT on non-bank financial
1) Self-deliveries – transfer use or intermediaries was first levied under RA 7716
consumption not in the course of (Expanded VAT Law), its effectivity deferred until
business of goods or properties originally January 1, 2003. Hence, from taxable years 1996-
intended for sale or for use in the 2002, non-bank financial intermediaries including
business pawnshops are not subject to VAT. [H. Tambunting
2) Distribution to shareholder or investor as Pawnshop v. CIR, October 13, 2010]
share in the profits of a VAT-registered
person ENTITLEMENT TO INPUT TAX CREDITS
3) Consignment if actual sale does not
happen in 60 days • On local purchases, in general, the transaction
4) Retirement or cessation of business with must be between two VAT-registered taxpayers
respect to inventory of taxable goods. and evidenced by a VAT invoice or VAT official
receipt. However, if a non-VAT supplier issues a
ZERO-RATED SALES VAT invoice/receipt, the buyer shall be entitled to
claim the input tax on this purchase that is covered
1) Zero-rated sales of goods (cf. Sec. 106.A.2, supra) by a VAT invoice/receipt.
a. Export sales
• On importation the goods, the importer must
b. Foreign currency denominated sales
show proof of payment of VAT with the BOC
c. Effectively zero-rated sales
which is a condition for the release of goods from
2) Zero-rated sales of services (cf. Sec. 108.B, supra)
custom’s custody.
• This provides total immunity from VAT of zero- Transitional or Presumptive input tax credits
rated sales and effectively zero-rated sales of goods
or properties.
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• Transitional input tax credit allowed on the


beginning inventory of persons becoming liable to INVOICING REQUIREMENTS
VAT – 2%
• Presumptive input tax credit for manufacturers of • A VAT-registered person shall issue a VAT
sardines, mackerel, milk, refined sugar, cooking oil, invoice for sale of goods or properties and a VAT
and, in addition, on packed noodle-based instant official receipt (OR) for sale of services or lease of
meals – 4% goods or properties. The following information
• The presumptive input tax of 1 ½ % on public shall appear in the VAT invoice or VAT OR:
works was expressly repealed. 1) A statement that the seller is a VAT-
registered followed by his TIN
REGISTRATION OF THE TAXPAYER FOR VAT 2) The amount of tax shown as a separate
PURPOSES item
3) The words “VAT-EXEMPT SALE”
• The liability to VAT attaches to a: written or printed prominently if the sale
1) VAT-registered person; and is VAT-exempt
2) VAT-registrable person. 4) The words “ZERO-RATED SALE”
written or printed prominently if the sale
Mandatory Registration is subject to zero-percent
1) Gross sales or gross receipts for 12-month period 5) Option to issue combined or separate
exceeds P1,919,000. invoices or receipts if sale is a
2) There is reasonable ground to believe that gross combination of valuable and VAT-
sales or gross receipts for the next 12-month exempt sale. If the sale is combined, the
period will exceed P1,919,000. invoice or receipt should indicate the
3) Franchise grantees of radio and television breakdown of the sale price between the
broadcasting whose annual gross receipt for the taxable and the exempt component and
preceding calendar year exceeded P10 million. the calculation of the VAT.
6) Date of transaction, quantity, unit cost
Optional Registration (to make taxpayers competitive) and description of the goods or
1) VAT-registered person may opt to treat his VAT- properties or the nature of the service.
exempt sales under Sec. 109 to be subject to 12% 7) For sales to VAT-registered persons
VAT. The said election shall be irrevocable for amounting to P1,000 or more, indicate
three years. the name, business style, address and
2) Those taxable under Sec. 116 (3% percentage tax TIN of the purchaser.
for failing to reach threshold). Registration is
irrevocable for three years. • The failure to print the word “zero-rated” on the
3) Franchises on radio and/or television broadcasting invoice is fatal to a claim for credit/refund of input
companies with gross receipts not exceeding P10 VAT on zero-rated sales as it helps segregate sales
million (Sec. 119). VAT registration is irrevocable. that are subject to 12% VAT from those sales that
zero-rated [KEPCO Philippines Corp. v. CIR,
DEPRECIABLE CAPITAL GOODS November 24, 2010].

• The input tax shall be spread over the month of Penalties for erroneous issuance of VAT invoice or
acquisition and 59 months therafter VAT official receipt
• If constructed and more than one month to
Infraction Penalty
complete, month of completion is the month of
acquisition. A non-VAT person issues a Payment of 12% VAT on
VAT invoice or official his sales (without the benefit
• If sold within five years, unutilized portion of
receipt of input tax) in addition to
input tax shall continue to be amortized.
applicable percentage tax
FINAL WITHHOLDING VAT ON GOVERNMENT
50% surcharge on the VAT
PURCHASES
due
• A uniform rate of 5% FWT is applied to payments If the VAT invoice/OR
made to contractors by the Government or any of issued by him contains the
its political subdivisions, instrumentalities or required information,
agencies, including GOCCs. purchaser shall be allowed
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to recognize an input tax or issue the tax credit certificate for creditable input taxes
credit. within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of
A VAT-registered person Sale will be subject to 12% submission of compete documents in support of the
issues a VAT invoice/OR VAT application filed in accordance with Subsections (A) and (B)
for a VAT-exempt sale hereof.
without the words “VAT- In case of full or partial denial of the claim for tax refund or tax
EXEMPT SALE” written credit, or the failure on the part of the Commissioner to act on
or printed in the invoice the application within the period prescribed above, the taxpayer
affected may, within thirty (30) days from the receipt of the
decision denying the claim or after the expiration of the one
ATTRIBUTION OF INPUT TAXES
hundred twenty day-period, appeal the decision or the unacted
claim with the Court of Tax Appeals.-
• In claims for refund, input taxes must be allocated
between VAT and non-VAT transactions, (E) Manner of Giving Refund. - Refunds shall be made upon
whenever the claimant is engaged in mixed warrants drawn by the Commissioner or by his duly authorized
transactions. Only input taxes attributable to zero- representative without the necessity of being countersigned by
rated transactions are refundable. [CIR v. Eastern the Chairman, Commission on audit, the provisions of the
Telecommunications Philippines, July 7, 2010] Administrative Code of 1987 to the contrary notwithstanding:
Provided, That refunds under this paragraph shall be subject to
VAT REFUNDS post audit by the Commission on Audit.

Section 112. Refunds or Tax Credits of Input Tax. - • The two-year prescriptive period for filing a claim
(A) Zero-rated or Effectively Zero-rated Sales. - any VAT-registered for refund is reckoned from the close of taxable
person, whose sales are zero-rated or effectively zero-rated quarter when the relevant sales were made. The
may, within two (2) years after the close of the taxable quarter Commissioner should decide within 120 days from
when the sales were made, apply for the issuance of a tax credit filing of the claim and in case of inaction within
certificate or refund of creditable input tax due or paid the period, the aggrieved claimant should consider
attributable to such sales, except transitional input tax, to the the inaction as a deemed-adverse decision. Failure
extent that such input tax has not been applied against output to observe the 120-day period under Sec. 112(D)
tax: Provided, however, That in the case of zero-rated sales
of the NIRC will result in premature filing of the
under Section 106(A)(2)(a)(1), (2) and (B) and Section 108
judicial claim before the CTA. [CIR v. Aichi Forging
(B)(1) and (2), the acceptable foreign currency exchange
proceeds thereof had been duly accounted for in accordance
Company of Asia, Inc. October 6, 2010]
with the rules and regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP): Provided, further, That where the taxpayer is F. TAX REMEDIES UNDER THE NIRC
engaged in zero-rated or effectively zero-rated sale and also in
taxable or exempt sale of goods of properties or services, and METHODS OF COLLECTION OF INTERNAL
the amount of creditable input tax due or paid cannot be REVENUE TAXES
directly and entirely attributed to any one of the transactions, it
shall be allocated proportionately on the basis of the volume of 1) Self-assessment system
sales. o A system that relies on the honesty of
taxpayers. It follows the pay-as-you-file
(B) Capital Goods. - A VAT-registered person may apply for the principle. It is anchored on voluntary
issuance of a tax credit certificate or refund of input taxes paid compliance, but is it complemented by
on capital goods imported or locally purchased, to the extent BIR Audit (taxpayer’s honesty but not as
that such input taxes have not been applied against output yet).
taxes. The application may be made only within two (2) years
after the close of the taxable quarter when the importation or 2) Withholding Tax System
purchase was made. o The payor of the income is mandated by
law to withhold the tax.
(C) Cancellation of VAT Registration. - A person whose
o There are two types of withholding tax:
registration has been cancelled due to retirement from or
cessation of business, or due to changes in or cessation of
a) Creditable withholding tax – it is
status under Section 106(C) of this Code may, within two (2) an advance payment of the tax
years from the date of cancellation, apply for the issuance of a due which will be determined
tax credit certificate for any unused input tax which may be upon the filing of the return.
used in payment of his other internal revenue taxes. This complements the self-
assessment system.
(D) Period within which Refund or Tax Credit of Input Taxes shall be b) Final withholding tax – the tax
Made. - In proper cases, the Commissioner shall grant a refund withheld is a final settlement of
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the payor’s tax liability. The be questioned before the CTA. [CIR v. Pascor Realty
withholding agent becomes (1999)]
directly liable in case of non-
payment. REQUISITES OF A VALID ASSESSMENT

LEGAL BASIS OF AUDIT Section 203. Period of Limitation Upon Assessment and Collection. -
Except as provided in Section 222, internal revenue taxes shall
Section 6. Power of the Commissioner to Make assessments and be assessed within three (3) years after the last day prescribed
Prescribe additional Requirements for Tax Administration and by law for the filing of the return, and no proceeding in court
Enforcement. - without assessment for the collection of such taxes shall be
(A) Examination of Returns and Determination of Tax Due. - After a begun after the expiration of such period: Provided, That in a
return has been filed as required under the provisions of this case where a return is filed beyond the period prescribed by
Code, the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative law, the three (3)-year period shall be counted from the day the
may authorize the examination of any taxpayer and the return was filed. For purposes of this Section, a return filed
assessment of the correct amount of tax: Provided, however; before the last day prescribed by law for the filing thereof shall
That failure to file a return shall not prevent the Commissioner be considered as filed on such last day.
from authorizing the examination of any taxpayer.
Section 228. Protesting of Assessment. - When the Commissioner
PROCEDURE IN THE CONDUCT OF AUDIT BY or his duly authorized representative finds that proper taxes
THE BIR should be assessed, he shall first notify the taxpayer of his
findings: provided, however, That a preassessment notice shall
not be required in the following cases:
Section 266. Failure to Obey Summons. - Any person who, being
duly summoned to appear to testify, or to appear and produce a) When the finding for any deficiency tax is the result
books of accounts, records, memoranda or other papers, or to of mathematical error in the computation of the tax
furnish information as required under the pertinent provisions as appearing on the face of the return; or
of this Code, neglects to appear or to produce such books of b) When a discrepancy has been determined between
accounts, records, memoranda or other papers, or to furnish the tax withheld and the amount actually remitted by
such information, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine the withholding agent; or
of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000) but not more c) When a taxpayer who opted to claim a refund or tax
than ten thousand pesos (P10,000) and suffer imprisonment of credit of excess creditable withholding tax for a
not less than one (1) year but not more than two (2) years. taxable period was determined to have carried over
and automatically applied the same amount claimed
Sanctions for Failure to Present Books of Account against the estimated tax liabilities for the taxable
• The production of books of accounts for quarter or quarters of the succeeding taxable year; or
examination is subject to the subpoena powers of d) When the excise tax due on exciseable articles has not
the CIR. been paid; or
• For the taxpayer’s failure to produce the books of e) When the article locally purchased or imported by an
accounts and related accounting records, he can be exempt person, such as, but not limited to, vehicles,
criminally liable charge under Sec. 266 of the capital equipment, machineries and spare parts, has
been sold, traded or transferred to non-exempt
NIRC for failure to obey summons.
persons.
• The taxpayer shall, upon conviction, be punished
by a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than The taxpayers shall be informed in writing of the law and the
P10,000 and imprisonment of not less than one facts on which the assessment is made; otherwise, the
year but not more than 2 years. assessment shall be void.

WHAT IS AN ASSESSMENT? Within a period to be prescribed by implementing rules and


regulations, the taxpayer shall be required to respond to said
• It is a formal notice to the taxpayer stating that the notice. If the taxpayer fails to respond, the Commissioner or
amount thereon is due as a tax and containing a his duly authorized representative shall issue an assessment
demand for the payment thereof. An assessment based on his findings.
contains not only a computation of tax liabilities
but also a demand for payment within a prescribed Such assessment may be protested administratively by filing a
period. [Alhambra Cigar v. Collector (1959)] request for reconsideration or reinvestigation within thirty (30)
days from receipt of the assessment in such form and manner
• An affidavit, which was executed by revenue as may be prescribed by implementing rules and regulations.
officers, stating that the tax liabilities of a taxpayer
and attached to a criminal complaint for tax Within sixty (60) days from filing of the protest, all relevant
evasion, cannot be deemed an assessment that can supporting documents shall have been submitted; otherwise,
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the assessment shall become final. previously agreed upon.


e) Provided, however, That nothing in the immediately
If the protest is denied in whole or in part, or is not acted upon preceding and paragraph (a) hereof shall be construed
within one hundred eighty (180) days from submission of to authorize the examination and investigation or
documents, the taxpayer adversely affected by the decision or inquiry into any tax return filed in accordance with
inaction may appeal to the Court of Tax Appeals within thirty the provisions of any tax amnesty law or decree.
(30) days from receipt of the said decision, or from the lapse of
one hundred eighty (180)-day period; otherwise, the decision General Rule: Within three years after the last day
shall become final, executory and demandable. prescribed by law for the filing of the return, OR from the
day the return was filed if filed beyond the period. (Sec. 203)
1) It must be made within the prescriptive period to
assess (Sec. 203) Exception: If no return is filed or a return was filed but
2) There must be a preliminary assessment previously said return is false or fraudulent, assessment shall be within
issued except in those instances allowed by law ten years from the discovery of the omission to file, or the
(Sec. 228) falsity of fraud (Sec. 222)
3) The taxpayer must be informed in writing about
the facts and the law on which the assessment is WHEN IS AN ASSESSMENT DEEMED MADE?
based (Sec. 228; CIR v. Azucena Reyes, 2006)
4) It must be served upon the taxpayer or any of his • It is not the issue date of the demand and/or
duly authorized representatives (Gabriel v. CIR, notice that is the reckoning point in prescription
2004). but rather, it is the date when the demand letter or
notice of assessment is released, mailed or sent
PERIOD OF LIMITATION ON ASSESSMENT to the taxpayer that constitutes an actual
assessment. (Basilan Estates v. CIR)
Section 203. Supra • An assessment notice that is not served upon the
taxpayer or any of his authorized representatives is
Section 222. Exceptions as to Period of Limitation of Assessment and not valid and the failure to protest the same within
Collection of Taxes.
the period provided by law (30 days from receipt
a) In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent
of the assessment) will not make the assessment
to evade tax or of failure to file a return, the tax may
be assessed, or a preceeding in court for the final, executory and incontestable. (Estate of the late
collection of such tax may be filed without vda. De Gabriel v. CIR, January 1, 2004)
assessment, at any time within ten (10) years after the
discovery of the falsity, fraud or omission: Provided, TAXPAYER’S REMEDIES AGAINST AN
That in a fraud assessment which has become final ASSESSMENT
and executory, the fact of fraud shall be judicially
taken cognizance of in the civil or criminal action for Remedy before payment
the collection thereof. Cf. Sec. 228, supra
b) If before the expiration of the time prescribed in
Section 203 for the assessment of the tax, both the • This comes in the form of an administrative
Commissioner and the taxpayer have agreed in protest which can either be a:
writing to its assessment after such time, the tax may 1) Request for reconsideration; or
be assessed within the period agreed upon. The § Where the taxpayer would
period so agreed upon may be extended by invoke misappreciation of facts,
subsequent written agreement made before the
misapplication of law, or both.
expiration of the period previously agreed upon.
2) Request for reinvestigation
c) Any internal revenue tax which has been assessed
within the period of limitation as prescribed in § Where the taxpayer would
paragraph (a) hereof may be collected by distraint or introduce newly-discovered
levy or by a proceeding in court within five (5) years evidence
following the assessment of the tax.
d) Any internal revenue tax, which has been assessed • A protest must be filed within 30 days from receipt
within the period agreed upon as provided in of the Final Assessment Notice (FAN). A protest
paragraph (b) hereinabove, may be collected by filed out of time will make the assessment final,
distraint or levy or by a proceeding in court within executory and demandable.
the period agreed upon in writing before the • A late protest will not suspend the prescriptive
expiration of the five (5) -year period. The period so period to collect [CIR v. Atlas Con. Mining, (2000)].
agreed upon may be extended by subsequent written
agreements made before the expiration of the period
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• Upon the filing of the protest within 30 days from when:


receipt, the taxpayer must submit all relevant 1) A reasonable doubt as to the validity of the claim
documents within 60 days; otherwise, the against the taxpayer exists; or
assessment becomes final. The submission of 2) The financial position of the taxpayer demonstrates a
relevant documents is required only if the protest clear inability to pay the assessed tax.
is required for reinvestigation [RCBC v. CIR
(2007)] in order to introduce newly-discovered The compromise settlement of any tax liability shall be subject
evidence. to the following minimum amounts:
• The Commissioner should render a decision within • For cases of financial incapacity, a minimum
compromise rate equivalent to ten percent (10%) of
180 days from the submission of all relevant
the basic assessed tax; and
documents. If the decision is adverse to the
• For other cases, a minimum compromise rate
taxpayer, an appeal may be had by filing a Petition
equivalent to forty percent (40%) of the basic
for Review within 30 days from receipt of the
assessed tax.
adverse decision.
• An MR of the denial of the administrative protest Where the basic tax involved exceeds One million pesos
does not toll the 30-day period to appeal to the (P1,000.000) or where the settlement offered is less than the
CTA. [Fishwealth Canning Corp. v. CIR (2010)] prescribed minimum rates, the compromise shall be subject to
the approval of the Evaluation Board which shall be composed
When may a formal letter of demand be considered an appealable of the Commissioner and the four (4) Deputy Commissioners.
decision?
• If the wording of the Formal Letter of Demand (B) Abate or cancel a tax liability, when:
clearly states that it is the “final decision based on 1) The tax or any portion thereof appears to be unjustly
investigation and if you disagree, you many appeal or excessively assessed; or
this final decision within 30 days from receipt,” the 2) The administration and collection costs involved do
decision of the taxpayer not to protest the Formal not justify the collection of the amount due.
Letter of Demand and to elevate the case to the
All criminal violations may be compromised except: (a) those
CTA is justified. [Allied Banking Corp. v. CIR already filed in court, or (b) those involving fraud.
(2010)]
(C) Credit or refund taxes erroneously or illegally received or
Taxpayer’s alternative remedies against CIR’s inaction on a protest penalties imposed without authority, refund the value of
internal revenue stamps when they are returned in good
1) To file a petition for review with the CTA within condition by the purchaser, and, in his discretion, redeem or
30 days after the expiration of the 180-day period change unused stamps that have been rendered unfit for use
for the CIR to resolve the protest. and refund their value upon proof of destruction. No credit or
2) To await the final decision of the CIR (until refund of taxes or penalties shall be allowed unless the taxpayer
kingdom come) and appeal within 30 days after files in writing with the Commissioner a claim for credit or
receipt of a copy of the decision. refund within two (2) years after the payment of the tax or
penalty: Provided, however, That a return filed showing an
• These options are mutually exclusive. Resort to overpayment shall be considered as a written claim for credit or
one bars the application of the other. [RCBC v. refund.
CIR (2007)]
A Tax Credit Certificate validly issued under the provisions of
• The 30-day period to appeal under Option 1 is this Code may be applied against any internal revenue tax,
jurisdictional and failure to comply therewith excluding withholding taxes, for which the taxpayer is directly
would bar the appeal and deprive the CTA of liable. Any request for conversion into refund of unutilized tax
jurisdiction to entertain and determine the credits may be allowed, subject to the provisions of Section 230
correctness of the assessment. [RCBC v. CIR of this Code: Provided, That the original copy of the Tax
(2007)] Credit Certificate showing a creditable balance is surrendered
to the appropriate revenue officer for verification and
Remedy after payment cancellation: Provided, further, That in no case shall a tax
• Claim for refund of erroneously paid taxes refund be given resulting from availment of incentives granted
pursuant to Sec. 204 and 229 provided the pursuant to special laws for which no actual payment was
assessment is paid within the protest period. made.

The Commissioner shall submit to the Chairmen of the


Section 204. Authority of the Commissioner to Compromise, Abate
Committee on Ways and Means of both the Senate and House
and Refund or Credit Taxes. - The Commissioner may -
of Representatives, every six (6) months, a report on the
(A) Compromise the payment of any internal revenue tax,
exercise of his powers under this Section, stating therein the
SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN TAXATION | PROF. E.R. ABELLA 74
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following facts and information, among others: names and taxpayer is no longer allowed to apply for cash
addresses of taxpayers whose cases have been the subject of refund or tax credit. [Asiaworld Properties v. CIR
abatement or compromise; amount involved; amount (2010)]
compromised or abated; and reasons for the exercise of power:
Provided, That the said report shall be presented to the Refundable amount per return
Oversight Committee in Congress that shall be constituted to
determine that said powers are reasonably exercised and that • In a claim for refund of excess creditable
the government is not unduly deprived of revenues. withholding tax, the taxpayer must prove the
inclusion of the income payments which were the
Section 229. Recovery of Tax Erroneously or Illegally Collected. - no
basis of the withholding taxes and the fact of
suit or proceeding shall be maintained in any court for the
recovery of any national internal revenue tax hereafter alleged
withholding by submitting all the relevant
to have been erroneously or illegally assessed or collected, or of Certificates of Creditable Tax Withheld at Source.
any penalty claimed to have been collected without authority, [CIR v. Far East Bank (now BPI) (2010)]
of any sum alleged to have been excessively or in any manner
wrongfully collected without authority, or of any sum alleged to Party to claim refund
have been excessively or in any manner wrongfully collected,
until a claim for refund or credit has been duly filed with the • The withholding agent is a proper party to claim
Commissioner; but such suit or proceeding may be maintained, for refund on behalf of the taxpayer. However, the
whether or not such tax, penalty, or sum has been paid under withholding agent must return the same to the
protest or duress. principal taxpayer,
• The withholding agent is considered (1) a
In any case, no such suit or proceeding shall be filed after the “taxpayer” under the NIRC as he is personally
expiration of two (2) years from the date of payment of the tax
liable for the withholding tax as well as for
or penalty regardless of any supervening cause that may arise
deficiency assessments, surcharges, and penalties,
after payment: Provided, however, That the Commissioner
may, even without a written claim therefor, refund or credit any
should the amount of tax withheld be finally found
tax, where on the face of the return upon which payment was to be less than the amount that should have been
made, such payment appears clearly to have been erroneously withheld under the law, and (2) an agent of the
paid. taxpayer, his authority to file the necessary ITR
and to remit the tax withheld to the government
Authority of the CIR to refund taxes impliedly includes the authority to file a claim for
refund and to bring an action for recovery of such
• Refund of taxes is anchored on the principle of
claim. [CIR v. Smart Communication (2010)]
solutio indebiti. No one, not even the Government,
shall enrich himself at the expense of another.
PERIOD OF LIMITATION ON COLLECTION
[Philex Mining v. CIR]
Cf. Sec. 222, supra
Legal requirements for a claim for refund
Period to Collect
1) A written claim for refund filed by the taxpayer There was an assessment 5 years from the date of
with the CIR (Sec. 204.3 and 229) issued assessment (Sec. 222.c)
2) The claim for refund must be a categorical demand
for reimbursement [Bermejo v. Collector (1950)] Note: This rule is believed to
3) The claim for refund or tax credit must be filed cover by implication regular
with the CIR, or the suit or proceeding therefor assessments, otherwise, the
must be commenced in court within two years from period to collect an
the date of payment of the tax or penalties regardless assessment issued under
of any supervening cause. normal circumstances shall
[Note: If refund for VAT, within two years from the close be imprescriptible.
of the taxable quarter when the relevant sales were made.] No assessment issued, and a 5 years from the date the tax
return was filed (not false or is due
Options on overpaid tax per return fraudulent)
No return was filed 10 years from the date of
discovery of the omission to
• The taxpayer may claim it as refund/TCC or carry
file without need of an
it over to the succeeding quarters of the
assessment [Sec. 222.a;
succeeding taxable year/s. (Sec. 76)
Evangelista v. Collector (1957)]
• Once the option to carry over is chosen, such
Return filed was false or 10 years from discovery of
option is irrevocable for that period and the
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fraudulent the fraud or falsity, without 3) When the taxpayer cannot be located in the
need of an assessment [Sec. address given by him in the return filed upon
222.a; Ungab v. Cusi] which the tax is being assessed or collected.
4) When warrant of distraint or levy is duly served
EXCEPTIONS TO THE PRESCRIPTIVE PERIODS and property could be located [Republic v. Salud
ON ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION Hizon (1999)]
Cf. Sec. 222, supra 5) When the taxpayer is out of the Philippines.

1) False or fraudulent return, omission to file a return • To suspend the running of the prescriptive period
2) If there is an agreement in writing to extend the to collect on the ground of request for
period to assess or to collect reinvestigation by the taxpayer, two requisites must
concur: (a) that the taxpayer requests for
REQUISITES OF A VALID WAIVER reinvestigation; and (b) that the CIR grants such
request. If the request was ignored or denied, the
1) The waiver must not be indefinite. The phrase same does not stall the running of the prescriptive
“but not after ______ 20____” must be filled out. period. [CIR v. Hambredcht (2010)]
2) The waiver must be signed by the taxpayer or his
duly authorized representative. AUTHORITY OF THE CIR TO COMPROMISE
3) The waiver should be duly notarized. AND ABATE TAXES
4) The CIR or officer authorized by him must sign Cf. Sec. 204, supra
the waiver indicating that the BIR has accepted
and agreed to the waiver. The Commissioner can compromise a tax liability based on
5) Both the execution by the taxpayer and acceptance either of the following grounds:
by the CIR must be made before the expiration of 1) Reasonable doubt on the validity of the
the period of assessment. assessment;
6) A copy must be served to the taxpayer. 2) Financial incapacity on the part of the taxpayer.
[CIR v. Kudos Metal Corp. (2010)]
What may be compromised?
SUSPENSION OF THE PRESCRIPTIVE PERIODS 1) Civil liability – tax assessments
2) All criminal violations, except:
Section 223. Suspension of Running of Statute of Limitations. - The a. Those already filed in court
running of the Statute of Limitations provided in Sections 203 b. Those involving fraud
and 222 on the making of assessment and the beginning of
distraint or levy a proceeding in court for collection, in respect Minimum amounts of compromise:
of any deficiency, shall be suspended for the period during 1) Financial incapacity – 10% of the basic tax
which the Commissioner is prohibited from making the assessed
assessment or beginning distraint or levy or a proceeding in 2) Other cases – 40% of the basic tax assessed.
court and for sixty (60) days thereafter; when the taxpayer
requests for a reinvestigation which is granted by the
• Where the basic tax involved exceeds P1 million or
Commissioner; when the taxpayer cannot be located in the
settlement offered is less than the minimum
address given by him in the return filed upon which a tax is
being assessed or collected: Provided, that, if the taxpayer amounts, the compromise shall be subject to the
informs the Commissioner of any change in address, the approval by the NEB
running of the Statute of Limitations will not be suspended; • The taxpayer’s offer for compromise based on
when the warrant of distraint or levy is duly served upon the financial incapacity shall not be considered unless
taxpayer, his authorized representative, or a member of his he waives his privilege under RA 1405.
household with sufficient discretion, and no property could be
located; and when the taxpayer is out of the Philippines. Abatement
• Means the cancellation of the taxpayer’s tax
When suspended? liability and is authorized on the following
1) For the period where the CIR is prohibited from grounds:
making the assessment or beginning distraint or 1) The tax or any portion thereof appears to
levy or a proceeding in court and for 60 days be unjustly or excessively assessed; or
thereafter. [Republic v. Kerr & Co] 2) The tax administration and collection
2) When the taxpayer requests for a reinvestigation cost involved do not justify the collection
which is granted by the CIR. A request for of the amount due.
reinvestigation will not suspend the prescriptive
period to collect. [BPI v. CIR (2005)] GOVERNMENT COLLECTION REMEDIES
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of the warrant, be submitted by the distraining officer to the


Section 219. Nature and Extent of Tax Lien. - If any person, Revenue District Officer, and to the Revenue Regional
corporation, partnership, joint-account (cuentas en Director: Provided, That the Commissioner or his duly
participacion), association or insurance company liable to pay authorized representative shall, subject to rules and regulations
an internal revenue tax, neglects or refuses to pay the same promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
after demand, the amount shall be a lien in favor of the recommendation of the Commissioner, have the power to lift
Government of the Philippines from the time when the such order of distraint: Provided, further, That a consolidated
assessment was made by the Commissioner until paid, with report by the Revenue Regional Director may be required by
interests, penalties, and costs that may accrue in addition the Commissioner as often as necessary.
thereto upon all property and rights to property belonging to
the taxpayer: Provided, That this lien shall not be valid against (B) Levy on Real Property. - After the expiration of the time
any mortgagee purchaser or judgment creditor until notice of required to pay the delinquent tax or delinquent revenue as
such lien shall be filed by the Commissioner in the office of the prescribed in this Section, real property may be levied upon,
Register of Deeds of the province or city where the property of before simultaneously or after the distraint of personal property
the taxpayer is situated or located. belonging to the delinquent. To this end, any internal revenue
officer designated by the Commissioner or his duly authorized
Section 205. Remedies for the Collection of Delinquent Taxes. - The representative shall prepare a duly authenticated certificate
civil remedies for the collection of internal revenue taxes, fees showing the name of the taxpayer and the amounts of the tax
or charges, and any increment thereto resulting from and penalty due from him. Said certificate shall operate with
delinquency shall be: the force of a legal execution throughout the Philippines.
a) By distraint of goods, chattels, or effects, and other
personal property of whatever character, including Levy shall be affected by writing upon said certificate a
stocks and other securities, debts, credits, bank description of the property upon which levy is made. At the
accounts and interest in and rights to personal same time, written notice of the levy shall be mailed to or
property, and by levy upon real property and interest served upon the Register of Deeds for the province or city
in rights to real property; and where the property is located and upon the delinquent
b) By civil or criminal action. taxpayer, or if he be absent from the Philippines, to his agent
or the manager of the business in respect to which the liability
Either of these remedies or both simultaneously may be arose, or if there be none, to the occupant of the property in
pursued in the discretion of the authorities charged with the question.
collection of such taxes: Provided, however, That the remedies
of distraint and levy shall not be availed of where the amount In case the warrant of levy on real property is not issued before
of tax involve is not more than One hundred pesos (P100). or simultaneously with the warrant of distraint on personal
property, and the personal property of the taxpayer is not
The judgment in the criminal case shall not only impose the sufficient to satisfy his tax delinquency, the Commissioner or
penalty but shall also order payment of the taxes subject of the his duly authorized representative shall, within thirty (30) days
criminal case as finally decided by the Commissioner. after execution of the distraint, proceed with the levy on the
taxpayer's real property.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue shall advance the amounts
needed to defray costs of collection by means of civil or Within ten (10) days after receipt of the warrant, a report on
criminal action, including the preservation or transportation of any levy shall be submitted by the levying officer to the
personal property distrained and the advertisement and sale Commissioner or his duly authorized representative: Provided,
thereof, as well as of real property and improvements thereon. however, That a consolidated report by the Revenue Regional
Director may be required by the Commissioner as often as
Section 207. Summary Remedies. - necessary: Provided, further, That the Commissioner or his
(A) Distraint of Personal Property. - Upon the failure of the person duly authorized representative, subject to rules and regulations
owing any delinquent tax or delinquent revenue to pay the promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
same at the time required, the Commissioner or his duly recommendation of the Commissioner, shall have the authority
authorized representative, if the amount involved is in excess to lift warrants of levy issued in accordance with the provisions
of One million pesos (P1,000,000), or the Revenue District hereof.
Officer, if the amount involved is One million pesos
(P1,000,000) or less, shall seize and distraint any goods, chattels Section 224. Remedy for Enforcement of Forfeitures. - The forfeiture
or effects, and the personal property, including stocks and of chattels and removable fixtures of any sort shall be enforced
other securities, debts, credits, bank accounts, and interests in by the seizure and sale, or destruction, of the specific forfeited
and rights to personal property of such persons ;in sufficient property. The forfeiture of real property shall be enforced by a
quantity to satisfy the tax, or charge, together with any judgment of condemnation and sale in a legal action or
increment thereto incident to delinquency, and the expenses of proceeding, civil or criminal, as the case may require.
the distraint and the cost of the subsequent sale.
1) Tax Lien – the tax liability shall be a lien in favor
A report on the distraint shall, within ten (10) days from receipt of the Government from the time the assessment
SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN TAXATION | PROF. E.R. ABELLA 77
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was made until paid with interest, penalties and Congress may provide which, however, must be
costs that may accrue in addition thereto upon all consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy.
property and rights to property belonging to the [Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority v. Marcos
taxpayer (Sec. 219) (1996)]
• The power to tax is not granted by the LGC but
2) Distraint – the collection of taxes is enforced on directly conferred by the Constitution. [City of San
the goods, chattels or effects of the taxpayer Pablo v. Reyes (1999)]
including other personal properties such as stocks,
debts, credits, bank accounts and interests in and LOCAL TAXING AUTHORITY
rights to personal properties (Sec. 207.A)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE
3) Levy – the collection of taxes is enforced on the Section 129. Power to Create Sources of Revenue. - Each local
real property of the taxpayer. The levy may be government unit shall exercise its power to create its own
made before, simultaneously with, or after the sources of revenue and to levy taxes, fees, and charges subject
distraint of personal property (Sec. 207.B) to the provisions herein, consistent with the basic policy of
local autonomy. Such taxes, fees, and charges shall accrue
4) Civil Action – filing of a collection case in the exclusively to the local government units.
regular courts or with the CTA where the
assessment is already final and demandable. No • Sec. 129 of the LGC mandates that each LGU
civil action for recovery of taxes shall be shall exercise its power to create its own sources of
commenced without the approval of the CIR. revenue.
• The LGC defined the specific taxing powers of
5) Criminal Action – instituted on behalf of the each LGU and enumerated the taxes that can be
Government of the Philippines by the legal officers of levied or imposed by each one of them—
the BIR. No criminal action shall be commenced provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays.
without the approval of the CIR. Judgment in
criminal case shall not only impose the penalty but AUTHORITY TO PRESCRIBE PENALTIES FOR
shall also order the payment of taxes subject of the TAX VIOLATIONS
criminal case as finally decided by the CIR. (Sec.
205.b) • The power to levy taxes carries with it the power
to prescribe penalties in the tax ordinances.
6) Forfeiture – in case there is no bidder for the real
property in the public sale (levy on real property)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE
or if the amount of the highest bid is insufficient
Section 516. Penalties for Violation of Tax Ordinances. - The
to pay the taxes, the property shall be forfeited in sanggunian of a local government unit is authorized to
favor of the Government. prescribe fines or other penalties for violation of tax ordinances
but in no case shall such fines be less than One thousand pesos
(P1,000.00) nor more than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00),
III. LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991, AS nor shall imprisonment be less than one (1) month nor more
AMENDED (LGC) than six (6) months. Such fine or other penalty, or both, shall
be imposed at the discretion of the court. The sangguniang
A. LOCAL GOVERNMENT TAXATION barangay may prescribe a fine of not less than One hundred
pesos (P100.00) nor more than One thousand pesos
NATURE AND SOURCE OF TAXING POWER (P1,000.00).

1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION • Sec. 516 limits the amount of fine and the period
Article X, Section 5. Each local government unit shall have of imprisonment that the ordinance may provide.
the power to create its own sources of revenues and to levy • In general, fine of not less than P1K nor more
taxes, fees, and charges subject to such guidelines and than P5K and/or imprisonment of not less than 1
limitations as the Congress may provide, consistent with the
month nor more than 6 months
basic policy of local autonomy. Such taxes, fees, and charges
shall accrue exclusively to the local governments. • For barangays, fine of not less than P100 nor more
than P1K.
• The power to tax is not inherent in local
POWER TO GRANT LOCAL TAX EXEMPTIONS
governments. They enjoy it pursuant to a direct
authority conferred by the Constitution. It is
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE
subject to such guidelines and limitations as the
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Section 192. Authority to Grant Tax Exemption Privileges. - Local Section 186. Power To Levy Other Taxes, Fees or Charges. - Local
government units may, through ordinances duly approved, government units may exercise the power to levy taxes, fees or
grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such terms charges on any base or subject not otherwise specifically
and conditions as they may deem necessary. enumerated herein or taxed under the provisions of the
National Internal Revenue Code, as amended, or other
• The power to levy taxes carries with the power to applicable laws: Provided, That the taxes, fees, or charges shall
grant tax exemptions. not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, confiscatory or contrary to
declared national policy: Provided, further, That the ordinance
• The power to grant tax exemptions does not levying such taxes, fees or charges shall not be enacted without
extend to regulatory fees. any prior public hearing conducted for the purpose.
• Tax exemptions shall be conferred through the
issuance of a Tax Exemption Certificate which 1) The taxes imposed must not be within the scope
shall be non-transferrable. of taxes enumerated in the LGC or under the
NIRC or other applicable taxes
Rules for grant of tax exemptions and tax reliefs 2) The taxes shall not be unjust, excessive, oppressive,
confiscatory or contrary to declared national policy
• Tax exemptions or tax reliefs may be granted in 3) The imposition must be by an ordinance which shall
cases of natural calamities, civil disturbance, not be enacted without a prior public hearing
general failure of crops, or adverse economic conducted.
conditions such as substantial decrease of prices of
agri-based products. What are the limitations on LGU’s residual powers?
• The grant of exemptions shall be through an 1) Constitutional limitations
ordinance. 2) Common limitations under Sec. 133, LGC (infra)
• Any exemption or relief granted to a type or kind 3) Fundamental principles governing the exercise of
of business shall apply to all businesses similarly taxing powers (Sec. 130, LGC, infra)
situated. 4) The power must be exercised through the
• It shall take effect only during the next calendar enactment of an ordinance after public hearing has
year for a period not exceeding 12 months. been conducted
5) It should follow the principle of preemption.
• In case of shared revenues, it shall extend only to
LGU granting the exemption or relief (i.e. the
THE PRINCIPLE OF PREEMPTION
factory is in a municipality different from the
location of the principal office).
• Whenever the national government elects to tax a
Rules on grant tax incentives particular area, the local government should not be
allowed to tax the same field. However, should
Congress allow LGUs to cover fields of taxation it
• Granted only to new investments in the locality
already occupies, then the doctrine of preemption
• For a definite period not exceeding one calendar will not apply.
year
• A province may not ordinarily tax stones, sand,
• Must be by an ordinance passed prior to January 1 gravel, earth and quarry resources as they are
of any year already taxed under the NIRC. However, it may
• Shall apply to all business similarly situated. [Sec. tax them when extracted from public lands because
282(B), RR Implementing the LGC] it is expressly allowed under the LGC. [Bulacan v.
CA (1998)]
AUTHORITY TO ADJUST LOCAL TAXES
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF LOCAL
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TAXING POWER
Section 191. Authority of Local Government Units to Adjust Rates of
Tax Ordinances. - Local government units shall have the Section 130. Fundamental Principles. - The following
authority to adjust the tax rates as prescribed herein not oftener fundamental principles shall govern the exercise of the taxing
than once every five (5) years, but in no case shall such and other revenue-raising powers of local government units:
adjustment exceed ten percent (10%) of the rates fixed under a) Taxation shall be uniform in each local government
this Code. unit;
b) Taxes, fees, charges and other impositions shall:
RESIDUAL TAXING POWERS OF LGUs 1) be equitable and based as far as practicable on
the taxpayer's ability to pay;
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 2) be levied and collected only for public
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purposes; whatsoever upon such goods or merchandise;


3) not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, or f) Taxes, fees or charges on agricultural and aquatic
confiscatory; products when sold by marginal farmers or
4) not be contrary to law, public policy, national fishermen;
economic policy, or in the restraint of trade; g) Taxes on business enterprises certified to by the
c) The collection of local taxes, fees, charges and other Board of Investments as pioneer or non-pioneer for a
impositions shall in no case be let to any private period of six (6) and four (4) years, respectively from
person; the date of registration;
d) The revenue collected pursuant to the provisions of h) Excise taxes on articles enumerated under the
this Code shall inure solely to the benefit of, and be national Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and
subject to the disposition by, the local government taxes, fees or charges on petroleum products;
unit levying the tax, fee, charge or other imposition i) Percentage or value-added tax (VAT) on sales, barters
unless otherwise specifically provided herein; and, or exchanges or similar transactions on goods or
e) Each local government unit shall, as far as services except as otherwise provided herein;
practicable, evolve a progressive system of taxation. j) Taxes on the gross receipts of transportation
contractors and persons engaged in the
transportation of passengers or freight by hire and
Principles that are either inherent or constitutional limitation on the common carriers by air, land or water, except as
power to tax provided in this Code;
1) Uniformity of taxation k) Taxes on premiums paid by way or reinsurance or
2) Equitability and progressivity of taxation retrocession;
l) Taxes, fees or charges for the registration of motor
3) Public purpose of taxes
vehicles and for the issuance of all kinds of licenses
4) Taxes must accrue exclusively to the benefit of the or permits for the driving thereof, except tricycles;
LGU m) Taxes, fees, or other charges on Philippine products
actually exported, except as otherwise provided
Principles that are statutory in origin herein;
1) Local taxes must not be unjust, oppressive or n) Taxes, fees, or charges, on Countryside and Barangay
confiscatory Business Enterprises and cooperatives duly registered
2) Not contrary to law, public policy, national under R.A. No. 6810 and Republic Act Numbered
economic policy or with restraint of trade Sixty-nine hundred thirty-eight (R.A. No. 6938)
3) The collection of local taxes, fees, charges and otherwise known as the "Cooperative Code of the
other impositions shall in no case be let to any Philippines" respectively; and
private person o) Taxes, fees or charges of any kind on the National
Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and
COMMON LIMITATIONS ON THE TAXING local government units.
POWER OF LGUs
PROCEDURES FOR THE ENACTMENT OF
Section 133. Common Limitations on the Taxing Powers of Local LOCAL TAX ORDINANCE
Government Units. - Unless otherwise provided herein, the
exercise of the taxing powers of provinces, cities, Section 187. Procedure for Approval and Effectivity of Tax,
municipalities, and barangays shall not extend to the levy of the Ordinances and Revenue Measures; Mandatory Public Hearings. - The
following: procedure for approval of local tax ordinances and revenue
a) Income tax, except when levied on banks and other measures shall be in accordance with the provisions of this
financial institutions; Code: Provided, That public hearings shall be conducted for
b) Documentary stamp tax; the purpose prior to the enactment thereof: Provided, further,
c) Taxes on estates, inheritance, gifts, legacies and other That any question on the constitutionality or legality of tax
acquisitions mortis causa, except as otherwise ordinances or revenue measures may be raised on appeal within
provided herein; thirty (30) days from the effectivity thereof to the Secretary of
d) Customs duties, registration fees of vessel and Justice who shall render a decision within sixty (60) days from
wharfage on wharves, tonnage dues, and all other the date of receipt of the appeal: Provided, however, That such
kinds of customs fees, charges and dues except appeal shall not have the effect of suspending the effectivity of
wharfage on wharves constructed and maintained by the ordinance and the accrual and payment of the tax, fee, or
the local government unit concerned; charge levied therein: Provided, finally, That within thirty (30)
e) Taxes, fees, and charges and other impositions upon days after receipt of the decision or the lapse of the sixty-day
goods carried into or out of, or passing through, the period without the Secretary of Justice acting upon the appeal,
territorial jurisdictions of local government units in the aggrieved party may file appropriate proceedings with a
the guise of charges for wharfage, tolls for bridges or court of competent jurisdiction.
otherwise, or other taxes, fees, or charges in any form
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Section 188. Publication of Tax Ordinances and Revenue Measures. - Section 136. Tax on Business of Printing and Publication. - The
Within ten (10) days after their approval, certified true copies province may impose a tax on the business of persons engaged
of all provincial, city, and municipal tax ordinances or revenue in the printing and/or publication of books, cards, posters,
measures shall be published in full for three (3) consecutive leaflets, handbills, certificates, receipts, pamphlets, and others
days in a newspaper of local circulation: Provided, however, of similar nature, at a rate not exceeding fifty percent (50%) of
That in provinces, cities and municipalities where there are no one percent (1%) of the gross annual receipts for the preceding
newspapers of local circulation, the same may be posted in at calendar year.
least two (2) conspicuous and publicly accessible places.
In the case of a newly started business, the tax shall not exceed
Section 189. Furnishing of Copies of Tax Ordinances and Revenue one-twentieth (1/20) of one percent (1%) of the capital
Measures. - Copies of all provincial, city, and municipal and investment. In the succeeding calendar year, regardless of when
barangay tax ordinances and revenue measures shall be the business started to operate, the tax shall be based on the
furnished the respective local treasurers for public gross receipts for the preceding calendar year, or any fraction
dissemination. thereof, as provided herein.

1) It should follow the same procedures relating to The receipts from the printing and/or publishing of books or
local ordinances in general other reading materials prescribed by the Department of
a. Necessity of quorum in the Sanggunian Education, Culture and Sports as school texts or references
b. Approval by the Chief Executive shall be exempt from the tax herein imposed.
c. The matter of veto and overriding the
Section 138. Tax on Sand, Gravel and Other Quarry Resources. -
same as well as their publication and
The province may levy and collect not more than ten percent
effectivity
(10%) of fair market value in the locality per cubic meter of
2) Public hearings prior to enactment (Sec. 187) ordinary stones, sand, gravel, earth, and other quarry resources,
3) Publication for three consecutive days in as defined under the National Internal Revenue Code, as
newspaper of general circulation to be made within amended, extracted from public lands or from the beds of seas,
10 days after approval. In places with no lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and other public waters within its
newspapers, posting in at least 2 conspicuous and territorial jurisdiction.
publicly accessible places (Sec. 188) The permit to extract sand, gravel and other quarry resources
4) Public dissemination by the respective local shall be issued exclusively by the provincial governor, pursuant
treasurers (Sec. 189) to the ordinance of the sangguniang panlalawigan.
The proceeds of the tax on sand, gravel and other quarry
SPECIFIC TAXING POWERS OF PROVINCES resources shall be distributed as follows:
(1) Province - Thirty percent (30%);
Section 135. Tax on Transfer of Real Property Ownership. (2) Component City or Municipality where the sand, gravel,
(a) The province may impose a tax on the sale, donation, and other quarry resources are extracted - Thirty percent
barter, or on any other mode of transferring ownership or title (30%); and
of real property at the rate of not more than fifty percent (50%) (3) Barangay where the sand, gravel, and other quarry resources
of the one percent (1%) of the total consideration involved in are extracted - Forty percent (40%).
the acquisition of the property or of the fair market value in
case the monetary consideration involved in the transfer is not Section 140. Amusement Tax. -
substantial, whichever is higher. The sale, transfer or other (a) The province may levy an amusement tax to be collected
disposition of real property pursuant to R.A. No. 6657 shall be from the proprietors, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas,
exempt from this tax. concert halls, circuses, boxing stadia, and other places of
amusement at a rate of not more than thirty percent (30%) of
(b) For this purpose, the Register of Deeds of the province the gross receipts from admission fees.
concerned shall, before registering any deed, require the (b) In the case of theaters or cinemas, the tax shall first be
presentation of the evidence of payment of this tax. The deducted and withheld by their proprietors, lessees, or
provincial assessor shall likewise make the same requirement operators and paid to the provincial treasurer before the gross
before cancelling an old tax declaration and issuing a new one receipts are divided between said proprietors, lessees, or
in place thereof, Notaries public shall furnish the provincial operators and the distributors of the cinematographic films.
treasurer with a copy of any deed transferring ownership or (c) The holding of operas, concerts, dramas, recitals, painting
title to any real property within thirty (30) days from the date of and art exhibitions, flower shows, musical programs, literary
notarization. and oratorical presentations, except pop, rock, or similar
concerts shall be exempt from the payment of the tax hereon
It shall be the duty of the seller, donor, transferor, executor or imposed.
administrator to pay the tax herein imposed within sixty (60) (d) The sangguniang panlalawigan may prescribe the time,
days from the date of the execution of the deed or from the manner, terms and conditions for the payment of tax. In case
date of the decedent's death. of fraud or failure to pay the tax, the sangguniang panlalawigan
may impose such surcharges, interest and penalties as it may
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deem appropriate. other agricultural, marine, and fresh water products, whether in
(e) The proceeds from the amusement tax shall be shared their original state or not;
equally by the province and the municipality where such (3) Cooking oil and cooking gas;
amusement places are located. (4) Laundry soap, detergents, and medicine;
(5) Agricultural implements. equipment and post-harvest
Section 141. Annual Fixed Tax For Every Delivery Truck or Van of facilities, fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and other
Manufacturers or Producers, Wholesalers of, Dealers, or Retailers in, farm inputs;
Certain Products. - (6) Poultry feeds and other animal feeds;
(a) The province may levy an annual fixed tax for every truck, (7) School supplies; and
van or any vehicle used by manufacturers, producers, (8) Cement.
wholesalers, dealers or retailers in the delivery or distribution of (d) On retailers.
distilled spirits, fermented liquors, soft drinks, cigars and xx
cigarettes, and other products as may be determined by the Provided, however, That barangays shall have the exclusive
sangguniang panlalawigan, to sales outlets, or consumers, power to levy taxes, as provided under Section 152 hereof, on
whether directly or indirectly, within the province in an amount gross sales or receipts of the preceding calendar year of Fifty
not exceeding Five hundred pesos (P500.00). thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or less, in the case of cities, and
(b) The manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, dealers and Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) or less, in the case of
retailers referred to in the immediately foregoing paragraph municipalities.
shall be exempt from the tax on peddlers prescribed elsewhere (e) On contractors and other independent contractors, in
in this Code. accordance with the following schedule:
xx
1. Tax on transfer of real property ownership (Sec. (f) On banks and other financial institutions, at a rate not
133) exceeding fifty percent (50%) of one percent (1%) on the gross
2. Printer’s or publisher’s tax (Sec. 136) receipts of the preceding calendar year derived from interest,
3. Franchise tax commissions and discounts from lending activities, income
4. Tax on sand, gravel and other quarry resources from financial leasing, dividends, rentals on property and profit
extracted from public lands (Sec. 138) from exchange or sale of property, insurance premium.
5. Professional tax – for professions requiring (g) On peddlers engaged in the sale of any merchandise or
government examination in an amount not article of commerce, at a rate not exceeding Fifty pesos
exceeding P300 (P50.00) per peddler annually.
6. Amusement tax (Sec. 140) (h) On any business, not otherwise specified in the preceding
7. Fixed tax on delivery trucks and vans (Sec. 141) paragraphs, which the sanggunian concerned may deem proper
to tax: Provided, That on any business subject to the excise,
value-added or percentage tax under the National Internal
Revenue Code, as amended, the rate of tax shall not exceed
SPECIFIC TAXING POWERS OF two percent (2%) of gross sales or receipts of the preceding
MUNICIPALITIES calendar year.
The sanggunian concerned may prescribe a schedule of
Section 143. Tax on Business. - The municipality may impose graduated tax rates but in no case to exceed the rates prescribed
taxes on the following businesses: herein.
(a) On manufacturers, assemblers, repackers, processors,
brewers, distillers, rectifiers, and compounders of liquors, 1. Manufacturers
distilled spirits, and wines or manufacturers of any article of 2. Wholesalers, distributors or dealers
commerce of whatever kind or nature, in accordance with the
3. Exporters and manufacturers, millers, producers,
following schedule:
wholesalers, dealers or retailers or essential
xx
(b) On wholesalers, distributors, or dealers in any article of commodities
commerce of whatever kind or nature in accordance with the 4. Retailers
following schedule: 5. Contractors and other independent contractors
xx 6. Banks and other financial institutions
(c) On exporters, and on manufacturers , millers, producers, 7. Peddlers of any merchandise
wholesalers, distributors, dealers or retailers of essential 8. Other businesses
commodities enumerated hereunder at a rate not exceeding
one-half (½) of the rates prescribed under subsection (a), (b) • In Metro Manila, municipalities may impose a tax
and (d) of this Section: not to exceed by 50% the maximum rates
(1) Rice and corn; prescribed in the LGC. (Pateros na lang)
(2) Wheat or cassava flour, meat, dairy products, locally
manufactured, processed or preserved food, sugar, salt and SPECIFIC TAXING POWERS OF BARANGAYS
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Section 152. Scope of Taxing Powers. - The barangays may levy o The city may levy the taxes, fees, and
taxes, fees, and charges, as provided in this Article, which shall charges which the province or
exclusively accrue to them: municipality may impose.
(a) Taxes - On stores or retailers with fixed business
establishments with gross sales of receipts of the preceding SITUS OF LOCAL TAXATION
calendar year of Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or less, in Cf. Sec. 143, LGC, supra
the case of cities and Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) or
less, in the case of municipalities, at a rate not exceeding one Principal office and branch operations
percent (1%) on such gross sales or receipts. • For businesses operating a branch or sales outlet in
(b) Service Fees or Charges. - Barangays may collect reasonable another municipality, the sales shall be recorded by
fees or charges for services rendered in connection with the
the branch or sales outlet and the tax paid to the
regulations or the use of barangay-owned properties or service
municipality where the branch or sales outlet is
facilities such as palay, copra, or tobacco dryers.
(c) Barangay Clearance. - No city or municipality may issue any
located.
license or permit for any business or activity unless a clearance • If there is no branch or sales outlet in the
is first obtained from the barangay where such business or municipality where sales took place, the same must
activity is located or conducted. For such clearance, the be recorded in the principal office is located. 9Sec.
sangguniang barangay may impose a reasonable fee. The 143)
application for clearance shall be acted upon within seven (7) • For manufacturers, assemblers, contractors,
working days from the filing thereof. In the event that the producers, and exporters with factories, project
clearance is not issued within the said period, the city or offices, plants and plantations:
municipality may issue the said license or permit. o 30% of sales recorded in the principal
(d) Other fees and Charges. - The barangay may levy office shall be taxable by the city or
reasonable fees and charges: municipality where the principal office is
(1) On commercial breeding of fighting cocks, cockfights and located; and
cockpits;
o 70% of all sales recorded in the principal
(2) On places of recreation which charge admission fees; and
office shall be taxable by the city or
(3) On billboards, signboards, neon signs, and outdoor
advertisements. municipality where the factory, project
office, plant or plantation is located.
§ If the plantation is located at a
1. Taxes place different from the factory,
2. Services fees and charges the 70% of all sales shall be
3. Barangay clearance allocated as follows:
4. Other fees and charges
• 60% to the city or
municipality where the
PREEMPTION AMONG LGUs
factory is located; and
• 40% to the city or
Section 142. Scope of Taxing Powers. - Except as otherwise
municipality where the
provided in this Code, municipalities may levy taxes, fees, and
charges not otherwise levied by provinces.
plantation is located.
§ In cases where there are two or
Section 151. Scope of Taxing Powers. - Except as otherwise more factories, project offices,
provided in this Code, the city, may levy the taxes, fees, and plants or plantations located in
charges which the province or municipality may impose: different localities, the 70%
Provided, however, That the taxes, fees and charges levied and allocation (60% and 40%) shall
collected by highly urbanized and independent component be prorated in proportion to the
cities shall accrue to them and distributed in accordance with volume of production.
the provisions of this Code.
Illustration of sales allocation
The rates of taxes that the city may levy may exceed the • Era Manufacturing Corporation is a manufacturer
maximum rates allowed for the province or municipality by not of canned sweet corn with principal office (PO) in
more than fifty percent (50%) except the rates of professional Quezon City, factory in Marikina, and plantation in
and amusement taxes. Silang, Cavite. The sales were recorded by the PO
amounting to P10 million for taxable year 2012.
• Taxes levied by provinces cannot be levied by o PO (QC) – 30% of sales = P3M
municipalities. o Factory (Marikina) & Plantation (Silang)
• Provinces and municipalities may not preempt – 70% of sales = P7M
cities on the imposition of local taxes.
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§ Marikina (60% of P7M) = Section 159. Exemptions. - The following are exempt from the
P4.2M community tax:
§ Silang (40% of P7M) = P2.8M (1) Diplomatic and consular representatives; and
(2) Transient visitors when their stay in the Philippines does
COMMON REVENUE-RAISING POWERS not exceed three (3) months.

Section 160. Place of Payment. - The community tax shall be paid


Section 153. Service Fees and Charges. - Local government units in the place of residence of the individual, or in the place where
may impose and collect such reasonable fees and charges for the principal office of the juridical entity is located.
services rendered.
Section 161. Time for Payment; Penalties for Delinquency. -
Section 154. Public Utility Charges. - Local government units (a) The community tax shall accrue on the first (1st) day of
may fix the rates for the operation of public utilities owned, January of each year which shall be paid not later than the last
operated and maintained by them within their jurisdiction. day of February of each year. If a person reaches the age of
eighteen (18) years or otherwise loses the benefit of exemption
COMMUNITY TAX on or before the last day of June, he shall be liable for the
community tax on the day he reaches such age or upon the day
Section 156. Community Tax. - Cities or municipalities may levy the exemption ends. However, if a person reaches the age of
a community tax in accordance with the provisions of this eighteen (18) years or loses the benefit of exemption on or
Article. before the last day of March, he shall have twenty (20) days to
pay the community tax without becoming delinquent.
Section 157. Individuals Liable to Community Tax. - Every Persons who come to reside in the Philippines or reach the age
inhabitant of the Philippines eighteen (18) years of age or over of eighteen (18) years on or after the first (1st) day of July of
who has been regularly employed on a wage or salary basis for any year, or who cease to belong to an exempt class or after the
at least thirty (30) consecutive working days during any same date, shall not be subject to the community tax for that
calendar year, or who is engaged in business or occupation, or year.
who owns real property with an aggregate assessed value of (b) Corporations established and organized on or before the
One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) or more, or who is required last day of June shall be liable for the community tax for that
by law to file an income tax return shall pay an annual year. But corporations established and organized on or before
additional tax of Five pesos (P5.00) and an annual additional the last day of March shall have twenty (20) days within which
tax of One peso (P1.00) for every One thousand pesos to pay the community tax without becoming delinquent.
(P1,000.00) of income regardless of whether from business, Corporations established and organized on or after the first day
exercise of profession or from property which in no case shall of July shall not be subject to the community tax for that year.
exceed Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00). If the tax is not paid within the time prescribed above, there
In the case of husband and wife, the additional tax herein shall be added to the unpaid amount an interest of twenty-four
imposed shall be based upon the total property owned by them percent (24%) per annum from the due date until it is paid.
and the total gross receipts or earnings derived by them.
Section 162. Community Tax Certificate. - A community tax
Section 158. Juridical Persons Liable to Community Tax. - Every certificate shall be issued to every person or corporation upon
corporation no matter how created or organized, whether payment of the community tax. A community tax certificate
domestic or resident foreign, engaged in or doing business in may also be issued to any person or corporation not subject to
the Philippines shall pay an annual community tax of Five the community tax upon payment of One peso (P1.00).
hundred pesos (P500.00) and an annual additional tax, which,
in no case, shall exceed Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) in Who are authorized to levy
accordance with the following schedule: • Cities or municipalities
(1) For every Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) worth of real
property in the Philippines owned by it during the preceding Persons liable
year based on the valuation used for the payment of real 1. Inhabitant of the Philippines at age 18 years or
property tax under existing laws, found in the assessment rolls
more who is:
of the city or municipality where the real property is situated -
a. Employed on wage or salary basis for at
Two pesos (P2.00); and
(2) For every Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) of gross receipts least 30 consecutive working days
or earnings derived by it from its business in the Philippines b. Engaged in business or occupation
during the preceding year - Two pesos (P2.00). c. Owns real property with assessed value
The dividends received by a corporation from another of at least P1K
corporation however shall, for the purpose of the additional d. Required by law to file an ITR
tax, be considered as part of the gross receipts or earnings of
said corporation. Amount = Annual community tax of P5 plus P1 for
every P1K of income but not to exceed P5K
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2. Juridical persons doing business in the PH municipal, or barangay treasurer, or their duly authorized
deputies.
Amount = Annual community tax of P500 and an The provincial, city or municipal treasurer may designate the
annual additional tax which in no case shall exceed barangay treasurer as his deputy to collect local taxes, fees, or
P10K charges. In case a bond is required for the purpose, the
i. For every P5K worth of real property – provincial, city or municipal government shall pay the
P2 premiums thereon in addition to the premiums of bond that
ii. For every P5K of gross receipts or may be required under this Code.
earnings (including dividends) derived by
it – P2 Tax period and manner of payment
• Calendar year but may be payable in quarterly
Who are exempt from community tax? installments (Sec. 165)
1. Diplomatic and consular representatives
2. Transient visitors whose stay does not exceed 3 Accrual of tax
months • Accrues on the 1st day of January. For new taxes,
they accrue 1st day of the quarter following
COLLECTION OF LOCAL TAXES effectivity of ordinance (Sec. 166)

Section 165. Tax Period and Manner of Payment. - Unless Time of payment
otherwise provided in this Code, the tax period of all local • Shall be paid on the first 20 days of January or of
taxes, fees and charges shall be the calendar year. Such taxes, each subsequent quarter. May be extended for
fees and charges may be paid in quarterly installments. justifiable reasons without penalties but not
exceeding 6 months (Sec. 167)
Section 166. Accrual of Tax. - Unless otherwise provided in this
Code, all local taxes, fees, and charges shall accrue on the first Penalties of unpaid taxes, fees or charges
(1st) day of January of each year. However, new taxes, fees or
• Not more than 25% surcharge and interest for a
charges, or changes in the rates thereof, shall accrue on the first
(1st) day of the quarter next following the effectivity of the
period not exceeding 36 months (Sec. 168). The
ordinance imposing such new levies or rates. interest is 2% per month until paid (Sec. 169)

Section 167. Time of Payment. - Unless otherwise provided in Authority in the collection and inspection of books
this Code, all local taxes, fees, and charges shall be paid within • By the treasurer or duly authorized deputies of the
the first twenty (20) days of January or of each subsequent LGUs (Sec. 170)
quarter, as the case may be. The sanggunian concerned may,
for a justifiable reason or cause, extend the time for payment of PRESCRIPTION OF ASSESSMENT AND
such taxes, fees, or charges without surcharges or penalties, but COLLECTION
only for a period not exceeding six (6) months.
Section 194. Periods of Assessment and Collection. -
Section 168. Surcharges and Penalties on Unpaid Taxes, Fees, or (a) Local taxes, fees, or charges shall be assessed within five (5)
Charges. - The sanggunian may impose a surcharge not
years from the date they became due. No action for the
exceeding twenty-five (25%) of the amount of taxes, fees or collection of such taxes, fees, or charges, whether
charges not paid on time and an interest at the rate not
administrative or judicial, shall be instituted after the expiration
exceeding two percent (2%) per month of the unpaid taxes, of such period: Provided, That. taxes, fees or charges which
fees or charges including surcharges, until such amount is fully
have accrued before the effectivity of this Code may be
paid but in no case shall the total thirty-six (36%) months. assessed within a period of three (3) years from the date they
became due.
Section 169. Interests on Other Unpaid Revenues. - Where the (b) In case of fraud or intent to evade the payment of taxes,
amount of any other revenue due a local government unit, fees, or charges, the same may be assessed within ten (10) years
except voluntary contributions or donations, is not paid on the from discovery of the fraud or intent to evade payment.
date fixed in the ordinance, or in the contract, expressed or (c) Local taxes, fees, or charges may be collected within five (5)
implied, or upon the occurrence of the event which has given years from the date of assessment by administrative or judicial
rise to its collection, there shall be collected as part of that action. No such action shall be instituted after the expiration of
amount an interest thereon at the rate not exceeding two said period: Provided, however, That, taxes, fees or charges
percent (2%) per month from the date it is due until it is paid, assessed before the effectivity of this Code may be collected
but in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid amount or a
within a period of three (3) years from the date of assessment.
portion thereof exceed thirty-six (36) months. (d) The running of the periods of prescription provided in the
preceding paragraphs shall be suspended for the time during
Section 170. Collection of Local Revenue by Treasurer. - All local which:
taxes, fees, and charges shall be collected by the provincial, city,
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(1) The treasurer is legally prevented from making the 3. The taxpayer is out of the country or cannot be
assessment of collection; located (Sec. 195)
(2) The taxpayer requests for a reinvestigation and executes a
waiver in writing before expiration of the period within which Protest against a newly-enacted ordinance (Sec. 187)
to assess or collect; and • Any question on the legality or constitutionality is
(3) The taxpayer is out of the country or otherwise cannot be appealable to the Secretary of Justice within 30
located. days from the date of effectivity
• The appeal will not suspend the accrual and
payment of the tax, fee or charge levied therein
TAXPAYER’S REMEDIES • The Secretary must render a decisions within 60
days from date of receipt of the appeal
1. Protest against a newly enacted ordinance • Decision of the SOJ or inaction within 60 days is
2. Protest against an assessment appealable to the regular courts (RTC) within 30
3. Claim for refund or tax credit days from receipt or lapse of 60 days. CTA has no
jurisdiction.
Section 195. Protest of Assessment. - When the local treasurer or
his duly authorized representative finds that correct taxes, fees, Protest against assessment
or charges have not been paid, he shall issue a notice of
• Filed with the local treasurer within 60 days from
assessment stating the nature of the tax, fee, or charge, the
receipt
amount of deficiency, the surcharges, interests and penalties.
Within sixty (60) days from the receipt of the notice of • 30 days from denial of the protest or from the
assessment, the taxpayer may file a written protest with the lapse of 60 days (deemed denial) – appeal to court
local treasurer contesting the assessment; otherwise, the of proper jurisdiction (not CTA)
assessment shall become final and executory. The local
treasurer shall decide the protest within sixty (60) days from the Claim for refund or tax credit
time of its filing. If the local treasurer finds the protest to be • Claim must be filed within 3 years from date of
wholly or partly meritorious, he shall issue a notice cancelling payment or from the date taxpayer is entitled to
wholly or partially the assessment. However, if the local refund or credit
treasurer finds the assessment to be wholly or partly correct, he • Denial is appealable to regular courts (not CTA)
shall deny the protest wholly or partly with notice to the
taxpayer. The taxpayer shall have thirty (30) days from the
CIVIL REMEDIES BY THE LGU FOR THE
receipt of the denial of the protest or from the lapse of the
sixty (60) day period prescribed herein within which to appeal
COLLECTION OF TAXES
with the court of competent jurisdiction otherwise the
assessment becomes conclusive and unappealable. Section 173. Local Government's Lien. - Local taxes, fees, charges
and other revenues constitute a lien, superior to all liens,
Section 196. Claim for Refund of Tax Credit. - No case or charges or encumbrances in favor of any person, enforceable
proceeding shall be maintained in any court for the recovery of by appropriate administrative or judicial action, not only upon
any tax, fee, or charge erroneously or illegally collected until a any property or rights therein which may be subject to the lien
written claim for refund or credit has been filed with the local but also upon property used in business, occupation, practice
treasurer. No case or proceeding shall be entertained in any of profession or calling, or exercise of privilege with respect to
court after the expiration of two (2) years from the date of the which the lien is imposed. The lien may only be extinguished
payment of such tax, fee, or charge, or from the date the upon full payment of the delinquent local taxes fees and
taxpayer is entitled to a refund or credit. charges including related surcharges and interest.

Section 174. Civil Remedies. - The civil remedies for the


Period of assessment and collection collection of local taxes, fees, or charges, and related surcharges
and interest resulting from delinquency shall be:
• The period to assess is within 5 years from due (a) By administrative action thru distraint of goods, chattels, or
date or in case of fraud or intent to evade, 10 years effects, and other personal property of whatever character,
from discovery. including stocks and other securities, debts, credits, bank
• The period to collect is 5 years from date of accounts, and interest in and rights to personal property, and
assessment. (Sec. 194) by levy upon real property and interest in or rights to real
property;
Suspension of prescriptive periods (b) By judicial action.
1. The treasurer is legally prevented from making the Either of these remedies or all may be pursued concurrently or
assessment or collection simultaneously at the discretion of the local government unit
2. The taxpayer requests for reinvestigation and concerned.
executes a waiver in writing before prescription
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Section 175. Distraint of Personal Property. - The remedy by distraint and sale. The balance over and above what is required
distraint shall proceed as follows: to pay the entire claim shall be returned to the owner of the
(a) Seizure - Upon failure of the person owing any local tax, property sold. The expenses chargeable upon the seizure and
fee, or charge to pay the same at the time required, the local sale shall embrace only the actual expenses of seizure and
treasurer or his deputy may, upon written notice, seize or preservation of the property pending the sale, and no charge
confiscate any personal property belonging to that person or shall be imposed for the services of the local officer or his
any personal property subject to the lien in sufficient quantity deputy. Where the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to
to satisfy the tax, fee, or charge in question, together with any satisfy the claim, other property may, in like manner, be
increment thereto incident to delinquency and the expenses of distrained until the full amount due, including all expenses, is
seizure. In such case, the local treasurer or his deputy shall collected.
issue a duly authenticated certificate based upon the records of
his office showing the fact of delinquency and the amounts of Section 176. Levy on Real Property. - After the expiration of the
the tax, fee, or charge and penalty due. Such certificate shall time required to pay the delinquent tax, fee, or charge, real
serve as sufficient warrant for the distraint of personal property property may be levied on before, simultaneously, or after the
aforementioned, subject to the taxpayer's right to claim distraint of personal property belonging to the delinquent
exemption under the provisions of existing laws. Distrained taxpayer. To this end, the provincial, city or municipal
personal property shall be sold at public auction in the manner treasurer, as the case may be, shall prepare a duly authenticated
hereon provided for. certificate showing the name of the taxpayer and the amount of
(b) Accounting of distrained goods. - The officer executing the the tax, fee, or charge, and penalty due from him. Said
distraint shall make or cause to be made an account of the certificate shall operate with the force of a legal execution
goods, chattels or effects distrained, a copy of which signed by throughout the Philippines. Levy shall be effected by writing
himself shall be left either with the owner or person from upon said certificate the description of the property upon
whose possession the goods, chattels or effects are taken, or at which levy is made. At the same time, written notice of the levy
the dwelling or place or business of that person and with shall be mailed to or served upon the assessor and the Register
someone of suitable age and discretion, to which list shall be of Deeds of the province or city where the property is located
added a statement of the sum demanded and a note of the time who shall annotate the levy on the tax declaration and
and place of sale. certificate of title of the property, respectively, and the
(c) Publication - The officer shall forthwith cause a notification delinquent taxpayer or, if he be absent from the Philippines, to
to be exhibited in not less than three (3) public and his agent or the manager of the business in respect to which
conspicuous places in the territory of the local government unit the liability arose, or if there be none, to the occupant of the
where the distraint is made, specifying the time and place of property in question.
sale, and the articles distrained. The time of sale shall not be In case the levy on real property is not issued before or
less than twenty (20) days after the notice to the owner or simultaneously with the warrant of distraint on personal
possessor of the property as above specified and the property, and the personal property of the taxpayer is not
publication or posting of the notice. One place for the posting sufficient to satisfy his delinquency, the provincial, city or
of the notice shall be at the office of the chief executive of the municipal treasurer, as the case may be, shall within thirty (30)
local government unit in which the property is distrained. days after execution of the distraint, proceed with the levy on
(d) Release of distrained property upon payment prior to sale - the taxpayer's real property.
If at any time prior to the consummation of the sale, all the A report on any levy shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of
proper charges are paid to the officer conducting the sale, the the warrant, be submitted by the levying officer to the
goods or effects distrained shall be restored to the owner. sanggunian concerned
(e) Procedure of sale - At the time and place fixed in the notice,
the officer conducting the sale shall sell the goods or effects so
distrained at public auction to the highest bidder for cash. 1. Local government’s lien – on property and
Within five (5) days after the sale, the local treasurer shall make property rights and extinguished only upon full
a report of the proceedings in writing to the local chief payment (Sec. 173)
executive concerned. 2. Civil remedies
Should the property distrained be not disposed of within one a. By administrative action
hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of distraint, the i. Distraint of personal property
same shall be considered as sold to the local government unit ii. Levy on real property and rights
concerned for the amount of the assessment made thereon by
to real property
the Committee on Appraisal and to the extent of the same
b. By judicial action – through the filing of
amount, the tax delinquencies shall be cancelled.
collection case in court by the local
Said Committee on Appraisal shall be composed of the city or
municipal treasurer as chairman, with a representative of the treasurer
Commission on Audit and the city or municipal assessor as
members. B. REAL PROPERTY TAXATION
(f) Disposition of proceeds - The proceeds of the sale shall be
applied to satisfy the tax, including the surcharges, interest, and DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF REAL
other penalties incident to delinquency, and the expenses of the PROPERTY TAX (RPT)
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apply to lands exempt from basic real property tax and the
Section 232. Power to Levy Real Property Tax. - A province or city remainder of the land portions of which have been donated to
or a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area my levy the local government unit concerned for the construction of
an annual ad valorem tax on real property such as land, such projects or improvements.
building, machinery, and other improvement not hereinafter
specifically exempted. 1. Basic RPT – not exceeding 1% of assessed value
(AV) for provinces; not exceeding 2% of AV for
Definition cities and municipalities (within MM) (Sec. 233)
• Real property tax is a direct tax on the ownership 2. Special Levies
of lands and buildings or other improvements a. Special Education Fund (SEF) – 1%
thereon. additional real estate tax (Sec. 235)
b. Additional ad valorem on idle lands – not
Characteristics exceeding 5% of the AV (Sec. 236)
1. It is a direct tax on the ownership of real property c. Special assessments (Sec. 240)
2. It is proportionate - % of the assessed value
3. It creates a single, indivisible obligation Special assessments
4. It is an ad valorem tax • Imposed on lands specially benefited by public
5. It is a local tax works, projects or improvments funded by the
LGU
Note: Municipalities outside MM and barangays do not have • Shall not exceed 60% of the actual cost of such
the power to levy RPT. projects and improvements including the cost of
acquiring the land
TYPES OF RPT • Will not apply to:
o Lands exempt from RPT
Section 233. Rates of Levy. - A province or city or a municipality o Remainder of the land portions donated
within the Metropolitan Manila Area shall fix a uniform rate of to the LGU for construction of said
basic real property tax applicable to their respective localities as projects (Sec. 240)
follows:
(a) In the case of a province, at the rate not exceeding one FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES IN REAL
percent (1%) of the assessed value of real property; and
PROPERTY TAXATION
(b) In the case of a city or a municipality within the
Metropolitan Manila Area, at the rate not exceeding two
percent (2%) of the assessed value of real property. Section 198. Fundamental Principles. - The appraisal, assessment,
levy and collection of real property tax shall be guided by the
Section 235. Additional Levy on Real Property for the Special following fundamental principles:
Education Fund. - A province or city, or a municipality within (a) Real property shall be appraised at its current and fair
the Metropolitan Manila Area, may levy and collect an annual market value;
tax of one percent (1%) on the assessed value of real property (b) Real property shall be classified for assessment purposes on
which shall be in addition to the basic real property tax. The the basis of its actual use;
proceeds thereof shall exclusively accrue to the Special (c) Real property shall be assessed on the basis of a uniform
Education Fund (SEF). classification within each local government unit;
(d) The appraisal, assessment, levy and collection of real
Section 236. Additional Ad Valorem Tax on Idle Lands. - A property tax shall not be let to any private person; and
province or city, or a municipality within the Metropolitan (e) The appraisal and assessment of real property shall be
Manila Area, may levy an annual tax on idle lands at the rate equitable.
not exceeding five percent (5%) of the assessed value of the
property which shall be in addition to the basic real property APPRAISAL AND ASSESSMENT OF RPT
tax.
Section 201. Appraisal of Real Property. - All real property,
Section 240. Special Levy by Local Government Units. - A province, whether taxable or exempt, shall be appraised at the current
city or municipality may impose a special levy on the lands and fair market value prevailing in the locality where the
comprised within its territorial jurisdiction specially benefited property is situated. The Department of Finance shall
by public works projects or improvements funded by the local promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
government unit concerned: Provided, however, That the classification, appraisal, and assessment of real property
special levy shall not exceed sixty percent (60%) of the actual pursuant to the provisions of this Code.
cost of such projects and improvements, including the costs of
acquiring land and such other real property in connection
therewith: Provided, further, That the special levy shall not • Fair market value is the amount which the purchaser
willing but not compelled to buy would pay an
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owner of the property, and the latter willing but generate electricity which it sells to NPC. The
not compelled to sell would accept as the liability for payment of RPT is determined by law
consideration or price therefore. [Army and Navy and not by agreement of the parties. [NPC v.
Club v. Trinidad] CBAA (2009)]
• For assessment purposes, the actual use of the
property must be the basis. The term actual use DECLARATION OF REAL PROPERTY
refers to the principal and predominant
utilization of the property by the person in Section 202. Declaration of real Property by the Owner or
possession thereof. [Testate Estate of Lim v. City of Administrator. - It shall be the duty of all persons, natural or
Manila] juridical, owning or administering real property, including the
improvements therein, within a city or municipality, or their
EXEMPTION FROM RPT duly authorized representative, to prepare, or cause to be
prepared, and file with the provincial, city or municipal
Section 234. Exemptions from Real Property Tax. - The following assessor, a sworn statement declaring the true value of their
property, whether previously declared or undeclared, taxable or
are exempted from payment of the real property tax:
exempt, which shall be the current and fair market value of the
(a) Real property owned by the Republic of the Philippines or
property, as determined by the declarant. Such declaration shall
any of its political subdivisions except when the beneficial use
contain a description of the property sufficient in detail to
thereof has been granted, for consideration or otherwise, to a
enable the assessor or his deputy to identify the same for
taxable person;
assessment purposes. The sworn declaration of real property
(b) Charitable institutions, churches, parsonages or convents
herein referred to shall be filed with the assessor concerned
appurtenant thereto, mosques, non-profit or religious
once every three (3) years during the period from January first
cemeteries and all lands, buildings, and improvements actually,
(1st) to June thirtieth (30th) commencing with the calendar year
directly, and exclusively used for religious, charitable or
1992.
educational purposes;
(c) All machineries and equipment that are actually, directly and
Section 222. Assessment of Property Subject to Back Taxes. - Real
exclusively used by local water districts and government owned
property declared for the first time shall be assessed for taxes
or controlled corporations engaged in the supply and
for the period during which it would have been liable but in no
distribution of water and/or generation and transmission of
case of more than ten (10) years prior to the date of initial
electric power;
assessment: Provided, however, That such taxes shall be
(d) All real property owned by duly registered cooperatives as
computed on the basis of the applicable schedule of values in
provided for under R.A. No. 6938; and
force during the corresponding period.
(e) Machinery and equipment used for pollution control and
If such taxes are paid on or before the end of the quarter
environmental protection.
following the date the notice of assessment was received by the
owner or his representative, no interest for delinquency shall be
Except as provided herein, any exemption from payment of
imposed thereon; otherwise, such taxes shall be subject to an
real property tax previously granted to, or presently enjoyed by,
interest at the rate of two percent (2%) per month or a fraction
all persons, whether natural or juridical, including all
thereof from the date of the receipt of the assessment until
government-owned or controlled corporations are hereby
such taxes are fully paid.
withdrawn upon the effectivity of this Code.

Declaration by owner or administrator


• Properties of public domain intended for public
use are exempt from RPT. The Lucena Fishing • Sworn statement declaring the true value to be
Port Complex, which is one of the major filed with the assessor once every 3 years during
infrastructure projects undertaken by the National the period Jan. 1 to June 30 (Sec. 202)
Government is devoted to public use and is a
property of public dominion being owned by the Declaration covering newly acquired real property or improvements
Republic of the Philippines. It is exempt from • Sworn statement of true value to be filed within 60
RPT except for the portions leased to private days from acquisition; for improvements, upon
parties. [Philippine Fisheries Development Authority v. completion or occupation, whichever comes earlier
CBAA (2010)]
• The NPC cannot pass on its tax-exempt status to Declaration by assessor
its BOT partner, a private corporation. NPC, a • For failure of owner or administrator to file the
GOCC, is exempt from RPT only when it owns sworn statement, the assessor shall himself declare
and/or actually uses the machinery and equipment the property in the name of the defaulting owner
for generation and transmission of electric power. or unknown owner, and shall assess the property
Under the BOT, it was BPPC, a non-government (no oath by the assessor is required)
entity, which owns, maintains and operates the
machinery and equipment. These are used to
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• If property is declared for the first time, back taxes PREPARATION OF SCHEDULES OF FAIR
shall be assessed for not more than 10 years prior MARKET VALUE (FMV)
to the date of initial assessment (Sec. 222)
Section 212. Preparation of Schedule of Fair Market Values. -
LISTING OF THE PROPERTY IN THE Before any general revision of property assessment is made
ASSESSMENT ROLLS; PERSONS UPON WHOM pursuant to the provisions of this Title, there shall be prepared
LISTED a schedule of fair market values by the provincial, city and
municipal assessor of the municipalities within the
Section 205. Listing of Real Property in the Assessment Rolls. - Metropolitan Manila Area for the different classes of real
(a) In every province and city, including the municipalities property situated in their respective local government units for
within the Metropolitan Manila Area, there shall be prepared enactment by ordinance of the sanggunian concerned. The
and maintained by the provincial, city or municipal assessor an schedule of fair market values shall be published in a
assessment roll wherein shall be listed all real property, whether newspaper of general circulation in the province, city or
taxable or exempt, located within the territorial jurisdiction of municipality concerned or in the absence thereof, shall be
the local government unit concerned. Real property shall be posted in the provincial capitol, city or municipal hall and in
listed, valued and assessed in the name of the owner or two other conspicuous public places therein.
administrator, or anyone having legal interest in the property.
(b) The undivided real property of a deceased person may be
listed, valued and assessed in the name of the estate or of the When Before any general revision of property
heirs and devisees without designating them individually; and assessment is made
undivided real property other than that owned by a deceased By whom The provincial, city and municipal
may be listed, valued and assessed in the name of one or more assessors in MM
co-owners: Provided, however, That such heir, devisee, or co- What The different classes of real property
owner shall be liable severally and proportionately for all situated in their respective LGUs
obligations imposed by this Title and the payment of the real
Purpose For enactment by ordinance of the
property tax with respect to the undivided property.
Sanggunian concerned
(c) The real property of a corporation, partnership, or
association shall be listed, valued and assessed in the same
manner as that of an individual. • Publication of the schedule is required (newspaper
(d) Real property owned by the Republic of the Philippines, its or by posting)
instrumentalities and political subdivisions, the beneficial use of
which has been granted, for consideration or otherwise, to a Authority to take evidence
taxable person, shall be listed, valued and assessed in the name
of the possessor, grantee or of the public entity if such Section 213. Authority of Assessor to Take Evidence. - For the
property has been acquired or held for resale or lease. purpose of obtaining information on which to base the market
value of any real property, the assessor of the province, city or
• Listing of all RP (taxable or exempt) within the municipality or his deputy may summon the owners of the
jurisdiction of the LGU properties to be affected or persons having legal interest
• All declarations shall be kept and filed under a therein and witnesses, administer oaths, and take deposition
concerning the property, its ownership, amount, nature, and
uniform classification system to be established by
value.
the provincial/city/municipal assessor (Sec. 201)

Persons upon whom listed • The assessor or his deputy is authorized to obtain
• The real property shall be listed, valued, and information on which to base the MV of any
assessed in the name of the owner, administrator, property within his jurisdiction. He may:
or anyone having legal interest in the property. o Summon the pwners or persons having
• For undivided real property, in the name of: legal interest and witnesses;
o Estate o Administer oaths; and
o Heirs or devisees o Take deposition concerning the property,
o Co-owners (for those not owned by its ownership, amount, nature, and value.
deceased)
PROCEDURE FOR THE AMENDMENT OF FMV
• Corporation, partnership and association
• If owned by the Republic of the Philippines, its
Section 214. Amendment of Schedule of Fair Market Values. - The
instrumentalities, political subdivision, where the
provincial, city or municipal assessor may recommend to the
beneficial use is transferred to a taxable person – sanggunian concerned amendments to correct errors in
in the name of the possessor valuation in the schedule of fair market values. The sanggunian
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concerned shall, by ordinance, act upon the recommendation public services in the supply and
within ninety (90) days from receipt thereof. distribution of water and/or generation
and transmission of electric power.
• The sanggunian concerned may, by ordinance duly
enacted, amend the schedule of FMV to correct BASIS OF ASSESSMENT AND ASSESSMENT
erros in valuation. LEVELS
• Procedure:
1. The provincial, city or municipal assessor Section 217. Actual Use of Real Property as Basis for Assessment. -
recommends to the sanggunian Real property shall be classified, valued and assessed on the
concerned any amendment; basis of its actual use regardless of where located, whoever
2. The sanggunian shall, by ordinance, act owns it, and whoever uses it.
upon the recommendation within 90 days
Section 218. Assessment Levels. - The assessment levels to be
from receipt thereof.
applied to the fair market value of real property to determine
its assessed value shall be fixed by ordinances of the
CLASSES OF REAL PROPERTY FOR sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod or
ASSESSMENT PURPOSES sangguniang bayan of a municipality within the Metropolitan
Manila Area, at the rates not exceeding the following:
Section 215. Classes of Real Property for Assessment Purposes. - For (a) On Lands:
purposes of assessment, real property shall be classified as xx
residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, mineral, (b) On Buildings and Other Structures:
timberland or special. xx
The city or municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area, (c) On Machineries
through their respective sanggunian, shall have the power to xx
classify lands as residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, (d) On Special Classes.
mineral, timberland, or special in accordance with their zoning
ordinances. Basis of assessment
Section 216. Special Classes of Real Property. - All lands, buildings, • Real property shall be classified, valued and
and other improvements thereon actually, directly and assessed on the basis of its actual use regardless of
exclusively used for hospitals, cultural, or scientific purposes, where located, whoever owns it, and whoever uses
and those owned and used by local water districts, and it.
government-owned or controlled corporations rendering • Land is “actually used” for residential purposes
essential public services in the supply and distribution of water when work begins for the construction thereon of
and/or generation and transmission of electric power shall be a house intended for residential purposes. [City
classified as special. Assessor of Pasay v. BAA of Pasay City and Marble
Condominium]
Classes of real property • Actual use should not be construed as a criterion
1. Residential for the classification and valuation of real property
2. Agricultural but as a determining factor in applying the
3. Commercial appropriate percentage or level of assessment to
4. Industrial market value of property.
5. Mineral
6. Timberland Assessment of real property
7. Special • The rates to be fixed by the sanggunia concerned
should not exceed those prescribed in Sec. 218,
• The city or municipality within MM, through the LGC.
sanggunian, shall have the power to classify lands
in accordance with their zoning ordinances. On lands – proportionate rate
Residential 20%
Special classes of real property Agricultural 40%
• This pertains to all lands, buildings and Commercial 50%
improvements. Industrial 50%
1. Actually, directly and exclusively used for Mineral 50%
hospitals, cultural or scientific purposes; Timberland 20%
and On buildings and other structures – assessment level is
2. Those owned and used by local water based on a graduated FMV
districts and GOCCs rendering essential On machines Proportionate
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Special classes Proportionate VALUATION OF REAL PROPERTY

Determination of AV and RPT Section 220. Valuation of Real Property. - In cases where (a) real
• Assessment level is a percentage to be applied to property is declared and listed for taxation purposes for the
the market value to determine the taxable or first time; (b) there is an ongoing general revision of property
assessed value of the property prescribed in the classification and assessment; or (c) a request is made by the
ordinance. person in whose name the property is declared, the provincial,
• Determination of AV and RPT: city or municipal assessor or his duly authorized deputy shall, in
accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, make a
1. Take a schedule of FMV
classification, appraisal and assessment or taxpayer's valuation
2. Assessed value = FMV x Assessment
thereon: Provided, however, That the assessment of real
level property shall not be increased oftener than once every three
3. Tax = Assessed value x tax rate (3) years except in case of new improvements substantially
increasing the value of said property or of any change in its
GENERAL REVISION OF ASSESSMENT AND actual use.
PROPERTY CLASSIFICATION
DATE OF EFFECTIVITY OF ASSESSMENT OR
Section 219. General Revision of Assessment and Property REASSESSMENT
Classification. - The provincial, city or municipal assessor shall
undertake a general revision of real property assessments
within two (2) years after the effectivity of this Code and every Section 221. Date of Effectivity of Assessment or Reassessment. - All
three (3) years thereafter. assessments or reassessments made after the first (1st) day of
January of any year shall take effect on the first (1st) day of
January of the succeeding year: Provided, however, That the
• A general revision of RP assessment is required by reassessment of real property due to its partial or total
law every 5 years (now 3 years pursuant to Sec. destruction, or to a major change in its actual use, or to any
219, LGC) to ensure that real properties are great and sudden inflation or deflation of real property values,
assessed at their current and FMV [Sesbreno v. or to the gross illegality of the assessment when made or to any
CBAA] It is a matter of plain common sense that other abnormal cause, shall be made within ninety (90) days
a building with more floors has a higher market from the date any such cause or causes occurred, and shall take
value than one with fewer floors, provided that effect at the beginning of the quarter next following the
both are of the same materials. reassessment.

Purposes: General rule


1. Equalizing and updating valuations • An assessment or reassessment made after the first
2. Brings to light or rediscover many properties that day of January of any year shall take effect on the
had been “lost” from the tax roll 1st day of January of the succeeding year
3. Enables the assessor to purge from his assessment
roll the double assessment and assessment of Exceptions (in which case assessments or reassessments shall
properties that had been destroyed that has take effect at the beginning of the quarter next following the
accumulated through the years reassessment): if made due to:
• Its partial or total destruction
STEPS FOR THE CONDUCT OF GENERAL • Major change in its actual use
REVISION OF REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS
• Great and sudden inflation or deflation of real
property values
1. The preparation of schedule of FMV
2. The enactment of ordinances • Gross illegality of the assessment; and
a. Levying an annual ad valorem tax on RP • Any other abnormal cause.
and an additional tax accruing to the SEF
b. Providing the assessment levels to be ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTY SUBJECT TO BACK
applied to the MVs of real properties TAXES
c. Providing necessary appropriation to
defray expenses incident to general Section 222. Assessment of Property Subject to Back Taxes. - Real
revision on real property assessment; and property declared for the first time shall be assessed for taxes
d. Adopting the schedule of FMV prepared for the period during which it would have been liable but in no
by the assessors. [Lopez v. City of Manila case of more than ten (10) years prior to the date of initial
(1999)] assessment: Provided, however, That such taxes shall be
computed on the basis of the applicable schedule of values in
force during the corresponding period.
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If such taxes are paid on or before the end of the quarter the special levy the payment of which shall be governed by
following the date the notice of assessment was received by the ordinance of the sanggunian concerned.
owner or his representative, no interest for delinquency shall be The date for the payment of any other tax imposed under this
imposed thereon; otherwise, such taxes shall be subject to an Title without interest shall be prescribed by the sanggunian
interest at the rate of two percent (2%) per month or a fraction concerned.
thereof from the date of the receipt of the assessment until Payments of real property taxes shall first be applied to prior
such taxes are fully paid. years delinquencies, interests, and penalties, if any, and only
after said delinquencies are settled may tax payments be
credited for the current period.
COLLECTION OF RPT
Date of accrual of RPT
Section 246. Date of Accrual of Tax. - The real property tax for
any year shall accrue on the first day of January and from that • On the 1st day of January of every year (Sec. 245).
date it shall constitute a lien on the property which shall be From that date it shall constitute a lien on the
superior to any other lien, mortgage, or encumbrance of any property which shall be superior to any other lien,
kind whatsoever, and shall be extinguished only upon the mortgage, or encumbrance of any kind
payment of the delinquent tax. whatsoever, and shall be extinguished only upon
payment of the delinquent tax.
Section 247. Collection of Tax. - The collection of the real
property tax with interest thereon and related expenses, and the Collecting authority
enforcement of the remedies provided for in this Title or any • Responsibility of the city or municipality treasurer
applicable laws, shall be the responsibility of the city or concerned:
municipal treasurer concerned. 1. Collection of RPT with interest thereon
and related expenses; and
The city or municipal treasurer may deputize the barangay 2. Enforcement of the remedies provided
treasurer to collect all taxes on real property located in the
by the LGC or any applicable laws.
barangay: Provided, That the barangay treasurer is properly
bonded for the purpose: Provided, further, That the premium • The city or municipal treasurer may deputize the
on the bond shall be paid by the city or municipal government barangay treasurer to collect all taxes on RP
concerned. located in the barangay, provided that the barangay
treasurer is properly bonded for the purpose. The
Section 248. Assessor to Furnish Local Treasurer with Assessment premium on the bond shall be paid by city or
Roll. - The provincial, city or municipal assessor shall prepare municipal government concerned.
and submit to the treasurer of the local government unit, on or
before the thirty-first (31st) day of December each year, an Period to collect RPT
assessment roll containing a list of all persons whose real
properties have been newly assessed or reassessed and the Basic RPT and any other tax 5 years from the date they
values of such properties. levied under the title on real became due
property taxation
Section 249. Notice of Time for Collection of Tax. - The city or When there is fraud or 10 years from discovery
municipal treasurer shall, on or before the thirty-first (31st) day intent to evade the payment
of January each year, in the case of the basic real property tax
of taxes
and the additional tax for the Special Education Fund (SEF) or
any other date to be prescribed by the sanggunian concerned in
the case of any other tax levied under this title, post the notice Suspension of the period to collect
of the dates when the tax may be paid without interest at a • The period of prescription within which to collect
conspicuous and publicly accessible place at the city or shall be suspended for the time during which:
municipal hall. Said notice shall likewise be published in a 1. The local treasurer is legally prevented
newspaper of general circulation in the locality once a week for from collecting the tax;
two (2) consecutive weeks. 2. The owner of the property or the person
having legal interest therein requests for
Section 250. Payment of Real Property Taxes in Installments. - The reinvestigation and executes a waiver in
owner of the real property or the person having legal interest writing before the expiration of the
therein may pay the basic real property tax and the additional period within which to collect; and
tax for Special Education Fund (SEF) due thereon without 3. The owner of the property or the person
interest in four (4) equal installments; the first installment to be having legal interest therein is out of the
due and payable on or before March Thirty-first (31st); the country or otherwise cannot be located.
second installment, on or before June Thirty (30); the third
installment, on or before September Thirty (30); and the last
Special rules on payment
installment on or before December Thirty-first (31st), except
1. Payment of RPT in installments
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a. Basic RPT and additional tax for SEF –


in 4 equal installments (on or before Section 252. Payment Under Protest. -
March 31/June 30/September 30/ (a) No protest shall be entertained unless the taxpayer first pays
December 31) the tax. There shall be annotated on the tax receipts the words
b. Other special levies and any other RPT – "paid under protest". The protest in writing must be filed
governed by ordinance within thirty (30) days from payment of the tax to the
provincial, city treasurer or municipal treasurer, in the case of a
o Payment of RPT shall first be applied to municipality within Metropolitan Manila Area, who shall decide
prior years’ delinquencies, interests and the protest within sixty (60) days from receipt.
penalties, if any, and only after said (b) The tax or a portion thereof paid under protest, shall be
delinquencies are settled may tax held in trust by the treasurer concerned.
payments be credited for the current (c) In the event that the protest is finally decided in favor of the
period. taxpayer, the amount or portion of the tax protested shall be
refunded to the protestant, or applied as tax credit against his
existing or future tax liability.
2. Interests on unpaid RPT
(d) In the event that the protest is denied or upon the lapse of
o In case of failure to pay the basic RPT or the sixty day period prescribed in subparagraph (a), the
any other tax levied under this title upon taxpayer may avail of the remedies as provided for in Chapter
the expiration of the periods provided in 3, Title II, Book II of this Code.
Sec. 250, or when due, as the case may
be, shall be subject the taxpayer to the Section 253. Repayment of Excessive Collections. - When an
payment of interest at the rate of 2% per assessment of basic real property tax, or any other tax levied
month on the unpaid amount or a under this Title, is found to be illegal or erroneous and the tax
fraction thereof, until the delinquent tax is accordingly reduced or adjusted, the taxpayer may file a
shall have been fully paid. (Sec. 255) written claim for refund or credit for taxes and interests with
o In no case shall the total interest on the the provincial or city treasurer within two (2) years from the
unpaid tax or portion thereof exceed 36 date the taxpayer is entitled to such reduction or adjustment.
months.
The provincial or city treasurer shall decide the claim for tax
Condonation of RPT refund or credit within sixty (60) days from receipt thereof. In
case the claim for tax refund or credit is denied, the taxpayer
may avail of the remedies as provided in Chapter 3, Title II,
Section 276. Condonation or Reduction of Real Property Tax and Book II of this Code.
Interest. - In case of a general failure of crops or substantial
decrease in the price of agricultural or agribased products, or
calamity in any province, city or municipality, the sanggunian Contesting an assessment of value of real property
concerned, by ordinance passed prior to the first (1st) day of 1. Appeal to the Local Board of Assessment Appeals
January of any year and upon recommendation of the Local (LBAA) (Sec. 226)
Disaster Coordinating Council, may condone or reduce, wholly o Party to file: Any owner or person having
or partially, the taxes and interest thereon for the succeeding legal interest in the property who is not
year or years in the city or municipality affected by the calamity. satisfied with the action of the provincial,
city or municipal assessor in the
Section 277. Condonation or Reduction of Tax by the President of the assessment of his property.
Philippines. - The President of the Philippines may, when public o Period to file: Within 60 days from the
interest so requires, condone or reduce the real property tax date of receipt of the written notice of
and interest for any year in any province or city or a assessment
municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area. o Jurisdiction: the Board of Assessment
Appeals of the Province or City
TAXPAYER’S REMEDIES
2. Appeal to the Central Board of Assessment
Section 226. Local Board of Assessment Appeals. - Any owner or Appeals (CBAA)
person having legal interest in the property who is not satisfied o The owner of the property or the person
with the action of the provincial, city or municipal assessor in having legal interest therein who is not
the assessment of his property may, within sixty (60) days from satisfied with the decision of the Board
the date of receipt of the written notice of assessment, appeal may, within 30 days after receipt of the
to the Board of Assessment Appeals of the provincial or city by decision of said board, appeal to the
filing a petition under oath in the form prescribed for the CBAA.
purpose, together with copies of the tax declarations and such o The decision of the CBAA on property
affidavits or documents submitted in support of the appeal. valuation shall be final and executory.
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GOVERNMENT REMEDIES FOR COLLECTION


Request for review with assessor OF RPT
• An aggrieved taxpayer CANNOT file a request for
review or readjustment of the assessment of 1. By administrative action through levy on real
property with the local assessor. To allow the property; or
procedure would invite corruption in the system of 2. By judicial action
appraisal and assessment. It would conveniently
court a graft-prone situation where values of RPT Section 254. Notice of Delinquency in the Payment of the Real
may be initially set unreasonably high, and then Property Tax. -
subsequently reduced upon request of a property (a) When the real property tax or any other tax imposed under
owner. [Callanta v. Abellana (1998)] this Title becomes delinquent, the provincial, city or municipal
treasurer shall immediately cause a notice of the delinquency to
Payment pending appeal be posted at the main hall and in a publicly accessible and
• An appeal on assessments of real property shall, in conspicuous place in each barangay of the local government
no case, suspend the collection of the unit concerned. The notice of delinquency shall also be
published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, in a
corresponding realty taxes on the property
newspaper of general circulation in the province, city, or
involved as assessed by the provincial or city
municipality.
assessor. (b) Such notice shall specify the date upon which the tax
• The payment is without prejudice to subsequent became delinquent and shall state that personal property may
adjustment depending upon the final outcome of be distrained to effect payment. It shall likewise state that any
the appeal. time before the distraint of personal property, payment of the
tax with surcharges, interests and penalties may be made in
Payment of RPT under protest accordance with the next following Section, and unless the tax,
• File protest in writing with the local treasurer surcharges and penalties are paid before the expiration of the
within 30 days from payment of tax to the year for which the tax is due except when the notice of
provincial, city or municipal (if within MM) assessment or special levy is contested administratively or
treasurer, who shall decide the protest within 60 judicially pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 3, Title II,
days from receipt. Book II of this Code, the delinquent real property will be sold
at public auction, and the title to the property will be vested in
• If protest is denied or upon the lapse of period for the purchaser, subject, however, to the right of the delinquent
treasurer to decide, the taxpayer may appeal to the owner of the property or any person having legal interest
LBAA within 60 days. therein to redeem the property within one (1) year from the
• If not satisfied with the decision of the LBAA, date of sale.
appeal to the CBAA within 30 days.
• In case of adverse decision of the CBAA, appeal to Section 256. Remedies For The Collection Of Real Property Tax. -
the CTA en banc within 15 days. For the collection of the basic real property tax and any other
• In case of adverse decision of the CTA en banc, tax levied under this Title, the local government unit concerned
appeal by certiorari to the Supreme Court within may avail of the remedies by administrative action thru levy on
15 days. real property or by judicial action.

Section 257. Local Governments Lien. - The basic real property


Refund or credit of RPT (repayment of excessive collections) tax and any other tax levied under this Title constitutes a lien
• When an assessment is found to be illegal or on the property subject to tax, superior to all liens, charges or
erroneous and the tax is accordingly reduced or encumbrances in favor of any person, irrespective of the owner
adjusted: or possessor thereof, enforceable by administrative or judicial
1. The taxpayer may file a written claim for refund or action, and may only be extinguished upon payment of the tax
credit for taxes and interests with the provincial or and the related interests and expenses.
city treasurer within two years from the date the
taxpayer is entitled to such reduction or Section 258. Levy on Real Property. - After the expiration of the
adjustment. time required to pay the basic real property tax or any other tax
2. The provincial or city treasurer shall decide the levied under this Title, real property subject to such tax may be
claim for tax refund or credit within 60 days from levied upon through the issuance of a warrant on or before, or
receipt therefrom. simultaneously with, the institution of the civil action for the
3. In case the claim for tax refund or credit is denied, collection of the delinquent tax. The provincial or city
the taxpayer may appeal to the LBAA within 60 treasurer, or a treasurer of a municipality within the
days. Metropolitan Manila Area, as the case may be, when issuing a
warrant of levy shall prepare a duly authenticated certificate
showing the name of the delinquent owner of the property or
person having legal interest therein, the description of the
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property, the amount of the tax due and the interest thereon. expenses of the sale shall be remitted to the owner
The warrant shall operate with the force of a legal execution of real property or the person having legal interest
throughout the province, city or a municipality, within the therein.
Metropolitan Manila Area. The warrant shall be mailed to or
served upon the delinquent owner of the real property or When LGU may purchase real property advertised for sale:
person having legal interest therein, or in case he is out of the 1. There is no bidder; or
country or cannot be located, the administrator or occupant of 2. The highest bid is for an amount insufficient to
the property. At the same time, written notice of the levy with pay the RPT, fees, charges, surcharges, interests or
the attached warrant shall be mailed to or served upon the
penalties.
assessor and the Registrar of Deeds of the province, city or
municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area where the
property is located, who shall annotate the levy on the tax
Civil action
declaration and certificate of title of the property, respectively. • To be filed by the local treasurer within 5 years or
The levying officer shall submit a report on the levy to the 10 years as provided for in Sec. 270, LGC
sanggunian concerned within ten (10) days after receipt of the
warrant by the owner of the property or person having legal Resale of real estate taken for taxes, fees or charges
interest therein • The sanggunian concerned may, by ordinance duly
approved, and upon notice of not less than 20
Notice of Delinquency days, sell and dispose of RP acquired by the LGU
under Sec. 263, LGC.
By whom Provincial, city or municipal treasurer • The process of the sale shall accrue to the general
When Immediately upon delinquency fund of the LGU concerned.
How 1. Post a notice of delinquency at
the main entrance of the IV. TARIFF AND CUSTOMS CODE OF 1978,
provincial capitol, or city or AS AMENDED
municipal hall and in a publicly
accessible and conspicuous place
in each barangay of the LGU
2. The notice of delinquency shall V. JUDICIAL REMEDIES (R.A. 1125, AS
also be published once a week AMENDED BY R.A. 9282, AND
for two consecutive weeks in a IMPLEMENTED BY THE REVISED
newspaper of general circulation RULES OF THE COURT OF TAX
in the province, city or APPEALS
municipality
Contents: JURISDICTION OF THE CTA
1. The date upon which the tax became delinquent
2. That personal property may be distrained to effect Sec. 7. Jurisdiction. - The CTA shall exercise:
payment a. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction to review by appeal, as
3. That at any time before the distraint of personal herein provided:
property, payment of the tax with surcharges, 1. Decisions of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in cases
interests and penalties may be made in accordance involving disputed assessments, refunds of internal revenue
with the provision on interest on unpaid RPT) taxes, fees or other charges, penalties in relation thereto, or
4. Unless the tax, surcharges and penalties are paid other matters arising under the National Internal Revenue or
before the expiration of the year for which the tax other laws administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue;
2. Inaction by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in cases
is due (except when the notice of assessment or
involving disputed assessments, refunds of internal revenue
special levy is contested administratively or
taxes, fees or other charges, penalties in relations thereto, or
judicially), the delinquent RP will be sold at public other matters arising under the National Internal Revenue
auction, and the title to the property will be vested Code or other laws administered by the Bureau of Internal
in the purchasers, subject, however, to the right of Revenue, where the National Internal Revenue Code provides
redemption within one year from the date of sale. a specific period of action, in which case the inaction shall be
deemed a denial;
Local government’s lien 3. Decisions, orders or resolutions of the Regional Trial Courts
Cf. Sec. 257 in local tax cases originally decided or resolved by them in the
exercise of their original or appellate jurisdiction;
Excess in proceeds of sale 4. Decisions of the Commissioner of Customs in cases
• The proceeds of the sale in excess of the involving liability for customs duties, fees or other money
delinquent tax, the interest due thereon and the charges, seizure, detention or release of property affected, fines,
forfeitures or other penalties in relation thereto, or other
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matters arising under the Customs Law or other laws 2. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction in tax collection cases:
administered by the Bureau of Customs; "a. Over appeals from the judgments, resolutions or orders of
5. Decisions of the Central Board of Assessment Appeals in the Regional Trial Courts in tax collection cases originally
the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction over cases involving the decided by them, in their respective territorial jurisdiction.
assessment and taxation of real property originally decided by b. Over petitions for review of the judgments, resolutions or
the provincial or city board of assessment appeals; orders of the Regional Trial Courts in the Exercise of their
6. Decisions of the Secretary of Finance on customs cases appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases originally decided
elevated to him automatically for review from decisions of the by the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and
Commissioner of Customs which are adverse to the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, in their respective jurisdiction.
Government under Section 2315 of the Tariff and Customs
Code; SEC. 11. Who May Appeal; Mode of Appeal; Effect of
7. Decisions of the Secretary of Trade and Industry, in the case Appeal. - Any party adversely affected by a decision, ruling or
of nonagricultural product, commodity or article, and the inaction of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, the
Secretary of Agriculture in the case of agricultural product, Commissioner of Customs, the Secretary of Finance, the
commodity or article, involving dumping and countervailing Secretary of Trade and Industry or the Secretary of Agriculture
duties under Section 301 and 302, respectively, of the Tariff or the Central Board of Assessment Appeals or the Regional
and Customs Code, and safeguard measures under Republic Trial Courts may file an appeal with the CTA within thirty (30)
Act No. 8800, where either party may appeal the decision to days after the receipt of such decision or ruling or after the
impose or not to impose said duties. expiration of the period fixed by law for action as referred to in
Section 7(a)(2) herein.
b. Jurisdiction over cases involving criminal offenses as
herein provided: Appeal shall be made by filing a petition for review under a
1. Exclusive original jurisdiction over all criminal offenses procedure analogous to that provided for under Rule 42 of the
arising from violations of the National Internal Revenue Code 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure with the CTA within thirty (30)
or Tariff and Customs Code and other laws administered by days from the receipt of the decision or ruling or in the case of
the Bureau of Internal Revenue or the Bureau of Customs: inaction as herein provided, from the expiration of the period
Provided, however, That offenses or felonies mentioned in this fixed by law to act thereon. A Division of the CTA shall hear
paragraph where the principal amount o taxes and fees, the appeal: Provided, however, That with respect to decisions
exclusive of charges and penalties, claimed is less than One or rulings of the Central Board of Assessment Appeals and the
million pesos (P1,000,000.00) or where there is no specified Regional Trial Court in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction
amount claimed shall be tried by the regular Courts and the appeal shall be made by filing a petition for review under a
jurisdiction of the CTA shall be appellate. Any provision of law procedure analogous to that provided for under rule 43 of the
or the Rules of Court to the contrary notwithstanding, the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure with the CTA, which shall hear
criminal action and the corresponding civil action for the the case en banc.
recovery of civil liability for taxes and penalties shall at all times
be simultaneously instituted with, and jointly determined in the All other cases involving rulings, orders or decisions filed with
same proceeding by the CTA, the filing of the criminal action the CTA as provided for in Section 7 shall be raffled to its
being deemed to necessarily carry with it the filing of the civil Divisions. A party adversely affected by a ruling, order or
action, and no right to reserve the filling of such civil action decision of a Division of the CTA may file a motion for
separately from the criminal action will be recognized. reconsideration of new trial before the same Division of the
CTA within fifteens (15) days from notice thereof: Provide,
2. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction in criminal offenses: however, That in criminal cases, the general rule applicable in
a. Over appeals from the judgments, resolutions or orders of regular Courts on matters of prosecution and appeal shall
the Regional Trial Courts in tax cases originally decided by likewise apply.
them, in their respected territorial jurisdiction.
b. Over petitions for review of the judgments, resolutions or No appeal taken to the CTA from the decision of the
orders of the Regional Trial Courts in the exercise of their Commissioner of Internal Revenue or the Commissioner of
appellate jurisdiction over tax cases originally decided by the Customs or the Regional Trial Court, provincial, city or
Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and municipal treasurer or the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in their respective jurisdiction. Trade and Industry and Secretary of Agriculture, as the case
may be shall suspend the payment, levy, distraint, and/or sale
c. Jurisdiction over tax collection cases as herein provided: of any property of the taxpayer for the satisfaction of his tax
1. Exclusive original jurisdiction in tax collection cases liability as provided by existing law: Provided, however, That
involving final and executory assessments for taxes, fees, when in the opinion of the Court the collection by the
charges and penalties: Provided, however, That collection cases aforementioned government agencies may jeopardize the
where the principal amount of taxes and fees, exclusive of interest of the Government and/or the taxpayer the Court any
charges and penalties, claimed is less than One million pesos stage of the proceeding may suspend the said collection and
(P1,000,000.00) shall be tried by the proper Municipal Trial require the taxpayer either to deposit the amount claimed or to
Court, Metropolitan Trial Court and Regional Trial Court. file a surety bond for not more than double the amount with
the Court.
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commodity or article; involving dumping


In criminal and collection cases covered respectively by Section and countervailing duties under Section 301
7(b) and (c) of this Act, the Government may directly file the and 302, respectively, of the Tariff and
said cases with the CTA covering amounts within its exclusive Customs Code, and safeguard measures
and original jurisdiction. under Republic Act No. 8800, where either
party may appeal the decision to impose or
Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over civil tax cases not to impose said duties.

1. Cases within the jurisdiction of the CTA en banc • Time of appeal: Within 30 days from receipt of
a. Decisions, resolutions or orders of the adverse decision by the Commissioner or within
RTC in the exercise of its appellate 30 days from lapse of period to act.
jurisdiction over • An appeal cognizable by a division must be
i. Local tax cases decided thereat. Adverse decision will be subject of
ii. Tax collection cases MR or MNT before the same division within 15
b. Decisions of the CBAA in the exercise of days from notice of the adverse decision. Any
its appellate jurisdiction over cases party adversely affected by a resolution of a
involving assessment and taxation of real division on an MR or MNT may file a petition of
property originally decided by the review with the CTA en banc. (Sec. 11 and 18,
provincial/city board of assessment CTA Act)
appeals
Exclusive original jurisdiction over criminal cases
2. Cases within the jurisdiction of CTA divisions, in • Exclusive original jurisdiction over all criminal
general cases where the principal amount involved of taxes
a. Decisions of the CIR and fees, exclusive of charges and penalties
i. In cases involving disputed claimed, is NOT less than P1M arising from
assessments, refunds of internal violation of:
revenue taxes, fees or other 1. NIRC
charges imposed in relation 2. TCC
thereto; or 3. Other laws administered by the BOC or BIR.
ii. Other matters arising under the
NIR or other laws administered • Note: Regular courts shall have original jurisdiction
by the BIR in offenses or penalties where:
b. Inaction by the CIR – involving the same 1. The principal amount of taxes and fees
matters as above exclusive of charges and penalties claimed is
c. Decisions, orders, resolutions of the RTC less than P1M, or
in local taxes originally decided or 2. No specified amount is claimed (as to which
resolved by them in the exercise of their court shall exercise jurisdiction follow rules on
original jurisdiction jurisdiction of criminal cases).
d. Decisions of the Commissioner of
Customs in cases involving liability for • All criminal actions before the court in division in
customs duties, fees or other money the exercise of its original jurisdiction shall be
charges, seizure, detention or release of instituted by the filing of an Information in the
property affected, fines, forfeitures or name of the People of the Philippines.
other penalties in relation thereto, or
• In criminal actions involving violations of the
other matters arising under the customs
NIRC and other laws enforced by the BIR, the
law or other laws administered by the
CIR must approve their filing.
BOC
e. Decisions of the Secretary of Finance on • In criminal actions involving violations of the TCC
customs cases elevated to him and other laws enforced by the BOC, the COC
automatically for review from decisions must approve their filing.
of the Commissioner of Customs which • The institution of the criminal action shall
are adverse to the government under Sec. interrupt the running of the period of prescription.
2315, TCC • In cases within the jurisdiction of the court, the
f. Decisions of the DTI Secretary in case of criminal action and the corresponding civil action
non-agricultural products, commodity or for the recovery of civil liability for taxes and
article; and the Secretary of Agriculture in penalties shall be deemed jointly instituted in the
the case of agricultural products, same proceeding.
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• The filing of the criminal action shall necessarily Collection of local taxes
carry with it the filing of the civil action. No right • Same rule as in internal revenue taxes
to reserve the filing of such civil action separately
from the criminal action shall be allowed or Prescriptive period to file action
recognized. • Within five years from the date taxes, fees or
charges become due.
Exclusive appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases
PROCEDURES FOR AN APPEAL
1. Appeals from the judgments, resolutions or orders Cf. Sec. 11, supra
of the RTC in tax cases originally decided by them
in their respective territorial jurisdiction; Who may file an appeal in civil cases
2. Petitions for review of the judgments, resolutions
or orders of the RTC in the exercise of their 1. Any party adversely affected by a decision or ruling
appellate jurisdiction over tax cases originally or inaction of:
decided by the MTCs or MCTCs. a. The CIR
b. The Commissioner of Customs (COC)
Exclusive original jurisdiction over tax collection cases c. Sec of Finance (SOF)
d. Sec of Trade and Industry (STI)
• Exclusive original jurisdiction in tax collection e. Sec of Agri (SA)
cases involving final and executory assessments for f. CBAA
taxes, fees, charges and penalties where the principal g. RTCs
amount involved of taxes and fees, exclusive of 2. Stockholders of a dissolved corporation
charges and penalties claimed, is NOT less than 3. Government
P1M
• If less than P1M, jurisdiction will be with the Modes of Appeal
proper MTC, MeTC or RTC.
1. By filing an petition for review under Rule 42 with
Exclusive appellate jurisdiction in tax collection cases respect to a decision, ruling or inaction of the:
a. CIR
1. Over appeals from the judgments, resolutions or b. COC
orders of the RTC in tax collection cases originally c. SOF
decided by them, in their respective territorial d. STI
jurisdiction; e. SA
2. Over petitions for review of the judgments, f. RTCs.
resolutions or orders of the RTC in the Exercise of
their appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases o The appeal shall be heard by a division of
originally decided by the MeTC, MTC or MCTC, in the CTA.
their respective jurisdiction.
2. By filing a petition for review as provided under
JUDICIAL PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTION OF Rule 43 with respect to a decision, ruling or
CASES inaction of the court in division on an MR or
motion for new trial.
Collection of internal revenue taxes
1. Civil action o The court en banc shall act on the appeal.
a. By filing a civil case for collection of sum
of money with the proper regular court; 3. By filing a petition for review under Rule 43 with
and respect to a decision or ruling of:
b. By filing an answer to the petition for a. The CBAA; and
review filed by the taxpayer to the CTA. b. The RTC in the exercise of its appellate
jurisdiction.
2. Criminal action, on any of the following grounds
a. Attempt to evade or defeat tax o The appeal shall be heard by the CTA en
b. Failure to file return, supply correct and banc.
accurate information, pay tax, withhold
and remit tax, refund excess taxes Suspension of collection of tax
withheld on compensation
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• General rule: Tax collection not suspended Appeal to the CTA en banc
pending appeal.
• Exception: The CTA is empowered to suspend • Any party adversely affected by a resolution of a
the collection of internal revenue taxes and division of the CTA on an MR or MNT may file a
customs duties or grant injunctions. petition for review with the CTA en banc.
• Requisites:
a. That the collection of tax may Petition for review on certiorari to the Supreme Court
jeopardize the interest of the
government and/or the taxpayer • Any party adversely affected by a decision or ruling
b. That the taxpayer is willing to of the CTA en banc may file with the SC a verified
deposit the amount equal to the petition on certiorari pursuant to Rule 45, ROC.
taxes assessed or willing to file a • If such party has filed an MR or MNT, the period
bond amounting to not more than to appeal shall run from the party’s receipt of a
twice the value of the tax being copy of the resolution dening the MR or MNT.
assessed
c. That that CTA may issue an Appeal and period to appeal
injunction order only in the exercise
of its appellate jurisdiction 1. Notice of appeal within 15 days – appeal from
d. That the appeal is not frivolous or criminal cases decided by the RTC in the exercise
dilatory. of its original jurisdiction. The CTA in division
shall act on the appeal.
Injunction by the CTA 2. Petition for review under Rule 43, ROC within 15
days
• The no-injunction-rule does not apply to the CTA. a. Appeal from criminal cases decided by
Sec. 11 of RA 1125 gives the CTA authority to the CTA in division
order the suspension of tax collection when in its b. Appeal from criminal cases decided by
view, such collection would work to the serious the RTC in the exercise of its appellate
prejudice of the government or the taxpayer. jurisdiction.
• The ancillary remedy is available only when there is The CTA en banc shall act on the appeal.
a pending appeal over which the CTA has
jurisdiction. Solicitor General as counsel for the People and government officials

Taking of evidence • The Solicitor General shall represent the People of


the Philippines and Government officials sued in
• The court may receive evidence in the following their official capacity in all cases brought to the
cases: court in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction.
1. In all cases falling within the original
jurisdiction of the court in division pursuant
to Sec. 3, Rule 4 of these Rules; and
2. In appeals in both civil and criminal cases
where the court grants a new trial pursuant to
Sec. 2, Rule 53 and Sec. 12, Rule 124 of the
ROC.

Motion for new trial

• Any aggrieved party may seek a reconsideration or


new trial of any decision, resolution or order of the
court. He shall file an MR or MNT within 15 days
from the date he received notice of the decision,
resolution or order of the court in question.
(RCTA, Rule 13, Sec. 1A) The filing of an MR or
MNT shall suspend the running of the period
within which an appeal may be perfected. (RCTA,
Rule 13, Sec. 4A)

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