TAX NOTES (LEGAL GROUND)

Lectures of Atty. Japar B. Dimampao

Supplement Bar Material
STATE POLICY
Declared Policy of the State: (Code:RDB-N)
1) to promote sustainable economic growth through the rationalization of
the Philippine internal revenue tax system, including tax administration;
2) to provide, as much as possible, an equitable relief to a greater number
of taxpayers in order to improve levels of disposable income and increase
economic activity;
3) to create a robust environment for business to enable firms to compete
better in the regional as well as the global market;
4) the State ensures that the Government is able to provide for the needs
of those under its jurisdiction and care.
THE B.I.R.
1) Powers and duties of the BIR.
The BIR shall be under the supervision and control of the DOF and its
powers and duties shall comprehend: (CODE: ACE-JP)
1) the assessment;
2) collection of all national internal revenue taxes, fees, and charges;
3) the enforcement of all forfeitures, penalties, and fines;
4) execution of judgments in all cases decided in favor by the CTA and
ordinary courts
5) give effect and to administer the supervisory and police powers
conferred to it by the Code and other laws.
2) POWERS of the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue.
1) to interpret tax laws and to decide tax cases (Sec. 4);
2) to obtain information and to summon, examine, and take testimony of
persons (Sec. 5);
3) to make assessments and prescribe additional requirements for tax
administration and enforcement (Sec. 6);
4) to delegate powers (Sec. 7);
5) to administer oaths and take testimony (Sec. 14);
6) to make arrests and seizures (Sec. 15);
7) to assign or re-assign internal revenue officers (Sec. 16 & 17).
REQUISITES OF A VALID TAX REGULATION (LIMITATION OF THE POWER
TO INTERPRET TAX LAWS)
1) It must be consistent with the provision of the Tax Code
2) Reasonable
3) Useful and necessary
4) It must be published in the official gazette or in the newspapers of
general circulation.
SOURCES OF REVENUES
The following taxes, fees and charges are deemed to be national internal
revenue taxes: (Code:IEVPEDO or EVE-PIDO)

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1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Income tax;
Estate and donors taxes;
Value-added tax;
Other percentage taxes;
Excise taxes;
Documentary stamp taxes; and
Such other taxes as are or hereafter may be imposed and collected by
the Bureau of Internal Revenue

INCOME TAX
FEATURES OF OUR PRESENT INCOME TAXATION
Q. What are the features of our present income taxation in the light of R.A
8424?
A. We adopted the so-called COMPREHENSIVE TAX SITUS Comprehensive
in the sense that we practically apply all possible rules of tax situs.
Criteria used: (Code: R. P. N.)
a) Residency of taxpayer;
Situations where we utilized residency as basis:
1) We tax the income of a resident alien derived from sources within the
Philippines.
2) We also tax the income from sources within of resident foreign
corporation in the Philippines.
b) Place/Source
Used as a basis in taxing the income of a non-resident alien individual. We
can only tax his income derived from sources within and in taxing the same, we
consider the place where the income is derived.
c) Nationality or Citizenship in the case of individual taxpayer
We used that as a basis in imposing tax on the income of a resident citizen.
Resident citizen may be taxed from his sources within and without. The source
of income here is immaterial what we consider is the nationality or citizenship
of the taxpayer.
Domestic corporation we can tax its income derived from sources within and
without.
On Non-resident citizen, they can only be taxed on their income derived from
the sources within tax situs is the place /source of income.

Taxpayer
1.
2.
3.
4.

RC
NRC
OCW
ALIEN

Sources
I/O (Sec. 23 [A])
I (Sec. 23 [B])
I (Sec. 23 [C])
I (Sec. 23 [D])

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4.1 NRA-ETB
4.2 NRA-NETB
4.3 ALIEN ERA-MNC
4.4 ALIEN OBUs
4.5 ALIEN PSCS
5. Domestic Corp.
6. Foreign Corp-RFC/NRFC

I
I

(Sec. 23 [E])
(Sec. 23 [F])

1)

A resident citizen is taxable on all income derived from sources within

and without the Philippines.

2)

A non-resident citizen is taxable only on income derived from sources

within the Philippines.

3)

An overseas contract worker is taxable only on income from sources

within the Philippines; a seaman who is a citizen of the Philippines and
who receives compensation for services rendered abroad as a member of
the complement of a vessel engaged exclusively in the international
trade shall be treated as an overseas contract worker.
An alien individual, whether a resident or not of the Philippines, is
taxable only on income derived from sources within the Philippines.

4)

5)

A domestic corporation is taxable on all income derived from sources

within and without the Philippines; and

6] A foreign corporation, whether engaged or not in trade or business in

the Philippines, is taxable only on income derived from sources within the
Philippines.
Income Taxation may be grouped into:
1) individual income taxation
2) corporate income taxation
Q. What are the basic features of individual taxation? (S.P. F. E. M.)
A.
1) Individual income taxation adopted the Schedular system of taxation
Schedular System of Taxation is a system employed where the income tax
treatment varies and made to depend on the kind or category of the taxpayers
taxable income (Tan vs. Del Rosario).
Characteristics of schedular system of taxation:
a)
It gives or accords different tax treatment on the income of
individual taxpayer.
b)
It classifies income.
Manifestations: (that under the individual taxation we adopted the
schedular system of taxation)
[C, B, P, Dp, I, R, R, D, A, Pw, P, P]
Under Sec. 32(a), income may be categorized as follows:

4
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)

compensation income,
business income,
professional income,
income derived from dealings in property,
interest income,
rent income,
royalties,
dividends,
annuities,
prizes,
winnings,
pensions, and
partners distributive share from the net income of the general
professional partnership.
This is the manifestation that as far as individual income taxation,
the income is categorized.

2] The tax rates are progressive in character. This is clear under Sec. 24 (a).
You will notice there that the tax base increases as the tax rate increases.
3] Modified gross income as regards compensation earner. Modified because
in determining the taxable compensation income, the only allowable deductions
are personal and additional exemption. You cannot deduct the allowable
deductions under Sec. 34 from gross compensation income.
But as regards those individual taxpayers that derived business, trade or
professional income, we adopted the net income system. This is so because
under Sec. 34, allowable deductions may be claimed by individual taxpayers
who derived business trade and professional income.
4] We employ this Pay as you File system.
5] Under certain cases, we employ the pay as you earn system. This applies
to income subject to withholding tax.
Q. What are the basic features of corporate income taxation?
A.
1] Global Concept has been adopted. >>> Global system where the tax
treatment views indifferently the tax base and treats in common all categories
of taxable income of taxpayer (Tan vs. Del Rosario).
Characteristics of Global system of Taxation:
a) Uniform tax treatment this is subject to diminishing corporate tax rates of
34% (Jan. 1, 1998), 33% (Jan. 1, 1999), 32% (Jan. 1, 2000). See Chapter IV,
Sec. 27).
b) Does not categorize income.
2] Corporate taxpayer, particularly domestic corporations are entitled to
deductions. So, insofar as domestic corporation and resident foreign
corporation is concerned, we adopted here the net income tax system.
New provisions under R.A. 8424: 10% tax on improperly
accumulated earnings of a corporate taxpayer.

5
3] Pay as you file system has also been employed.
Corporate taxpayer is allowed to adopt calendar or fiscal year
period. Corporate taxpayer files corporate income tax return
quarterly. And it also files the so-called FINAL ADJUSTED
RETURN.
In the case of individual taxpayer, the payment should not be later
than April 15 of every taxable year. Individual taxpayers are not
allowed to adopt the so-called FISCAL YEAR PERIOD.
* Individual taxpayers are allowed to adopt only the calendar year period while
corporate taxpayers have the option either the calendar year period of the fiscal
year period.
Calendar year period this covers the period of 12-month commencing from
Jan. 1 and ending Dec. 31.
Fiscal year period this is also a 12-month period commencing on any month
or ending on any month other than Dec. 31.
DEFINITION OF CERTAIN TERMS
GROSS INCOME TAXATION is a system of taxation, where the income is
taxed at gross. The taxpayers under this system are not entitled to any
deductions.
In general, we adopted the net income taxation because under Sec. 34,
taxpayers are allowed to claim the so-called ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS.
GROSS INCOME means all income derived whatever source, including but not
limited to the following: [STP-IRR-DAP-PS]
1. Compensation for services;
2. Gross income from trade or business or the exercise of a profession;
3. Gains derived from dealings in property;
4. Interests;
5. Rents;
6. Royalties;
7. Dividends;
8. Annuities;
9. Prizes and winnings;
10. Pensions; and
11. Partners distributive share from the net income of the general professional
partnership.
NET INCOME TAXATION income is taxed at net. The taxpayer may claim
allowable deductions.
INCOME all wealth which flows in the taxpayer other than a mere return of
capital. It includes all income specifically described as gain or profit including
gain derived from the sale or disposition of capital asset.

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JUDICIAL DEFINITION: It also means gains derived from (1) capital, (2) labor, or
(3) both labor and capital including gains derived from the sale or exchange of
capital asset.
FOUR (4) Sources of INCOME; [ClaBS]
a. Capital
b. Labor
c. Both labor and capital
d. Sale of property
Example of income derived from capital >>> Interest Income
Example of income derived from labor >>> Compensation Income
Example of income derived from both capital and labor >>> Income of an
independent contractor. The independent contractor provides work force,
provides capital and derives income from such capital.
* In determining the profit from the sale of property, you should always be guided
by this formula:
Amount Received Or Realized LESS Cost of Property = PROFIT
TAXABLE INCOME (the old term is Net Income) means all pertinent items of
gross income specified in the Tax Code less the deductions and/or personal
and additional exemptions, if any, authorized for such types of income by this
Code or other special laws. (Sec. 31 of the TRA of 1997).
Shoter Version: All pertinent items of gross income less allowable deductions.
Q. What are the advantages/disadvantages of gross income taxation and net
income taxation?
Advantages of gross income taxation:
1. It simplifies our income taxation. This is so because since no deductions are
allowed, it is very easy to tax the income. You dont have to find out whether
deductions or expenses are legitimate or not because they are not deductible.
2. This will generate more revenue to the government.
3. It minimizes cost.
Disadvantages of gross income taxation:
1. As far as the taxpayer is concerned, this is inequitable because they cannot
claim the expenses, which are incurred in connection with his trade or business
or exercise of his profession.
2. And if this is the system, in all likelihood the taxpayers will lose interest to
earn more. It will in effect reduce the purchasing capacity of the taxpayer.
3. Since taxpayers cannot claim those legitimate expenses as deductions, they
may resort to fraudulent scheme that will minimize their tax ability and this
may be done through the understatement of income. So, in effect, this will
encourage tax evasion.
Advantages of net income taxation:

7
1. As far as the taxpayer is concerned, they will consider this as equitable and
just system.
2. This will minimize tax evasion because examiners will be employed to check
whether expenses are correct or not.
3. The consequence of no. 2 is that this will generate more revenues.
Disadvantages of net income taxation:
1. vulnerable to graft and corruption
2. vulnerable to tax evasion
3. will give rise to loss of revenues.

SOURCES/SITUS OF INCOME
An income may be an income from within or without the Philippines. The
other term for income within is Local Income while income without is sometimes
called Global Income or Universal Income.
In determining whether an income is an income within or without, you have to consider
the classification or kind of income.
CLASSIFICATION OF INCOME: [C, B, P, I, R, R, D, A, P, P, P]
1. Compensation income from services
2. Income derived from business, trade or profession in this regard, the
common forms of business are merchandising business, farming business,
mining business and manufacturing business.
3. Income from sale or exchange of property (either real or personal property)
4. Interest Income
5. Rent Income
6. Royalties
7. Dividends, which may be received from domestic or foreign corporation
8. Annuities
9. Prizes and winnings
10. Pensions
11. Partners distributive share in the net income of general professional
partnership (Professional income of a partner)
* COMPENSATION INCOME
Tax Situs: Place where services are rendered. So, if services are rendered within
the Phils., that is a Local Income. If it is a payment for services rendered
outside the Phils., that is an income without.
RC income from within and without are taxable.
NRC only compensation income from sources within is taxable.
RA same as NRC.
* BUSINESS INCOME [M3 F]
a) Merchandising Business
b) Farming Business
c) Mining Business
d) Manufacturing Business
Tax Situs:

Tax Situs: Place where these

business are undertaken.

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(1) if the goods are manufactured in the Phils. And sold within the phils. This is
considered as income derived purely within.
(2) Goods manufactured outside the Phils. and sold outside income derived
purely without.
(3) Goods manufactured within the Phils. and sold outside the Phils. income
partly within and partly without.
(4) Goods manufactured outside the Phils. and sold within the Phils. income
partly within and partly without.
* INCOME FROM SALE OR EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY
If it involves personal property, in determining the tax situs, we
have to consider the place of sale.
In the case of sale of transport documents, tax situs is the place
where the transport document is sold (BOAC Case).
If it involves real property, the tax situs is the place or location of
the real property. So, if the property sold is situated within the
Phils., the income derived from such sale is considered as income
within.
* INTEREST INCOME
Tax Situs: RESIDENCE of the DEBTOR
Case: There was this contract regarding the construction of ocean-going
vessels. There was this issuance of letter of credit and the payment of
downpayment. All the elements of the transactions took place in Japan. The
payment was made in Japan. The letter of credit was executed in Japan. The
delivery was made in Japan. The debtor is a domestic corp.
Is the interest income on this loan evidenced by the letter of credit
taxable to the Japanese corp.?
HELD: NO, because the tax situs of interest income is not the activity but the
residence of the debtor. The place where the contract of loan is executed is
immaterial.

* RENT INCOME
Tax Situs: the PLACE of property subject of the contract of lease.

* ROYALTIES
Tax Situs: the PLACE where the intangible property is USED

* DIVIDEND
a. Received from domestic corp. this is an income purely within.

9
b. Received from foreign corp. consider the income of the foreign corp. in the
Phils. during the last preceding three (3) taxable years;
rules:
(1) The income is purely within if the income derived from the Phil. sources is
more than 85%
(2) It is purely without if the proportion of its Phil. income to the total income is
less than 60%
(3) There should be an allocation if it is more than 50% but not exceeding 85%
* ANNUITIES
Tax Situs: the PLACE where the contract was made
* PRIZES AND WINNINGS
Prizes may be given on account of services rendered in which
case, the tax situs is the place where the services were
rendered.
If these prizes are not given on account of services, the tax situs is
the place where the same was given.

Tax situs of winnings is the place where the same was given.
*PENSION
Tax Situs: PLACE where this may be given on account of services rendered
*PROFESSIONAL INCOME OF PROFESISONAL PARTNERS
Tax Situs: PLACE where the exercise of profession is undertaken

GROSS INCOME
GROSS INCOME means all income derived from whatever source, including
but not limited to the following:
INCLUSION: [code: STP-IRR-DAP-PS]
1. compensation for services
2. gross income from trade or business or the exercise of a profession
3. gains derived from dealings in property
4. Interests
5. Rents
6. Royalties
7. Dividends
8. Annuities
9. Prizes and winnings
10. Pensions and
11. Partners distributive share from the net income of the general professional
partnership (Sec. 32 of TRA of 1997)

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EXCLUSIONS [code: LAGCIRM]

1. proceeds of life insurance policy
2. amount received by the insured as return of premium
3. gifts, bequests, devises or descent
4. compensation for injuries or sickness
5. income exempt under treaty
6. retirement benefits, pensions, gratuities
and others: (F, V, R, S, S, G)
a. retirement benefits received from foreign institution whether
public or private
b. veterans benefits
c. retirement benefits received from private firms whether individual
or corporate
d. separation pay
e. SSS
f. GSIS
7. miscellaneous items:
a. prizes and awards given in recognition of religious, charitable, scientific,
educational, artistic, literary, or civic achievements
CONDITIONS:
1. the recipient was selected without any action on his part to enter the
contest or proceeding
2. the recipient is not required to render substantial future services as a
condition to receiving the prize or award
b. income derived by the government or its political subdivisions from the
exercise of any essential governmental function or from any public utility
c. income derived from investment in the Philippines by foreign government or
financing institutions
d. prizes and awards in sports competitions
e. gain derived from the redemption of shares of stock issued by the mutual
fund company
f.

contributions to GSIS, SSS, PAG-IBIG, and union dues

g. benefits in the from of 13th month pay and other benefits

h. gain derived from the sale, exchange, retirement of bonds debentures or
other certificate of indebtedness with a maturity of more than five (5) years.
(Sec. 32 (b), TRA of 1997)
*ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS
1. Optional Standard Deduction of ten percent (10%) of the Gross Income
available only to individual other than a non-resident alien provided he signifies
in his return his intention to elect OSD, otherwise, itemized deductions apply.
Election made shall be irrevocable for the taxable year (Sec. 34 L)

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2. Itemized Deductions under Sec. 34 A-K, and M
3. Personal and Additional Deductions/Exemptions under Sec. 35
* ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS [code: ELIT-BDD-CRC]
1. expenses
2. loses
3. interest
4. taxes
5. bad debts
6. depreciation
7. depletion of oil, gas wells and mines
8. charitable and other contributions
9. research and development
10. contribution to pension trust
* NON-DEDUCTIBLE ITEMS
(Sec. 36 A)
1. Personal living or family expenses;
2. Amount paid for new buildings or permanent improvements, or betterment to
increase the value of any property or estate;
3. Any amount expended in restoring property or in making good the
exhaustion thereof for which an allowance is or has been made; or
4. Premiums paid on any life insurance policy covering the life of any officer or
employee, or of any person financially interested in any trade or business
carried on by the taxpayer , individual or corporate, when the taxpayer is
directly or indirectly a beneficiary under such policy.
(Sec. 36 B) Losses from sales or exchanges of property directly or indirectly
1. Between members of a family (brother, sister of half or full blood, spouse,
ascendant, lineal descendants);
2. Except in case of distributions in liquidation, between an individual and a
corporation more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is
owned directly, by or for such an individual; or
3. Except in case of distributions in liquidation, between two corporations
more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of each of which is owned,
directly or indirectly, by or for same individual, if either one of such corporation
is a personal holding company or a foreign personal holding company; or
4. Between the grantor and a fiduciary of any trust; or
5. Between fiduciary of a trust and the fiduciary of another trust, if the same
person is a grantor with respect to each trust; or
6. Between a fiduciary of a trust and a beneficiary of such trust.

TAXABLE INDIVIDUALS

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RESIDENT CITIZENS (RC)
Income from within and without taxable
NON-RESIDENT CITIZENS (NRC)
Income from within

When an NRC returns to the Phils., his income may also be taxed as
Resident Citizen or Non-Resident Citizen.
Illustration: A, an OCW, arrived in the Phils. sometime in June 1998. He will be
taxed as a Non-Resident Citizen (NRC) as regards the income that he earned
which covers the period of January to June. Now as regards the income that he
will derive upon his arrival from June to December, he will be taxed as Resident
Citizen (RC).
But if he is not in the Phils. from the period of January to December 1998, he
will be taxed as NRC for the said period.
If he will return to the Phils. and stay there from January t December 1999, he
will be taxed as RC for the same period.
* NRC must prove to the satisfaction of the BIR Commissioner the fact of physical
presence abroad with the intention to reside therein.
*

When an NRC decides to return to the Phils., he must prove his intention to

reside here permanently.

* Now NRC includes OVERSEAS CONTACT WORKERS (OCW), IMMIGRANTS, and
those who STAY OUTSIDE the Phils. by virtue of an employment.
RESIDENT ALIEN (RA)
1. An individual who is not a citizen of the Phils. but a resident of the Phils.
* Includes those who consider the Phils. as a second home.
*** Transient tourist who just sojourn, their stay is merely temporary, thus
may not be considered as RA.
* If an alien stays in the Phils. for a period of more than one (1) year, he is
considered as RA.
SPECIAL NON-RESIDENT ALIEN ENGAGED IN TRADE OR BUSINESS (NRANETB)
* He must be an alien individual who is not residing in the Phils. and not
engaged in trade or business in the Phils.

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* He is one whose stay in the Phis.is not more than 180 days
SPECIAL NON-RESIDENT NOT ENGAGED IN TRADE OR BUSINESS (SNRANETB)
* Those employed by: (ROP)
1. Regional or Area Headquarters of Multinational corporations;
2. Offshore Banking Units;
3. Petroleum Service Contractors
NON-RESIDENT ALIEN ENGAGED IN TRADE OR BUSINESS (NRA-ETB)
> considered as engaged in trade or business if his stay is more than 180 days
> We can no

longer tax his income from sources without. We can only tax his

income from sources within.

ENTITLEMENT OF DEDUCTIONS
RC entitled to deductions because the tax base is taxable income.
Gross Income
Less: Allowable deductions
=======================
Taxable Income
NRC entitled to deductions because the tax base is taxable income.
RA entitled to deductions because the tax base is taxable income.
NRA-TB entitled to deductions because the tax base is gross income. Their
income is subject to 25% tax rate.
SNRA-NETB subject to 15% tax rate on their income in the from of:
S - Salaries
H - Honoraria
O - Other
W - Wages
E - Emoluments
R - Remuneration

EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME

PROCEEDS OF LIFE INSURANCE

14

Subject to tax if :
1. the insurer and insured agreed that the amount of the proceeds shall be
withheld by the insurer with the obligation to pay interest in the same, the
interest is the one subject to tax;
2. there is transfer of the insurance policy;
Example:
A transferred to B his life insurance policy. The value of the policy is P1
M. B paid a consideration amounting to P300,000. B continued paying the
premiums after the transfer such that the premiums amounted to P200,000.
Upon the death of the insured, the P1 M may be received by the heirs.
Q. Is the full amount of P1 M exempt?
A.

NO, only the consideration given and the total premiums paid may be

excluded. That is, P1 M less P500,000.

Problem:
A obtained a life insurance policy for B.

B is the president of As

corporation. Corp. has an insurable interest in the life of its officers, so

premiums may be paid by the employer A. Upon the death of B, his designated
beneficiaries will receive the proceeds.
a. Is the amount representing the proceeds of the life insurance policy
taxable?
b. What about the premium paid by the employer A? Does this amount
form part of the gross compensation income?
c. Does the amount representing the proceeds of life insurance policy from
part of the estate of the decedent?

Answers:
a. Let us first make two (2) assumptions. Let us assume that:
1. the beneficiary designated is the employer;
2. the beneficiary designated is the heir of the family of the insured.
The Tax Code however, makes no distinction. Regardless of the designated
beneficiary is the employer or the heirs, or the family of the insured proceeds of
life insurance policy should always be excluded.

15
b. Premiums of life insurance policy paid by the employer may form part of
compensation income; hence, taxable if the beneficiary designated are the
heirs or the family or the employees.
It is not taxable compensation income if the designated beneficiary is the
employer because that is just a mere return of capital.
c. Proceeds of life insurance policy may be excluded from the gross estate of
the decedent under the following cases:
1. if the beneficiary designated is a 3rd person and the designation is
irrevocable;
2. it is a proceed of a group insurance policy.
However, it is included in the gross estate of the decedent:
1. if

the

beneficiary

designated

in

the

estate,

executor or

administrator of the estate or the family of heirs of the decedent;

2. if the beneficiary designated is a 3rd person and the designation is
revocable [see Section 85 (e)]
As far as Sec. 85 (e) is concerned, an employer may be considered a 3rd person.
AMOUNT RECEIVED BY INSURED AS RETURN OF PREMIUM
Reason for Exclusion: It represents a mere return of capital.
The sources of this return of premium: (L.E.A.)
1. Life Insurance Policy
2. Endowment contracts
3. Annuity contracts
---Whether the premiums are returned during or at the maturity of the term
mentioned in the contract or upon surrender of thee contract
Problem:
A took out an endowment policy amounting to P1 M. He paid premiums
amounting to P800,000. Upon the maturity of the policy, A received that P1M.
How much is the taxable amount?
Answer:
That is P1,000,000. value of endowment policy
LESS: P 800,000. representing amount of premium
===============================================
P 200,000. taxable amount
*GIFTS, BEQUESTS and DEVISES

16
Rationale: What is contemplated here are donations which are purely gratuitous
in character in order that it may be excluded.
Gifts are excluded because these are subject to donors tax.
Bequests and devises are excluded because these may be subject
to estate tax.

What about remuneratory donations? Remuneratory donations are

subject to income tax.
EXCEPTIONS to the Rule:>>> the income or fruit of such money given by
donation, bequests or devise, including the income of this gift, bequest or devise
in cases of transfer of divided interest.
*COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES OR SICKNESS
Reason for Exclusion: This is just an indemnification for the injuries or damages
suffered. This is compensatory in nature.
The sources are:
1. The compensation may be paid by virtue of a suit;
2. It may be paid by virtue of health insurance, accident insurance or Workmens
Compensation Act
But as regards damages representing loss of anticipated income, this is the one
that is taxable.
If damages are in the nature of moral, exemplary, nominal, temperate, actual and
liquidated damages, as a rule, these may not be subject to tax.
Example:
If a person suffered injury as a result of a vehicular accident, and an
action is filed in court, the Court awards the following:

Moral Exemplary Actual -

P100,000.
P100,000.
P 60,000. (hospitalization expenses)
P 20,000. (repair of car)
P 60,000. (loss of income)

*** All damages awarded are tax-exempt except damages of representing loss of
income.
Question: Are damages awarded by the Court on account of breach of contract
taxable?
Answer: Qualify your answer. With regards to damages awarded on account of
loss of earnings of the contracting party, it is taxable.
INCOME EXEMPT UNDER TREATY
Reason for the Exclusion: Treaty has obligatory force of contract.

17
Exception: As may be provided for in the treaty.
*RETIREMENT BENEFITS, PENSIONS, GRATUITIES AND OTHERS
- VETERANS BENEFIT
* This may be given by the US Administration.
* The recipient must be a resident veteran.
- BENEFITS GIVEN BY FOREIGN AGENCIES OR INSTITUTIONS WHETHER
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
Giver: Foreign government agencies or institutions whether public or private.
Recipient: Resident citizen, non-resident citizen or resident alien.
Observation:
Non-resident citizen should not be included in the enumeration since it is
already understood that we cannot tax his income from without. We can only
tax the income of non=-resident citizen derived from sources within.
The same is true with resident alien because we can only tax his income from
sources within.
The inclusion of NRC and RA in the enumeration are mere surplusage.
-RETIREMENT BENEFITS RECEIVED FROM PRIVATE FIRM WHETHER
INDIVIDUAL OR CORPORATE
Recipient: Private employees or official of such private firm.
REQUISITES:
1. The private employee or official must be at least 50 years of age at the time of
his requirement;
2. He must have rendered at least 10 years of service to the employer at the
time of the retirement;
3. There must be reasonable private benefit plan established by the employer;
4. The reasonable private benefit plan must be approved by the BIR.
5. Reasonable private benefit plan may be in the nature of pension plan, profit
sharing plan, stock bonus plan, or gratuity;
6. The employer must give contribution and no amount shall inure to the
benefit of a particular employee or official. This must be established for the
common benefit of the employees or officials;
7. This can be availed of ONCE.
* The subsequent retirement benefits received from another private employer is
no longer exempt but subject to tax.
* If the second employer is a government entity or institution, in which case,
that is exempt because the giver here is not a private firm. The limitation
applies only when the giver of the subsequent retirement benefits is another
private employer.
-PHYSICAL DISABILITY BENEFITS
* These include death benefit, sickness benefit and other disability benefit.
Sometimes, the term used is separation pay.

18

Giver: may either be public or private employer

*Sources of Separation Pay:
1. Death of an employee;
2. Physical disability of an employee;
3. Any other cause beyond the control of the employee or official.
Example of no.3
a. Retrenchment of employees;
b. Installation of labor saving devises;
c. Dissolution of law firm.
>Resignation of an employee is a cause within his control.
>But, involuntary resignation is beyond the control of the employee.
>The most important thing here is that the separation pay was given on
account of the above-mentioned sources.
>There is no requirement as to age of the employee or official; there is also no
requirement as to the length of service of the employee or official.
>No requirement also as to the number of availment of benefits.
-AMOUNT OF THE ACCUMULATED SICK LEAVE AND VACATION LEAVE
CREDITS
The monetized value of these benefits may be subject to tax if these
will not form part of the terminal leave pay.
The monetized value of sick leave credit is always tax exempt, if it
forms part of the terminal leave pay.
As regards UNUSED VACATION LEAVE CREDIT, this is exempt
only if the number of days is 10 days or less in excess of 10 days,
it is already subject to tax.
If the unused sick leave benefit is monetized, if the employer allow
such practice, and the same is given at the end of this year, it is
subject to withholding tax because in this case, it does not form
part of the terminal leave pay.
Reason for exemption of terminal leave pay:
The accumulated value of unused sick leave and vacation leave
credits included in the terminal leave pay is exempt from income
tax because it is one received on account of a cause beyond the
control of the employee. This terminal leave pay is usually given
under a compulsory retirement. Compulsory retirement is a cause
beyond the control ofte employee.

*MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

a. Prizes and Awards in Awards Competitions

REQUISITES:
1. Competition and tournament must be sanctioned or approved by
the National Sports Association;
2. The competition and tournament must also be approved by the
Philippine Olympic Committee, whether local or international;
whether held in the Phils or outside.(if not accredited- 20% tax)
b. Prizes and Awards made primarily in recognition of: (RCS-SALE)

19
Religious, Charitable,
Educational

Civic

Achievement,

Scientific,

Athletic,

Literary,

Example: P1 M reward given to Mr. Advincula for his exemplary honesty.

This may be excluded from his gross income because it is given in
recognition of civic achievement. He was (1) selected without any action on
his part to enter a contest or proceeding; and (2) he is not required to render
substantial future services as a condition to receiving the award.
c. Income derived from public utility or from the exercise of essential
government function by the Government or political subdivisions of
the Phils.
Recipient: Government or its Political Subdivision
* Government of the Republic of the Phils or Government of the Phils vs. National
Government
Government of the Republic of the Phils. is synonymous with Government of
the Phils.
Government of the Phils. or government of the Phils. refers to the
government corporate entity through which the functions of the government are
exercised throughout the Phils., including save as the contrary appears from
the context, the various arms through which political authority is made
effective in the Phils., whether pertaining to the autonomous regions, cities,
provinces, municipalities, barangays or other forms of local government. These
autonomous regions, provincial, city, municipal or barangay subdivisions are
the political subdivisions.
National government - refers to the entire machinery of the central
government. This includes the three (3) major departments of the government:
the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary (Mactan Cebu International Airport
Authority vs. Marcos, Sept. 11, 1996).
It is clear that government-owned and controlled corporations is
within the contemplation of the term national government.
We need this distinctions because the particular item of exclusion
emphasizes the fact that political subdivisions of the State form
part of the Government of the Phils.
You must have noticed that there is no provision regarding
government-owned and controlled corporations. Also, there are no
provisions on agencies or instrumentalities of the government. The
item or income here is exempt if the recipient is either the
Government of the Republic of the Phils. or the provincial
subdivisions of the State such as provinces, cities, etc.
* Income derived by a government-owned and controlled corporation, agency or
instrumentality of the government may be subject to tax.
*Government-owned and controlled corporations are now subject to corporate
income tax, except:
a. SSS

20
b.
c.
d.
e.

GSIS
Phil. Health Insurance Corp.
PCSO
PAGCOR

Situation: A municipality derived income from holding a fiesta.

Rule: The rule is settled that holding a town fiesta is considered a proprietary
function. Therefore, said income is subject to tax.
Situation: A municipality derived income from the operation of public market,
electric power plant and other public utilities.
Rule: That income is tax exempt.
d. Income derived from investment in the Phils. (1) by foreign
government or (2) financing institutions, owned, controlled or
financed by foreign government, regional or (3) international
financing institutions established by foreign government
REQUISITES:
1. Recipient must be:
a. foreign government;
b. financing institution owned, financed or controlled by foreign
government;
c. regional financing institution, international financing institution
established by foreign government;
2. It must be an income derived from investment in the Phils.
Sources of such income:
--- It may be in the nature of bonds. So, foreign government here may be
considered the creditor possible income here is the interest of bonds. Now,
loans may be extended possible income here is interest on loans.
--- If a foreign government or financing institution made a deposit in a bank, Phil.
currency deposit the income here is the nature of interest income.
--- If a foreign government made an investment in a domestic corporation. It may
be considered a stockholder. And a stockhlder is entitled to dividend. Hence, the
dividend income received from domestic corporation is tax exempt.
** If the recipient of such dividend is a resident foreign corporation that is
also tax exempt. It is only subject to tax if the recipient of such dividend is a
non-resident foreign corporation.
Case: EXIMBANK, which is a consortium of Japanese banks, extended a loan in
the amount of S20M to Mitsubishi Metal Corp., a Japanese corporation. The
same amount was extended by Mitsubishi as a loan to Atlas Corp., a domestic
corporation.
The contract entered into between Mitsubishi Metal Corp. is denominated
as contract of loan and sale. It is a contract of loan because Mitsubishi would
lend Atlas S20M. It is a contract of sale because under the contract Atlas bound
itself to sell the concentrates (this is a mining corp.) that may be produced by

21
the concentrator machine/equipment purchased through the use of the S20M
for a period of 15 years.
This being a contract of loan, Mitsubishi is entitled to interest on loan.
ISSUE: Whether or not such interest on loan is subject to Phil. income tax
ARGUMENTS: Mitsubishi contended that this is not taxable because:
1. The source of S20M is a tax exempt entity (EXIMBANK is a financing
institution controlled and financed by a foreign government); and
2. Mitsubishi is an agent of EXIMBANK, a tax exempt entity.
HELD: There was no evidence to the effect that Mitsubishi is an agent of
EXIMBANK. It is a mere allegation that has not been proven.
In a contract of loan, once the loan is consummated, the amount
becomes exclusive property of the borrower. It is no longer considered the
money of EXIMBANK. Hence, the interest of such loan should be subject to tax.
The lender is not a tax exempt entity. The creditor here is Mitsubishi and
it is not a tax exempt entity. Such being the case, tax exemption must be strictly
construed against the taxpayer and liberally in favor of the government. When
you claim exemption, you should prove it clear and categorical terms.
* The problem may be modified by the examiner. The examiner may clearly state
the Mitsubishi is an agent of EXIMBANK. The answer is, the interest on loan is
tax exempt. Mitsubishi then is considered as an extension of EXIMBANK. It is
as if the lender is EXIMBANK.
e. 13th month Pay and Benefits
* This applies both to private and public employees.
* Total exclusion should not exceed P30,000 subject to increase by the
Secretary of Finance upon the recommendation of the BIR Commissioner.
f. Contributions to GSIS, SSS, MEDICARE, PAG-IBIG, and union dues
* This is a surplusage. Even if this is not mentioned, we cannot tax that.
g. Sale, exchange, retirement of bonds, debentures and other
certificates of indebtedness with a maturity of more than FIVE (5)
YEARS
- If maturity is less than 5 years, taxable.
Rule: Interest on bonds
1. issued by C.B - exempt
2. if issued by corp.- not exempt
Rule: Redemptions of share in mutual funds:
- only those gains derived from redemption of shares issued by a mutual fund
company are exempt
- it must emanate from a mutual fund

22
- If the term is not more than 5 years (5 years or less), the gain derived from the
sale, exchange and retirement of the same, may be subject to tax.
Illustration:
If you are a creditor, you may sell these bonds, debentures or certificates
of indebtedness to another. Hindi mo na mahintay ang maturity kasi long term. If
there is a gain on the sale of the same, it would be a tax exempt provided that
the bonds, etc., have a maturity or term of more than 5 years.
Retirement of bonds, debenture, etc. --- Nagbayad na yung debtor. There
may be gain derived from the same, such as interest. This time, since the gain
is in the nature of interest, it is subject to tax. But, the gain derived from the
sale, exchange or retirement with a term of more than 5 years, is tax exempt.
This is because exemptions are strictly construed against the taxpayer and
liberally in favor of the government. Interests on bonds, debentures, etc. are
taxable, the provision is clear. It only covers sale/exchange/retirement of bonds,
debentures and other certificate of indebtedness with a maturity of five years.
Strict interpretation of tax exemption.

TYPES/ CLASSIFICATION OF INCOME

1. COMPENSATION INCOME an income derived under an employeeemployer relationship.

This may include the following: (WEBB-DROP)

Wages, Emoluments, Bonuses, Benefits, Directors fee, Taxable Retirement
Benefits, Other items of income of similar nature, Taxable Pensions
* Retirement benefits may be subject to tax, if it does not comply with the
provision of Sec. 32 (b) par. 6 sub.par a.
* Pensions may be subject to tax, if it is given not in accordance with the
conditions laid down under that exclusion provision.
* Other items of income of similar nature may include: (CHAMP)
Clothing allowance, Hospitalization allowance, Allowances for Food, Medical
allowance, Share from the Profit sharing plan of the employee
* TESTS TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN INCOME IS COMPENSATION or NOT:
Find out whether it is received under an employer-employee
relationship.
Any payment received under an employer-employee relationship is
compensation income.
*TESTS
TO DETERMINE THERE
RELATIONSHIP: (AC-DC)
1. Appointment (selection and hiring)
2. Compensation
3. Dismissal power
4. Control test

EXISTS

AN

EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE

23
N.B. : The name or designation of income is immaterial. The basis of the income
is immaterial and the manner by which it is paid, is also not important. As long
as it is given under an employer-employee relationship, then that is compensation
income.
CANCELLATION OF INDEBTEDNESS Considered as compensation income is
the indebtedness had been cancelled in consideration of the services rendered.
*** Share of the employee from the PROFIT SHARING PLAN of the employerCompensation income received in consideration of services rendered.
TAX LIABILITY OF THE EMPLOYEE PAID BY THE EMPLOYER
Compensation income if paid under an employer-employee relationship in
consideration of services rendered.
PREMIUMS PAID BY THE EMPLOYER ON THE INSURANCE POLICY OF THE
EMPLOYEE Compensation income if the beneficiary designated is the family
of heirs of the employee.
*** The basis of the income is immaterial. Even if it is paid in piece work, fixed
rate or percentage basis as long as it is paid under an employer-employee
relationship.
REQUISITES FOR TAXABILITY OF COMPENSATION INCOME ARE: (SPR)
1. There must be services, rendered under an employer-employee relationship.
2. If payment must be for that services rendered.
3. It must be reasonable. The compensation for services rendered must be
reasonable.
Purpose why only a reasonable amount may be taxed as compensation
income:
Take note on the part of the employer, he can claim such compensation
for services as deduction. Now, only the amount that is reasonable under the
circumstances can be claimed as deduction. So, if the amount or the value of
the services rendered is P10,000 but the employee received P15,000. As far as
the employer is concerned, he can only claim the reasonable amount of
P10,000. In the case of an employee, he can consider P10,000 as compensation
income. The excess of P5,000 may be treated as other income.
*** Not all payments for services rendered are considered compensation income.
Only those paid under the employer-employee relationship.
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT COMPENSATION INCOME: (P I)
1. Compensation for services rendered by independent service contractor. This
may be treated as trade or business income.
2. Income derived by professionals from the practice of profession under
professional partnership. This is treated as professional income.
*** Fringe benefit is considered as compensation income. This is governed
by Sec. 33, TRA 1997. This is compensation income in the sense that this is
received under an employer-employee relatioship.

24
DOCTRINE OF CASH EQUIVALENT
- you may be paid in cash or in property/kind
- equivalent value of property is taxable
* DIFFERENT FORMS OF COMPENSATION INCOME:
1. Property/Kind Fair Market Value (FMV) of the property. If there is a price
stipulated, it is the price stipulated that will be followed in the absence of
contrary evidence.
2. Promissory Note or other evidence of Indebtedness a. If it is not discounted, it is the face value of the promissory note.
b. If it is discounted, it is the fair discounted value of the promissory
note.
3. Stock FMV of that shares of stock

4. Cancellation of Indebtedness Cancellation of indebtedness has the

following tax consequences:
a. It may amount to taxable compensation income if the
indebtedness has been cancelled in consideration of the
services rendered.
b. It may amount to taxable gift or donation if the indebtedness
has been cancelled without any consideration at all. This is not
subject to income tax but may amount to taxable gift or
donation.
c. It may amount to capital transaction if the creditor is a
corporation and the debtor is a stockholder. If creditor
corporation condoned the indebtedness of the debtor stockholder,
that may amount to taxable capital transaction. This is the
form of direct dividend. Now, property dividend is subject to tax
rates of 6%, 8% and 10%. Dividend received from domestic
corporation is now subject to tax.
5. Tax liability of the Employee paid by the employer in
consideration of services rendered amount of tax liability
6. Premiums paid by the employer on the life insurance policy of
the employee.
a. It is a taxable compensation income if the beneficiary designated
are the heirs of the employee or his family.
b. It is not a taxable compensation income if the beneficiary
designated is the employer because it is just a mere return of
capital.

25
If the designation of the employer as beneficiary is indirect (e.g.: It is
the creditor of the employer that is designated as beneficiary), that is still
not taxable compensation income.
Example of Indirect designation of the employer as a beneficiary:
a. Beneficiary is the wife of the President of a close corporation.
b. If the employer may secure a loan from he insurance policy.
Premiums will be taxed under Sec. 33 par.b no.10. it is stated there: Life
or health insurance and other non-life insurance premiums or similar
amounts in excess of what the law allows.
* If the payment was received by the employee when he was no longer
connected with his employer, it is still considered compensation income.
What is important here is that it must be received during the existence of
the employer-employee relationship. Employees may be dismissed by the
employer, and they may file complaint for illegal dismissal against the
employer. Judgment was rendered by the arbiter in favor of the employee.
All the wages supposed to be paid (e.g. backwages) can be taxed as
compensation income. What about attorneys fees? That is exempt.

FRINGE BENEFITS: code (HEV-HIM-EHEL)

FRINGE BENEFIT Any good, service, or other benefit furnished or granted in
cash or in kind by an employer to an individual employee (except rank and file
employee) such as but not limited to the following:
1.
Housing;
2.
Expense account;
3
Vehicle of any kind;
4.
Household personnel such as maid, driver, others;
5.
Interest on loan at less than market rate to the extent of the difference
between the market rate and the actual rate granted;
6.
Membership fees, dues and other expenses borne by the employer for
the employee in social and athletic clubs or other similar
organizations;
7.
Expenses for foreign travel;
8.
Holiday and vacation expenses;
9.
Educational assistance to the employee or his dependents; and
10. Life or health insurance and other non-life insurance premiums or
similar amounts in excess of what the law allows.(if contributionexempt)
* Housing allowance may be exempt from tax if the living quarters are:
a. Provided with the premises of the employer.
b. It must be made as a condition of employment.
If said requisites are not present, housing allowance may be taxed
as fringe benefits.

26

* Meal allowance may be exempt from tax if it is provided within the premises of the
employer.
* Privilege or purchase discount are tax exempt if it does not exceed of the basic
monthly salary of the employee. If it is more than , the excess may be as fringe
bene
* Medical or hospital allowance, clothing allowance, rice allowance may be exempt from tax if
the following requisites are present:
1. It must be of relatively small value (reasonable amount). (RSV)
2. It must be given for the following purposes: (CHEG)
a. To promote Contentment
b To promote Health
.
c. To promote Efficiency
d To promote Goodwill
.
* Tax Exempt fringe benefits: (RF, DM, C, Ex, ECR)
1. Benefits given to the rank and file employees, whether granted under a
collective bargaining agreement or not.
2.

De minimis benefits means of small amount. These are benefits relatively

of small amount.

3.

Contributions of the employer for the benefit of the employee to retirement,

insurance and hospitalization benefits plans.

4.

Fringe benefits which are authorized or exempted from tax under special
laws.

5.

Those given for the convenience of the employer, including those which are
required by the nature of the trade, business or profession of the employer
(Employers Convenience Rule)

De minimis benefits (of relatively small value) limited to facilities or privileges

furnished or offered by employer to his employees merely as a means of
promoting health, goodwill, contentment, or efficiency of employees, such as:
a.

Monetized unused vacation leave credits not exceeding ten (10) days
during the year;
b. Medical cash allowance to dependents of employees not exceeding P750
per semester of P125 per month;
c. Rice subsidy of P350 per month;
d. Uniforms;
e. Medical benefits
f. Laundry allowance of P150 per month;
g. Employee achievement awards, for length of service of safety achievement
in the form of tangible personal property other than cash gift certificate,
with an annual monetary value not exceeding month of the basic
salary of employee receiving the award under an established written plan
which does not discriminate in favor of highly paid employees;
h. Christmas and major anniversary celebrations for employees and their

27

i.
j.

guests;
Company picnics and sports tournaments in the Philippines and are
participated in exclusively by employees; and
Flowers, fruits, books or similar items given to employees under special
circumstances on account of illness, marriage, birth of a baby, etc.

*Principle of Employers Convenience Rule:

- fringe benefits may be exempt/not subject to tax if these are given
for the benefit or advantage of the employer.
The following are the possible fringe benefits, which may be exempt under the Employers
Convenience Rule: (H V H M T)
a. Housing benefit
b. Vehicle
c. Household personnel
d. Membership in a social or athletic club or similar organization
e. Traveling expense benefit
* Housing benefit in determining whether the same is exempt under the
employers convenience rule, you have to consider the peculiar nature of the
special needs of the employer.
Requisites for exemption:
1. It must be made as a condition for employment;
2. It must be provided within the premises of the employer
*** This may apply to a supervisor of a plant or a company.
* If the housing or living quarters are provided outside the premises of the
employer, even if that is for the convenience of the employer, this is only exempt
up to 50% of the amount. So, 50% taxable, 50% exempt.
* Vehicle Exempt but depends upon the peculiar nature of the special needs
of the business of the employer.
Example: LBC or DHL business
* Household personnel such as maid, driver and others Exempt, but
depends upon the peculiar nature of the business of the employer.
* Membership in a social club, etc. Peculiar nature requirement.
* Traveling expense benefit Peculiar nature requirement. Example: Employer
sent his employees abroad to attend a particular seminar to improve their
technical know-how.
BAR QUESTION: A is a driver of Congressman Magtanggol and he received a
monthly salary of P5,000 and living quarter allowance of P2,500.
a.
Whether the P2,500 living quarter allowance is excluded or subject to
tax?
b.
Assuming the employer is an obstetrician would your answer be the
same?
ANSWER:
a. That should be subject to tax.

28
b. It should be excluded. Reason: Convenience of the employers rule.

2. GROSS INCOME FROM BUSINESS, TRADE OR PROFESSION

BUSINESS Any activity that entails time, attention, effort for purposes of
livelihood or profit.
As regards construction business, the taxpayer here must be an
independent contractor. He may report his income under the
percentage of completion method or under the so-called completed
contract method.
PROFESSIONAL INCOME The recipient of the same must be professionals.
How about those who claim that they are professionals but are not
registered in the P. R. C., can they still be tax as such?
Yes, irrespective of whether they are licensed or not because of the
rule that gross income derived from whatever source.

3. PASSIVE INCOME
PASSIVE INCOME This is the income that is subject to final tax.
Income subject to final tax are the following: (code:RPD-WIDS)
1.

Royalties

2.

Prizes

3.

Winnings

4.

Interests on bank deposit, deposit substitutes, trust funds and

other similar arrangements.

5.

Dividend received from domestic corporation, mutual fund insurance

company, regional headquarters of multi-national
corporation and
other corporation.

6.

Share a partner in the net income after tax of a taxable partnership,

joint account, joint venture or concessions.

*** Do not include passive income in the income of your business or profession, or in your
compensation income. This is so because when you receive this income, the tax
had already been imposed and deducted.

RC, NRC, RA

NRA-ETB

NRA-NETB

29
ROYALTIES

PRIZES
exceeding
P10,000.00
If
it
is
P10,000.00
or
less, it is NOT
subject to final
tax but the same
must be included
in other income
(e.g.
compensation,
business,
professional)
WINNINGS
except PCSO &
Lotto
INTERESTS ON
BANK
DEPOSITS, etc.
DIVIDENDS
RECEIVED
from domestic
corp., etc.

20% except in
the
case
of
literary
works,
books
and
musical
compositions
which
are
subject to 10%
final tax

20%

20%

20%
Subject
to
increasing rates
of 6% if received
in 1998; 8% in
1999; and 10%
in 2000.

SHARE OF A
PARTNER
in
the net income
- doafter a tax of a
taxable
6, 8 & 10
partnership,
etc.

Same as RC,
NRC, RA

20%

20%

20%

20%

20%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

Question: How do you treat that share of a professional partner from the net
income of a general-professional partnership?
Answer: This should be taxed at the rate provided under Sec.24, that is, 5% to
34%.

30

But as regards the share of a partner in the net income after tax of a taxable or
business partnership, that is one which is subject to final tax.
PRIZES may be exempt if given in sports competition and if given primary in
recognition of scientific, artistic, literary, educational, religious, charitable, or
civic achievement.
INTEREST
Rules
1. If it is an interest on foreign currency deposit system, it is exempt.
If the recipient is non-resident individual (NRC, NRA-ETB, NRA-NETB).
2. If the recipient is a resident individual (RC, RA), that is subject to 7.5 %.
3. Interest income is also exempt if it is an interest income on a long- term
deposit or long-term investment (this must have a term of not less than 5
years).
If the term is less than 5 years it is subject to the following rates:
1 4 years to less than 5 years
5%
.
2 3 years to less than 4 years
12%
.
3 Less than 3 years
20%
.
DIVIDEND RECEIVED FROM DOMESTIC CORPORATION
1. This is exempt from tax if the recipient is a foreign government, financing
institution, regional financing institution, international financing
institution established by foreign government [see Sec.32 (B) (7) (a)].
2.

It is also exempt if the recipient of such dividend is another domestic

corporation or resident foreign corporation [see Sec. 28(A)(7)(d)]

CAPITAL GAIN DERIVED FROM SALE OF SHARES OF STOCK

Listed and traded through local stock exchange this is not subject to
income tax but subject to percentage tax of of 1% of the gross
selling price.
Not listed and traded through local stock exchange this is the one
subject to income tax.
Not over P100,000.00
Amount Over P100,000.00

5%
10%

If the share of stock is not listed and traded through local stock
exchange, the basis of the tax is net capital gain. So, you should
first deduct the capital loss.
If listed and traded through local exchange, there is no deduction
allowed because the basis of the tax rate of of 1% of the gross
selling price.

31

The above-mentioned tax rates apply to all individual taxpayers.

* CAPITAL GAIN DERIVED FROM THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY
- The real property involved must be considered CAPITAL ASSET.
- The tax on capital gain derived from the sale of real property is 6% of the
gross selling price or zonal value which ever is higher.
* CAPITAL ASSET property held by the taxpayer whether or not connected in
his trade or business except: (code: SOUR)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Stock in trade or other property of any kind which would be included in the
inventory of the taxpayer if on hand at the end of the taxable year.
Property primarily held for sale to customers in the Ordinary course of
trade or business.
Property Used in trade or business subject to depreciation
Real property used in trade or business.
The definition of capital asset says real property held by the taxpayer
whether or not connected with his trade or business except real property
used in trade or business. So, in order to be a capital asset, the real
property must be one not used in trade or business.

That is why, the sale of residential house and lot is subject to 6% of capital
gains because it is a real property not used in trade or business.

But, sale of real property by a real estate dealer is not a capital transaction because the
property involved is one primarily held for sale to customer in the ordinary
course of trade or business. That is not a capital asset but an ordinary
asset.

This covers not only sale of property; it also covers conditional sale of real
property including the so-called pacto de retro sale under Art. 1602 of the
NCC, or disposition of property located in the Phils.

If the buyer is the government or any of its political sub-divisions or political

agencies, including government owned and controlled corporations, the seller
have the option to avail the 6% or under Sec. 24(A), wherein the basis
under said section is taxable income so deductions may be allowed. The
cost of the property may be deducted but when you avail of the 6%, the
basis is gross selling price or zonal value whichever is higher.

Is this a tax on the buyer or the seller?

It is a tax on the seller. But sometimes, through an agreement, pwede
nilang I-transfer sa buyer, and theres nothing that can prevent the seller
from transferring the tax to the buyer in the contract of sale.

OTHER INCOME
* OTHER INCOME includes [code: R.I.D.O.]
a. Rent income other than royalties
b. Interest income other than interest income on bank deposit
c. Dividend income

32
d. Income from Other sources and this may include: (BIT-CDC)
d.1 Bad debts recovered
.
d.2 Illegal gains derived from gambling
.
d.3 Tax funds
.
d.4 Compensation for private property expropriated by the government for
.
public use.
d.5 Damages
.
d.6 Cancellation of indebtedness
.
1.

RENT

- Compensation for the use of ones property.

- The payment may be in cash or in kind. The property involved is
either personal or real property.
- In the case of personal intangible property, subject to final tax if
it involves intellectual property, copyright, trademarks etc.

THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTES TAXABLE RENT INCOME:

1. The regular rent may be monthly, semi-annually or annually
2.

Additional rent income which includes:

a. Obligation of the lessor assumed by the lessee The following are obligations
which may be assumed by the lessee: [R.I.D.I.O.]
a.1. Real property taxed on leased premises
a.2. Obligation to pay insurance premium on the insured leased
premises
a.3. If the lessor is a corp., the obligation to distribute Dividends to its
stockholders
a.4. Obligation to pay interest on the bonds issued by the lessor.
a.5 Other obligations of the lessor which may be assumed by the
lessee.
b. Value of permanent improvements on leased premises. This may be reported
through:
b.1. Outright method at the time of permanent is completed, he may
report that as additional rent income FMV of the building or
permanent improvement.
b.2. Spread out method by allocating the depreciation among
throughout the remaining term of the leased.
c. Advance rentals
c.1. If in the nature of the prepaid rentals without restriction on the
use of the amount, it is taxable.
c.2. If it is in the nature of security deposit, it is taxable rent income if
there is a violation of the term of the lease.
c.3. If it is in the nature of a loan to the lessor, it is not taxable.

2. INTEREST INCOME compensation for the use of money.

Whether it is an interest on loan pursuant to the business of a taxpayer

33
or personal transaction, interest income, except if it is tax exempt, is
always taxable. This is so because the source of income is immaterial,
even if it is from an illegal source.
-

Interest income on bank deposits is subject to final tax.

3. DIVIDEND INCOME amount declared, set aside and distributed by the

Board of Directors to stockholders, on demand or a fixed period.
Classes of Dividend: [C.L.I.P.S.S.]
Cash dividend
Liquidating dividendthis is given upon liquidation of corporate affairs
Indirect dividend it is given in other form and this includes
cancellation of indebtedness by the corp. of the
obligation of stockholder
Property dividend it may be in the form of stock other than the stock
of the corp.
Stock dividend stock issued by the giver corp.
Script dividend It is given in the form of promissory note or other
evidence of indebtedness.
STOCK DIVIDEND as a rule not taxable. This is so because there is no income
here. It merely represents the transfer of surplus account to the capital
account.
EXCEPTIONS to the Rule:
Stock dividend may be subject to tax under the following exceptional cases: [C OR D]
1.
If there is a Change in the stockholders interest in the net assets of the
corp;
2.
If it is one issued by Other corp. We call that dividend stock
Stock dividend vs. dividend stock Stock dividend as a rule is not taxable
whereas dividend in stock is taxable.
3.
Redemption of stock dividend;
4.
If the corp. issues Different shares of stock. If the corp. issues two
different classes of shares of stock, the dividend that may be declared
thereafter is taxable.

Example:
Outstanding stock
1. Preferred
2. Common
3. Preferred
4. Common
5. Preferred/Common
6. Preferred/Common

Stock dividend
Common
Preferred
Preferred
Common
Preferred
Common

Taxable
NT
NT
NT
NT
T
T

Disguised dividend treasury stock dividend declared out of the outstanding

capital stock, the purpose of which is to avoid the effect of taxation
(Commissioner vs. Manning).

34
It is one which is made to appear as stock dividend when the truth of the
matter is that it is a dividend which is illegally declared, such a case, since the
purpose is to evade taxation, it is taxable.
Remember, treasury shares of stock are not entitled to dividends.

ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS (SEC. 34)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

As regards individual taxpayers, the following may claim allowable deductions:

RC
NRC, only those expenses incurred in the Phils. because here, we
cannot tax his income derived from sources without.
RA, only those expenses incurred in the Phils.
NRA-ETB, but only those expenses incurred in the Phils.
PP (Professional Partners under Sec. 26)

Exceptions:
1. IT earning CI EE, ER REL
2. NRA-NTB
3. Aliens employed
A. RMC
B. OBU
C. PSC
4. NRFC
As regards corporate taxpayers, the following are entitled to claim allowable
deductions:
1. DC, which includes private educational institutions, non-profit hospital,
government-owned and controlled corps.
2. RFC
ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS: [E,I.T,L,B,D,D,C,R,C]
1. Expenses
6.
Depreciation
2. Interests
7.
Depletion of oil, gas, wells and mines
3. Taxes
8.
Charitable contributions
4. Losses
9.
Research & Development
5. Bad debts
10. Contribution to Pension Trust
* In the case of individual taxpayers, they may avail of the optional standard
deduction of 10% of gross income
* Corporate taxpayers are not allowed to claim 10% optional standard
deductions.
* All individual taxpayers except the NRA individual may claim this optional
standard deductions.
* Itemized deduction may apply to corporate taxpayers as well as individual taxpayers.
* FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE IN DEDUCTIONS
1. The taxpayer must prove that there is law authorizing deductions.
2. The taxpayer must prove that he is entitled to deductions.
*** NRFC are not entitled to claim deductions.

35
1. EXPENSES
ORDINARY & NECESSARY EXPENSES
When we speak of ORDINARY, this simply refers to the expenses which are
normal, usual or common to the business, trade or profession of the taxpayer.
This may not be recurring.
Example: if an action is filed in court, it is but normal to hire the services of a
lawyer. So, the taxpayer has to pay attorneys fees. It is an ordinary expense
under this circumstances.
NECESSARY- It is one which is useful and appropriate in the conduct of the
taxpayers trade or profession.
ORDINARY & NECESSARY EXPENSES
-are those which are incurred or paid in the development, operation
management of the business, trade or profession of the taxpayer.
EXTRA-ORDINARY EXPENSES Not Deductible. These are amortized or in lieu of
the same, you may claim that so-called allowance for depreciation. And if it
involves intangible asset, the word used is AMORTIZATION.
There is no hard and fast rule. An expense may be ordinary insofar
as a particular taxpayer is concerned and it may not be an ordinary
as regards another taxpayer.
Example:
If you have business here in Manila and you also have business in Tawitawi, what is the expense that you may incur in Tawi-tawi which you may not
possibly incur in Manila?
In Tawi-tawi, you may need people to guard your business. But here in
Manila, you may need not because of our new President-elect.
KINDS OF ORDINARY & NECESSARY EXPENSES [C.A.R.T.E.R.S.]
1 Compensation for services rendered
.
2 Advertising & promotional expenses
.
3 Rent expenses
.
4 Travelling expenses
.
5 Entertainment expenses
.
6 Repairs & maintenance expenses
.
7 Supplies and materials
.
COMMON REQUISITES FOR DEDUCTIBILITY of these ordinary & necessary expenses:
[D.I.R.]
a.
Must be paid or incurred DURING the taxable year.

36
If you incur expenses in 1997, you cannot carry this over to 1998.
expenses incurred during a particular year must be claimed as
deductions during this year when the same were incurred.
PAID to signify the fact that the taxpayer uses the CASH
BASIS. Under the CASH BASIS, an expense is recognized
when it is PAID.
INCURRED implies that the taxpayer employs the ACCRUAL
BASIS. Under the ACCRUAL BASIS, income is recognized
when earned regardless of the receipt of the same and
the expense is recognized when incurred.
b.

Must be paid or incurred in connection with the trade, business or

profession of the taxpayer.

c.

Must be proven by RECEIPTS.

SPECIAL REQUISITES FOR DEDUCTIBILITY OF THESE ORDINARY &

NECESSARY EXPENSES:
1. COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED
This must be reasonable, meaning, this must not be ostensible.
Case 1:
Partnership was sold to a corp. and it was agreed that the
partners will serve the corp. and make it appear that they render services. So,
compensation for services was ostensibly made by the corp.
Held:
These is a mere ostensible salary or payment for services not
actually rendered because that amount really forms part of the properties
purchased by the corp.
Case 2:
Corporate officers succeeded in selling the property of the corp.
So, profit was derived therefrom. Bonuses were given to these corporate officers.
Held:
The rule is settled. Bonuses must be given in good faith. There
must be services rendered because bonuses are additional compensation. In
this particular case, there was really no services rendered because that sale
was made through a broker. The corp. made it appear that it was through the
efforts of these corporate officers that brought about a successful sale of
property.
Bonuses must be given in good faith and in determining whether bonuses
will form part of the compensation for services rendered, you have to consider the
(1) nature of the business, (2) the financial capacity of the taxpayer and (3) the
extent of the services rendered.
2. ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL EXPENSES
- It must be reasonable.
Case: Sugar Devt. Corp paid P125,000.00 to Algue Corp. representing
promotional expenses.

37
Held: This is reasonable under the circumstances because the particular
budget subject for promotion involves million of pesos. And under that
circumstances, the P125,000.00 is reasonable as this may coincide with the
efforts exerted considering that the taxpayer has no venture in that
experimental project to establish that vegetables of investment company and
this involves millions of pesos.
3. RENT EXPENSE
a. The taxpayer must NOT be the owner of the property or he has no
equitable title over the property.
b This is subject to withholding tax. You cannot claim that the taxes
.
supposed to be withheld have not been paid or remitted to BIR.
4. TRAVELLING EXPENSES
- This must be incurred or paid while away from home.
- Home does not refer to your residence but to the station assignment or post.
Example:
From home office to branch office, the traveling expenses incurred
are deductible. And this includes not only the transporatiotion expenses but
also meal allowance and hotel accommodations.
5. ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES
- This must not be contrary to law, morals, good customs, public policy or public
order.
- Hence, bribes, kickbacks, and similar payments are not deductible.
-Also, the expenses incurred by the taxpayer in entertaining govt officials in 5star hotel to gain political influence are not deductible.
6. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES
- Only ordinary or minor repairs are deductible.
- Extra-ordinary repairs cannot be claimed as deduction and in lieu of that, the
taxpayer may not be allowed to claim depreciation.
- If the cost of the repair increases the life of an asset for a period of more than
one (1) year, that amount is considered extra-ordinary repair. Otherwise, it is
considered ordinary repair.
7. SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS
-This must be actually consumed during the taxable year.
- RULE ON SUBSTANTIATION simply requires that ordinary and necessary
expenses must be proven. The proofs required include:
[N.O.R.E.D.]
a. Official receipts
b Adequate Recourse
.
c. Amount of Expense
d Date and place where such expense is paid or incurred
.
e. Nature of expense

38

2. INTEREST
REQUISITES FOR DEDUCTIBILITY
1 This must be paid or incurred DURING the taxable year.
.
2 This must be paid or incurred in connection with the trade, business or
.
profession of the taxpayer
3 There must be an obligation which is valid and subsisting.
.
4 There must be an agreement in writing to pay interest.
.
Question 1:
What about that interest on unclaimed salaries of the employees, is that
interest deductions?
Answer/Held:
NO, because there is no obligation or indebtedness. It is the fault of the
employees in case they failed to claim their salaries.
Question 2:
What about that interest charged to the capital of the taxpayer, is that
deductible?
Answer:
Interest on cost-keeping purposes is not deductible. This does not arise
under an interest-bearing obligation.
THEORETICAL INTEREST an interest which is computed or calculated, not
paid or incurred, for the purposes of determining the opportunity cost of
investing in a business. This does not arise from legally demandable interestbearing obligation. This is not a deductible interest.
Question 3:
What about interest on preferred stock, is this deductible?
Answer:
As a rule, interest on preferred stock is not deductible, because there is no
obligation to speak of. It is in effect an interest on dividend. The reason why it is
not deductible is that the payment is dependent upon the profits of the corp. It
will only be paid if the corp. earn profits. And would not be paid of the corp.
incurs losses.
BUT if it is not dependent upon corporate profits or earnings, that is deductible. If is
payable on a particular on a particular date or maturity without regard to the
corporate profits, it is deductible.
The Supreme Court mentions TWO (2) FACTORS:
1. not dependent upon corporate profits; and
2. agreement as to the date or term within which payment will be made.

39

INTEREST ON GOVT SECURITIES is now taxable.

So, if the taxpayer obtained a loan from PNB and used the proceeds in
purchasing govt securities, the interest is now taxable. Likewise, the interest
expense paid on that loan, the proceeds of the same, had been use to purchase
govt securities is now deductible.
Q. What about an interest on a loan paid in advance, is this deductible? Let us
say that the taxpayer obtained a loan from a bank and it is payable within 5
years. The loan obtained is P50,000.00. Now, it was deducted in advance, can
that be claimed as deductions?
A. NO. You can only deduct the same when the installment is due a particular
year.
INTEREST EXPENSES WHICH ARE NON-DEDUCTIBLE [PARCAPU]
1. Interest expense on PREFERRED STOCK;
2. When there is NO AGREEMENT in writing to pay interest;
3. Interest expense on loan entered into between RELATED TAXPAYERS.
4. Interest paid or calculated for COST-KEEPING PURPOSES
5. Interest paid in ADVANCE
6. Interest on obligation to finance PETROLEUM EXPLORATION
7. Interest on UNCLAIMED SALARIES of the employees
Related taxpayers:
a. members of the same family which includes:
a.1. spouses
a.2. brothers and sisters
a.3. descendants and ascendants
b. between two (2) corporations owned or controlled by one individual. He
must have a controlling interest over these two corporations. OR, if
one corp. is considered as personal holding company of another corp.
c. between a corp. and an individual; that individual owns or controls
more than 50% of the outstanding capital stock of the such corp.
d. parties to a trust;
d.1 grant or fiduciary
.
d.2 fiduciary of one trust and fiduciary of another trust but there
.
is only one grantor
d.3 beneficiary and fiduciary
.
*Your knowledge of related taxpayers is also important in determining
whether losses are deductible or not. If losses were incurred or paid in
connections with the transactions between these related taxpayers, these
are not deductible.

40
Question:

How much interest expense is deductible?

Answer: The interest

by:
a. 41%
b. 39%
c. 38%

that may be claimed as deductions shall be reduced

-

Beginning January 1, 1998

Beginning January 1, 1999
Beginning January 1, 2000 of the income subject
to final tax.

EXAMPLE OF INCOME SUBJECT TO FINAL TAX:

1. interest on bank deposit
2. interest on deposit maintained under the foreign currency deposit system
So, if the interest income on bank deposit amounted to P100,000.00. And the
total interest expense incurred or paid by the taxpayer is P200,000.00. If this is
incurred in 1998, 41% of P100,000.00 is P41,000.00. That P200,000.00 interest
expense incurred or paid, should be reduced to P41% of that P100,000.00 to
arrive at P159,000.00 which is the interest that may be claimed as deduction.
P200,000.00
- 41,000.00
----------------------P159,000.00
The rule has been established that TAXES are NOT ORDINARY
OBLIGATIONS. But the Supreme Court in two (2) cases relaxed the distinction
between taxes and ordinary obligations.
1.

The interest on deficiency donors tax is deductible. The SC explained that taxes
here are considered obligations or indebtedness. And it ruled that we have
to relax the distinction between tax and ordinary obligation in this respect.

2.

Interest on deficiency income tax can also be claimed as deductible interest expense
because taxes here are considered ordinary obligations.

3. TAXES
REQUISITES FOR DEDUCTIBILITY:
1. This must be paid or incurred during the taxable year.
2. This must be taxes paid or incurred in connection with the trade, business or
profession of the taxpayer.
*** Taxes that may be claimed as deductions may be national or local taxes.

THE FOLLOWING ARE NON-DEDUCTIBLE TAXES [S.I.N.E]

1. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT tax imposed on the improvement of a parcel of
land
2.

INCOME TAX This includes foreign income tax. In this regard, the so-

41
called foreign income tax may be claimed as a deduction from gross
income or this may be claimed as tax credit against Phil. income tax. In
the event that he claims that as tax credit, he can no longer claim the
same as deduction.
3.

Taxes which are NOT CONNECTED WITH THE TRADE, BUSINESS OR

PROFESSION OF THE TAXPAYER

4.

ESTATE TAX, DONORS TAX (see also discussion on tax benefit rule)

TAX AS DEDUCTIONS vs. TAX CREDIT

Taxes as deductions may be claimed as deductions from gross income.
Tax credit is a deduction from Phil. income tax.

Tax as deduction includes those taxes which are paid or incurred in

connection with the trade, business or profession of the taxpayer. However,
the sources of a tax credit is foreign income tax paid, war profit tax, excess
profit tax paid to the foreign country.

The foreign income tax paid to the foreign country is not always the
amount that may be claimed as tax credit because under the limitation
provided under the Tax Code, it must not be more than the ratio of foreign
income to the total income multiplied by the Phil. income tax.

Taxes are deductible only by the person upon whom the tax is imposed
Except:
1. Share holder
2. corporate bonds - tax free Covenant clause

The following are entitled to claim tax credit:

1.RC
2. DC

4. LOSSES
CLASSIFICATION OF LOSSES [O. C. W. C. S.]
1. ORDINARY LOSSES losses sustained in the course of trade,
business or profession of the taxpayer.
2. CAPITAL LOSSES the assets that must be involved there must be
capital assets
Capital Losses include the following:
a. Loss arising from failure to exercise privilege to sell or buy property
b Worthless securities
.
c. Abandonment losses in the case of natural resources
d Loss from wash sale
.
3. WAGERING OR GAMBLING LOSSES the amount that is deductible
must not exceed the gains.
Example:

42
The winnings amounted to P1,000.00 Loss is P500. This loss is
deductible.
If the winning is P500 and if the loss is P1,000. The amount deductible is
only P500 because the amount must not exceed the gains.
If there is no winnings and loss is P500. Deduction losses here is ZERO.
4. CASUALTY LOSSES this must be reported to the BIR earlier than 30
days but not later than 45 days following the date of the loss.
Casualty
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

losses include:
Fire
Storm
shipwreck
Other casualty losses
Robbery
Embezzlement
Theft

5. SPECIAL LOSSES include the following:

a. loss arising from voluntary removal of buildings as an incident to renewal or
replacement
Problem:
Supposed the taxpayer had a building constructed on a parcel of land.
He owned this as well as the building erected thereon. He had
business and his business was conducted within the premises. Then,
he decided to remove such building as to construct a new building for
new business.
Is the cost of demolition to give way to a new building deductible loss?
YES.
Suppose A purchased that parcel of land of B and included in that
sale was that of the building. A demolish this building in order to
construct a new building. Is the cost of demolition deductible insofar
as A is concerned?
NO. That can only be claimed as deductions if the one demolishing the
same is the taxpayer. The moment that is sold to another claim that as
deductible loss. The treatment here is, the cost of demolition should
be capitalized in the selling price.
Exception:A may claim that as deductible loss if this was demolished
by value of a court order because the govt considered this as a fire
hazard, loss of useful value of property or capital asset.
THE COMMON REQUISITES for DEDUCTIBILITY OF LOSSES are:
1.

Losses must be actually/sustained and not mere anticipated losses;

43
2.

Must not be compensated by insurance;

--- If it is partly compensated, only the amount not compensated by
insurance is deductible.

3.

Must be evidenced by a completed transaction.

Completed Transaction this means that the loss must be fixed by
identifiable event.
Example:
If it is a loss sustained from sale, the event that may identify
or complete the transaction is the consummation of the contract of sale.
Suppose it is in the nature of casualty losses like fire?
The fire destroyed your property in 1995, no payment has been made
because the insurer and the insured were still under negotiation. It was
only in 1997 that they agreed on the amount. The amount agrees upon is
P100,000. The taxpayer may claim that casualty losses only in 1997 when
payment was actually made. This is the event that will complete the
transaction.

5. BAD DEBTS
REQUISITES FOR DEDUCTIBLITY: [CU, W, TBP, VS, U]
1 Must be charged off and uncollectible within the taxable year;
.
2 Must be ascertained to be worthless
.
3 Must arise from trade, business or profession of the taxpayer;
.
4 Must be valid and subsisting indebtedness;
.
5 Must be uncollectible in the near future.
.
HOW TO PROVE THE WORTHLESSNESS OF OBLIGATION:
According to the Supreme Court, the following STEPS must be complied:
1.
There must be a statement of account sent to the debtor;
2.
A collection letter;
3.
If he failed to pay, refer the case to a lawyer;
4.
If lawyer may send a demand letter to the debtor;
5.
If the debtor still fails to pay the same, file an action in court for
collection.
In proving that the debtor is insolvent of bankrupt, mere allegation of the
same is not enough. You should prove that the debtor is indeed
bankrupt or insolvent. So, you may secure a copy of that decision by the
SEC or other agency as the case may be, declaring the debtor as
bankrupt or insolvent. And then there must be a demand letter sent to
him. In case the debtor was robbed, there must be a police report to that
effect.
The debtor may be a NRFC, so you may argue that he may not be sued
here. According to the Supreme Court, as a rule that is not an excuse.

44
You should still send a demand letter to that NRFC. In other words, there
must be diligent efforts to collect the indebtedness and to prove that in the
near future such obligation is no longer collectible.

***

If the recovery of bad debts, resulted in a tax benefit to the taxpayer, that
is taxable. If it did not result in any tax benefit to the taxpayer, that is not
taxable. (TAX BENEFIT RULE)

N.B.

Read the case of Phil. Refining Company vs. Commissioner, a 1989 case.

6. DEPRECIATION
The idea here is not to recover profit, but to recover the cost of property
invested in business. When the properties are used in trade, business or
profession of the taxpayer, the law considers or recognizes the gradual loss or
sale of property.
DEPRECIATION refers to the gradual diminution of the useful value of
the property used in trade, business or profession of the taxpayer,
arising from wear and tear or natural obsolence.
REQUISITES FOR DEDUCTIBILITY: [U P R A C ]
1. The property must be used in trade, business or profession of the taxpayer;
2.

a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
4.

a.
b.
c.
d.

5.

There must be depreciable properties.

The non-depreciable properties are
Personal property not used in trade, business or profession of the
taxpayer;
Inventoriable stock and securities
Land
Mining and other natural resources
The allowance for depreciation must be reasonable
The method in computing the allowance for depreciation must be in
accordance with the method prescribed by the Sec. of Finance upon the
recommendation of the BIR Commissioner.
This prescribed method includes:
Declining balance method
Sum of the years digit method
Straight line method
Any other method as may be prescribed by the Sec. of Finance upon the
recommendation of the BIR Commissioner
This must be charged off during the taxable year.

7. DEPLETION natural resources

This involves natural resources such as oil, gas wells and mines. These are

45
non-replaceable assets.

The requisites for deductibility are the same as that of depreciation except
that the properties involved are natural resources

The idea here is not for profit but to recover the cost of investment through
this allowance for depletion.

8. CHARITABLE AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS

* These are fully deductible if the contributions are given to the following: [F. A. G.]
1. Government or its political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, for
the purpose of undertaking priority projects of the government;
These priority projects include: [S.H.E.]
a.
Sports development, science and invention
b.
Health and human settlement
c.
Educational and economic development
2.

Foreign government or institution and international civic organizations;

3.

Accredited NGO

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

N.G.O. means non-profit domestic corporation which are formed and

organized for any of the following purposes: [C.H.E.R.S.]
Research
Health
Education
Charitable, cultural, character building
Sports development and social welfare
The amount of charitable contribution that may be claimed as deduction may be:

1. In the case of individual taxpayer:

- Not more than 10% of the net income before charitable contribution
2. In the case of corporate taxpayer:
- Not more than 5% of the net income before the charitable contribution
IF the recipient of such contribution is any of the following DC formed or organized for:
[R.E.C.S.]
1 Religious purpose and rehabilitation of veterans
.
2 Educational purpose like educational corporations which are not qualified
.
as NGO
3 Charitable, cultural purpose
.
4 Scientific, sports development an social welfare purpose
.
10% or 5% of the net income before charitable contribution
Example:

46
If an individual taxpayer has a gross income of P100,000 and the
allowable deduction, except charitable contribution, is P50,000. The Charitable
contribution is P5,000.
Deduction first P50,000 from P100,000 and the result is P50,000.
This P50,000 is the basis of that 10% or 5% of net income before
charitable contribution. So, 10% of the P50,000 is P5,000. Hence, the actual
contribution of P5,000 may be fully claimed as deduction.
But let us say, the amount of charitable contribution is P10,000. So, he
can only deduct P5,000 as charitable contribution, and not the actual amount
of P10,000 because the law imposes a limitation that the amount that may be
claimed as deduction must not be more than 10% of net income before
charitable contribution.

9. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

This may not be claimed as deduction if the amount is:
1. Spent for the acquisition or improvements of land or for the improvement
or development of natural resources.
2.

Paid or incurred for the purpose of ascertaining the existence,

location, extent or quality of any natural resources like deposits of ore or
other minerals including oil or gas.

10. CONTRIBUTION TO PENSION TRUSTS

REQUISITES OF DEDUCTIBILITY:
1 There must be a pension plan established by the employer;
.
2 The pension must be reasonable or sound;
.
3 Contribution must be given by the employer to that pension plan;
.
4 This must be for the benefit of the employees;
.
5 The plan must not be subject to the control of the employer.
.
Contribution to pension trust may refer to the current year or past years.
CURRENT YEAR- this is considered as ordinary & necessary expenses

Employer may also make a contribution to the pension plan in regard to the
services rendered for the past 10 years.

47
PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
1. Personal and additional exemptions. (Note: Wala na yung S.A.P.E.)

2.

Premiums on health and hospital insurance

Limitations:
a.

It must not be more than P2,400.00 a year. In other words, P200.00

a month. The P2,400.00 is the maximum amount that may be
claimed as deductions.

b.

The family must have an income of not more than P250,000.00 a

year.

c.

The

claimant

must

be

the

spouse

claiming

the

additional

exemption.
Premiums on life insurance policy is also included here because it is
included under the health insurance policy.

PERSONAL EXEMPTION
This is an arbitrary amount in the nature of deductions from gross
compensation income.
If the taxpayer has no compensation income, this can be claimed as
deduction from gross income from business, trade or profession.
Personal exemption is given to approximate the needs of the taxpayer. It
is a substitute for the disallowance of family, personal and living expenses.
KINDS OF PERSONAL EXEMPTION:
1. Basic personal exemption:
a.

single or legally separated without dependent;

Php20,000.00

b.

head of the family;

Php25,000.00

c.

each married individual if both of them are earning

Compensation income
(in case only one of the spouses is deriving gross
income, only such spouse shall be allowed the
personal exemptions)

2. Additional exemption

Php32,000.00

48
- This only applies to qualified dependent child and
children such as legitimate and illegitimate
children.

Php8,000.00 for every

qualified
dependent
child but not to exceed 4

Personal Exemption only individual taxpayers, including estate and trust,

are entitled.
In case of estate and trust Php20,000.00

R.C.

N.R.C.

R.A.

/
within

/
within

/
within

/
within

Personal
Exemptio
n

Additiona
l
Exemptio
n

NRA-NTB
/subject to
the rule on
reciprocity.
But it
must not
exceed the
maximum
allowable
personal
exemption.
X
Rule on
reciprocity
does not
apply.

NRA-NETB

Legend: / - available; X not available

Head of the family unmarried man or woman legally separated man or
woman who has the following qualified dependents:
1.

Parents -

One or both parents. Must be living with the taxpayer and

dependent upon the taxpayer for chief support.
Parents must be natural parents.

2.

To be qualified they must be:

Brothers or sister a.
Living with the taxpayer;
b.
Dependent upon the taxpayer for chief support;
c.
Unmarried;
d.
Not gainfully employed.
e.
No more than 21 years old except if physically or mentally
incapacitated;
must be brothers or sisters by blood
one is enough

3.

ChildrenConditions:
a.
b.

Must be legitimate , illegitimate, legally adopted or stepchildren

Living with the taxpayer;
Dependent upon the taxpayer for chief support;

49
c.
d.
e.

Unmarried;
Not gainfully employed;
Not more than 21 years old except if physically or mentally
incapacitated.

Dependent is considered living with the taxpayer even if the former or the
latter are not physically together if that is brought about by force of
circumstances. Example if one of the parents will have to undergo by-pass
operation in the U.S.
Chief Support means more than 50% of the needs of the dependents are
provided by the taxpayer.

Problem: If the child or the brother/sister got married and then he has found
to be physically or mentally incapacitated, so bumalik si tatay at dependent sa
tatay for chief support, can he qualify as dependent?
Answer: No, physical or mental defect applies only to age requirement. Once the
child or brother/sister got married, he is automatically disqualified as dependent.
CHANGE OF STATUS:
1. Death of spouse during the taxable year;
2. Death of dependent during the taxable year;
3. Death of the taxpayer during the taxable year; estate of the taxpayer may
claim the basic personal exemption;
4. Additional dependent during the taxable year;
5. Taxpayer got married during the taxable year;
6. Gainful employment of the dependent during the taxable year
7. Dependent became more than 21 years old during the taxable year.
Even if the above-mentioned change of status happened during the taxable
year, the taxpayer may still claim the basic personal exemption because it is as if
the change of status happened at the end of the taxable year.
There is a provision in the Tax Code, which is not so clear. For purposes of
head of the family, in the case of natural children or child, there is that word
acknowledged or recognized.
For purposes of the definition of head of the family, it is clear that to qualify as
dependent, the natural child or legitimate child must be acknowledged or
recognized by the taxpayer.
But in the definition of the dependent, dependent means legitimate,
illegitimate or legally adopted child or children. There is no word acknowledged
or recognized.
Was this deliberately omitted by our Congressmen? Does this imply that
since they have so may illegitimate children, they may not be required to
acknowledge or recognize them and they can claim this illegitimate child as
their dependent? This is not clear. If we will try to interpret the law literally,
there is no need of any recognition on the part of the taxpayer.

50
Is this really the intention of law?
No. The intention of the law has always been to recognize this illegitimate child
and this is one way of compelling the taxpayers to recognize this child.
The President of the Republic of the Phils. cannot issue an executive order to increase the
basic personal exemption because the provision under the Old Tax Code
authorizing the President to increase the personal and additional exemption
upon the recommendation of the Sec. of Finance has been removed or deleted
by RA 8424.
Now, you can only increase the amount of personal and additional exemption
by legislative enactment.

NON-DEDUCTIBLE ITEMS
1.

Personal, living or family expenses

2.

Those which are considered capital expenses. Capital expenditures may be

one that may increase the value of an asset.

3.

Extra-ordinary repair expended to restore the property, or making good its

exhaustion. Extra-ordinary repair is one that may prolong the life of an asset
for more than one (1) year. You cannot claim the same as deduction.
Instead, you may claim it as allowance for depreciation.

4.

Premiums paid on the life insurance policy of the officer or employee of the
employer, when the employer is directly or indirectly designated as
beneficiary.

5. Losses from sales or exchanges of property between related taxpayers

RULES:
Premiums paid on the insurance policy of the officer or employee may be
claimed as deduction by the employer, If the beneficiary is the family or the heirs
of the officer or the employee.
It is not deductible on the part of the employer, If the beneficiary designated
directly or indirectly is the employer. If the beneficiary designated is the creditor
or the heirs of the employer, the designation is indirect; hence, that premium is
not deductible.
On the other hand, on the part of the employees, these premiums may be a
taxable compensation income. It is taxable compensation income on the part of
the employee if the beneficiary designated is the family of heirs of the employee.
Therefore, if these premiums are deductible on the part of the employer, that is
taxable on the part of the employee. If these premiums are not deductible on the
part of the employer, that is not taxable on the part of the employee.
N.B. Personal, living and family expenses are deductible for the simple reason
that these are not connected with the business, trade or profession of the

51
taxpayer. In lieu of the same, the taxpayer may claim the so-called Personal
and Additional Exemption in the case of individual taxpayers.

CORPORATE INCOME TAXATION

CORPORATE TAXPAYER corporation, includes partnership no matter
how created or organized, joint account companies, insurance companies
and other associations.
It excludes: [Gpp, JV-c, JC- PGE-G]
1 General professional partnership;
.
2 Joint venture for the purpose of undertaking construction
.
projects;
3 Joint consortium for the purpose of engaging in petroleum,
.
geothermal and other energy operations pursuant to a
consortium agreement with the government
TAX EXEMPT CORPORATIONS:
The following organizations shall not be taxed in respect to income received by them as
such:
1.

General professional partnership devoted to a common profession, must

not engage in a business;

2.

Joint venture for the purpose of undertaking construction projects;

3.

Joint consortium for the purpose of engaging in petroleum, geothermal

and other energy operation pursuant to a consortium agreement under
service contract with the government there must be a consortium
agreement with the government

4.

Labor, agricultural or horticultural organization not organized principally

for profit.

So, it may derive income from such business as long as it is merely

incidental, the organization is still exempt. What is important here is that
in the articles of incorporation of this tax-exempt organization, it must be
clearly provided that these organizations are not formed or organized for
profit.
Example:
In the course of promoting agricultural products, the
agricultural organization may sponsor exhibits and income may be
derived from the same. That will not make this corporation taxable
because that is merely incidental. The activity has connection with the
purpose for which the corporation was organized.

5.

Mutual savings bank not having s capital stock represented by shares and
cooperative bank without capital stock organized and operated for mutual
purposes and without profit.
-

must form and organize for mutual purposes

Mutual savings bank and cooperative bank must not be

52
organized for profit. So, it must not issue shares of stock.
6.

A beneficiary society, order or association, operating for the exclusive

benefits of the members such as a fraternal organization operating under
the lodge system, or a payment of life, sickness, accident, or other
benefits exclusively to the members of such society, order or association,
or non-stock corp. or their dependents.
Lodge system one which must operate under a parent and subsidiary
associations

7.

Cemetery company owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of its
members.
-

This must be non-profit cemetery.

Example: Libingan ng mga Bayani

8.

Non-stock corporation or association organized and operated exclusively for

religious, charitable, scientific, athletic, or cultural purposes, or for the
rehabilitation of veterans; no part of its income or asset shall belong to
inure to the benefit of any member, organizer, officer, or any specific
person.

9.

Business league, chamber of commerce, or board of trade, not organized

for profit, and no part of the net income of which inures to the benefit of
any private stockholder or individual.
-

Makati stock exchange and Manila stock exchange are not

covered by the exception. They are subject to tax.

Requisites:
a. This must be established for common business interest.
b. No part of the income shall inure to the benefit of a particular
individual.
Example: A clearing house corp. established by member not for profit and
such corp. is tax exempt.
If an association is organized by businessmen for the purpose of
encouraging prospective investors to invest in the Phils. that association
is not tax exempt because the members of such organization have
different business interests.

10.

Civic league or organization not organized for profit but operated

exclusively for the promotion of social welfare.
Example: Piso for Pasig Foundation is not for profit. This is a civic
organization. Homeowners Association is subject to tax because that is

53
not organized for profit.

11.

Farmers associations or like associations, organized and operated as a

sales agent, for the purpose of marketing the products of its members,
and turning back to them the proceeds of sales, less the necessary
selling expenses on the basis of the quantity of produce finished by
them.
Quantity of poduce means proportionate. This must not be for profit.

12

Farmers cooperative or other mutual typhoon or fire insurance company,

mutual ditch or irrigation company, or like organization of a purely local
character, the income of which consists solely of assessments, dues and
fees collected from members for the sole purpose of meeting its expenses.

13.

Government educational institution. These are U.P.M.S.U.

14.

A non-stock and non-profit educational institution.

Take note that the last paragraph of Sec. 30; it provides, Not
withstanding the provisions in the preceding paragraphs. This means
that even though they are exempt, as regards certain income, they may be
subject to tax.
** So, notwithstanding the provisions in the preceding paragraphs, the
income of whatever kind and character of the foregoing organizations from
any of their properties, real or personal, or from any of their activities
conducted for profit regardless of the disposition made of such income,
shall be subject to tax.
** The implication is that if these tax exempt corps mentioned under nos.
4 to 14, made an investment, the income derived from such investment
may be subject to tax.
So, if they have real property and lease it to another, the rent income is
subject to tax.
If they have deposit in a bank, the interest income on the same is
subject to tax.
If they sell property for profit, that is subject to tax
So, the exemption does not cover this income derived form such
investment. Thus, it must be an income derived from their activities
which may be the purpose for which they are organized.
***

The insertion of non-stock, non-profit educational institution, to my

54
mind, is not in accordance with the provision of Art.14 Sec. 3 par. 3,
because the Constitution provides for a particular test for exemption and
that is use of the property. So, if a non-stock, non-profit educational
institution has interest income derived from bank deposit, in view of this
provision (Sec. 30, NIRC), the BIR may impose a tax on the same,
regardless of the use or disposition. So, even if the interest on such
deposit is used to achieve educational purposes, that will not exempt it
from taxation. The Constitution says actually, directly and exclusively
used for educational purposes, the meaning of this is, as the proceeds
or income is actually directly and exclusively used for educational
purposes, that may be exempt. But under Sec. 30, no. That must be
connected with the purposes or purposes for which such institution has
been formed or organized. Since this runs counter to Art. 14 Sec. 4 par. 3
of the Constitution, this Sec. 30 should be declared unconstitutional.
The Constitution says use but here (Sec. 30) it is regardless of the use
or disposition. This must yield to that Constitutional provision.

(Sec. 27 par C, TRA 1997)

15.

GSIS (Government Service Insurance System)

16.

SSS (Social Security System)

17.

PHIC (Phil. Health Insurance Corp.)

18.

PCSO (Phil. Charity Sweepstakes Office)

19.

PAGCOR (Phil. Amusement & Gaming Corp.)

20.

NAPOCOR special law

N.B.:
The rule now is settled, Govt owned and controlled corps. Are subject to
corporate income tax except those mentioned under Sec. 27 par C.
PARTNERSHIP -

This is an association of two or more persons and they

may contribute money, property, or industry to a common
fund with the intention of dividing the profits among
themselves.

Tests that will determine whether a partnership exists or not:

1. There must be a contribution to a common fund.
2.

There must be an intention to divide the profits among themselves.

Co-ownership is not a partnership. Co-ownership, as a rule is a tax exempt

because a co-ownership is formed and organized not for profit but for
common enjoyment of the property or for the preservation of the property.

Partnership is considered a corporate taxpayer. Take note that this excludes

general professional partnership. Only partnership formed or organized for
profit is excluded.

55

If it is formed and organized for the practice of common profession, it is a taxexempt partnership.

For purposes of taxation, this business partnership is taxable irrespective of

whether it is orally constituted or in writing and whether or not it is
registered in the SEC.

Case: The heirs of the decent inherited the property. There was distribution of
share. But such shares are held under single management. In fact the income
of such property after distribution was managed by one of the co-heirs.
Held:
The fact that they agreed that the shares shall be held by the coheir under the single management for profit, this according to the SC convert
the co-ownership in to a taxable unregistered partnership. (Una vs. Commissioner
Una doctrine)
Case:
The heirs inherited the properties from their deceased mother. The
property was under the administration of an administrator. This administrator
of the property was authorized to sell these properties for profit, or leased
properties for profit and engaged in an income producing activities.
Held: When these heirs inherited the property from their deceased mother, coownership exists. At the particular stage, it is exempt from tax when the heirs
decided to invest such property in an income producing activity that coownership is converted in to a taxable unregistered ownership (Sea vs.
Commissioner Sea doctrine)
Case: There was two sisters who form a common fund for the purpose of
engaging in a series of transaction for profit.
Held: There is a taxable unregistered partnership here.
**Test that will determine whether co-ownership is taxable unregistered
partnership Find out whether the heirs made a substantial improvements on
the inherited property. The heirs made a substantial improvement on the
inherited property, the implication is that they will engage in a business for
profit, (Evangelista vs. Commissioner Evangelista doctrine). If that happens, that
co-ownership will be taxed as unregistered.
Case: Obelio Sr. entered into a contract with Ortigas limited company. Under
that contract, Ortigas limited company will distribute parcels of land to the
Children of Obelio Sr. for their residential houses. After the subdivision of such
parcel of land to the children of Obelio Sr., these children decided to sell this
parcel of land to Wide City Corp. Was there a taxable partnership formed by the
children of Obelio Sr.?
Held: There was no partnership formed because there was no intention to
divide the profits among themselves. This was a mere isolated transaction.

56
Isolated transaction will negate any intention to divide the profits among
themselves. Thus, there was no taxable partnership formed.
Case: Pascual and Dragon purchased 3 parcels of land from Bernardino and 2
parcels of land form Mr. Roque. Thereafter, the three parcels of land which were
purchased from Bernardino, were sold to Marimer Corp. with a profit of
P165,222.70 while the parcel of land purchased from Mr. Roque were sold at a
profit of P60,000 to Reyes.
Held: there was no partnership organized because this is just a mere sharing of
gross return. And as you have learned in partnership, the law says, the
partners share in the net profits of a taxable partnership. So, mere sharing of
gross return does not of itself establish a partnership.
Joint account When two persons form or create a common fund and such
persons engaged in a business for profit, this may result in a taxable
unregistered association or partnership.
Registration is not a requisite for purposes of taxation. What is important here
is they must engage in a business or activity for profit.
Joint stock companies This is the midway between corporation and
partnership. This has what you call hybrid personality. It is somewhat a
partnership because it is an association, and persons or members of the same
contribute fund, money to a common fund. And this us managed by Board of
Directors; this means: it has that feature of a corporation. And these persons
may transfer their share without the consent of others.
Emergency operation These may be formed by two corporations. This two
corporations have separate personalities. If they form that emergency operation
(it is really a special activity) to engage in a joint venture, corporation 1 may be
taxed only from the income derived from such business. The income derived
from such emergency operation should also be included in that taxable income
subject to corporate income tax. In the same way, that corporation 2, has a
separate and distinct personality; if it a part of that emergency operation, the
income derived from such special activity should also be included in the income
of that corporation 2, subject to corporate income tax, even if it is not registered
with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).
But if two corporations are managed by one manager, and this 2 corporations
leased services, managed by one person and it has 2 separate accounts, it is not
an association formed which is subject to tax.
Domestic Corporation (DC) corp. formed or organized under Phil. Laws
Resident Foreign Corporation (RFC) foreign corporation engaged in trade or
business within the Phils.
Non-Resident Foreign Corporation (NRFC) foreign corp. not engaged in
trade or business within the Phil.

57
There is no fix criterion as to what constitute engaged in trade or business.
Each case shall be judged in the light of peculiar environmental circumstances.
But engaged in business implies continuity of commercial transaction or
dealings continuity of business; there must be continuity of intention to
conduct continuous business.
Case: BOAC is an offline international airline. Offline because it does not
render any services and no landing rights in the Phils.
BOAC claimed that it is not subject to tax with respect to the sale of
transport documents or airline tickets in the Phils because it is an offline
international airline. It does not render any service and it has no lending rights.
Held:
The contention of BOAC is not tenable. The income derived from
the sale of that transport documents in the Phil. is subject to tax. The subject
of income may be property, activity or service that produce the same. For an
income to be considered as an income derived from sources within the income
must be derived from activity conducted or undertaken in the Phil.
It is true that BOAC had no property in the Phil. from which its income
may be derived. It is true that BOAC did not render any service in the Phil. from
which its income may be derived. But there was that activity that was
undertaken in the Phil. from which income was derived and that refers to the
sale of transport document. According to the Supreme Court, the sale was
made in the Phil. and the payment was made in the Phil. This particular
activity enjoys protection of the Phil. government. So, it should share the
burden of tax. BOAC was considered doing business in the Phil. under this
particular situation because there were series of transactions made in the Phil.
and BOAC was appointed a permanent agent in the Phil. This implies that the
Phil. and the BOAC had no intention to establish continuous business here in
the Phil. Continuity of conduct is the peculiar circumstance referred to in the
case.
**If these were mere isolated transaction (lets modify the facts of the case) and
BOAC has no permanent agent in the Phil., such airline is not considered doing
business in the Philippines. Remember, international carrier is taxed on gross
Philippine billings.
Case: A foreign vessel unloaded cargoes in the Phil. twice.
Held: We cannot consider that as resident foreign corp. These are mere isolated
transactions.
Case: If a corporation made an investment in another corp., the Supreme Court
held that, it will not make the corp. as doing business in the Phil. because it
has no intention to establish continuous business.
Case: Marubeni corp. is a foreign corp. it invested in a domestic corp. This
foreign corp. has a branch office in the Phil. it made a direct investment in that
domestic corp. So, it received dividend from that domestic corp.

58
Held: That will not make such foreign corp. a resident foreign corp. because of
that absence of intention to establish continues business. It would be different
if it was coursed through the branch office of such foreign corp.

GENERAL RULES
Classificatio
n
DC

Sources

Tax Base

I/O

Taxable
Income

Taxable
Income

RFC

NRFC

Entitled
Deduction

Gross
Income

Tax Rate
34%- 1998
33%- 1999
32% - 2000
34% - 1998
33% - 1999
32% - 2000

Question: Can Congress pass a law imposing tax on the income of a RFC
derived from sources without?
Answer:
No, because this will violate the principle of territoriality in
taxation. We cannot extend protection to that particular subject of taxation. The
fundamental basis of the power to tax is the capacity of the taxing authority to
extend protection to the subject of taxation.
The 34%, 33% 32% tax rates mentioned may not be applied except if it is lower
than the 2% of gross income of such corporate taxpayer. This is called minimum
corporate income tax rate of 2% of gross income.
Example:
If a corporate taxpayer has a gross income of P20M. 2% of that is
P400,000. In this case, the tax to be paid must not be lower than P400,000. If
the net income is P20M and the deduction is P19M, we only have P1M . You
multiply that by 34% because now is 1998, so that will give you P340,000. This
is the corporate income tax applying that tax rate (34%) is lower than 2% which
is P400,000 (this is the amount supposed to be paid). Applying the minimum
corporate income tax rate of 2% if the gross income, the amount to be paid as
tax is P400,000.
So, the minimum corporate income tax rate of 2% of gross income
means that the corporate taxpayer must pay corporate income tax not lower than
2% of its gross income. If the actual corporate income tax is lower than the 2%
tax that is supposed to be paid, it is the 2% minimum. But, if the actual
corporate income tax applying that 34% is P600,000, this is the tax that should
be paid.

SPECIAL RULES
A. SPECIAL DC
1.
PRIVATE
EDUCATIONAL

SOURCES
I/O

Tax Base
Taxable Income

Tax Rate
1998:10%or34%
1999: 33%

59
INSTITUTION

2000: 32%

Notes:

Tax rate is 10% if its income derived from unrelated trade, business or
activity does NOT exceed 50% of its gross total income.

But its income is subject to 34% tax rate if its income from unrelated, trade

or business or activity exceeds 50% of its gross income.

Example: Its income derived from unrelated trade, business or activity
amounted to P20M. And income derived from related trade, business or activity
is P10M. So, the total income is P30M. If the allowable expenses amounted to
P10M, the taxable income now would be P20M.
66.67% =

20M
3

vs.

Income derived from

Unrelated TBA

10M___
3

33.3%

Income derived from

Related TBA

So, the amount from unrelated TBA (66.67%) is more than 50% of its
gross income (P30M). Thus, this P20M taxable income is subject to 34% tax
rate.
But, if the income from related TBA is P20M and its income derived from
unrelated TBA is P10M. So:
Related TBA -------------- vs.

<----------------- Unrelated TBA

The income from unrelated TBA is not more than 50% of its gross income.
Thus, this P20M is subject to P10% preferential tax rate.
INCOME DERIVED FROM RELATED TRADE, BUSINESS OR ACTIVITY
This must be an income derived from an activity which is substantially related
to the performance of educational functions. This may include income from
bookstore, canteen or dormitory.

2.NON-PROFIT
HOSPITAL

Sources

Tax Base

I/O

Taxable Income

Tax Rate
1998-10%or 34%
1999-33%
2000-32%

***For purposes of non-profit hospital, this must be income derived from

activities which are substantially related in achieving the primary purpose of that
hospital, which is to render services to the public.
The explanation as to when the 10% or 34% tax rate applies is the same
as that of private educational institution.

60

B. SPECIAL RFC
1.
INTERNATIONAL
AIR CARRIER
2.
INTERNATIONAL
SHIPPING

Sources

Tax Base

Tax Rate

I
(Income
Within)

GROSS
PHILIPPINE
BILLINGS

2.5%
(2. ____ %)

*** For purposes of International Air Carrier, GROSS PHIL. BILLINGS refer
to the amount of gross revenue derived from carriage of persons, excess
baggage, cargo and mail originating from the Philippines in a continuous and
uninterrupted flight irrespective of the place of sale or issue, and the place of
payment of the ticket or passage document.

* Gross Phil. billings for purposes of International Shipping means gross

revenue whether from passenger, cargo or mail originating from the Phils. up to
final destination, regardless of the place of sale or payments of the passage or
freight documents.

C. SPECIAL NRFC
1.
LESSOR
OF
CINEMATOGRAPHI
C FILMS
2.
LESSOR
OF
VESSELS
CHARTERED
TO
FILIPINO
NATIONALS
OR
CORP.; The Charter

Sources

Tax Base

Tax Rate

GROSS

25%

GROSS

4.5%

GROSS

7.5%

Agreement of which
is
approved
by
Maritime
Industry
Authority

3.
LESSOR
AIRCRAFT,
MACHINERY
EQUIPMENT

OF
&

*** Lessor of CD and video is not included in no. 1. So, it is subject to 34% tax rate.
*** Lessor of personal properties is not included in no. 2, so, it is also subject to
34% tax rate.

61

OTHER RULES
1.
INTEREST
INCOME
ON
BANK DEPOSIT

2.
INTEREST
INCOME
ON
BANK
DEPOSIT
UNDER
THE
EXPANDED
FOREIGN
CURRENCY
DEPOSIT
SYSTEM
3.
ROYALTIES
DERIVED WITHIN
THE
PHILIPPINES
4.
CAPITAL
GAINS DERIVED
FROM ITS SALE
OF SHARES OF
STOCK
a. If
it
is
listed and
traded
thru local
stock
exchange:
Of 1% of the
Gross
Selling
Price
b. If
it
is
NOT listed
or traded
thru local
stock
exchange:
Not
over
P100,000.: 5%
Over
P100,000: 10%

DC

RFC

NRFC
This should be included in its gross
income subject to 34% tax. BUT in
the case of interest on loans which
have been made on or after August
1, 1986, the same is subject to
20% final tax.

20%

20%

7.5%

7.5%

Tax-exempt

20%

20%

34%

This rule applies BOTH to corporate and individual taxpayers.

62
5.
CAPITAL
GAINS DERIVED
FROM THE SALE
OF
REAL
PROPERTY
WHICH IS NOT
USED IN TRADE
OR BUSINESS
6. *** BRANCH
PROFIT
REMITTED BYA
BRANCH OFFICE
(this only applies
to RFC)

6% of the
Gross
Selling Prize
or Zonal
Value
whichever is
Higher

NOT
APPLICABL
E

Should be treated as OTHER INCOME SUBJECT

to 34%

Subject to
Branch
Profit
Remittanc
e Tax of
15% NOW,
the basis of
the tax is
the
amount
applied for
or
earmarked
for
remittance

NOT APPLICABLE

CASE:

Marubeni Corp. is a foreign corp. it has a branch here. It made a direct

investment in a Domestic Corp., so it received cash dividends. Do we have to include
that in that profit to be remitted and subject to 15%?
HELD:

NO. This is not effectively connected with the conduct of trade or business of
their branch office. That should be excluded from the profits that should be remitted to
that Marubeni Corp. The condition is, it must be an income or profit effectively
connected with the conduct of trade or business of such corp. through its branch office.
7.
DIVIDENDS
RECEIVED FROM
DC

EXEMPT

EXEMPT

* These dividends received from DC

by NRFC is subject to 15% Final
Tax IF: the foreign govt. of that
foreign corp. allows a tax credit at
least 19% of the taxes deemed paid
in the Philippines by NRFC.
* So, the implication is that if that
foreign govt. does not allow a tax
credit of at least 19%, that is
subject to 34% and not 15%.

Note: These incomes must be derived from the Phils. So, this is an interest income on
bank deposit maintained OUTSIDE the Phils., that is not subject to final tax but should
be included in the gross income of the DC.

63
INTRACORPORATE DIVIDENDS EXPLAINED
TAX SPARING CREDIT (Sec. 28.B (5) b) >>> 19%
Purpose:
To attract investors in the Phils.
Situation:

NRFC received dividend, cash or property dividend from DC. That dividend
received from DC is subject to 15% FINAL WITHOLDING TAX.

This 15% may be imposed on this dividend received from DC if the foreign govt. of the NRFC
allows a tax credit at least 19% (1998), 18% (1999), 17% (2000). It should be credited from
the taxes deemed paid by this NRFC in the Phils.
So, if the foreign govt. does not allow a tax credit of at least 19%, the tax there is
not 15% but 34%. Thus, the tax spared or saved is 19% because normally the
tax is 34%. So, 34% less 15% equals 19%, that is the tax saved and that
represents the tax credit allowed by the foreign govt.
Question: Must the foreign govt. actually grant a tax credit or is it enough that the
foreign govt. allow such tax credit?
Answer: There is no statutory provision that requires actual grant. Neither is there a
Revenue Regulation requiring actual grant. It is clear that the provision of the
law says allows. So, it is enough to prove that the foreign corp. allows a tax
credit. It is not incumbent upon the foreign corp. to prove the amount actually
granted.
Question: Does a withholding agent or a subsidiary corp. have the personality to file a
written claim or refund?
Answer: The withholding agent has the personality to file a written claim for refund. A
withholding agent is technically a taxpayer because it is required to deduct and
withhold the tax, and it has the obligation to remit the same to the govt. So,
withholding agent is liable for tax. It has therefore the personality to file a
written claim for refund.
Withholding agent is not only an agent of the taxpayer but also an agent of the
govt. Since it is an agent of the taxpayer, it is ipso facto authorized to file a
written claim for refund.
CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS EXPLAINED
Capital Transaction Involves Capital Asset.
CAPITAL ASSET means property held by the taxpayer whether or not connected with
his trade or business EXCEPT: [S.O.U.R.]
1. Stock in trade or property of the taxpayer which may be properly included in
the inventory at the end of the taxable year [inventoriable property may include finished
goods, raw materials or work in process.]
2. Property primarily held for sale to customers in the Ordinary course of trade
or business.
3. Property Used in trade or business subject to depreciation, which means that
this must be depreciable property.
4. Real property used in trade or business.

64
These 4 properties enumerated are called ORDINARY ASSETS.
ASSETS WHICH ARE CONSIDERED AS CAPITAL ARE:
1. Properties not included in those above enumerated
2. Properties used in trade or business classified as capital assets:
a. accounts receivable
b. property for investment in stock
c. subdivision of lots to tenants at the instance of the government. The sale of
these subdivided lots at the instance of the govt. to the tenants is considered
as Capital Transaction.
d. Interest of a partner in a partnership. The partner may transfer that interest
to another and he may derive gain therefrom, that is considered as Capital
Transaction.
N.B. It is therefore safe to say that all properties not used in trade or business are
considered as Capital Assets.
Capital Asset can be Converted into an Ordinary Asset.
Example:
A property was inherited by the heirs from their deceased parents. That
property is considered as Capital Asset.
In the event that this property (a parcel of land) is improved by the heirs
substantially and sell the same at a profit, said capital property is now converted into
an Ordinary Asset. The profit derived from the sale of the land which has been
substantially improved by the heirs is considered as ordinary gain.
Ordinary Asset can be converted into a Capital Asset.
Example:
If the taxpayer is engaged in real estate business, if he dies, these
properties will be transmitted to his heirs. And if the heirs will discontinue the business
of that deceased parent, that properties which are ordinarily held for sale to customers
maybe converted into a Capital Asset.
FACTORS that should be considered in DETERMINING whether it is CAPITAL or
NOT:
1. It may be the vocation of the taxpayer.
In one case, if the taxpayer is engaged in hotel management and he
inherited jewelry from his parents and hell sell the same, the Court said
that it is a Capital Transaction.

It would be different if the one selling a parcel of land is a real estate

dealer and he developed the same before this property may be sold to
another, this time such taxpayer is engaged in a business, in which case
that sale of parcel of land is considered as Ordinary Transaction.

2. Sometimes the period or the extent of activities may play an important role.
Case:
If a taxpayer is engaged in a lumber business and he has been unsuccessful for
a period of 11 years and he tried again on the 12 th year. The sale that may be made on
the 12th year may not be considered ordinary transaction.
But those sales which, would have been made during that 11 th year when such
taxpayer is engaged in trade or business may be considered Ordinary Asset.

65
If the taxpayer stop his business and then undertake another business, that
may be considered Capital Transaction.
SPECIAL CAPITAL
transactions.

TRANSACTIONS

these transactions are deemed capital

SPECIAL CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS INCLUDE:

1. Failure to exercise option or privilege to buy or sell property.
Example:
B offers his land to A. B gives A 5 days within which to make up his mind
to buy this parcel of land for P500,000.00 Now, A pays B P5,000 for giving him
time to think whether he will buy that during the 5 day-period. If A fails to buy
the same, he incurred a loss and we call this Capital Loss. So, the loss of A is
considered a gain on the part of B because the latter received that P5,000.
So, failure to exercise option to buy may result in a capital loss on the part of
the offeree or buyer. As regards the seller, the gain is considered Capital Gain.
2. Distribution of assets or shares of stock to stockholder upon liquidation of a
corporation.
Example:
After liquidation, the stockholders are entitled to the return of their
capital if there is still something left. If A made an investment and the value of his
shares of stock is P100,000, after liquidation of the corporate affairs, the corp. gives A
P150,000. The gain of A which is P50,000 is considered Capital Gain.
3. Readjustment of partners interest in a partnership.
Example:
A partnership is earning a profit, let us say, P100,000. Then it increases
to P1M. So, the partnership may readjust the partners interest in the
partnership. Or it may also arise if for example, A made an additional
contribution. So, As interest will change.
Now, in making readjustment of interest, the partner may derive gain therefrom,
and that is a Capital Gain.
4. Retirement of bonds.
Example:
The debtor issues bonds and after one (1) year, he pays the same. The
value of the bonds is P100,000. Upon redemption, the debtor pays P120,000 to the
creditor. So the P20,000 is a gain to the creditor and we consider that as a Capital Gain.
But if there is a loss, that is considered as Capital Loss.
5. Wash Sale This has been described as 61 days sale
The seller here is not a dealer in securities.
It is described as 61 days sale because here, 30 days before the sale, the seller
acquired substantially identical securities OR 30 days before the sale, he acquired
identical or substantially the same stocks or securities. Sale may also include
exchange or option to sell securities.
Example:
Today is June 10, Now, here is A who is not a dealer in securities or
stocks. He sells securities.
Can that be classified as wash sale?

66

You must find out whether 30 days before June 10, he purchased identical securities.
Or he ma not have purchased identical securities within that 30 day period before the
sale but it is possible that within 30 days after June 10, he may have purchased
identical securities.
The tax treatment here is, the gain is taxable, meaning that is classified as Capital Gain
because the seller is not engaged in such business. If there is a loss, since it is
classified as Capital Transaction, that is considered Capital Loss.
The capital gain is taxable but the capital loss incurred from wash sale transaction is
not deductible.
6. Short Sale a transaction wherein a person sells securities which he does not own
yet. The seller here is a mere speculator; he is selling securities which he is yet to
acquire, provided however, that he has ownership of the securities at the time of
delivery he has the right to transfer ownership. (See further discussion on p. 77).
RULES THAT GOVERN CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:
1. Holding Period Rule
Under this rule, if the property has been held by the taxpayer for a period of not
more than 12 months, the gain or loss is 100% recognized. If it is more than 12
months, the gain or loss is 50% recognized.
So, the gain or loss may be 100% or 50% taxable deductible as the case may be.
Example:
You sell your personal car. This is a capital transaction because the asset
involved is a capital asset. Let us say that you sell the car at P200,000 and the cost of
the car is P150,000. Here, there is a gain of P50,000.
You must find out the date of the acquisition and the date of sale or disposition.
If the date of acquisition and the date of sale fall within the 12 month period, this
P50,000 is P100,000 taxable. But if exceeding 12 months, this P50,000 is only tacable
up to P25,000. This is an example of tax avoidance.
N.B. This rule is applicable only to individual taxpayers. This is so because the
capital gain derived from capital transaction of corporate taxpayers is always 100%
recognized respective of the number of months during which the property was in the
possession of the corp. taxpayer.
2. Capital Loss Limitation Rule
- meaning, capital losses are deductible only to the extent of capital gain
- so, it follows that there is no capital gain, there is no deductible losses.
- Capital loss cannot be deducted from capital gain
- Ordinary loss is deductible from ordinary gain.
N.B. This rule applies to individual and corporate taxpayers EXCEPT on banks
and trust companies because they are considered as dealer in securities as far as
issuance of bond and evidence of indebtedness are concerned.
Net Capital Loss Carry-over Rule
-meaning, the capital loss that may be carried over in the succeeding taxable year must
not exceed the net income during the year that it was incurred.
Example:
In 1996, the capital gain is P100,000 and capital loss is P200,000. SO,
there is a capital loss of P100,000 which may be carried over in 1997 by the taxpayer.

67
This net capital loss in 1996 may be claimed as deductions from the capital gain in
1997.
But if in 1996 the net income is P150,000 and the net capital loss is P100,000,
so the net capital loss does not exceed the net income. Thus, the entire amount of
P100,000 net capital loss can be carried over in 1997.
Can that P100,000 net capital loss be carried over in 1998?
NO, because the law says during the succeeding taxable year. Tax exemption must be
strictly construed against the taxpayer and liberally in favor of the govt.
N.B. This rule applies to individual taxpayers.
In this regard, there is such a thing as no operating loss carry over. OPERATING
LOSS are losses incurred in the course of trade or business of the taxpayer. Net
operating loss may be carried over by the taxpayer, whether corporate or individual, to
the next three (3) consecutive years provided that during that year, such taxpayer is not
exempt from taxation and there must be no substantial change in ownership of the
corporation, in the case of the corporation. Substantial change may arise if less than
75% of the outstanding capital stock or paid up capital stock is held by the same
person.
Case: The BOI registered industries are allowed to carry over operating losses. This
time, those losses that were incurred during that period of 16 years operation may be
carried over to succeeding taxable year.
The rule that we have established is: expenses must be paid or incurred
during the taxable year. You can claim those expenses as deduction during the year
when the same were incurred or paid. The exception to this rule are net operating loss
carry-over and net capital loss carry-over.
Meaning of Terms:
CAPITAL GAIN gain from sale or exchange of capital asset.
CAPITAL LOSS loss incurred from sale or exchange of capital asset.
NET CAPITAL GAIN excess of capital gain over capital loss.
NET CAPITAL LOSS excess of capital loss over capital gain.
Gains derived from dealings in property form part of Gross Income
(Sec. 32 A. no. 3)
- This may include sale or exchange of goods or properties.
- If the property is sold for cash, that is considered as sale.
- If it property for another property, this may be classified as exchange.
There may be a gain in regard to exchange of property if the following concur:
1. The property received must have a fair market value;
2. The property disposed of must be substantially different from the property received.
- So, a like kind transactions are not taxable transactions.
- If a land has been substantially improved and then it is exchanged with
another land, that may not be taxable. However, there is that BIR ruling
that this is no longer applicable even if these are like kind transactions,
it may be taxable. But Prof. Geronimo of Ateneo disagreed. He said, you
cannot change that by BIR ruling. So, we can compromise that this will
not apply to capital transactions but to ordinary transactions.

68
In determining the gain or loss in the sale or exchange of property, this is the
basic formula:
Amount received or realized LESS Cost or adjusted basis.
How to determine the cost or adjusted basis?
*** It depends upon the manner of acquisition.
1. If it was acquired through purchase, it is the cost of the property.
Example:
I sell a property in the amount of P100,000. It is previously purchased the same at
P60,000, this P60,000 is the cost of property.
2. If the property sold was previously acquired through inheritance, it is the fair
market value (FMV) of the property at the time of the acquisition.
At the time of acquisition means at the time of the death of the decedent or
testator.
3. If the property sold was acquired through donation, the basis shall be the same
as if it would be in the hands of the donor.
Situation:
A, the donor donated property to B, the donee. Subsequently, such donated property
was sold by the donee for P200,000. What must be the cost?
Answer:
The law says, the same basis in the hands of the donor. So, the donee should ask the
donor the basis.
It is also that A, the donor acquired the property from another either through purchase
or donation. So, you should ask A, the last donor, his basis.
Exception to the general rule:
If the basis is greater than the FMV of the property at the time of the donation/gift
then, for the purpose of determining loss, the basis shall be such FMV.
4. If the property sold was acquired for less than an adequate consideration in
money or moneys worth, the basis of such property is the amount paid by the
transferee for the property.
Situation:
The seller acquired the property from A in the amount of P70,000. The FMV of said
property is P100,000. So, the seller here is the transferee and A is the transferor. The
seller sold the property at P200,000. What must be the cost?
Answer:
It is the amount paid by the transferee. And the amount paid by the transferee who
subsequently sold the property is P70,000. So, he will have a gain of P130,000.
*** Remember, it is not the FMV of the property but the amount paid bv the transferee.
Suppose the property was acquired in a transaction where gain or loss is not
recognized? (NO GAIN, NO LOSS RECOGNIZED)

69
Before we answer that, we should know these transactions where the gain is not
recognized (meaning it is not taxable) and the loss is not recognized (meaning, it is not
deductible).
The basic rule is, in the sale or exchange of property if there is a gain, the gain taxable;
If there is loss, the loss is deductible).
Exception to the basic rule (no gain or loss shall be recognized):
1. Transactions made pursuant to plan of merger or consideration. Sometimes, we
call this Tax Exempt Transactions or Transactions Solely in Kind.
a. A corporation, party to merger or consolidation exchanges its properties solely
for stock in corp., which is a party to the merger or consolidation.
Illustration:
Property
Corp. A

Corp. B

property for Stock

Stock
b. A stockholder of a corp. party to a merger or consolidation exchanges his stock
solely for stock in another corp. party to that merger or consolidation.
Illustration:
Security or Stock

Stockholder ------------------------ Corp.

1. Stock for Stock

2. Securities for stock
3. Securities for Securities

Security or Stock
** Sometimes, we call the above-mentioned transactions as Transactions solely in
kind or Tax Exempt Transactions.
2. If a person alone or together with others or not exceeding four (4) (so, the total
number should be five (5) exchanges his property for stock in a corp. and this person or
persons, after this exchange, acquired controlling interest over that corp. This means
that they acquired at least 15% of the shares of stock of such corp.
- This is also a transaction solely in kind.
Question:
Suppose these persons, at the time of transaction, already acquired
controlling interest over such corp., is the transaction or exchange taxable?
Answer:
Even if these persons acquired controlling interest at the time of the
transaction, the rule is still applicable in which case that is still tax exempt.
Question:
So, if these properties acquired under this tax exempt transactions are
subsequently disposed of, how will you determine the basis?

70
Answer:
The basis of the stock or properties acquired under this no gain, no loss
recognized shall be the same basis in the hands if the transferor.
Suppose the property was acquired under transactions where gain is recognized
and loss is not recognized? (GAIN RECOGNIZED, LOSS NOT RECOGNIZED)
Transaction solely in kind this means that there are other consideration given other
than those mentioned under transactions solely in kind (nos. 1 and 2 above, but cash is
added).
Example:
Corp. A party merger or consolidation transfers its cash and property to
Corp. B, also a party to such merger or consolidation.
Corp. B, in exchange, transfers its stocks to Corp. A.
Illustration:
Property and Cash

Corp. A

Corp. B
Stock

Property: P50,000
Cash: P50,000
P100,000
FMV Stock: P100,000

Let us say that FMV of stock given by Corp. B is P100,000. The value of the property
transferred by Corp. A is P50,000 while cash is also P50,000.
So if you add all of these, the amount received or realized is P200,000.
Now, you deduct the cost of the stock disposed of. Let us say that the cost of stock is
P80,000. So, Corp. B derived gain of P120,000. Is this taxable?
Answer:
YES, but only P100,000 is the amount that is taxable. This is so because of the
limitation that it must not exceed the total cash and the FMV of the property. And if you
add the FMV of the property and the total cash given, the total is P100,000.
Under the law, there is that limitation in transactions which involves not only the
property but also cash. The gain is recognized or taxable but the taxable gain must not
exceed the cash given and the FMV of the property which forms part of the
consideration.
On the other hand, supposed the cost of stock disposed of or transferred to Corp. A is
P250,000. So, there is a loss of P50,000, is this recognized or deductible? NO.
If this property received under this transactions which is not solely in kind is
subsequently disposed of, how do you determine the basis of that?
Answer:
The basis of the property in the hands of the transferor less the FMV of
the property, less cash received plus the gain recognized, if any, plus the dividend that
may be treated as such, if there is any.
Basis in the hands of the transferor
Less: FMV of the property
Cash received
Plus: Gain recognized, if any

71
Dividend recognized, if any
Transactions were gain is recognized and loss is not recognized (meaning, if there
is a gain, the gain is taxable and if the loss is not deductible) are: [W.I.R.N.]
1. Wash Sale
2. Illegal transactions
3. Those transactions involving Related taxpayers
4. Transactions Not solely in kind.
SHORT SALE
- this is also considered as Capital Transaction.
- Short sale is really an obligation payable not in cash but in goods. The
seller of securities or stock will decline. And if it declines, he earns profit.
However, if the price of securities increases, he incurs loss.
-

Example:
I borrow your securities on June 10 and Ill pay it on June
15. The price of securities on June 10 is P50 and you speculate that said
price will decline on June 15. On June 15, the price has been lowered to
P40. So, you earn a profit of P10 because I will pay my obligation at P50
on June 15 and not P40.

Tax consequence of short sale:

** If there is a gain, the gain is taxable. We call this Capital Gain.
** If there is a loss, the loss is deductible

WASH SALE vs. SHORT SALE

* BOTH may be classified as Capital Transactions.
* The basic distinction is in wash sale, the loss that may be incurred is not deductible,
whereas in short sale, the loss is deductible.
TRANSFER TAXES
ESTATE & TRUSTS
ESTATE refers to the mass of properties left by decedent or testator to his heirs or
beneficiaries.
TRUST is the right to the property, real or personal, exercised by one person for the
benefit of another parties.
Parties to a Trust:
a. Trustor or grantor - one who created the trust
b. Trustee or fiduciary one who may hold the property for the benefit of other
person known as beneficiary. Sometimes, the fiduciary is also the nbeneficiary.
c. Beneficiary

Estate may be the subject to tax, if it is under your administration. It

may only be under administration or settlement if the properties of the
decedent are settled under judicial settlement.

If the estate is under extra-judicial settlement, it is not subject to tax

because that will not earn income considering that the heirs agreed to
settle the estate extra-judicially.

When we speak of judicial settlement, this may include estate or intestate

proceedings.

72

Trust may be subject to tax if the trust is irrevocable.

Non-taxable trust are:

1. Revocable Trust. The income here will be taxed in so far as the recipient of the same
is concerned.
2. Employees Trust. If an employer establishes a pension trust for the benefit of the
employees, that pension trust is not taxable.
The trust is revocable if the power to revest the title to the property of the trust
is vested:
1. in the grantor or in conjunction with other person who does not have the substantial
adverse interest in the disposition of the property
2. in any person who does not have substantial adverse interest in the disposition of the
property.

In irrevocable trust, you cannot transfer or revest the title of the property.

No substantial interest in the disposition of the property he must not

be the beneficiary.

If the properties of the estate is not invested in a business, so ten heirs

are just co-owners of the property, that is not taxable because coownership as a rule is not taxable.

If the heirs decide to continue the business, such that the administrator
may manage the same, that will become an unregistered taxable
partnership.

Estate and trust may be taxed on the same manner and on the same
basis as in the case of individual taxpayers. So, they may claim the
deductions under Section 34 as long as these deductions were paid or
incurred in connection with the business of that estate or trust.

Estate and trust are entitled to personal exemptions P20,000.

SPECIAL DEDUCTIONS (this can be availed of only by estate and trust):

1. In the case of intestate, the executor, or administrator may deduct the income
distributed to the heirs during the particular year when such estate is still under
settlement.
2. In the case of a trust, the income may be distributed to the beneficiaries during that
year may also be deducted. The trustee or fiduciary may distribute the income or
accumulate the income. The trustee has the discretion whether to distribute the income
to the beneficiaries during the taxable year or to accumulate the same and distribute
such income after the lapse of certain period of time or year. In the event that income of
the trust is distributed to the beneficiary, this particular amount may also be claimed
as deductions.
Questions:
If there are two (2) trust created by one trustor or grantor, how do we tax
the income of that trust?
Answer:
Under the law, the taxable income of these two (2) trust must be
consolidated. That trust should be taxed as if they constitute one trust.
Situation:

73
Grantor X created 2 trust. One is A trust created and the other is B trust. There
is only one beneficiary named Y.
Let us assume that the taxable income of trust A is P10,000. The taxable income
of B trust is P20,000. The total taxable income is P30,000. We will tax these 2 trust
separately but through consolidation.
In paying the tax after applying the applicable tax rate to the taxable income of
P30,000, the tax due should be apportioned to trust A and B.
So, for purposes of income tax, the taxable income of these 2 trust should be
consolidated, but for purposes of paying the tax, the tax due should be apportioned.
TRANSFER TAXES
Taxes may be imposed on onerous transmission of properties or on the
gratuitous transmission of properties.
Transfer taxes that are imposed on the onerous transmission of properties:
1. VAT (value-added tax)
2. Percentage Tax (excluded this 1998 Bar)
3. Excise Tax (also excluded)
CONTENTS OF THE BACK PAGES
DIVISION OF GROSS ESTATE:
1. INDIVIDUAL WHO DIED SINGLE
- G. E. includes all that he owns at the time of death
2. MARRIED DECEDENT
- his estate includes his exclusive properties and his shares in the conjugal properties BUT
NOT the exclusive properties of the surviving spouse
PROPERTY OWNERSHIP bet. SPOUSES
- NCC before Aug. 3, 1988
> CPG
- EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY under N.C.C.
1. brought into the marriage as his/her own
2. acquired during the marriage by LUCRATIVE TITLE
3. acquired by RIGHT of REDEMPTION or EXCHANGE with other exclusive properties
4. purchased with exclusive money
- CPG under N.C.C.
1. acquired by ONEROUS TITLE
- common fund
2. acquired by INDUSTRY/WORK, SALARY or either
3. FRUITS< RENTS or INTERESTS [conjugal/exclusive]
4. all properties not determined to be exclusive shall be presumed to be conjugal
FAMILY CODE - after Aug. 3, 1988
- ACP
- EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY under the F.C.
1. gift, donation, contribution exclusively given to one of the spouses only
- gift and fruits/income considered exclusive
2. INHERITANCE given exclusively to one spouse
- gift or fruits/income considered exclusive
3. acquired of personal and exclusive use
- except JEWELRY
4. exclusively owned before marriage including fruits /income IF spouse has children from
the former marriage
5. purchased from exclusive fund.

74
EXEMPTIONS FROM ESTATE TAX
- special laws
1. Benefits received [GSIS, SSS]
2. proceeds of GSIS life insurance
3. Benefits received U. S. Veterans
4. REPARATIONS WW II Veterans
5. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
- if included in gross estate
6. proceeds of group insurance
DECEDENTS INTEREST
assets that are still owned by decedent at the time of death to the extent
of his equity or interest in any property whether as exclusive owner,
conjugal owner, or common owner.
COMPOSITION OF GROSS ESTATE
[DI, T-GPA, RT, T-IC, P-LI, T-CD]
1. DECEDENTS INTEREST
2. TRANSFER by VIRTUE OF GENERAL POWER OF APPOINTMENT
3. REVOCABLE TRANSFER
4. TRANSFER for INSUFFICIENT CONSIDERATION
5. PROCEEDS from LIFE INSURANCE
6. TRANSFER in CONTEMPLATION of DEATH
FUNERAL EXPENSES INCLUDE:
1. expenses for interment
2. mourning clothing [widow, children]
3. expenses for wake before burial
4. charges for rites and ceremonies incident to interment
5. cost of burial plot
6. tombstone or monument
7. obituary or death notices
JUDICIAL EXPENSES
1. accountants fee
2. appraisers fee
3. administrators fee
4. attorneys fee
5. docket fee
6. stenographers fee
7. other expenses of court hearings
CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE
- obligations of the decedent contracted in good faith while still alive but remains unpaid at
the time of death
UNPAID MORTGAGES OR INDEBTEDNESS RULES: (claimed as deductions)
1.
the said mortgage/indebtedness must have been contracted during the
decedents lifetime in good faith for an adequate and full consideration in money or moneys
worth
2. the value of the decedents interest in the property mortgaged is included in the
value of the gross estate
- must be undiminished by said mortgage/indebtedness
3. must not include:
A. any income tax upon income received after the death of decedent

75
B. property taxes not accrued before his death
C. any estate tax
LOSSES fire, storm, shipwreck or other casualty, robbery, theft, embezzlement
RULES:
1. must not be compensated by insurance
2. must have been incurred during the settlement of the estate BUT NOT LATER than the
last day for the payment of the estate tax (6 mos.)
3. not claimed as deduction in an income tax return of the taxable estate
TAXES which are not DEDUCTIBLE
1. income tax or income received after death
2. property taxes not accrued before death
3. estate tax
COMPUTATION of VANISHING DEDUCTION FORMULA:
INITIAL BASIS
GROSS ESTATE
X
E. L. I. T. and transfers for public purposes
SHARE OF SURVIVING SPOUSE
RULES:
1. the gross conjugal estate shall be diminished by expenses and charges EXCEPT those
chargeable to the exclusive properties
2. the NET amount shall be divided into two (2)
3. goes to the surviving spouse and deducted from the estate of the decedent
ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS
- NON-RESIDENT DECEDENT [ELIT-TVS]
1. ELIT (expenses, losses, indebtedness, taxes)
FORMULA:
PHIL. GROSS ESTATE
WORLD GROSS ESTATE
x ELIT
2. transfer for public purposes
3. vanishing deductions
4. share of the surviving spouse
NOTICE OF DEATH
- if value exceeds Php20,000
- FILE notice with BIR within two mos. Of decedents death or within two mos. After
election of qualified executor or administrator
ESTATE TAX RETURN
- if gross value of estate exceeds P200,000 or if gross estate consists of
registered property, FILE in duplicate and under OATH
- if value of gross estate exceeds P2,000,000, return must be supported by a
certificate of C.P.A.
TIME FOR FILING RETURN
- within 6 mos. From decedents death
- EXTENSION: not exceed 30 days
PAYMENT OF ESTATE TAX
- upon filing of the estate tax return and before delivery to any beneficiary
of his distributions share of the estate
- EXTENSION: not to exceed 5 years

76
-

If extra-judicially settled, 2 years

It must file bond not to exceed double the value to be paid

SURCHARGE
- 25% for late filing, for late payment
- 50% for filing of false or fraudulent return
INTEREST 20% per annum
PARTIES TO A DONATION
1. DONOR gratuitously disposes
2. DONEE receives and accepts
KINDS OF DONATION
1. PERSONAL PROPERTY may be orally or in writing
EXCEPT: exceeds P5,000 donation and acceptance must be in writing
2. REAL PROPERTY PUBLIC DOCUMENT
ACCEPTANCE - same deed of donation or separate instrument; done during the lifetime of
the donor
RULE: HUSBAND AND WIFE
G.R.: Every donation between Husband and Wife during the marriage is VOID
EXCEPTION:
1. donation mortis causa
2. moderate gifts - family affair
*** gifts coming from the conjugal property made by both spouses are taxable, to each
spouse
RULE on INADEQUATE CONSIDERATION
* if the property transferred is real property classified as capital asset, the transfer is
subject to capital gains tax of 6% and not to donors tax
* where the consideration is fictitious, the entire value of the property transfer shall be
subject to donors tax
* the amount by which the value of the property exceed the amount of consideration shall
be deemed a gift for purposes of the donors tax
VALUATION OF GROSS GIFTS
- FMV at time of donation
1. Real Property
- BIR zonal value or FMV fixed by city/provincial assessor whichever is higher
2. Shares of Stock
A. If listed average value at the date of donation
B. If not listed book value at the date of donation
3. Personal Properties FMV at the time of donation
* FMV = pawn value x 3

EXEMPTIONS/ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS
1. DOWRIES
RULES:
A. Exempt up to 1st P10,000;
B. Legitimate recognized or legally adopted children;
C. Made before marriage or within one year thereof.
2. GIFTS TO NATIONAL GOVT. or POL. SUB.
- not conducted for profit

77
3. GIFTS TO E, C, R, C, S, N, T, P, or R orgs.
- not more than 30% used for administrative purposes
- may be a school or non-stock entity
DEDUCTIONS ALLOWABLE
1. ENCUMBRANCES or donated property, if assumed by the donee
2. DIMINUTION of the donated property as specified by the DONOR
RULE (non-resident donor)
1. Same allowable deductions as resident donors except that the same must be connected
with donated property situated in the Phils.
2. NO deductions for dowries
RULE if Donee is a Stranger
1. TAX PAYABLE 30% of net gift
STRANGER one who is not a brother, sister (whole or half-blood), spouse, ancestor, lineal
descendant or relative by CONSANGUINITY in the COLLATERAL LINE within the 4 th
degree.
RULE ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
- considered TAXABLE GIFTS
- donee in this case is deemed to receive a financial advantage gratuitously
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
- donors tax return must be filed under oath and in duplicate
- filed within 30 days from date of donation
EXTENSION: not exceeding 30 days
- WHEN PAID
- time the return is filed
EXTENSION: not exceeding 6 mos.
PROVIDED BOND- double the amount of TAX
TAX CREDIT for donors tax paid to a foreign country
- donor was a Filipino citizen or resident alien at the time of foreign donation
- donors taxes of any character or description are imposed and paid by the authority of a
foreign country
LIMITATIONS:
1. The amount of credit in respect to the tax paid to any country shall NOT EXCEED the
same proportions of the tax against which such credit was taken
2. The total amount of credit shall not exceed the same portion of the tax against which
such credit is taken
Transfer taxes imposed on gratuitous transmission of properties are:
1. Estate tax
2. Donors Tax
ESTATE TAX tax imposed on the right or privilege to transmit properties upon death
of a decedent or testator
DONORS TAX tax imposed on the right or privilege to transmit properties
gratuitously in favor of another who accepts the same. This transmission of properties
occurs during the lifetime of the donor and the donee.
ESTATE TAX

78
NATURE OF ESTATE TAX It is an excise tax since the subject of the tax is the right
or privilege to transmit properties and not the property itself.
PURPOSES OF ESTATE TAX to avoid the undue accumulation or concentration of
wealth
1. The primary purpose is to raise revenue in order to support the government;
2. To supplement income tax;
3. To reduce successive inequalities in wealth, meaning, to achieve social equality.
KINDS OF ESTATE TAXPAYER:
1. Resident estate taxpayer includes citizen of the Phils., resident alien who died in
the Phils., and such alien, at the time of his death, is a resident of the Phils;
2. Non-resident estate taxpayer is limited to non-resident alien individual.

Real properties, personal tangible properties and personal intangible

properties of resident decedent (RD) are taxed wherever situated.

Real and personal tangible properties of non-resident decedent (NRD) are

taxable only if they are located in the Phils.

Real and personal tangible properties of NRD are taxable only if they
acquire tax situs in the Phils.

Personal intangible properties that are deemed to have acquired Phil. situs are: [F,
SOB (DC, FC-85%, FC-SP), SR P]
1. Franchise which is exercised in the Phils.
2. Shares of stock, obligation or bonds issued by domestic corporation or sociedad
anonima
3. Shares of stock, obligation or bonds issued by foreign corp., 85% of the business of
which is conducted in the Phils
4. Shares, obligations or bonds acquire business suits in the Phils.
> Such shares, obligations or bonds acquire business situs in the Phils. of they
are used by foreign corp. in furtherance of its trade or business.
5. Shares or rights in any partnership, business or in any partnership, business or
industry, established in the Phils.
If the personal intangible properties of a NRD does not belong to the above-mentioned
enumeration, they may not form part of his gross income or we may also apply the
doctrine of mobilia sequntur personam.
Mobilia sequntum personam, according to the Supreme Court, is a mere fiction of
law. So, it must yield to the provision of law which provides tax situs.
Question:
Suppose the personal intangible properties of NRD acquired tax situs in the
Phils., can this be exempt from real estate tax?
Answer:
YES, by applying the rule on reciprocity.
RULE ON RECIPROCITY the foreign country of that NRD does not impose or allows
exemption on tax on the properties of the citizens of the Phils. who died in that foreign
country.
The phrase does not impose and allows exemption are different from each other.

79
When we say does not impose, this means totally exempt. Allows exemption
means this may not cover all properties but only certain properties.
Case:

Country of Morocco has no international personality. If it grants exemptions to

the intangible personal properties if Filipino citizens who died in that country, will you
apply also that rule on reciprocity?
Held: YES. It does not matter whether the country has international personality or
not. What is important is it allows or grants exemption from estate tax.
Sec. 85, Gross Estate The value (FMV) of the gross estate of the decedent shall be
determined by including the value, at the time of his death, of all property, real or
personal, tangible or intangible, wherever situated: Provided, however, That in the case
of a non-resident decedent who at the time of his death was not a citizen of the
Philippines, only that part of the entire gross estate which is situated in the Philippines
shall be included in his taxable estate.
The composition of the gross estate may include:
1. Decedents Interest. (includes yields, fruits and interest)
- The gross estate may include the fruits and income of the properties and
that may constitute the decedents interest.
- In the case of parcel of land, it may produce income in the form of
harvest which harvest may form part of the gross estate.
- In the case of apartment, the rental of such apartment should also be
included, not only the value of the property.
- Dividends
- Partnership profits
- Rights of usufruct
2. Transfer by virtue of general power of appointment
- It implies that if the transfer is made under special power of appointment
that should be excluded from gross estate.
- In general power of appointment, the power is exercisable or in favor of
the estate, executor, administrator or a creditor of the estate. If the power
is exercisable other than these (estate, administrator, administrator or
creditor of the estate), that may be considered as special power of
appointment.

3. Revocable Transfer Any transfer made by the decedent during his lifetime where
the decedent has reserved the right to ALTER, AMEND, TERMINATE, or REVOKE. such
transfer; it is sufficient that the decedent had the power to REVOKE, though he did not
exercise such power.
- Irrevocable transfers should be excluded from gross estate.
- Revocable transfers are transfers which are subject to alteration,
termination, amendment or modification by the decedent.
4. Transfers for Insufficient Consideration
- The amount that may form part of the gross estate is the difference
between the FMV of the property and the consideration given.
Example: If the property has a FMV of P100,000 and the consideration
given is only P50,000, the difference of P50,000 represents insufficient
consideration.
5. Proceeds of Life Insurance Policy
- Proceeds of life insurance policy may be included if:

80
a. the beneficiary designated is the estate executor, administrator or heirs
of the decedent whether revocable or not revocable
b. the beneficiary designated is a 3 rd person who is revocably designated as
beneficiary
- Proceeds of life insurance policy is excluded from the gross estate in
the following cases:
a. 3rd person is irrevocably designated as beneficiary
b. proceeds of group insurance policy taken out by the co. for its
employees
c. proceeds of accident insurance policy except accident insurance policy as
characteristic
d. proceeds of GSIS Life Insurance Policy (govt. employees)
e. proceeds of life insurance payable to the heirs of deceased U. S. and Phil.
Army
Note:
As regards the estate executor, administrator or heirs as
beneficiary, it is immaterial whether the designation is irrevocable or
revocable.
6. Transfer in Contemplation of Death
- If such transfer was induced by the thought of death principally,
REGARDLESS of whether the death is impending forthcoming or not
- TRANSFER may be done before, at the time of or even after the
decedents death
- 3-YEAR PRESUMPTION [deleted by P.D. 1705. Aug. 1, 1986)
[MU-NT, F, T-1ST-B, B-SCC]
EXCEPTINS/EXCLUSIONS from GROSS ESTATE
1) merger of USUFRUCT in the MAKED TITLE
2) FIDEICOMISSARY
3) transmission from 1st heir to another beneficiary
- will of the testator
4) BEQUEST, DEVISEES, LEGACIES or TRANSFER
- SOCIAL WELFARE, CULTURAL and CHARITABLE institutions
- no part of net income inures to any individual
- not more than 30% for admin. purposes
DEDUCTIONS FROM GROSS ESTATE
DEDUCTIONS FROM GROSS ESTATE THAT MAY BE:
1. Conjugal deductions [FH, JE, FE, ME, CAE, L, U(M/I),T, SD, SP, C-IP]
2. Absolute deductions
3. Exclusive deductions [VD, T-PU, UM, E-EP] (share of SS)
OTHERS: [M-U, F, T-1ST-B, G-CI]
I. CONJUGAL AND ABSOLUTE DEDUCTIONS include:
1. Family home
2. Judicial of funeral expenses
3. Casualty losses
4. Indebtedness/unpaid claim against the estate
5. Accrued taxes (before the death of the decedent)
6. Standard Deduction
7. Separation pay given to the heirs of the decedent on account of death
Discussion:

81
1. Family home (even unmarried person may have a family home) subject to the
following conditions:
a. there must be only one (1) family home;
b. there must be certification issued by the Barangay Captain that the decedent is
a resident of and own that family home in that particular locality;
c. the amount that is deductible or the FMV of the family home should not be more
than P1M; excess shall be subject to tax
d. the FMV must be included in the gross estate of the decedent.
If the FMV of the family home is P5M, this should be included in the gross estate of
the decedent. But when you claim deductions, you can only claim up to P1M.
2. Expenses which may be in the nature of judicial expenses or funeral expenses.
Medical expenses are also deductible subject to the following conditions:
a. the amount deductible, is limited only to P500,000;
b. it must be incurred within one (1) year before the death of the decedent;
c. this must be substantiated by receipts
In the case of funeral expenses, the amount deductible is the actual funeral expenses
on the amount which is not more than 5% of the gross estate whichever is lower, but in
no case to exceed P200,000.
There is no limitation as to amount with regard to judicial expenses. As long as it is
paid or incurred in connection with the preservation, administration or settlement of
the estate, it may be claimed as deductions. Judicial expenses also include extrajudicial expenses.
3. Losses that may arise from casualty or casualty losses such as fire, storm,
shipwreck, robbery, embezzlement, theft and other casualty losses.
These losses must be sustained not later than six (6) months after the death of the
decedent.
not compensated by insurance

4. Indebtedness which partake of the nature of the unpaid claims against the estate.
These must be supported by notarized documents. These obligations must be
incurred within three (3) years prior to death of the decedent.
Another indebtedness which may be claimed as deduction is claim against insolvent
persons. Here, the claimant is the decedent. In order to be deductible, this claim must
be included in the gross estate.
deduction from the gross estate shall be the collectible portion
5. Taxes which must accrue before the death of the decedent.
6. Standard deduction

The amount is P1M. So, this may only be applied if the gross estate of the
decedent is more than P1M.
7. Separation pay given to the heirs of the decedent on account of death.

The procedure is to include the amount in the gross estate and then claim this
thereafter deductions.

82

II. EXCLUSIVE DEDUCTIONS

These are deductions against exclusive properties.

These may include: (VP-CE)
1. Vanishing deductions whether inherited or acquired by Donation
2. Transfer for public use
3. Other charges against the exclusive property
4. Encumbrance on exclusive property
Discussion:
1. VANISHING DEDUCTION [5, IP, I-GE, PD, PT, N-P-VD]
- is an allowable deduction against the exclusive property of the decedent
- may be claimed as deduction under the following conditions:
a. Death of a decedent which must take place within FIVE YEARS from the death
of the prior incident or before gift was given.
Situation:
A died. B is the heir. Now, you may recall that properties acquired through
gratuitous title during the marriage is classified as exclusive property.
One of the properties of A which forms part of his gross estate had already been
taxed. This property will be transmitted to B by way of succession. If B died, take
note that one of his properties was acquired through inheritance from A and that is
an exclusive property. This property had already been taxed because that forms part
of the gross estate of A. Again, this same property may be subject to estate tax
because this exclusive property forms part of the gross estate of B. There seems to
be double taxation. That is why, the purpose of vanishing deduction is to mitigate
the harshness of double taxation. So, B may be entitled to that vanishing deduction
which may reduce his estate tax.
The condition set by law is that B must have died within the 5-year period. If B
died 6 years after the death of A, B can no longer claim such vanishing deductions.
b. Identity of Property located in the Phils.
So, there must be evidence to that effect that this is the same property which
forms part of the gross estate of A.
c. Inclusion of the tax property in the gross estate of the prior decedent.
d. Previous taxation
The estate of A which included the property subject of vanishing
deduction had been taxed; meaning, that estate tax had been paid by prior
estate.
e. No previous vanishing deductions.
Question:
So, if B died and the property is transmitted to C, his heir, that property is also
considered as exclusive property of C because it was acquired through inheritance.
Can C claim vanishing deductions?
Answer:
NO, because this had already been claimed by B. You can only claim vanishing
deduction once.

83
It is impossible that B acquired the property not through inheritance but
through donation. Donors tax had already been paid. This is an exclusive property
of B because under the law, property acquired during the marriage by gratuitous
title is an exclusive property and forms part of his gross estate.
Can we apply this vanishing deduction?
YES. Here, B must have died within the 5-year period from the date of donation.
Acquisition and transmission exempt from estate tax are:
a. The merger of usufruct in the owner of the naked title
b. Transmission or delivery of the inheritance or legacy by the fiduciary heir or
legatee of the fideicommisssary.
c. Transmission of the property from the first heir, legatee or donee in favor of
another beneficiary, in accordance with the desire of the predecessor.
d. Bequests, devises, legacies or transfers to social welfare, cultural and charitable
institutions, no part of the net income of which inures to the benefit of any
individual and not more than 30% of said bequests, devises, legacies or
transfers be used by such institutions for administrative purposes.
So, transfers to non-stock, non-profit educational institution is not exempt from
estate tax because this is not included from the enumeration BUT exempt from
donors tax.
2. Transfer For Public Use
The donee must be the government or any political subdivision. It must be used
exclusively for public use.
The transfer must be done orally but testamentary disposition and must be at
its present value.
3. Other Charges Against The Exclusive Property
So, if the property has been mortgaged with a bank, we consider that as unpaid
mortgage.
4. Encumbrance On Exclusive Property
VALUATION OF THE GROSS ESTATE: valuation as of the time of death
1. Real Property
The FMV equivalent to the value as determined by the BIR or zonal value OR
that of the value as determined by the provincial or city assessor whichever is higher.
2. Personal Property
a. Tangible Personal Property if not being sold; pawn value x 3; The FMV is
equivalent to the selling price of the property. (Brand new items)
b. Intangible Property includes interest, shares of stock
- It must be the FMV of the interest or shares of stock.
- If the intangible personal property is account receivable, it should be
Principal PLUS interest unpaid upon the death of the decedent except if
worthless)
- If it is in the nature of usufruct, we must take into consideration the
basic standard of mortality rate.
- American tropical experience table
- IF LISTED mean or ave. value between the highest and lowest stock
quotation
- IF NOT LISTED BOOK value

84
DONORS TAX
DONORS TAX is an excise tax because what is being tax here is the right or privilege
to transmit or dispose of property gratuitously in favor of another.
- Tax imposed on the privilege of transmitting property by and living
person to another by way of donation
- Prevents avoidance of estate tax
PURPOSE OF DONORS TAX:
1. The primary purpose is to raise revenue;
2. To supplement income tax and estate tax.
DONATION the act of liberality whereby a person disposes gratuitously of a THING or
a RIGHT in favor of another who accepts it.
DONATIONS SUBJECT TO DONORS TAX
- trust or not
- real or personal
- tangible or intangible
1. Indirect donation Example: Cancellation of indebtedness
2. Direct donation
Donors tax applies to both natural and juridical persons
The law says, donors tax apply whether the transfer is in trust or
otherwise. So, property held in trust may be the subject of donation.
But, this contemplates of a transfer where the dominion, the right over
such property, use, enjoyment of the same other rights, must all be
transferred to the donee so that it will constitute as taxable donation.
Read Section 104.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VALID DONATION: [F, A, C, I, D]
1. It must be given during the lifetime of the donor.
2. It must be irrevocable.
3. It must comply with the formalities of donation.
4. Acceptance of the donee.
REQUISITES OF VALID DONATION
1. It must comply with the formalities of donation.
- If the amount of personal property is P5,000 or less, the donation may be
made orally.
- If the amount of personal property is more than P5,000 the acceptance
shall be in writing.
- Donation of real property must be made in a public instrument
irrespective of the amount
2. Acceptance by the donee of the donation.
- Acceptance must be made during the lifetime of the donor.
- If the amount of personal property is P5,000 or less, acceptance may be
made orally.
- If the amount of personal property is more than P5,000, the acceptance
shall be in writing.
- In the case of donation of real property, acceptance must be made in the
same deed of donation or in a separate public instrument.
3. Capacity of the donor and the donee:
a. Those made between persons who were guilty of adultery or concubinage at the
time of the donation.

85
b. Those made between persons found guilty of the same criminal offense, in
consideration thereof;
c. Those made to a public officer or his wife, descendants and ascendants by
reason of his office.
Incapacitated donees are: [P, R-P, G, D, NPL]
a. The priest who heard the confession of the donor during his illness, or the
minister of the gospel who extended spiritual aid to him during the same period.
b. The relatives of such priest or minister of the gospel within the 4 th degree, the
church, order, chapter, community, organization or institution to which such
priest or minister belongs.
c. A guardian with respect to donation made by a ward in his favor before the final
accounts of the guardianship have been approved, even if donor should die after
the approval thereof; nevertheless, any donation made by ward in favor of the
guardian when the latter is his ascendant, brother and sister, or spouse, shall
be valid.
d. Any physician, surgeon, nurse, health officers or druggist who took care of the
donor during his last illness.
e. Individuals, association & corporations not permitted by the law to receive
donations.
*The following are also incapable of receiving
unworthiness:
[P (AC, ID, AV), C-AL, A-6 yrs., H-KVD, A or C, F-D, F]

donations

by

reason

of

a. Parents who have abandoned their children or induced their daughters to lead a
corrupt or immoral life, or attempted against their virtue.
b. Any person who has been convicted of an attempt against the life of the donor,
his or her spouse, descendants or ascendants.
c. Any person who has accused the donor of a crime for which the law prescribes
imprisonment for 6 years or more, if the accusation has been found groundless.
d. Any heir full of age who, having knowledge of the violent death of the donor,
should fail to report it to an officer of the law within a month unless the
authorities have already taken action, this prohibition shall not apply to cases
wherein, according to law, there is no obligation to make an accusation.
e. Any person convicted of adultery or concubinage with the spouse of the donor.
f. Any person who by fraud, violation, intimidation, or undue influence should
cause the donor to make a donation or to change one already made.
g. Any person who by the same means prevents another from making a donation,
or from revoking one already made, or who supplants, conceals, or alters the
latters donation.
h. Any person who falsifies or forges a supposed donation of the decedent.
Under Art. 87 of the F.C., husband and wife are prohibited from making donation to
each other.
4. Intention to donate the property of the donee (or DONATIVE INTENT).
Exception: Transfer of insufficient consideration in the case of a contract of sale.
Example:
If the FMV of the property is P100,000 and P50,000 was the consideration given.
The difference of P50,000 is considered a donation.
* The amount received by a disinherited heir is subject to donors tax because he has no
right to such property and the same was gratuitously given, so there is no donative
intent.
5. Delivery of the property.

86

Note: If there is no valid donation, the recipient is subject to income tax because of the
provision from whatever source derived.
Classification of donor subject to donors tax:
1. Resident donor (RD) - this includes citizen of the Phils. or a resident alien.
2. Non-resident alien (NRD) he must be a non-resident alien.
RD Real properties, personal tangible properties, and personal intangible properties of
resident donor are subject to donors tax wherever situated.
NRD Real properties and personal tangible properties of a non-resident donor are
subject to donors tax only if they are located in the Phils Personal intangible
properties of NRD are subject to donors tax only if they acquire tax situs in the Phils
Personal Intangible properties that are deemed situated or acquire situs in the
Phils. are: GROSS GIFTS [F, SOB (DC, FC-85%, FC-SP), SR, P]
1. Franchise which is exercised in the Phils.
2. Shares of stock, obligation or bonds issued by domestic corp. or sociedad
anonima.
3. Shares of stock, obligations or bonds issued by foreign corporation, 85% of the
business of which is conducted in the Phils.
4. Shares, obligations, bonds issued by a foreign corp. which acquires business
situs in the Phils.
Such shares, obligations or bonds acquires business situs in the Phils. if they
are used by such foreign corp. in furtherance
5. Shares or rights in any partnership, business or industry established in the Phils.
6. Real, Intangible and Intangible Personal property or Mixed
Even if the personal intangible properties of the NRD acquired tax situs in the
Phils. it may still be exempt from donors tax by applying the rule on reciprocity.
Rule on Reciprocity If the foreign country of that NRD does not impose, or
allows exemption on the donors tax on the properties of citizens of the Phils. who died
in that foreign country.
Sec. 104 is applicable to both estate tax and donors tax.
TARIFF AND CUSTOMS CODE
CUSTOMS LAW does not refer only to the provisions of Tariff and Customs Code. It
also includes other laws and regulations subject to enforcement by the Bureau of
Customs.
Other laws subject to enforcement by the Bureau of Customs:
1. NIRC Sec. 107. Importation of goods or articles subject to VAT. The VAT must be
paid before these goods are released from Customs Custody.
2. NIRC Sec. 131. Importation of Articles subject to excise taxes. The payment of
excise tax must be made before the goods are released from Customs custody.
3. Regulations that may be issued by the CB, the implementation of such regulation is
vested in the Bureau of Customs.

87
Customs duties are duties which are charged upon commodities on their being
imported in or exported out of a country.
Tariff means a book of rates; a table or catalogue drawn usually in alphabetical order
containing the names of several states that hold commerce together.
Offices charged with enforcement or administration of Customs laws
1. Tariff Commission (TC)
2. Bureau of Customs (BOC)
Powers of TC: (TRACER)
The power of the TC are investigatory in nature: They investigate the following matters:
1. Matters relative to Tariff relations between the Philippines and the foreign countries.
So, that includes commercial treaties.
2. Relation between the rate on raw materials and finished products.
3. Matters relative to the Arrangement of schedules of values
4. Matters pertinent to the Classification of articles
5. It shall also investigate the Effects of foreign competition.
6. It shall investigate the operation of the Tariff Laws and submit Report regarding the
same.
After investigation, TC shall submit its report to the Bureau Commissioners or
to Secretary of Finance.
POWERS OF THE BOC: (PERAS)
1. BOC has the power to Prevent and suppress smuggling and other frauds upon BOC.
Consistent with this power, the BOC has:
a. Power to control and supervise the clearance, as well as the entrance of vessels,
aircrafts originating from foreign countries.
b. Police power to exercise over Harbor, Airport, River and Port.
c. The right of pursuit against vessel subject to seizure even if it is seized beyond
the maritime zone. This is called the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the BOC.
Sometimes, we call this right of pursuit. The BOC may exercise this power when:
c.1. the vessel was subject to seizure or forfeiture
c.2. there was violation of the Customs law committed within the
Phils.
As regards smuggled goods imported not in accordance with the provisions of
the Customs law, it may be pursued by the BOC even if it is transported through air,
land or water.
Consistent with this power, the BOC may enter in a building, house, structure,
enclosure and warehouse. No search warrant is required. As long as they reasonably
believed that the place store smuggled goods, seizure or search may be made. But it
must be shown that the place must not constitute a dwelling place or unit. This is also
because if it is a dwelling place that is covered by the Constitutional provision where
warrant must be secured.
Situation:
Suppose the watchman or security guard and his family live in that place
or building where smuggled goods are stored can there be seized without search
warrant? Can we consider that a dwelling place?
Answer:
No, that will make the building a dwelling place. Even if it is outside of its
district such that it came from Zamboanga and was unloaded at Cebu, the collector of
Cebu may still seize the goods. What is only required is that it came from a port of entry
within the Phils.

88

2. Enforcement of the Tariff and Customs Law including other laws and regulation
affecting the administration of Tariff laws.
3. Recommend to the Sec. of Finance needed rules and regulations necessary for the
effective enforcement of the provisions of the TCC.
4. Assessment and collection of lawful revenues from imported articles. Also,
assessment and collection of fines, penalties, fees and other charges accruing under the
provisions of the TCC.
5. It has the exclusive and original jurisdiction over Seizure and forfeiture cases.
Meaning, to the exclusion of regular courts.
Articles subject to Customs duties:
Articles means wares, merchandise, goods and anything which may be made
subject of importation or exportation. Articles include Philippine money. So, if the
Philippine money is transmitted or taken out of the Phils. without authority from the
Central Bank, that may be the subject matter of seizure.
Articles subject to Customs duties:
1. Dutiable articles are articles subject to Custom duties
2. Prohibited articles:
a. Absolutely prohibited articles: (SWING)
1. those prohibited by Special Laws
2. Weapons of War
3. Insidious, obscene or immoral articles
4. Narcotic or prohibited drugs
5. Gambling devices
b. Qualifiedly prohibited meaning subject to restrictions or limitations. IF these
limitations are not complied with. They will be prohibited.
3. Duty free imported articles these are articles not subject to custom duties.
These are: (MASARAP)
a. Medals, badges used as trophies or awards
b. Animals and plants for experimental purposes
c. Sample articles
d. Aquatic resources
e. Repair materials
f. Articles necessary for the take-off and landing of an airplane or for safe
navigation of vessels
g. Articles for Public exposition. Included here are historical books and personal
household effects
Customs duties may be classified as:
1. Regular or ordinary custom duties these are the ad valorem tax and specific tax.
For purposes of determining the ad valorem tax, the basis must be the home
consumption value. Home consumption value is the price stated in the commercial,
trade or sales invoice. If there is a reasonable doubt as to this value, recourse may be
had to the commercial and revenue attach report, the BOC should refer to the
available information that may help the BOC determine the applicable ad valorem tax.
Case: NCR-Japan has a subsidiary in the Phils. which is NCR-Phil. Ten adding
machines were imported from NCR-Japan and they used, for purposes for determining
ad valorem, the home consumption value, the price stated in the sales invoice. Instead,

89
we should refer to the commercial revenue attach report to determine the basis of that
ad valorem tax.
2. Special custom duties: (DCMD)
a. Dumping duties
b. Countervailing duties
Note: The purpose of dumping and countervailing duties is to protect our local
products against unfair foreign competition
c. Marking duties the purpose of this is to prevent possible public deception.
d. Discriminatory duties duties which are imposed for the purpose of protecting
our national interest
Dumping duty duty levied on imported goods where it appears that a specific kind or
class of foreign article being imported into or sold is likely to be sold in the Phils. at a
price less than its fair value.

Imposed on specific kind or class of foreign article which is being

imported into, or sold or is likely to be sold for exportation to or in the
Phils. at a price less than its fair value, the importation or sale of which
is likely to injure an industry imposing like goods in the Philippines.

The duty is equal to the difference between the actual purchase price
and the fair value of the articles in question in the country or exportation
as determined by the Sec. of Finance.

These are special duties imposed on imported articles. This may be imposed
subject to the ff. requisites:
1. There must be a deliberate and continuous sale of imported article in the Philippines
as price lower than the prices in the exporting country.
2. This must prejudice or cause or likely to cause injury to our local industry.
Situation:
There are articles of foreign origin the prevailing price of which in the US
is equivalent to P100. These articles are sold or dumped in the Phils. at lower than the
prevailing price in the US because they are saleable in the U.S.
So, this will prejudice our local industries. In order to protect our local product
or to discourage people from buying this imported product, we should be impose special
duties in addition to the regular duties. Dumping duties should be imposed.
Countervailing duty duty equal to the ascertained or estimated amount of the
subdsidy or bounty or subvention granted by the foreign country on the production,
manufacture, or exportation into the Phils. of any article likely to injure an industry in
the Phils. or retard or considerably retard the establishment of such industry.

Imposed on articles, upon the production, manufacture or export of

which any bounty or subsidy is directly or indirectly, granted in the
country of origin and/exportation. No need to show proof that the
imports cause injuries to domestic industries producing the same
products. The duty is equal to the ascertained or estimated amount of
the bounty or subsidy given.

Situation:
Sometimes imported products enjoys certain subsidy from their
government. So, they have an advantage. Our local products for example, does not enjoy
similar subsidy. We should counter that advantage by imposing countervailing duties.
The purpose there is to protect our local products against unfair competition.
This represents the inland excise tax on locally manufactured articles of the
same kind to off-set this advantage.
As regards dumping duties, the extent of the special duty is the amount that
represents under-pricing.

90
As regards countervailing duties, the extent is the excise inland tax or the
amount of advantage enjoyed by that imported article.
Marking duty duty on ad valorem basis imposed for improperly marked articles. The
requirement that foreign importation must be marked in any official language of the
Phils., the name of the country of origin of the article.

The purpose is to prevent deception of consumers.

The articles must be properly marked, otherwise a special duty of 5% of
the value shall be imposed.

Retaliatory or Discriminatory duty duty imposed on imported goods

whenever it is found as a fact that the country of origin discriminates against the
commerce of the Philippines in such manner as to place it at a disadvantage compared
with the commerce of any foreign country.

The amount may be increased in an amount not exceeding 100% ad

valorem when the President finds the public interest may be served
thereby.

This may be imposed by the President of the Philippines when our goods
are discriminated against.

As regards dumping, countervailing and marking duties, it is the Sec of

Finance, upon recommendation of the Tariff Commission, who may
impose these duties.

Question:
What is the extent of the flexible power of the President of the Phils.
under the TCC?
Answer:
That includes the power to impose discriminatory duties. The President
upon recommendation of the Tariff Commission may increase the tariff rates by not
more than 5x or meaning 500x of the tariff rates. He may also decrease the tariff rates
by not less than 50%.
He can only exercise these powers in the interest of the national economy,
national security and general welfare of the people.
2. Other duties:
a. Storage fee this is charged on the goods or articles stored in a warehouse
under the control and supervision of the BOC.
Articles owned by the government are exempt from storage fee is these
articles are stored in a government warehouse.
b. *Wharfage dues
Even if there is no wharf where the goods may be unloaded, wharfage
dues may still be imposed because it is not a duty or charge on the use of the
wharf. Even if the goods are unloaded in a private wharf or seashore, wharfage
dues still be imposed because this is a duty imposed on the cargoes or articles
which are unloaded. These are taxes. These are not really custom duties. The
significance of this is that when tax exemption is granted from all forms of taxes,
this may be included. If the exemption is only from custom duties, wharfage
dues is not included.
c. Arrastre charges this is a duty imposed on goods or articles for handling,
receiving or custody of such articles.
d. Tonnage fees this is based on weight or tonnage of vessel.

91

e. Harbor fees
f.

Berthing fees this is imposed on the vessel for mooring berthing at a

particular pier or port.
Berthing fees may only be imposed if the vessel is wharfed or berthed at
national port. So, if it is wharfed at privately owned port, that is not subject to
berthing fees.

Steps in the imposition of custom duties:

1.
Declaration of goods or articles
2.
Assessment by an appraiser. Determine the value applying the schedule of
values stated in the tariff rates and that is subject to the approval of the
Collector of Customs.
3.
Liquidation which may be:
(a)
Partial means the value cannot be promptly ascertained.
(b)
Final - meaning custom duties had been ascertained or finally
determined.
If these duties are not paid by the taxpayer, the government or the BOC has the
power to impose the following administrative sanctions:
(1)
(2)
(3)

Surcharges may be imposed under certain situations

Fines may be imposed under certain situations
Seizure or forfeiture

Forfeiture is the penalty , seizure is the remedy.

Situations where goods may be seized or forfeited by the government:
(a)

Articles, vessels, aircraft may be the subject matter of seizure if they are
unlawfully used in the importation of foods into the Philippines or exportation of
goods form the Phils.
Case:
Jose had a vessel, M/V Maria Victoria. It was unlawfully used for the
importation of cargo. When this was seized by the government, Jose raised the
defense of good faith.
Held:
(1)
It is an action directed against the articles and in fact, the caption of the
case is Republic of the Phils. vs. M/V Maria Victoria. It is a proceeding in rem,
so good faith is not a defense.
(2)
Even if the vessel did not carry the contraband, that may be the subject
matter of seizure if the vessel facilities the importation of that contraband.
It is not also required that the vessel must come from the foreign
country.
Case: Cruz was caught carrying a bulk of foreign currencies. These were
seized by the government because she had no license issued by the CB to carry
said sum of foreign currency.
Held: Cruz must prove that she had a license otherwise seizure was proper.
The burden of proof lies on the importer.

92
(b)

Excessive sea stores.

Sea stores are the provisions of the vessel necessary for administration and
maintenance.

(c)

Excessive sea stores for aircraft.

Sea stores must be in the place where it should be displayed. If these are kept
in the cabin of the crew, these may be the subject matter of seizure because
these are considered excessive.

(d)

Unlawful transfer of cargoes from one vessel to another before reaching the point
of destination.

(e)

Unmanifested articles

(f)

Prohibited articles

(g)

Devices, receptacles

(h)

Envelopes, boxes, trunks

(i)

Beast

(j)

Thing of value or money which is intended to influence BIR officers.

Tax Remedies under the Tariff and Customs Code:

Remedies

Government

Importer

(1) Administrative or
extra-judicial

(a) Enforcement of tax lien

(b) Seizure

(a) Tax refund

(b) Abandonement
(c) Protest

(2) Judicial

(a) Filing of civil action

(b) Filing of criminal action
if there is fraud and it
must be serious

(a) Appeal to CTA, CA, SC

(b) Filing of criminal
action against erring
Customs
officials

ENFORCEMENT OF TAX LIEN

Requisites:
(1)
(2)

Articles must neither be prohibited nor irregular

The articles must be in the possession of the BOC
If the articles are prohibited or irregular, the remedy is seizure
Abandonment may be express or implied.

Cases cognizable by the BOC

(1)
(2)

Seizure cases on the part of the government and

Protest case on the part of the importer

Seizure cases:
The issue here pertain to the validity of the importation because
you may raise the defense that these are not prohibited importation.

93
Protest:
The issue here is the validity of the assessment or collection, or the
validity of the classification of articles where customs duties are imposed.

PROCEDURE IN PROTEST
Remedy
(1) File a protest

(2) If protest is
denied,
Appeal
collectors ruling
(3) If CC affirm
collectors
ruling,
Appeal
(4) If CTA affirm
collectors
ruling,
Appeal
(5) If CA affirm
CTA, Appeal

Where to file
Collector
Customs

of

Customs
Commissioner (CC)
CTA

[Issues which may

be raised]
(a) Validity if the
assessment
or
collection
(b)
Validity
of
classification
of
articles
Questions of fact or
Question of law
Question of fact or
Question of law

CA

Question of fact or
Question of law

SC

Question of law

Prescriptive Period
15 days from the
payment
of
Customs duties

Within
15
days
from receipt of the
Collectors ruling
Within
30
days
from receipt of the
decision of the CC.
Within
15
days
from receipt of CTA
decision
Within
15
days
from receipt of CA
decision

TRANSFER TAXES
ESTATES & TRUSTS
ESTATE refers to the mass of properties left by decedent or testator to his heirs or
beneficiaries.
TRUST is the right to the property, real or personal, exercised by one person for the
benefit of another parties.
Parties to a Trust:
a. Trustor or grantor - one who created the trust.
b. Trustee or fiduciary one who may hold the property for the benefit of other
person known as beneficiary. Sometimes, the fiduciary is also the beneficiary.
c. Beneficiary
Estate may be the subject to tax if it is under administration. It may only be under
administration or settlement if the properties of the decedent are settled under judicial
settlement.
If the estate is under extra-judicial settlement, it is not subject to tax because that
will not earn income considering that the heirs agreed to settle the estate extrajudicially.
When we speak of judicial settlement, this may include estate or intestate
proceedings.
Trust may be subject to tax if the trust is irrevocable.

94
Non-taxable trust are:
1. Revocable Trust. The income here will be taxed insofar as the recipient of the same
is concerned.
2. Employees Trust. So, if an employer establishes a pension trust for the benefit of
the employees, that pension trust is not taxable.
The trust is revocable if the power to revest the title to the property of the trust
is vested:
1. In the grantor or in conjunction with other person who does not have substantial
adverse interest in the disposition of the property.
2. In any person who does not have substantial adverse interest in the disposition of
the property.
In irrevocable trust, you cannot transfer or revest the title of the property.
No substantial interest in the disposition of the property he must not be the
beneficiary.
If the properties of the estate is not vested in a business, so the heirs are just coowners of the property, that is not taxable because co-ownership as a rule is not
taxable.
If the heirs decide to continue the business, such that the administrator may
manage the same, that will become an unregistered taxable partnership.
Estate and trust may be taxed on the same manner and on the same basis as in the
case of individual taxpayers. S, they may claim the deductions under Section 34 as long
as these deductions were paid or incurred in connection with the business of that
estate or trust.
Estate and trust are entitled to personal exemptions to P20,000.
SPECIAL DEDUCTIONS (this can be valid of only by estate and trust):
3. In the case of estate, the executor or administrator may deduct the income
distributed to the heirs during the particular year when such estate is still under
settlement.
4. In the case of trust, the income may be distributed to the beneficiaries during that
year also be deducted. The trustee or beneficiary may distribute the income or
accumulate the income. The trustee has the discretion whether to distribute such
income after the lapse of certain period of time or year. In the event that income of the
trust is distributed to the beneficiary, this particular amount may also be claimed as
deductions.
Question:
If these are two (2) trust created by one trustor or grantor, how do we tax the
income of that trust?
Answer:
Under the law, the taxable income of these two (2) trust may be consolidated.
That trust should be taxed as if they constitute one trust.
Situation:
Grantor X created 2 trust. One is A and the other is B. There is only one
beneficiary named Y.
Let us assume that the taxable income of trust A is P10,000. The taxable income
of B trust is P20,000. The total taxable income is P30,000. We will tax these 2 trust
separately but through consolidation.
In paying the tax after applying the applicable tax rate to the taxable income of
P30,000, the tax due should be apportioned to trust A and B.

95
So, for purposes of income tax, the taxable income of these 2 trust should be
consolidated, but for purposes of paying the tax, the tax due should be apportioned.
TRANSFER TAXES
Taxes may be imposed on the onerous transmission of properties or on the
gratuitous transmissions of properties.
Transfer taxes that are imposed on the onerous transmission of properties:
1. VAT (value-added tax) (excluded this 2000 Bar)
2. Percentage Tax (also excluded)
3. Excise Tax (also excluded)
Transfer taxes imposed on gratuitous transmission of properties are:
1. Estate Tax
2. Donors Tax
ESTATE TAX tax imposed on the right or privilege to transmit properties upon death
of the decedent or testator.
DONORS TAX tax imposed on the right or privilege to transmit properties
gratuitously in favor of another who accepts the same. This transmission of properties
occurs during the lifetime of the donor and the donee.
ESTATE TAX
NATURE OF ESTATE TAX
It is an excise tax since the subject of the tax is the right or privilege to
transmit properties and not the property itself.
PURPOSES OF ESTATE TAX:
1. The primary purpose is to raise revenue in order to support the government;
2. To supplement income tax;
3. To reduce excessive inequalities in wealth; meaning, to achieve social equality.
KINDS OF ESTATE TAXPAYER:
1. Resident estate taxpayer includes citizen of the Phils., resident alien who died in
the Phils., and such alien, at the time of his death, is a resident of the Phils.;
2. Non-resident estate taxpayer is limited to non-resident alien individual.
Real properties, personal tangible properties and personal intangible properties of
resident decedent (RD) are taxed wherever situated.
Real and personal tangible properties of non-resident decedent (NRD) are taxable
only if they are located in the Phils.
Personal intangible properties of NRD are taxable only if they acquire tax situs in the
Phils.
Personal intangible properties that are deemed situated or deemed to have
acquired Phil. situs are:
1. Franchise which is exercise in the Phils.
2. Shares of stock, obligation or bonds issued by domestic corporation or sociedad
anonima
3. Shares of stock, obligations or bonds issued by foreign corp. 85% of the business of
which is conducted in the Phils.
4. Shares, obligations, bonds issued by a foreign corp. which acquired business situs in
the Phils.

96
Such shares, obligations or bonds or in any partnership, business or
industry established in the Phils. if they are used by such foreign corp. in
furtherance of its trade or business.
5. Shares or rights in any partnership, business or in any partnership, business or
industry established in the Phils.

If the personal intangible properties of a NRD does not belong to the abovementioned enumeration, they may not from part of his income or we may also apply the
doctrine of mobilia sequntur personam.
Mobilia sequntur personam, according to the Supreme Court, is a mere fiction of
law. So, it must yield to the provision of law which provides tax situs.
Question:
Suppose the personal intangible properties of NRD acquired tax situs in the
Phils., can this be exempt from estate tax?
Answer:
YES, by applying the rule on reciprocity.
RULE ON RECIPROCITY the foreign country of that NRD does not impose or allows
exemption on estate tax on the properties of citizens of the Phils. who died in that
foreign country.
The phrase does not impose and allows exemtion are different from each
other.
When we say does not impose, this means totally exempt. Allows exemption
means this may not cover all properties but only certain properties.
Case:

Country of Morocco has no international personality or not. What is important is

it allows or grants exemption from estate tax.
Sec. 85. Gross Estate. The value of the gross estate of the decedent shall be
determined by including the value, at the time of his death, of all property, real or
personal, tangible or intangible, wherever situated. Provided, however, That in the case
of a non-resident decedent who at the time of his death was not a citizen of the
Philippines, only that part of the entire gross estate which is situated in the Philippines
shall be included in his taxable estate.
The composition of the gross estate may include:
1. Decedents Interest.
- The gross estate may include the fruits and income of the properties and
that may constitute the decedents interest.
- In the case of parcel of land, it may produce income in the form of
harvest which harvest may form part of the gross estate.
- In the case of apartment, the rental on such apartment should also be
included, not only the value of the property.
2. Transfer by virtue of general power of appointment
- It implies that if the transfer is made under special power of appointment
that should be excluded from gross estate.
- The general power of appointment, the power is exercisable or in favor of
the estate, executor, administrator or a creditor of the estate. If the power
is exercisable other than these (estate, administrator or creditor of the
estate), that may be considered as special power of appointment.

97

3. Revocable Transfer
- Irrevocable transfer should be excluded from gross estate.
- Revocable transfers are transfers which are subject to alteration,
termination, amendment or modification by the decedent.
4. Transfer for Insufficient Consideration
- The amount that may form part of the gross estate is the difference
between the FMV of the property and the consideration given.
Example:
If the property has a FMV of P100,000 and the consideration given is only
P50,000, the difference of P50,000 represents that insufficient
consideration.
5. Proceeds of Life insurance policy.
- Proceeds of life insurance policy may be included if:
a. 3rd person is irrevocably designated is the estate executor, administrator
or heirs of the decedent
b. the beneficiary designated is a 3 rd person who is revocably designated as
beneficiary
1.
2.
3.
4.
-

Proceeds of life insurance policy is excluded from the gross estate in

the following cases:
3rd person is irrevocably designated as beneficiary
proceeds of group insurance policy
proceeds of accident insurance policy except if accident insurance policy
has a characteristic
Proceeds of GSIS Life Insurance Policy
Note:
As regards the estate executor, administrator or heirs as
beneficiary, it is immaterial whether the designation is irrevocable or
revocable.

DEDUCTIONS FROM GROSS ESTATE:

DEDUCTIONS FROM THE GROSS ESTATE MAY BE:
1. Conjugal deductions
2. Absolute deductions
3. Exclusive deductions
I. CONJUGAL AND ABSOLUTE DEDUCTIONS include:
1. Family home
2. Judicial or funeral expenses
3. Casualty losses
4. Indebtedness/unpaid claim against the estate
5. Accrued taxes (before the death of the decedent)
6. Standard Deduction
7. Separation pay given to the heirs of decedent on account of death.
Discussion:
1. Family home, subject to the following conditions:
a. there must be only one (1) family home;
b. there must be certification issued by the Barangay Captain that the decedent is
a resident of and own that family home, in that particular locality;

98
c. the amount that is deductible or the FMV of the family home should not be more
than P1M;
d. the FMV of the family home is P5M, this should be included in the gross estate
of the decedent. But when you claim deductions, you can only claim up to P1M.
2. Expenses which may be in the nature of judicial expenses or funeral expenses.

In the case of funeral expenses, the amount deductible is the actual

funeral expenses or the amount deductible is limited only to P500,000;

There is no limitation as to amount with regard to judicial expenses. As

long as it is paid or incurred in connection with the preservation,
administration or settlement of the estate, it may be claimed as
deductions, judicial expenses also include extra-judicial expenses.

3. Losses that may arise from casualty or casualty losses such as fire, storm,
shipwreck, robbery, embezzlement, theft and other casualty losses.
These losses must be sustained not later than six (6) months after the
death of the decedent.
4. Indebtedness which partake of the nature of unpaid claims against the estate.
There must be supported by notarized document. These obligations must
be incurred within three (3) years prior to the death of the decedent.
Another indebtedness which may be claimed as deduction is claim
against insolvent persons. Here, the claimant is the decedent. In order to
be deductible, this claim must be included in the gross estate.
5. Taxes which must accrue before the death of the decedent.
6. Standard Deduction
The amount is P1M. So, this may only be applied if the gross estate and
the decedent is more than P1M.
7. Separation pay is given to the heirs of the decedent on account of death.
The procedure is to include the amount in the gross estate and then
claim this thereafter as deductions.
II. EXCLUSIVE DEDUCTIONS
These are deductions against exclusive properties.
These may include: (VP-CE)
1. * Vanishing deduction
2. Transfer for public use
3. Other charges against exclusive property
4. Encumbrance on exclusive property
Discussion:
1. * VANISHING DEDUCTION
- is an allowable deduction against the exclusive property of the decedent.
- May be claimed as deduction under the following conditions:
a. Death of the decedent which must take place within FIVE (5) YEARS from
the death of the prior incident.
Situation:
A died. B is the heir. Now, you may recall that properties acquired through
gratuitous title during the marriage is classified as exclusive property.

99
One of the properties of A which forms part of his gross estate had already been
taxed. This property will be transmitted to B by way of succession. If B died, take note
that one of his properties was acquired through inheritance from A and that is an
exclusive property. This property had already been taxed because that forms part of the
gross estate of A. again, this same property may be subject to estate tax because this
exclusive property forms part of the gross estate of B. There seems to be double
taxation. That is why, the purpose of vanishing deduction is to mitigate the harshness
of double taxation. So, B may be entitled to that vanishing deduction which may reduce
his estate tax.
The condition set by law is that B must have died within the five-year period. If B
died 6 years after the death of A, B can no longer claim such vanishing deductions.
b. Identity of Property
So, there must be evidence to the effect that this is the same property which
forms part of he gross estate of A.
c. Inclusion of the property in the gross estate of the prior decedent.
d. Previous taxation
The estate of A which included the property subject of vanishing deduction had
been taxed; meaning, that estate tax had been paid by prior estate.
e. No previous vanishing deductions.
Question:
So, if B died and the property is transmitted to C, his heir, that property is also
considered as exclusive property of C because it was acquired through inheritance.
Can C claim vanishing deduction?
Answer:
NO, because this had already been claimed by B. You can only claim vanishing
deduction at once.
If it is impossible that B acquired the property not through inheritance but
through donation. Donors tax had already been paid. This is an exclusive property of B
because under the law, property acquired during the marriage by gratuitous title is an
exclusive property and forms part of his gross estate.
Can we apply this vanishing deduction?
YES. Here, B must have died within 5-year period from the date of donation.
Acquisitions and transmissions exempt from estate tax are:
1. The merger of usufruct in the owner of the naked title
2. Transmission or delivery if the inheritance or legacy by the fiduciary heir or legatee to
the fideeeicommissary.
3. Transmissions of the property from the first heir, legatee or donee in favor of another
beneficiary in accordance with the desire of the predecessor.
4. Bequests, devises, legacies or transfers to social welfare, cultural and charitable
institutions, no part of the net income of which inures to the benefit of any individual
and not more than 30% of said bequests, devises, legacies or transfers shall be used by
such institutions for administrative purposes.
2. Transfer for Public Use
- The donee must be the government or any political subdivision. It must
be used exclusively for public use.
3. Other Charges Against the Exclusive Property
- So, if the property has been mortaged with a bank, we consider that as unpaid
mortgage.

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4. Encumbrance on Exclusive Property

VALUATION OF THE GROSS ESTATE:
1. Real Property
The FMV equivalent to the value as determined by the BIR or zonal value and that of
the value as determined by the provincial or city assessor whichever is higher.
2. Personal Property
a. Tangible Personal Property The FMV is equivalent to the selling price of the
property.
b. Intangible Personal Property includes interest, shares of stock.
- it must be the FMV of the interest or shares of stock
- If the intangible personal property is account receivable, it should be
Principal PLLUS interest unpaid upon the death of the decedent.
- If it is in the nature of usufruct, we must take into consideration the
basic standard of mortality rate.
TAX REMEDIES

According to the SC, government and taxpayers must stand on

reasonably equal terms.
Basically, the remedies that may be availed of by the Government or the
taxpayer may be grouped into:
a. Administrative remedies
b. Judicial remedies
If the tax law is silent on administrative remedies, the government may
still avail of the usual administrative remedies such as Distraint of
personal property, or Levy on real property. But that may be resorted to
by the government in the collection of taxes are:
a. Distraint of personal property
b. Enforcement of tax lien
c. Levy on real property.
Distrain and levy can only be done if notice is given.

If the tax law is silent on administrative remedies, the taxpayer may still
avail of the usual administrative remedies of protest and refund for
purposes of convenience and expediency.

If the tax law is explicit on administrative remedies, the taxpayer must

observe the principle of exhaustion of administrative remedies. Under the
Tax Code, if an assessment is made by the BIR, the remedy of the
taxpayer is to protest first the assessment. It is the decision of the BIR on
that disputed assessment that is being appealed to the CTA.

In claiming for tax refund, the taxpayer have to file first a written claim
for refund with the BIR Commissioner.

Exception to the Principle of Exhaustion

Remedies:
a. if it involves judicial questions
b. if it involves disregards of due process
c. if it involves an illegal act.

Judicial Remedies:

of

Administrative

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IF the tax law is silent on judicial remedies, the government can still avail
of the usual judicial remedy. Example: filing an action for collection with
the court.
If the tax is silent on judicial remedies, the taxpayer may file a special
civil action for declaratory relief. But this does not apply as far as the
NLRC or the TCC is concerned because these particular tax laws are
explicit on this judicial remedies.
If the tax law is explicit on judicial remedies, the government should
observe the provisions of the law.
Example:
The filing of an action for collection with the Court must be
approved by the BIR Commissioner.

Distinction between the Distraint and Levy

Distraint of personal property
1. The subject matter is personal property, stocks and securities, bank accounts, debts
and credits.
2. In the event that the taxpayer failed to pay the tax, the BIR will issue warrant of
distraint.
3. The only requirement is posting of notice of sale in 2 public or conspicuous places
4. If the bid is not equal to the amount of tax liability, the BIR may purchase the
property distrained for and in behalf of the government.
5. There is no right of redmption
6. There is that remedy of constructive distraint of personal property.
Levy of real property
1. The subject property is real property
2. What is issued is in the nature of an authenticated certificate describing the property
and stating the name of the taxpayer as well as the amount due
3. Requires not only posting but also publication of the notice of sale in a newspaper of
general circulation in 3 consecutive weeks.
4. If the bid is not equal to the tax liability of there is no bidder, the BIR may forfeit
such real property levied by the government.
5. There is right of redemption within 1 year from the date of sale plus 15% interest.
6. There is no such remedy as constructive levy of property.
Constructive Distraint can only be resorted to under the following situation: Code:
C.A.R.L.)
1. When a taxpayer cancels or hides his property
2. If he performs any act which will obstruct the collection efforts of the BIR
3. If he is retiring from business subject to tax
4. When he is about to leave the Philippines
Enforcement of the tax lien:
If the taxpayer failed despite receipt of notice to pay the BIR, a lien is
created against the properties of the taxpayer.

It is the discretion of the BIR to avail itself of remedies which may result
in the expeditious collection of taxes.

Case: Which is preferred, the claim of the government arising from tax lien or the
claim of the workers predicated on the judgment rendered by the NLRC?
Held: The claim of the government arising from tax lien is superior to the claim of a
private litigant predicated on a judgment.

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Exception:
The claim of the laborers may be superior under Art. 110 of the Labor
Code when the employer was declared bankrupt of judicial liquidation.

*In observing the provisions of the tax code in regard to distraint or levy,
the BIR cannot apply or invoke the presumption of regularity in
administrative proceedings.
So, if the procedure had been questioned by the taxpayer, it is not
for the taxpayer to prove that the procedures under the NLRC in regard
to distraint on levy had been complied with.

Revenue taxes are self-assessing taxes.

Requisites of Assessment:
1. Written notice stating that the amount is due as tax.
2. Written notice must contain a demand for the payment of such tax.

Assessment is not a condition sine qua non for purposes of collecting

taxes. This is so because demand is not required. The rule under Art.
1169 of the NCC that demand is required before a person may incur in
delay cannot be applied. Taxpayer incurred in delay if he fails to pay the
tax on date fixed by Tax Code.

Assessments, made by the BIR Commissioner are presumed correct. The

presumption does not violate the due process under the Constitution
because the presumption is merely disputable.

Normally, the BIR may require the taxpayer to submit reports,

documents, books of accounts and other report to establish his tax
liability. In the absence of these reports, documents, etc., the BIR may
determine the tax liability by using other methods.

*The BIR can determine the tax liability of the taxpayer on the basis of
that so-called best evidence obtainable in the absence of said reports etc.
In one case, agents of the BIR used the books of account seized as a
result of raid by means of search warrant.

NET WORTH OR INVENTORY METHOD (also called Net Investigatory Method)

- This is another method that may be employed by the BIR in determining
the tax liability of the taxpayer. This is an expansion of that accounting
principle, assets less liabilities equals net worth.
Assessment is made when it is mailed, released or sent.
Example:
If it was received by the taxpayer in a particular date (Dec. 5, 1997), you
should count the prescriptive period for making an assessment from the date it was
mailed, released or sent by the BIR and not from the receipt of the notice of assessment
by the taxpayer.
The assessment may be subject to revision by the BIR. If revised, the prescriptive
period will commence to run from the safe when such revised assessment is mailed,
released or sent. So, it is not from the date the original assessment is mailed etc. but
from the date the revised assessment has been mailed.
The making of assessment is prescriptible.

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The rule is, the BIR may collect taxes with or without prior
assessment.
PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD FOR MAKING
AN ASSESSMENT & COLLECTION

I. Return filed is not false

or fraudulent
a. Return was file but
there
exist
a
deficiency
b. Return was filed but
no payment has
been made
II.
Failure/Falsify/Fraudulent
a. Intentional failure to
file a return
b. False return
c. Fraudulent return

With prior assessment

Without prior assessment

3 years from the date of

actual filing. If it was filed
earlier than the date fixed
by the Tax Code.

3 years from the date of

actual filing or from the
last day fixed by law for
filing such return.

COLLECTION: Within
years from the date
assessment

3
of

10
years
from
the
discovery of such omission
of failure, falsity or fraud
COLLECTION:
from
the
assessment.

3 years
date
of

Taxes may be collected even

without prior assessment
and prescriptive period is
10
years
from
the
discovery of failure or
omission, falsity or fraud.

Notes:
The rule is if prior assessment has been made, the BIR can avail of the
administrative and judicial remedy. But if without prior assessment, the BIR can only
avail of the judicial remedies.
Return must be the one prescribed by the BIR. SO, if you file your Books
of Accounts in lieu of that return, that does not constitute return.
PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE FILING OF AN ACTION FOR COLLECTION
BY THE BIR
Collection is proper under the following situations:
a. BIR assessment is considered final and executory, if no protest or dispute has
been made by the taxpayer. IF protested by the taxpayer but he did not appeal,
the BIR decision on such protest, the effect is that the BIR decision shall be
considered final and executory.
b. IF he appeal the decision of the BIR of the Commissioner to the CTA but he did
not appeal the decision of the CTA to CA, the decision of the CTA shall be final
and executory.
c. If he appeal to the CA but the CA decision affirming that decision of the BIR was
not appealed to the SC, CA decision shall be final and executory.
d. If appealed to SC but SC affirm the decision of the CA, SC decision is final and
executory.

If the decision of the BIR is final and executory, the assessment made
cannot be questioned. The issue of prescription can no longer be raised
except if the BIR submitted the particular issue for the resolution of the
Court, that is considered as waiver on the part of the BIR and such issue
of prescription may be subject to resolution.
There is no provision in the TAX Code that prohibits the BIR from filing
an action for collection even if the resolution on the motion for
reconsideration on the assessment made is still pending.
When the case is pending before the CTA, collection may also be made by
filing of an answer to the petition for review with the CTA. This is

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tantamount to a filing of collection of tax. This will also stop the running
of the prescriptive period for collection of taxes.
Collection of taxes is prescriptible.

GROUNDS FOR THE SUSPENSION OF PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD IN THE

COLLECTION OF TAXES: (Code: N.A.P.O.C.A.R.)
1. No property could be allocated;
2. Agreement between the BIR and the taxpayer to the effect that the prescriptive period
shall be suspended pending the negotiation;
3. If the BIR is Prohibited from a distraint or levy of real property;
4. If the taxpayer is Out of the Philippines;
5. If the address of the taxpayer Cannot be located;
6. The filing of an Answer to the petition for review executed by a taxpayer with the CTA;
7. When a Request for reinvestigation has been granted by the BIR.
PRINCIPLES IN CRIMINAL ACTION
1. The filing of an action requires the approval of the BIR Commissioner. Also, the filing
of civil action requires the approval of the BIR Commissioner. BUT this is not
jurisdictional. This is merely a formal defect which can be cured.
2. The purpose of filing criminal action is to impose statutory penalties.
3. The payment of tax liability does not extinguish the criminal liability of the taxpayer
arising from the violation of the provision of the Tax Code. This is so because the civil
liability arises from the failure of the taxpayer to pay and this does not arise from
felonious act.
4. The acquittal of the taxpayer from criminal liability does not carry with it the
extinguishments of civil liability.
5. The penalty of subsidiary imprisonment applies only to the failure of the taxpayer to
pay the penalties. But, the Tax Law is silent on the failure of the taxpayer to pay his
deficiency or delinquency tax.
DEFICIENCY VS. DELINQUENCY

In deficiency, the taxpayer filed a return but the same was deficient.
Deficiency is the difference between the tax due and the tax paid.

In delinquency, the taxpayer did not file a return.

FALSE RETURN vs. FRAUDULENT RETURN

In the case of false return, this is a deviation from the truth. It may be the
result of mistake, error, or negligence of the taxpayer. It is not always intentional
because it may be the result of an honest opinion of the CPA.
In fraudulent return, there is always the intent to defraud the government to
evade taxes. It is always intentional and deliberate.

Criminal action may be suspended if the taxpayer is absent from the

Philippines.

FIVE (5) years the prescriptive period for filing a criminal action for
violations of the provision of the Tax Code.

In the case of refusal to pay the tax, the 5-year prescriptive period will
commence to run from the date final notice or demand has been served
upon the taxpayer.

As regards violation of the Tax Code, if the violation is known the 5-year
prescriptive period shall commence to run from the date of the discovery

105
of the violation and the institution of judicial proceedings for
investigation and punishment. The law uses the conjunction and. So, it
will commence to run only from the time the BIR referred the case to the
Fiscals Office or City Prosecutor. In effect, it is always in the control of
the BIR.

REMEDIES OF THE TAXPAYER

BEFORE PAYMENT, the taxpayer may dispute or protest the assessment. He ma also
invoke the power of the BIR Commissioner to compromise tax liability.
If you RECEIVED AN ASSESSMENT by the BIR, the remedies are:
a. File a request for reconsideration of the assessment or this is a claim for reevaluation of the assessment based on the existing records.
b. File a request for investigation of the assessment --- it is also a claim for a reevaluation of the assessment on the basis of newly discovered evidence, or
additional evidence that the taxpayer intends to present in the reinvestigation.
WHERE TO FILE:
(a) & (b) >>>>> BIR Commissioner
ISSUES which may be raised >>>>> Question of law or fact
or both questions of law and fact
WHEN >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Within 30 days from
receipt of such assessment
IF the request for investigation or reconsideration has been denied by the BIR:
1. File a motion for reconsideration of the decision with the BIR; OR
2. Appeal the decision with the CTA.
*** Motion for reconsideration must raise new grounds, meaning grounds which have
not been raised in that request for reconsideration or reinvestigation. Otherwise, it is
just a pro-forma motion, it will not suspend the period within which to appeal the BIR
decision to the CTA which is 30 days from receipt of the BIR decision.
ISSUES that may be raised on appeal with the CTA >>> Questions of
Law or fact OR both
If CTA affirms the decision of the BIR:
Appeal the CTA decision to CA.
ISSUES >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Questions of law
WHEN
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Within 15 days from receipt of the
CA decision
The taxpayer may, instead of filing a protest, file a written claim for refund.
REQUISITES FOR FILING REFUND:
1. This must be filed within the two (2) year period from the date of payment;
2. The fact of withholding must be proven;
3. This must be included in the income tax return of the taxpayer;
4. It must be shown that the payment or the amount stated in the return was received
by the government.
WHERE TO FILE REFUND:
ISSUES:

--- BIR
--- Questions of law or fact OR
--- both OR

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--- the taxes are illegally or erroneously collected
ILLEGALLY COLLECTED TAX vs. ERRONEOUSLY COLLECTED TAX:
Illegally collected tax means it violates certain provision of the law. It may not
be authorized by a peculiar Tax Law or statute.
Erroneously collected tax means there may be a law passed but there was a
mistake in the collection.
WHEN TO FILE:
Within 2 years from the date of payment
> Payment must be proven in contemplation of Tax Law, there is payment when the tax
liability is fully paid. So, if it is payable in installment, there can only be payment when
the final installment has been paid.