THE

NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE

OF THE PHILIPPINES
[Tax Reform Act of 1997]
Republic Act No. 8424
AN ACT AMENDING THE NATIONAL INTERNAL
REVENUE CODE, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be cited as the "Tax Reform
Act of 1997".

SEC. 2. State Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

promote sustainable economic growth through the rationalization of the
Philippine internal revenue tax system, including tax administration; 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; and to create a robust environment for business to
enable firms to compete better in the regional as well as the global market,
at the same time that the State ensures that Government is able to provide
for the needs of those under its jurisdiction and care.

SEC. 3. Presidential Decree No. 1158, as amended by, among others,

Presidential Decree No. 1994 and Executive Order No. 273, otherwise
known as the National Internal Revenue Code, is hereby further amended.

TITLE I
ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION OF
THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE

SECTION 1. Title of the Code. - This Code shall be known as the

National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.
SEC. 2. Powers and Duties of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. -
The Bureau of Internal Revenue shall be under the supervision and
control of the Department of Finance and its powers and duties shall
comprehend the assessment and collection of all national internal revenue
taxes, fees, and charges, and the enforcement of all forfeitures, penalties,
and fines connected therewith, including the execution of judgments in all
cases decided in its favor by the Court of Tax Appeals and the ordinary
courts. The Bureau shall give effect to and administer the supervisory and
police powers conferred to it by this Code or other laws.

SEC. 3. Chief Officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. - The

Bureau of Internal Revenue shall have a chief to be known as
Commissioner of Internal Revenue, hereinafter referred to as the
Commissioner and four (4) assistant chiefs to be known as Deputy
Commissioners.

SEC. 4. Power of the Commissioner to Interpret Tax Laws and

to Decide Tax Cases. - The power to interpret the provisions of this
Code and other tax laws shall be under the exclusive and original
jurisdiction of the Commissioner, subject to review by the Secretary of
Finance.

The power to decide disputed assessments, refunds of internal revenue

taxes, fees or other charges, penalties imposed in relation thereto, or other
matters arising under this Code or other laws or portions thereof
administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue is vested in the
Commissioner, subject to the exclusive appellate jurisdiction of the Court
of Tax Appeals.

SEC. 5. Power of the Commissioner to Obtain Information, and

to Summon, Examine, and Take Testimony of Persons. - In
ascertaining the correctness of any return, or in making a return when
none has been made, or in determining the liability of any person for any
internal revenue tax, or in collecting any such liability, or in evaluating tax
compliance, the Commissioner is authorized:

(A) To examine any book, paper, record, or other data which may be
relevant or material to such inquiry;

(B) To obtain on a regular basis from any person other than the
person whose internal revenue tax liability is subject to audit or
investigation, or from any office or officer of the national and local
governments, government agencies and instrumentalities, including
 the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and government-owned or
-controlled corporations, any information such as, but not limited
to, costs and volume of production, receipts or sales and gross
incomes of taxpayers, and the names, addresses, and financial
statements of corporations, mutual fund companies, insurance
companies, regional operating headquarters of multinational
companies, joint accounts, associations, joint ventures of consortia
and registered partnerships, and their members;

(C) To summon the person liable for tax or required to file a return,
or any officer or employee of such person, or any person having
possession, custody, or care of the books of accounts and other
accounting records containing entries relating to the business of the
person liable for tax, or any other person, to appear before the
Commissioner or his duly authorized representative at a time and
place specified in the summons and to produce such books, papers,
records, or other data, and to give testimony;

(D) To take such testimony of the person concerned, under oath, as

may be relevant or material to such inquiry; and

(E) To cause revenue officers and employees to make a canvass from

time to time of any revenue district or region and inquire after and
concerning all persons therein who may be liable to pay any internal
revenue tax, and all persons owning or having the care, management
or possession of any object with respect to which a tax is imposed.

The provisions of the foregoing paragraphs notwithstanding,

nothing in this Section shall be construed as granting the
Commissioner the authority to inquire into bank deposits other than
as provided for in Section 6(F) of this Code.

SEC. 6. Power of the Commissioner to Make assessments and

Prescribe additional Requirements for Tax Administration
and Enforcement. -

(A) Examination of Returns and Determination of Tax Due. - After

a return has been filed as required under the provisions of this Code,
the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative may
authorize the examination of any taxpayer and the assessment of the
correct amount of tax: Provided, however; That failure to file a
return shall not prevent the Commissioner from authorizing the
examination of any taxpayer.

Any return, statement of declaration filed in any office authorized to

receive the same shall not be withdrawn: Provided, That within three
(3) years from the date of such filing, the same may be modified,
changed, or amended: Provided, further, That no notice for audit or
investigation of such return, statement or declaration has in the
meantime been actually served upon the taxpayer.

(B) Failure to Submit Required Returns, Statements, Reports

and other Documents. - When a report required by law as a
basis for the assessment of any national internal revenue tax
shall not be forthcoming within the time fixed by laws or rules
and regulations or when there is reason to believe that any such
report is false, incomplete or erroneous, the Commissioner
shall assess the proper tax on the best evidence obtainable.

In case a person fails to file a required return or other document at

the time prescribed by law, or willfully or otherwise files a false or
fraudulent return or other document, the Commissioner shall make
or amend the return from his own knowledge and from such
information as he can obtain through testimony or otherwise, which
shall be prima facie correct and sufficient for all legal purposes.

(C) Authority to Conduct Inventory-taking, surveillance and to

Prescribe Presumptive Gross Sales and Receipts. - The
Commissioner may, at any time during the taxable year, order
inventory-taking of goods of any taxpayer as a basis for determining
his internal revenue tax liabilities, or may place the business
operations of any person, natural or juridical, under observation or
surveillance if there is reason to believe that such person is not
declaring his correct income, sales or receipts for internal revenue tax
purposes. The findings may be used as the basis for assessing the
taxes for the other months or quarters of the same or different
taxable years and such assessment shall be deemed prima facie
correct.

When it is found that a person has failed to issue receipts and

invoices in violation of the requirements of Sections 113 and 237 of
this Code, or when there is reason to believe that the books of
accounts or other records do not correctly reflect the declarations
made or to be made in a return required to be filed under the
provisions of this Code, the Commissioner, after taking into account
the sales, receipts, income or other taxable base of other persons
engaged in similar businesses under similar situations or
circumstances or after considering other relevant information may
prescribe a minimum amount of such gross receipts, sales and
taxable base, and such amount so prescribed shall be prima facie
correct for purposes of determining the internal revenue tax liabilities
of such person.

(D) Authority to Terminate Taxable Period. - When it shall come to

the knowledge of the Commissioner that a taxpayer is retiring from
business subject to tax, or is intending to leave the Philippines or to
remove his property therefrom or to hide or conceal his property, or
is performing any act tending to obstruct the proceedings for the
collection of the tax for the past or current quarter or year or to
render the same totally or partly ineffective unless such proceedings
are begun immediately, the Commissioner shall declare the tax
period of such taxpayer terminated at any time and shall send the
taxpayer a notice of such decision, together with a request for the
immediate payment of the tax for the period so declared terminated
and the tax for the preceding year or quarter, or such portion thereof
as may be unpaid, and said taxes shall be due and payable
immediately and shall be subject to all the penalties hereafter
prescribed, unless paid within the time fixed in the demand made by
the Commissioner.

(E) Authority of the Commissioner to Prescribe Real Property

Values. - The Commissioner is hereby authorized to divide the
Philippines into different zones or areas and shall, upon consultation
with competent appraisers both from the private and public sectors,
determine the fair market value of real properties located in each
zone or area. For purposes of computing any internal revenue tax, the
value of the property shall be, whichever is the higher of:

(1) the fair market value as determined by the Commissioner, or

(2) the fair market value as shown in the schedule of

values of the Provincial and City Assessors.

(F) Authority of the Commissioner to inquire into Bank Deposit

Accounts. - Notwithstanding any contrary provision of Republic Act
No. 1405 and other general or special laws, the Commissioner is
 hereby authorized to inquire into the bank deposits of:

(1) a decedent to determine his gross estate; and

(2) any taxpayer who has filed an application for compromise

of his tax liability under Sec. 204 (A) (2) of this Code by reason
of financial incapacity to pay his tax liability.

In case a taxpayer files an application to compromise the payment of

his tax liabilities on his claim that his financial position demonstrates
a clear inability to pay the tax assessed, his application shall not be
considered unless and until he waives in writing his privilege under
Republic Act No. 1405 or under other general or special laws, and
such waiver shall constitute the authority of the Commissioner to
inquire into the bank deposits of the taxpayer.

(G) Authority to Accredit and Register Tax Agents. - The

Commissioner shall accredit and register, based on their
professional competence, integrity and moral fitness, individuals
and general professional partnerships and their representatives who
prepare and file tax returns, statements, reports, protests, and other
papers with or who appear before, the Bureau for taxpayers. Within
one hundred twenty (120) days from January 1, 1998, the
Commissioner shall create national and regional accreditation
boards, the members of which shall serve for three (3) years, and
shall designate from among the senior officials of the Bureau, one (1)
chairman and two (2) members for each board, subject to such rules
and regulations as the Secretary of Finance shall promulgate upon
the recommendation of the Commissioner.

Individuals and general professional partnerships and their

representatives who are denied accreditation by the Commissioner
and/or the national and regional accreditation boards may appeal
such denial to the Secretary of Finance, who shall rule on the appeal
within sixty (60) days from receipt of such appeal. Failure of the
Secretary of Finance to rule on the Appeal within the prescribed
period shall be deemed as approval of the application for
accreditation of the appellant.

(H) Authority of the Commissioner to Prescribe Additional

Procedural or Documentary Requirements. - The Commissioner
may prescribe the manner of compliance with any documentary or
 procedural requirement in connection with the submission or
preparation of financial statements accompanying the tax returns.

SEC. 7. Authority of the Commissioner to Delegate Power.

- The Commissioner may delegate the powers vested in him under
the pertinent provisions of this Code to any or such subordinate
officials with the rank equivalent to a division chief or higher, subject
to such limitations and restrictions as may be imposed under rules
and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner: Provided, however, That the
following powers of the Commissioner shall not be delegated:

(a) The power to recommend the promulgation of rules and

regulations by the Secretary of Finance;

(b) The power to issue rulings of first impression or to reverse,

revoke or modify any existing ruling of the Bureau;

(c) The power to compromise or abate, under Sec. 204 (A) and (B) of
this Code, any tax liability: Provided, however, That assessments
issued by the regional offices involving basic deficiency taxes of Five
hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) or less, and minor criminal
violations, as may be determined by rules and regulations to be
promulgated by the Secretary of finance, upon recommendation of
the Commissioner, discovered by regional and district officials, may
be compromised by a regional evaluation board which shall be
composed of the Regional Director as Chairman, the Assistant
Regional Director, the heads of the Legal, Assessment and Collection
Divisions and the Revenue District Officer having jurisdiction over
the taxpayer, as members; and

(d) The power to assign or reassign internal revenue officers to

establishments where articles subject to excise tax are produced or
kept.

SEC. 8. Duty of the Commissioner to Ensure the Provision and

Distribution of forms, Receipts, Certificates, and Appliances,
and the Acknowledgment of Payment of Taxes.-

(A) Provision and Distribution to Proper Officials. - It shall be the

duty of the Commissioner, among other things, to prescribe,
provide, and distribute to the proper officials the requisite licenses
internal revenue stamps, labels all other forms, certificates, bonds,
 records, invoices, books, receipts, instruments, appliances and
apparatus used in administering the laws falling within the
jurisdiction of the Bureau. For this purpose, internal revenue
stamps, strip stamps and labels shall be caused by the Commissioner
to be printed with adequate security features.

Internal revenue stamps, whether of a bar code or fusion design, shall

be firmly and conspicuously affixed on each pack of cigars and
cigarettes subject to excise tax in the manner and form as prescribed
by the Commissioner, upon approval of the Secretary of Finance.

(B) Receipts for Payment Made. - It shall be the duty of the

Commissioner or his duly authorized representative or an authorized
agent bank to whom any payment of any tax is made under the
provision of this Code to acknowledge the payment of such tax,
expressing the amount paid and the particular account for which
such payment was made in a form and manner prescribed therefor
by the Commissioner.

SEC. 9. Internal Revenue Districts. - With the approval of the

Secretary of Finance, the Commissioner shall divide the Philippines
into such number of revenue districts as may form time to time be
required for administrative purposes. Each of these districts shall be
under the supervision of a Revenue District Officer.

SEC. 10. Revenue Regional Director. - Under rules and regulations,

policies and standards formulated by the Commissioner, with the
approval of the Secretary of Finance, the Revenue Regional director shall,
within the region and district offices under his jurisdiction, among others:

(a) Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, rules and regulations

of the department or agencies in the regional area;

(b) Administer and enforce internal revenue laws, and rules and
regulations, including the assessment and collection of all internal
revenue taxes, charges and fees.

(c) Issue Letters of authority for the examination of taxpayers within

the region;

(d) Provide economical, efficient and effective service to the people

in the area;
 (e) Coordinate with regional offices or other departments, bureaus
and agencies in the area;

(f) Coordinate with local government units in the area;

(g) Exercise control and supervision over the officers and employees
within the region; and

(h) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law and as

may be delegated by the Commissioner.

SEC. 11. Duties of Revenue District Officers and Other Internal

Revenue Officers. - It shall be the duty of every Revenue District Officer
or other internal revenue officers and employees to ensure that all laws,
and rules and regulations affecting national internal revenue are faithfully
executed and complied with, and to aid in the prevention, detection and
punishment of frauds of delinquencies in connection therewith.

It shall be the duty of every Revenue District Officer to examine the

efficiency of all officers and employees of the Bureau of Internal Revenue
under his supervision, and to report in writing to the Commissioner,
through the Regional Director, any neglect of duty, incompetency,
delinquency, or malfeasance in office of any internal revenue officer of
which he may obtain knowledge, with a statement of all the facts and any
evidence sustaining each case.

SEC. 12. Agents and Deputies for Collection of National

Internal Revenue Taxes. - The following are hereby constituted agents
of the Commissioner:

(a) The Commissioner of Customs and his subordinates with respect

to the collection of national internal revenue taxes on imported
goods;

(b) The head of the appropriate government office and his

subordinates with respect to the collection of energy tax; and

(c) Banks duly accredited by the Commissioner with respect to

receipt of payments internal revenue taxes authorized to be made
thru bank.

Any officer or employee of an authorized agent bank assigned to

receive internal revenue tax payments and transmit tax returns or
 documents to the Bureau of Internal Revenue shall be subject to the
same sanctions and penalties prescribed in Sections 269 and 270 of
this Code.

SEC. 13. Authority of a Revenue Offices. - subject to the rules and

regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, a Revenue Officer assigned to
perform assessment functions in any district may, pursuant to a Letter of
Authority issued by the Revenue Regional Director, examine taxpayers
within the jurisdiction of the district in order to collect the correct amount
of tax, or to recommend the assessment of any deficiency tax due in the
same manner that the said acts could have been performed by the
Revenue Regional Director himself.

SEC. 14. Authority of Officers to Administer Oaths and Take

Testimony. - The Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Service Chiefs,
Assistant Service Chiefs, Revenue Regional Directors, Assistant Revenue
Regional Directors, Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs of Divisions, Revenue
District Officers, special deputies of the Commissioner, internal revenue
officers and any other employee of the Bureau thereunto especially
deputized by the Commissioner shall have the power to administer oaths
and to take testimony in any official matter or investigation conducted by
them regarding matters within the jurisdiction of the Bureau.

SEC. 15. Authority of Internal Revenue Officers to Make

Arrests and Seizures. - The Commissioner, the Deputy
Commissioners, the Revenue Regional Directors, the Revenue District
Officers and other internal revenue officers shall have authority to make
arrests and seizures for the violation of any penal law, rule or regulation
administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Any person so arrested
shall be forthwith brought before a court, there to be dealt with according
to law.

SEC. 16. Assignment of Internal Revenue Officers Involved in

Excise Tax Functions to Establishments Where Articles subject
to Excise Tax are Produced or Kept. - The Commissioner shall
employ, assign, or reassign internal revenue officers involved in excise tax
functions, as often as the exigencies of the revenue service may require, to
establishments or places where articles subject to excise tax are produced
or kept: Provided, That an internal revenue officer assigned to any such
establishment shall in no case stay in his assignment for more than two
(2) years, subject to rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary
of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

SEC. 17. Assignment of Internal Revenue Officers and Other

Employees to Other Duties. - The Commissioner may, subject to the
provisions of Section 16 and the laws on civil service, as well as the rules
and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance upon the
recommendation of the Commissioner, assign or reassign internal revenue
officers and employees of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, without change
in their official rank and salary, to other or special duties connected with
the enforcement or administration of the revenue laws as the exigencies of
the service may require: Provided, That internal revenue officers assigned
to perform assessment or collection function shall not remain in the same
assignment for more than three (3) years; Provided, further, That
assignment of internal revenue officers and employees of the Bureau to
special duties shall not exceed one (1) year.

SEC. 18. Reports of Violation of Laws. - When an internal revenue

officer discovers evidence of a violation of this Code or of any law, rule or
regulations administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue of such
character as to warrant the institution of criminal proceedings, he shall
immediately report the facts to the Commissioner through his immediate
superior, giving the name and address of the offender and the names of
the witnesses if possible: Provided, That in urgent cases, the Revenue
Regional director or Revenue District Officer, as the case may be, may
send the report to the corresponding prosecuting officer in the latter case,
a copy of his report shall be sent to the Commissioner.

SEC. 19. Contents of Commissioner's Annual Report. - The

Annual Report of the Commissioner shall contain detailed statements of
the collections of the Bureau with specifications of the sources of revenue
by type of tax, by manner of payment, by revenue region and by industry
group and its disbursements by classes of expenditures.

In case the actual collection exceeds or falls short of target as set in the
annual national budget by fifteen percent (15%) or more, the
Commissioner shall explain the reason for such excess or shortfall.

SEC. 20. Submission of Report and Pertinent Information by

the Commissioner.

(A) Submission of Pertinent Information to Congress. - The

provision of Section 270 of this Code to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Commissioner shall, upon request of Congress
 and in aid of legislation, furnish its appropriate Committee pertinent
information including but not limited to: industry audits, collection
performance data, status reports in criminal actions initiated against
persons and taxpayer's returns: Provided, however, That any return
or return information which can be associated with, or otherwise
identify, directly or indirectly, a particular taxpayer shall be
furnished the appropriate Committee of Congress only when sitting
in Executive Session Unless such taxpayer otherwise consents in
writing to such disclosure.

(B) Report to Oversight Committee. - The Commissioner shall, with

reference to Section 204 of this Code, submit to the Oversight
Committee referred to in Section 290 hereof, through the Chairmen
of the Committee on Ways and Means of the Senate and House of
Representatives, a report on the exercise of his powers pursuant to
the said section, every six (6) months of each calendar year.

SEC. 21. Sources of Revenue. - The following taxes, fees and charges
are deemed to be national internal revenue taxes:

(a) Income tax;

(b) Estate and donor's taxes;
(c) Value-added tax;
(d) Other percentage taxes;
(e) Excise taxes;
(f) Documentary stamp taxes; and
(g) Such other taxes as are or hereafter may be imposed and collected by
the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

TITLE II
TAX ON INCOME

CHAPTER I
DEFINITIONS

SEC. 22. Definitions - When used in this Title:

(A) The term "person" means an individual, a trust, estate or corporation.

(B) The term "corporation" shall include partnerships, no matter how
created or organized, joint-stock companies, joint accounts (cuentas en
participacion), association, or insurance companies, but does not include
general professional partnerships and a joint venture or consortium
formed for the purpose of undertaking construction projects or engaging
in petroleum, coal, geothermal and other energy operations pursuant to
an operating consortium agreement under a service contract with the
Government. "General professional partnerships" are partnerships
formed by persons for the sole purpose of exercising their common
profession, no part of the income of which is derived from engaging in any
trade or business.

(C) The term "domestic", when applied to a corporation, means created or

organized in the Philippines or under its laws.

(D) The term "foreign", when applied to a corporation, means a

corporation which is not domestic.

(E) The term "nonresident citizen" means:

(1) A citizen of the Philippines who establishes to the satisfaction of

the Commissioner the fact of his physical presence abroad with a
definite intention to reside therein.

(2) A citizen of the Philippines who leaves the Philippines during the
taxable year to reside abroad, either as an immigrant or for
employment on a permanent basis.

(3) A citizen of the Philippines who works and derives income from
abroad and whose employment thereat requires him to be physically
present abroad most of the time during the taxable year.

(4) A citizen who has been previously considered as nonresident

citizen and who arrives in the Philippines at any time during the
taxable year to reside permanently in the Philippines shall likewise
be treated as a nonresident citizen for the taxable year in which he
arrives in the Philippines with respect to his income derived from
sources abroad until the date of his arrival in the Philippines.

(5) The taxpayer shall submit proof to the Commissioner to show his
intention of leaving the Philippines to reside permanently abroad or
to return to and reside in the Philippines as the case may be for
 purpose of this Section.

(F) The term "resident alien" means an individual whose residence is

within the Philippines and who is not a citizen thereof.

(G) The term "nonresident alien" means an individual whose residence is

not within the Philippines and who is not a citizen thereof.

(H) The term "resident foreign corporation" applies to a foreign

corporation engaged in trade or business within the Philippines.

(I) The term 'nonresident foreign corporation' applies to a foreign

corporation not engaged in trade or business within the Philippines.

(J) The term "fiduciary" means a guardian, trustee, executor,

administrator, receiver, conservator or any person acting in any fiduciary
capacity for any person.

(K) The term "withholding agent" means any person required to deduct
and withhold any tax under the provisions of Section 57.

(L) The term "shares of stock" shall include shares of stock of a

corporation, warrants and/or options to purchase shares of stock, as well
as units of participation in a partnership (except general professional
partnerships), joint stock companies, joint accounts, joint ventures taxable
as corporations, associations and recreation or amusement clubs (such as
golf, polo or similar clubs), and mutual fund certificates.

(M) The term "shareholder" shall include holders of a share/s of stock,

warrant/s and/or option/s to purchase shares of stock of a corporation, as
well as a holder of a unit of participation in a partnership (except general
professional partnerships) in a joint stock company, a joint account, a
taxable joint venture, a member of an association, recreation or
amusement club (such as golf, polo or similar clubs) and a holder of a
mutual fund certificate, a member in an association, joint-stock company,
or insurance company.

(N) The term "taxpayer" means any person subject to tax imposed by this
Title.

(O) The terms "including" and "includes", when used in a definition

contained in this Title, shall not be deemed to exclude other things
otherwise within the meaning of the term defined.

(P) The term "taxable year" means the calendar year, or the fiscal year
ending during such calendar year, upon the basis of which the net income
is computed under this Title. 'Taxable year' includes, in the case of a
return made for a fractional part of a year under the provisions of this
Title or under rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the commissioner, the period for which
such return is made.

(Q) The term "fiscal year" means an accounting period of twelve (12)
months ending on the last day of any month other than December.

(R) The terms "paid or incurred" and 'paid or accrued' shall be construed
according to the method of accounting upon the basis of which the net
income is computed under this Title.

(S) The term "trade or business" includes the performance of the

functions of a public office.

(T) The term "securities" means shares of stock in a corporation and rights
to subscribe for or to receive such shares. The term includes bonds,
debentures, notes or certificates, or other evidence or indebtedness, issued
by any corporation, including those issued by a government or political
subdivision thereof, with interest coupons or in registered form.

(U) The term "dealer in securities" means a merchant of stocks or

securities, whether an individual, partnership or corporation, with an
established place of business, regularly engaged in the purchase of
securities and the resale thereof to customers; that is, one who, as a
merchant, buys securities and re-sells them to customers with a view to
the gains and profits that may be derived therefrom.

(V) The term "bank" means every banking institution, as defined in

Section 2 of Republic Act No. 337, as amended, otherwise known as the
General banking Act. A bank may either be a commercial bank, a thrift
bank, a development bank, a rural bank or specialized government bank.

(W) The term "non-bank financial intermediary" means a financial

intermediary, as defined in Section 2(D)(C) of Republic Act No. 337, as
amended, otherwise known as the General Banking Act, authorized by the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to perform quasi-banking activities.
(X) The term "quasi-banking activities" means borrowing funds from
twenty (20) or more personal or corporate lenders at any one time,
through the issuance, endorsement, or acceptance of debt instruments of
any kind other than deposits for the borrower's own account, or through
the issuance of certificates of assignment or similar instruments, with
recourse, or of repurchase agreements for purposes of relending or
purchasing receivables and other similar obligations: Provided, however,
That commercial, industrial and other non-financial companies, which
borrow funds through any of these means for the limited purpose of
financing their own needs or the needs of their agents or dealers, shall not
be considered as performing quasi-banking functions.

(Y) The term "deposit substitutes" shall mean an alternative from of

obtaining funds from the public (the term 'public' means borrowing from
twenty (20) or more individual or corporate lenders at any one time) other
than deposits, through the issuance, endorsement, or acceptance of debt
instruments for the borrowers own account, for the purpose of relending
or purchasing of receivables and other obligations, or financing their own
needs or the needs of their agent or dealer. These instruments may
include, but need not be limited to bankers' acceptances, promissory
notes, repurchase agreements, including reverse repurchase agreements
entered into by and between the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and
any authorized agent bank, certificates of assignment or participation and
similar instruments with recourse: Provided, however, That debt
instruments issued for interbank call loans with maturity of not more than
five (5) days to cover deficiency in reserves against deposit liabilities,
including those between or among banks and quasi-banks, shall not be
considered as deposit substitute debt instruments.

(Z) The term "ordinary income" includes any gain from the sale or
exchange of property which is not a capital asset or property described in
Section 39(A)(1). Any gain from the sale or exchange of property which is
treated or considered, under other provisions of this Title, as 'ordinary
income' shall be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of property
which is not a capital asset as defined in Section 39(A)(1). The term
'ordinary loss' includes any loss from the sale or exchange of property
which is not a capital asset. Any loss from the sale or exchange of property
which is treated or considered, under other provisions of this Title, as
'ordinary loss' shall be treated as loss from the sale or exchange of
property which is not a capital asset.

(AA) The term "rank and file employees" shall mean all employees who
 are holding neither managerial nor supervisory position as defined under
existing provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended.

(BB) The term "mutual fund company" shall mean an open-end and
close-end investment company as defined under the Investment Company
Act.

(CC) The term "trade, business or profession" shall not include

performance of services by the taxpayer as an employee.

(DD) The term "regional or area headquarters" shall mean a branch

established in the Philippines by multinational companies and which
headquarters do not earn or derive income from the Philippines and
which act as supervisory, communications and coordinating center for
their affiliates, subsidiaries, or branches in the Asia-Pacific Region and
other foreign markets.

(EE) The term "regional operating headquarters" shall mean a branch

established in the Philippines by multinational companies which are
engaged in any of the following services: general administration and
planning; business planning and coordination; sourcing and procurement
of raw materials and components; corporate finance advisory services;
marketing control and sales promotion; training and personnel
management; logistic services; research and development services and
product development; technical support and maintenance; data
processing and communications; and business development.

(FF) The term "long-term deposit or investment certificates" shall refer to certificate of time deposit or investment in the form of savings, common or
individual trust funds, deposit substitutes, investment management accounts and other investments with a maturity period of not less than five (5)
years, the form of which shall be prescribed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and issued by banks only (not by nonbank financial
intermediaries and finance companies) to individuals in denominations of Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) and other denominations as may be
prescribed by the BS.

CHAPTER II
GENERAL PRINCIPLES

SEC. 23. General Principles of Income Taxation in the

Philippines. - Except when otherwise provided in this Code:

(A) A citizen of the Philippines residing therein is taxable on all income

derived from sources within and without the Philippines;

(B) A nonresident citizen is taxable only on income derived from sources

within the Philippines;
(C) An individual citizen of the Philippines who is working and deriving
income from abroad as an overseas contract worker is taxable only on
income derived from sources within the Philippines: Provided, That 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 international trade shall be treated as an overseas
contract worker;

(D) An alien individual, whether a resident or not of the Philippines, is

taxable only on income derived from sources within the Philippines;

(E) A domestic corporation is taxable on all income derived from sources

within and without the Philippines; and

(F) 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.

CHAPTER III
TAX ON INDIVIDUALS

SEC. 24. Income Tax Rates. -

(A) Rates of Income Tax on Individual Citizen and Individual Resident

Alien of the Philippines.

(1) An income tax is hereby imposed:

(a) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this Code,

other than income subject to tax under Subsections (B), (C) and
(D) of this Section, derived for each taxable year from all
sources within and without the Philippines be every individual
citizen of the Philippines residing therein;

(b) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this Code,

other than income subject to tax under Subsections (B), (C) and
(D) of this Section, derived for each taxable year from all
sources within the Philippines by an individual citizen of the
Philippines who is residing outside of the Philippines including
overseas contract workers referred to in Subsection(C) of
Section 23 hereof; and

(c) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this Code,

other than income subject to tax under Subsections (b), (C) and
(D) of this Section, derived for each taxable year from all
sources within the Philippines by an individual alien who is a
resident of the Philippines.

The tax shall be computed in accordance with and at the rates

established in the following schedule:

Not over P10,000…………………………………....5%

Over P10,000 but not over P30,000………………P500+10%

of the excess over P10,000

Over P30,000 but not over P70,000………………

P2,500+15% of the excess over P30,000

Over P70,000 but not over P140,000……..………

P8,500+20% of the excess over P70,000

Over P140,000 but not over P250,000……………

P22,500+25% of the excess over P140,000

Over P250,000 but not over P500,000……………

P50,000+30% of the excess over P250,000

Over P500,000 …………………………..... P125,000+34% of

the excess over P500,000 in 1998.

Provided, That effective January 1, 1999, the top marginal rate

shall be thirty-three percent (33%) and effective January 1,
2000, the said rate shall be thirty-two percent (32%).

For married individuals, the husband and wife, subject to the

provision of Section 51 (D) hereof, shall compute separately
their individual income tax based on their respective total
taxable income: Provided, That if any income cannot be
definitely attributed to or identified as income exclusively
earned or realized by either of the spouses, the same shall be
divided equally between the spouses for the purpose of
 determining their respective taxable income.

(B) Rate of Tax on Certain Passive Income.

(1) Interests, Royalties, Prizes, and Other Winnings. - A final tax at

the rate of twenty percent (20%) is hereby imposed upon the amount
of interest from any currency bank deposit and yield or any other
monetary benefit from deposit substitutes and from trust funds and
similar arrangements; royalties, except on books, as well as other
literary works and musical compositions, which shall be imposed a
final tax of ten percent (10%); prizes (except prizes amounting to Ten
thousand pesos (P10,000) or less which shall be subject to tax under
Subsection (A) of Section 24; and other winnings (except Philippine
Charity Sweepstakes and Lotto winnings), derived from sources
within the Philippines: Provided, however, That interest income
received by an individual taxpayer (except a nonresident individual)
from a depository bank under the expanded foreign currency deposit
system shall be subject to a final income tax at the rate of seven and
one-half percent (7 1/2%) of such interest income: Provided, further,
That interest income from long-term deposit or investment in the
form of savings, common or individual trust funds, deposit
substitutes, investment management accounts and other investments
evidenced by certificates in such form prescribed by the Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shall be exempt from the tax imposed
under this Subsection: Provided, finally, That should the holder of
the certificate pre-terminate the deposit or investment before the
fifth (5th) year, a final tax shall be imposed on the entire income and
shall be deducted and withheld by the depository bank from the
proceeds of the long-term deposit or investment certificate based on
the remaining maturity thereof:

Four (4) years to less than five (5) years - 5%;

Three (3) years to less than (4) years - 12%; and

Less than three (3) years - 20%

(2) Cash and/or Property Dividends - A final tax at the following

rates shall be imposed upon the cash and/or property dividends
actually or constructively received by an individual from a domestic
corporation or from a joint stock company, insurance or mutual fund
companies and regional operating headquarters of multinational
 companies, or on the share of an individual in the distributable net
income after tax of a partnership (except a general professional
partnership) of which he is a partner, or on the share of an individual
in the net income after tax of an association, a joint account, or a joint
venture or consortium taxable as a corporation of which he is a
member or co-venturer:

Six percent (6%) beginning January 1, 1998;

Eight percent (8%) beginning January 1, 1999; and

Ten percent (10% beginning January 1, 2000.

Provided, however, That the tax on dividends shall apply only on

income earned on or after January 1, 1998. Income forming part of
retained earnings as of December 31, 1997 shall not, even if declared
or distributed on or after January 1, 1998, be subject to this tax.

(C) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock not Traded in the Stock
Exchange. - The provisions of Section 39(B) notwithstanding, a final tax at
the rates prescribed below is hereby imposed upon the net capital gains
realized during the taxable year from the sale, barter, exchange or other
disposition of shares of stock in a domestic corporation, except shares sold,
or disposed of through the stock exchange.

Not over P100,000……………………………........ 5%

On any amount in excess of P100,000………… 10%

(D) Capital Gains from Sale of Real Property. -

(1) In General. - The provisions of Section 39(B) notwithstanding, a

final tax of six percent (6%) based on the gross selling price or
current fair market value as determined in accordance with Section
6(E) of this Code, whichever is higher, is hereby imposed upon
capital gains presumed to have been realized from the sale, exchange,
or other disposition of real property located in the Philippines,
classified as capital assets, including pacto de retro sales and other
forms of conditional sales, by individuals, including estates and
trusts: Provided, That the tax liability, if any, on gains from sales or
other dispositions of real property to the government or any of its
political subdivisions or agencies or to government-owned or
controlled corporations shall be determined either under Section 24
 (A) or under this Subsection, at the option of the taxpayer.

(2) Exception. - The provisions of paragraph (1) of this Subsection to

the contrary notwithstanding, capital gains presumed to have been
realized from the sale or disposition of their principal residence by
natural persons, the proceeds of which is fully utilized in acquiring or
constructing a new principal residence within eighteen (18) calendar
months from the date of sale or disposition, shall be exempt from the
capital gains tax imposed under this Subsection: Provided, That the
historical cost or adjusted basis of the real property sold or disposed
shall be carried over to the new principal residence built or acquired:
Provided, further, That the Commissioner shall have been duly
notified by the taxpayer within thirty (30) days from the date of sale
or disposition through a prescribed return of his intention to avail of
the tax exemption herein mentioned: Provided, still further, That the
said tax exemption can only be availed of once every ten (10) years:
Provided, finally, that if there is no full utilization of the proceeds of
sale or disposition, the portion of the gain presumed to have been
realized from the sale or disposition shall be subject to capital gains
tax. For this purpose, the gross selling price or fair market value at
the time of sale, whichever is higher, shall be multiplied by a fraction
which the unutilized amount bears to the gross selling price in order
to determine the taxable portion and the tax prescribed under
paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall be imposed thereon.

SEC. 25. Tax on Nonresident Alien Individual. -

(A) Nonresident Alien Engaged in trade or Business Within the

Philippines. -

(1) In General. - A nonresident alien individual engaged in trade or

business in the Philippines shall be subject to an income tax in the
same manner as an individual citizen and a resident alien individual,
on taxable income received from all sources within the Philippines. A
nonresident alien individual who shall come to the Philippines and
stay therein for an aggregate period of more than one hundred eighty
(180) days during any calendar year shall be deemed a 'nonresident
alien doing business in the Philippines'. Section 22 (G) of this Code
notwithstanding.

(2) Cash and/or Property Dividends from a Domestic Corporation or

Joint Stock Company, or Insurance or Mutual Fund Company or
Regional Operating Headquarters or Multinational Company, or
Share in the Distributable Net Income of a Partnership (Except a
General Professional Partnership), Joint Account, Joint Venture
Taxable as a Corporation or Association., Interests, Royalties, Prizes,
and Other Winnings. - Cash and/or property dividends from a
domestic corporation, or from a joint stock company, or from an
insurance or mutual fund company or from a regional operating
headquarters of multinational company, or the share of a nonresident
alien individual in the distributable net income after tax of a
partnership (except a general professional partnership) of which he is
a partner, or the share of a nonresident alien individual in the net
income after tax of an association, a joint account, or a joint venture
taxable as a corporation of which he is a member or a co-venturer;
interests; royalties (in any form); and prizes (except prizes
amounting to Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) or less which shall be
subject to tax under Subsection (B)(1) of Section 24) and other
winnings (except Philippine Charity Sweepstakes and Lotto
winnings); shall be subject to an income tax of twenty percent (20%)
on the total amount thereof: Provided, however, that royalties on
books as well as other literary works, and royalties on musical
compositions shall be subject to a final tax of ten percent (10%) on
the total amount thereof: Provided, further, That cinematographic
films and similar works shall be subject to the tax provided under
Section 28 of this Code: Provided, furthermore, That interest income
from long-term deposit or investment in the form of savings,
common or individual trust funds, deposit substitutes, investment
management accounts and other investments evidenced by
certificates in such form prescribed by the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) shall be exempt from the tax imposed under this
Subsection: Provided, finally, that should the holder of the certificate
pre-terminate the deposit or investment before the fifth (5 th) year, a
final tax shall be imposed on the entire income and shall be deducted
and withheld by the depository bank from the proceeds of the long-
term deposit or investment certificate based on the remaining
maturity thereof:

Four (4) years to less than five (5) years - 5%;

Three (3) years to less than four (4) years - 12%; and

Less than three (3) years - 20%.

(3) Capital Gains. - Capital gains realized from sale, barter or

 exchange of shares of stock in domestic corporations not traded
through the local stock exchange, and real properties shall be subject
to the tax prescribed under Subsections (C) and (D) of Section 24.

(B) Nonresident Alien Individual Not Engaged in Trade or Business

Within the Philippines. - There shall be levied, collected and paid for each
taxable year upon the entire income received from all sources within the
Philippines by every nonresident alien individual not engaged in trade or
business within the Philippines as interest, cash and/or property
dividends, rents, salaries, wages, premiums, annuities, compensation,
remuneration, emoluments, or other fixed or determinable annual or
periodic or casual gains, profits, and income, and capital gains, a tax equal
to twenty-five percent (25%) of such income. Capital gains realized by a
nonresident alien individual not engaged in trade or business in the
Philippines from the sale of shares of stock in any domestic corporation
and real property shall be subject to the income tax prescribed under
Subsections (C) and (D) of Section 24.

(C) Alien Individual Employed by Regional or Area Headquarters and

Regional Operating Headquarters of Multinational Companies. - There
shall be levied, collected and paid for each taxable year upon the gross
income received by every alien individual employed by regional or area
headquarters and regional operating headquarters established in the
Philippines by multinational companies as salaries, wages, annuities,
compensation, remuneration and other emoluments, such as honoraria
and allowances, from such regional or area headquarters and regional
operating headquarters, a tax equal to fifteen percent (15%) of such gross
income: Provided, however, That the same tax treatment shall apply to
Filipinos employed and occupying the same position as those of aliens
employed by these multinational companies. For purposes of this Chapter,
the term 'multinational company' means a foreign firm or entity engaged in
international trade with affiliates or subsidiaries or branch offices in the
Asia-Pacific Region and other foreign markets.

(D) Alien Individual Employed by Offshore Banking Units. - There shall be

levied, collected and paid for each taxable year upon the gross income
received by every alien individual employed by offshore banking units
established in the Philippines as salaries, wages, annuities, compensation,
remuneration and other emoluments, such as honoraria and allowances,
from such off-shore banking units, a tax equal to fifteen percent (15%) of
such gross income: Provided, however, That the same tax treatment shall
apply to Filipinos employed and occupying the same positions as those of
aliens employed by these offshore banking units.

(E) Alien Individual Employed by Petroleum Service Contractor and

Subcontractor. - An Alien individual who is a permanent resident of a
foreign country but who is employed and assigned in the Philippines by a
foreign service contractor or by a foreign service subcontractor engaged in
petroleum operations in the Philippines shall be liable to a tax of fifteen
percent (15%) of the salaries, wages, annuities, compensation,
remuneration and other emoluments, such as honoraria and allowances,
received from such contractor or subcontractor: Provided, however, That
the same tax treatment shall apply to a Filipino employed and occupying
the same position as an alien employed by petroleum service contractor
and subcontractor.

Any income earned from all other sources within the Philippines by the
alien employees referred to under Subsections (C), (D) and (E) hereof shall
be subject to the pertinent income tax, as the case may be, imposed under
this Code.

SEC. 26. Tax Liability of Members of General Professional

Partnerships. - A general professional partnership as such shall not be
subject to the income tax imposed under this Chapter. Persons engaging in
business as partners in a general professional partnership shall be liable for
income tax only in their separate and individual capacities.

For purposes of computing the distributive share of the partners, the net
income of the partnership shall be computed in the same manner as a
corporation.

Each partner shall report as gross income his distributive share, actually or
constructively received, in the net income of the partnership.

CHAPTER IV
TAX ON CORPORATIONS

SEC. 27. Rates of Income tax on Domestic Corporations. -

(A) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, an income tax

of thirty-five percent (35%) is hereby imposed upon the taxable income
derived during each taxable year from all sources within and without the
Philippines by every corporation, as defined in Section 22(B) of this Code
and taxable under this Title as a corporation, organized in, or existing
under the laws of the Philippines: Provided, That effective January 1, 1998,
the rate of income tax shall be thirty-four percent (34%); effective January
1, 1999, the rate shall be thirty-three percent (33%); and effective January
1, 2000 and thereafter, the rate shall be thirty-two percent (32%).

In the case of corporations adopting the fiscal-year accounting period, the

taxable income shall be computed without regard to the specific date when
specific sales, purchases and other transactions occur. Their income and
expenses for the fiscal year shall be deemed to have been earned and spent
equally for each month of the period.

The reduced corporate income tax rates shall be applied on the amount
computed by multiplying the number of months covered by the new rates
within the fiscal year by the taxable income of the corporation for the
period, divided by twelve.

Provided, further, That the President, upon the recommendation of the

Secretary of Finance, may effective January 1, 2000, allow corporations the
option to be taxed at fifteen percent (15%) of gross income as defined
herein, after the following conditions have been satisfied:

(1) A tax effort ratio of twenty percent (20%) of Gross National

Product (GNP);
(2) A ratio of forty percent (40%) of income tax collection to total tax
revenues;
(3) A VAT tax effort of four percent (4%) of GNP; and
(4) A 0.9 percent (0.9%) ratio of the Consolidated Public Sector
Financial Position (CPSFP) to GNP.

The option to be taxed based on gross income shall be available only to

firms whose ratio of cost of sales to gross sales or receipts from all sources
does not exceed fifty-five percent (55%).

The election of the gross income tax option by the corporation shall be
irrevocable for three (3) consecutive taxable years during which the
corporation is qualified under the scheme.

For purposes of this Section, the term 'gross income' derived from business
shall be equivalent to gross sales less sales returns, discounts and
allowances and cost of goods sold. "Cost of goods sold" shall include all
business expenses directly incurred to produce the merchandise to bring
them to their present location and use.
For a trading or merchandising concern, "cost of goods" sold shall include
the invoice cost of the goods sold, plus import duties, freight in
transporting the goods to the place where the goods are actually sold,
including insurance while the goods are in transit.

For a manufacturing concern, "cost of goods manufactured and sold" shall

include all costs of production of finished goods, such as raw materials
used, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, freight cost, insurance
premiums and other costs incurred to bring the raw materials to the factory
or warehouse.

In the case of taxpayers engaged in the sale of service, 'gross income' means
gross receipts less sales returns, allowances and discounts.

(B) Proprietary Educational Institutions and Hospitals. - Proprietary

educational institutions and hospitals which are nonprofit shall pay a tax of
ten percent (10%) on their taxable income except those covered by
Subsection (D) hereof: Provided, that if the gross income from unrelated
trade, business or other activity exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the total
gross income derived by such educational institutions or hospitals from all
sources, the tax prescribed in Subsection (A) hereof shall be imposed on
the entire taxable income. For purposes of this Subsection, the term
'unrelated trade, business or other activity' means any trade, business or
other activity, the conduct of which is not substantially related to the
exercise or performance by such educational institution or hospital of its
primary purpose or function. A "Proprietary educational institution" is
any private school maintained and administered by private individuals or
groups with an issued permit to operate from the Department of
Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), or the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), or the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA), as the case may be, in accordance with existing laws
and regulations.

(C) Government-owned or Controlled-Corporations, Agencies or

Instrumentalities. - The provisions of existing special or general laws to the
contrary notwithstanding, all corporations, agencies, or instrumentalities
owned or controlled by the Government, except the Government Service
Insurance System (GSIS), the Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation
(PAGCOR), shall pay such rate of tax upon their taxable income as are
imposed by this Section upon corporations or associations engaged in s
similar business, industry, or activity.

(D) Rates of Tax on Certain Passive Incomes. -

(1) Interest from Deposits and Yield or any other Monetary Benefit
from Deposit Substitutes and from Trust Funds and Similar
Arrangements, and Royalties. - A final tax at the rate of twenty
percent (20%) is hereby imposed upon the amount of interest on
currency bank deposit and yield or any other monetary benefit from
deposit substitutes and from trust funds and similar arrangements
received by domestic corporations, and royalties, derived from
sources within the Philippines: Provided, however, That interest
income derived by a domestic corporation from a depository bank
under the expanded foreign currency deposit system shall be subject
to a final income tax at the rate of seven and one-half percent (7
1/2%) of such interest income.

(2) Capital Gains from the Sale of Shares of Stock Not Traded in the
Stock Exchange. - A final tax at the rates prescribed below shall be
imposed on net capital gains realized during the taxable year from
the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of stock in a
domestic corporation except shares sold or disposed of through the
stock exchange:

Not over P100,000…………………………..... 5%

Amount in excess of P100,000…………….. 10%

(3) Tax on Income Derived under the Expanded Foreign Currency

Deposit System. - Income derived by a depository bank under the
expanded foreign currency deposit system from foreign currency
transactions with local commercial banks, including branches of
foreign banks that may be authorized by the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) to transact business with foreign currency depository
system units and other depository banks under the expanded foreign
currency deposit system, including interest income from foreign
currency loans granted by such depository banks under said
expanded foreign currency deposit system to residents, shall be
subject to a final income tax at the rate of ten percent (10%) of such
income.

Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or corporations,

from transactions with depository banks under the expanded system
 shall be exempt from income tax.

(4) Intercorporate Dividends. - Dividends received by a domestic

corporation from another domestic corporation shall not be subject
to tax.

(5) Capital Gains Realized from the Sale, Exchange or Disposition

of Lands and/or Buildings. - A final tax of six percent (6%) is hereby
imposed on the gain presumed to have been realized on the sale,
exchange or disposition of lands and/or buildings which are not
actually used in the business of a corporation and are treated as
capital assets, based on the gross selling price of fair market value as
determined in accordance with Section 6(E) of this Code, whichever
is higher, of such lands and/or buildings.

(E) Minimum Corporate Income Tax on Domestic Corporations. -

(1) Imposition of Tax. - A minimum corporate income tax of two

percent (2%0 of the gross income as of the end of the taxable year, as
defined herein, is hereby imposed on a corporation taxable under this
Title, beginning on the fourth taxable year immediately following the
year in which such corporation commenced its business operations,
when the minimum income tax is greater than the tax computed
under Subsection (A) of this Section for the taxable year.

(2) Carry Forward of Excess Minimum Tax. - Any excess of the

minimum corporate income tax over the normal income tax as
computed under Subsection (A) of this Section shall be carried
forward and credited against the normal income tax for the three (3)
immediately succeeding taxable years.

(3) Relief from the Minimum Corporate Income Tax Under Certain
Conditions. - The Secretary of Finance is hereby authorized to
suspend the imposition of the minimum corporate income tax on any
corporation which suffers losses on account of prolonged labor
dispute, or because of force majeure, or because of legitimate
business reverses.

The Secretary of Finance is hereby authorized to promulgate, upon

recommendation of the Commissioner, the necessary rules and
regulation that shall define the terms and conditions under which he
may suspend the imposition of the minimum corporate income tax in
 a meritorious case.

(4) Gross Income Defined. - For purposes of applying the minimum

corporate income tax provided under Subsection (E) hereof, the term
'gross income' shall mean gross sales less sales returns, discounts and
allowances and cost of goods sold. "Cost of goods sold' shall include
all business expenses directly incurred to produce the merchandise to
bring them to their present location and use.

For a trading or merchandising concern, "cost of goods sold' shall

include the invoice cost of the goods sold, plus import duties, freight
in transporting the goods to the place where the goods are actually
sold including insurance while the goods are in transit.

For a manufacturing concern, cost of "goods manufactured and

sold" shall include all costs of production of finished goods, such as
raw materials used, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, freight
cost, insurance premiums and other costs incurred to bring the raw
materials to the factory or warehouse.

In the case of taxpayers engaged in the sale of service, 'gross income'

means gross receipts less sales returns, allowances, discounts and
cost of services. "Cost of services" shall mean all direct costs and
expenses necessarily incurred to provide the services required by the
customers and clients including (A) salaries and employee benefits of
personnel, consultants and specialists directly rendering the service
and (B) cost of facilities directly utilized in providing the service such
as depreciation or rental of equipment used and cost of supplies:
Provided, however, That in the case of banks, "cost of services" shall
include interest expense.

SEC. 28. Rates of Income Tax on Foreign Corporations. -

(A) Tax on Resident Foreign Corporations. -

(1) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, a

corporation organized, authorized, or existing under the laws of any
foreign country, engaged in trade or business within the Philippines,
shall be subject to an income tax equivalent to thirty-five percent
(35%) of the taxable income derived in the preceding taxable year
from all sources within the Philippines: Provided, That effective
January 1, 1998, the rate of income tax shall be thirty-four percent
(34%); effective January 1, 1999, the rate shall be thirty-three percent
(33%), and effective January 1, 2000 and thereafter, the rate shall be
thirty-two percent (32%).

In the case of corporations adopting the fiscal-year accounting

period, the taxable income shall be computed without regard to the
specific date when sales, purchases and other transactions occur.
Their income and expenses for the fiscal year shall be deemed to have
been earned and spent equally for each month of the period.

The reduced corporate income tax rates shall be applied on the

amount computed by multiplying the number of months covered by
the new rates within the fiscal year by the taxable income of the
corporation for the period, divided by twelve.

Provided, however, That a resident foreign corporation shall be

granted the option to be taxed at fifteen percent (15%) on gross
income under the same conditions, as provided in Section 27 (A).

(2) Minimum Corporate Income Tax on Resident Foreign

Corporations. - A minimum corporate income tax of two percent
(2%) of gross income, as prescribed under Section 27 (E) of this Code,
shall be imposed, under the same conditions, on a resident foreign
corporation taxable under paragraph (1) of this Subsection.

(3) International Carrier. - An international carrier doing business in

the Philippines shall pay a tax of two and one-half percent (2 1/2%)
on its "Gross Philippine Billings" as defined hereunder:

(a) International Air Carrier. - "Gross Philippine Billings"

refers 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: Provided, That
tickets revalidated, exchanged and/or indorsed to another
international airline form part of the Gross Philippine Billings if
the passenger boards a plane in a port or point in the
Philippines: Provided, further, That for a flight which
originates from the Philippines, but transshipment of passenger
takes place at any port outside the Philippines on another
airline, only the aliquot portion of the cost of the ticket
corresponding to the leg flown from the Philippines to the point
 of transshipment shall form part of Gross Philippine Billings.

(b) International Shipping. - "Gross Philippine Billings" means

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

(4) Offshore Banking Units. - The provisions of any law to the

contrary notwithstanding, income derived by offshore banking units
authorized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to transact
business with offshore banking units, including any interest income
derived from foreign currency loans granted to residents, shall be
subject to a final income tax at the rate of ten percent (10%) of such
income.

Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or corporations,

from transactions with said offshore banking units shall be exempt
from income tax.

(5) Tax on Branch Profits Remittances. - Any profit remitted by a

branch to its head office shall be subject to a tax of fifteen (15%)
which shall be based on the total profits applied or earmarked for
remittance without any deduction for the tax component thereof
(except those activities which are registered with the Philippine
Economic Zone Authority). The tax shall be collected and paid in the
same manner as provided in Sections 57 and 58 of this Code:
provided, that interests, dividends, rents, royalties, including
remuneration for technical services, salaries, wages premiums,
annuities, emoluments or other fixed or determinable annual,
periodic or casual gains, profits, income and capital gains received by
a foreign corporation during each taxable year from all sources within
the Philippines shall not be treated as branch profits unless the same
are effectively connected with the conduct of its trade or business in
the Philippines.

(6) Regional or Area Headquarters and Regional Operating

Headquarters of Multinational Companies. -

(a) Regional or area headquarters as defined in Section 22(DD)

shall not be subject to income tax.

(b) Regional operating headquarters as defined in Section

22(EE) shall pay a tax of ten percent (10%) of their taxable
 income.

(7) Tax on Certain Incomes Received by a Resident Foreign

Corporation. -

(a) Interest from Deposits and Yield or any other Monetary

Benefit from Deposit Substitutes, Trust Funds and Similar
Arrangements and Royalties. - Interest from any currency
bank deposit and yield or any other monetary benefit from
deposit substitutes and from trust funds and similar
arrangements and royalties derived from sources within the
Philippines shall be subject to a final income tax at the rate of
twenty percent (20%) of such interest: Provided, however, That
interest income derived by a resident foreign corporation from
a depository bank under the expanded foreign currency deposit
system shall be subject to a final income tax at the rate of seven
and one-half percent (7 1/2%) of such interest income.

(b) Income Derived under the Expanded Foreign Currency

Deposit System. - Income derived by a depository bank under
the expanded foreign currency deposit system from foreign
currency transactions with local commercial banks including
branches of foreign banks that may be authorized by the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to transact business with
foreign currency deposit system units, including interest
income from foreign currency loans granted by such depository
banks under said expanded foreign currency deposit system to
residents, shall be subject to a final income tax at the rate of ten
percent (10%) of such income.

Any income of nonresidents, whether individuals or

corporations, from transactions with depository banks under
the expanded system shall be exempt from income tax.

(c) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock Not Traded in

the Stock Exchange. - A final tax at the rates prescribed below is
hereby imposed upon the net capital gains realized during the
taxable year from the sale, barter, exchange or other disposition
of shares of stock in a domestic corporation except shares sold
or disposed of through the stock exchange:

Not over P100,000………………………......… 5%

 On any amount in excess of P100,000……. 10%

(d) Intercorporate Dividends. - Dividends received by a

resident foreign corporation from a domestic corporation liable
to tax under this Code shall not be subject to tax under this
Title.

(B) Tax on Nonresident Foreign Corporation. -

(1) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, a foreign

corporation not engaged in trade or business in the Philippines shall
pay a tax equal to thirty-five percent (35%) of the gross income
received during each taxable year from all sources within the
Philippines, such as interests, dividends, rents, royalties, salaries,
premiums (except reinsurance premiums), annuities, emoluments or
other fixed or determinable annual, periodic or casual gains, profits
and income, and capital gains, except capital gains subject to tax
under subparagraphs (C) and (d): Provided, That effective 1, 1998,
the rate of income tax shall be thirty-four percent (34%); effective
January 1, 1999, the rate shall be thirty-three percent (33%); and,
effective January 1, 2000 and thereafter, the rate shall be thirty-two
percent (32%).

(2) Nonresident Cinematographic Film Owner, Lessor or

Distributor. - A cinematographic film owner, lessor, or distributor
shall pay a tax of twenty-five percent (25%) of its gross income from
all sources within the Philippines.

(3) Nonresident Owner or Lessor of Vessels Chartered by Philippine

Nationals. - A nonresident owner or lessor of vessels shall be subject
to a tax of four and one-half percent (4 1/2%) of gross rentals, lease
or charter fees from leases or charters to Filipino citizens or
corporations, as approved by the Maritime Industry Authority.

(4) Nonresident Owner or Lessor of Aircraft, Machineries and Other

Equipment. - Rentals, charters and other fees derived by a
nonresident lessor of aircraft, machineries and other equipment shall
be subject to a tax of seven and one-half percent (7 1/2%) of gross
rentals or fees.

(5) Tax on Certain Incomes Received by a Nonresident Foreign

Corporation. -
 (a) Interest on Foreign Loans. - A final withholding tax at the
rate of twenty percent (20%) is hereby imposed on the amount
of interest on foreign loans contracted on or after August 1,
1986;

(b) Intercorporate Dividends. - A final withholding tax at the

rate of fifteen percent (15%) is hereby imposed on the amount
of cash and/or property dividends received from a domestic
corporation, which shall be collected and paid as provided in
Section 57 (A) of this Code, subject to the condition that the
country in which the nonresident foreign corporation is
domiciled, shall allow a credit against the tax due from the
nonresident foreign corporation taxes deemed to have been
paid in the Philippines equivalent to twenty percent (20%) for
1997, nineteen percent (19%) for 1998, eighteen percent (18%)
for 1999, and seventeen percent (17%) thereafter, which
represents the difference between the regular income tax of
thirty-five percent (35%) in 1997, thirty-four percent (34%) in
1998, and thirty-three percent (33%) in 1999, and thirty-two
percent (32%) thereafter on corporations and the fifteen
percent (15%) tax on dividends as provided in this
subparagraph;

(c) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock not Traded in

the Stock Exchange. - A final tax at the rates prescribed below is
hereby imposed upon the net capital gains realized during the
taxable year from the sale, barter, exchange or other disposition
of shares of stock in a domestic corporation, except shares sold,
or disposed of through the stock exchange:

Not over P100,000…………..………………..........5%

On any amount in excess of P100,000………… 10%

SEC. 29. Imposition of Improperly Accumulated Earnings Tax.

-

(A) In General. - In addition to other taxes imposed by this Title, there is

hereby imposed for each taxable year on the improperly accumulated
taxable income of each corporation described in Subsection B hereof, an
improperly accumulated earnings tax equal to ten percent (10%) of the
improperly accumulated taxable income.

(B) Tax on Corporations Subject to Improperly Accumulated Earnings

Tax. -

(1) In General. - The improperly accumulated earnings tax imposed

in the preceding Section shall apply to every corporation formed or
availed for the purpose of avoiding the income tax with respect to its
shareholders or the shareholders of any other corporation, by
permitting earnings and profits to accumulate instead of being
divided or distributed.

(2) Exceptions. - The improperly accumulated earnings tax as

provided for under this Section shall not apply to:

(a) Publicly-held corporations;

(b) Banks and other nonbank financial intermediaries; and
(c) Insurance companies.

(C) Evidence of Purpose to Avoid Income Tax. -

(1) Prima Facie Evidence. - the fact that any corporation is a mere
holding company or investment company shall be prima facie
evidence of a purpose to avoid the tax upon its shareholders or
members.

(2) Evidence Determinative of Purpose. - The fact that the earnings

or profits of a corporation are permitted to accumulate beyond the
reasonable needs of the business shall be determinative of the
purpose to avoid the tax upon its shareholders or members unless the
corporation, by the clear preponderance of evidence, shall prove to
the contrary.

(D) Improperly Accumulated Taxable Income. - For purposes of this

Section, the term 'improperly accumulated taxable income' means taxable
income' adjusted by:

(1) Income exempt from tax;

(2) Income excluded from gross income;
(3) Income subject to final tax; and
(4) The amount of net operating loss carry-over deducted;

And reduced by the sum of:

(1) Dividends actually or constructively paid; and

 (2) Income tax paid for the taxable year.

Provided, however, That for corporations using the calendar year

basis, the accumulated earnings under tax shall not apply on
improperly accumulated income as of December 31, 1997. In the case
of corporations adopting the fiscal year accounting period, the
improperly accumulated income not subject to this tax, shall be
reckoned, as of the end of the month comprising the twelve (12)-
month period of fiscal year 1997-1998.

(E) Reasonable Needs of the Business. - For purposes of this Section, the
term 'reasonable needs of the business' includes the reasonably anticipated
needs of the business.

SEC. 30. Exemptions from Tax on Corporations. - The following

organizations shall not be taxed under this Title in respect to income
received by them as such:

(A) Labor, agricultural or horticultural organization not organized

principally for profit;

(B) Mutual savings bank not having a capital stock represented by shares,
and cooperative bank without capital stock organized and operated for
mutual purposes and without profit;

(C) A beneficiary society, order or association, operating fort he exclusive

benefit of the members such as a fraternal organization operating under
the lodge system, or mutual aid association or a nonstock corporation
organized by employees providing for the payment of life, sickness,
accident, or other benefits exclusively to the members of such society,
order, or association, or nonstock corporation or their dependents;

(D) Cemetery company owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of
its members;

(E) Nonstock 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 net income or asset shall
belong to or inures to the benefit of any member, organizer, officer or any
specific person;

(F) 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 stock-holder, or individual;

(G) Civic league or organization not organized for profit but operated
exclusively for the promotion of social welfare;

(H) A nonstock and nonprofit educational institution;

(I) Government educational institution;

(J) Farmers' or other mutual typhoon or fire insurance company, mutual

ditch or irrigation company, mutual or cooperative telephone 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; and

(K) Farmers', fruit growers', or like association 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;

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 imposed under this Code.

CHAPTER V
COMPUTATION OF TAXABLE INCOME

SEC. 31. Taxable Income Defined. - The term taxable income means the
pertinent items of gross income specified in this 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.

CHAPTER VI
COMPUTATION OF GROSS INCOME

SEC. 32. Gross Income. -

(A) General Definition. - Except when otherwise provided in this Title,

gross income means all income derived from whatever source, including
(but not limited to) the following items:
 (1) Compensation for services in whatever form paid, including, but
not limited to fees, salaries, wages, commissions, and similar items;
(2) Gross income derived from the conduct of 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) Partner's distributive share from the net income of the general
professional partnership.

(B) Exclusions from Gross Income. - The following items shall not be
included in gross income and shall be exempt from taxation under this
title:

(1) Life Insurance. - The proceeds of life insurance policies paid to

the heirs or beneficiaries upon the death of the insured, whether in a
single sum or otherwise, but if such amounts are held by the insurer
under an agreement to pay interest thereon, the interest payments
shall be included in gross income.

(2) Amount Received by Insured as Return of Premium. - The

amount received by the insured, as a return of premiums paid by him
under life insurance, endowment, or annuity contracts, either during
the term or at the maturity of the term mentioned in the contract or
upon surrender of the contract.

(3) Gifts, Bequests, and Devises. - The value of property acquired by

gift, bequest, devise, or descent: Provided, however, That income
from such property, as well as gift, bequest, devise or descent of
income from any property, in cases of transfers of divided interest,
shall be included in gross income.

(4) Compensation for Injuries or Sickness. - amounts received,

through Accident or Health Insurance or under Workmen's
Compensation Acts, as compensation for personal injuries or
sickness, plus the amounts of any damages received, whether by suit
or agreement, on account of such injuries or sickness.
(5) Income Exempt under Treaty. - Income of any kind, to the extent
required by any treaty obligation binding upon the Government of
the Philippines.

(6) Retirement Benefits, Pensions, Gratuities, etc.-

(a) Retirement benefits received under Republic Act No. 7641

and those received by officials and employees of private firms,
whether individual or corporate, in accordance with a
reasonable private benefit plan maintained by the employer:
Provided, That the retiring official or employee has been in the
service of the same employer for at least ten (10) years and is
not less than fifty (50) years of age at the time of his retirement:
Provided, further, That the benefits granted under this
subparagraph shall be availed of by an official or employee only
once. For purposes of this Subsection, the term 'reasonable
private benefit plan' means a pension, gratuity, stock bonus or
profit-sharing plan maintained by an employer for the benefit
of some or all of his officials or employees, wherein
contributions are made by such employer for the officials or
employees, or both, for the purpose of distributing to such
officials and employees the earnings and principal of the fund
thus accumulated, and wherein its is provided in said plan that
at no time shall any part of the corpus or income of the fund be
used for, or be diverted to, any purpose other than for the
exclusive benefit of the said officials and employees.

(b) Any amount received by an official or employee or by his

heirs from the employer as a consequence of separation of such
official or employee from the service of the employer because of
death sickness or other physical disability or for any cause
beyond the control of the said official or employee.

(c) The provisions of any existing law to the contrary

notwithstanding, social security benefits, retirement gratuities,
pensions and other similar benefits received by resident or
nonresident citizens of the Philippines or aliens who come to
reside permanently in the Philippines from foreign government
agencies and other institutions, private or public.

(d) Payments of benefits due or to become due to any person

residing in the Philippines under the laws of the United States
 administered by the United States Veterans Administration.

(e) Benefits received from or enjoyed under the Social Security

System in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No.
8282.

(f) Benefits received from the GSIS under Republic Act No.
8291, including retirement gratuity received by government
officials and employees.

(7) Miscellaneous Items. -

(a) Income Derived by Foreign Government. - Income derived

from investments in the Philippines in loans, stocks, bonds or
other domestic securities, or from interest on deposits in banks
in the Philippines by (i) foreign governments, (ii) financing
institutions owned, controlled, or enjoying refinancing from
foreign governments, and (iii) international or regional
financial institutions established by foreign governments.

(b) Income Derived by the Government or its Political

Subdivisions. - Income derived from any public utility or from
the exercise of any essential governmental function accruing to
the Government of the Philippines or to any political
subdivision thereof.

(c) Prizes and Awards. - Prizes and awards made primarily in

recognition of religious, charitable, scientific, educational,
artistic, literary, or civic achievement but only if:

(i) The recipient was selected without any action on his

part to enter the contest or proceeding; and

(ii) The recipient is not required to render substantial

future services as a condition to receiving the prize or
award.

(d) Prizes and Awards in Sports Competition. - All prizes and

awards granted to athletes in local and international sports
competitions and tournaments whether held in the Philippines
or abroad and sanctioned by their national sports associations.

(e) 13th Month Pay and Other Benefits. - Gross benefits

 received by officials and employees of public and private
entities: Provided, however, That the total exclusion under this
subparagraph shall not exceed Thirty thousand pesos
(P30,000) which shall cover:

(i) Benefits received by officials and employees of the

national and local government pursuant to Republic Act
No. 6686;

(ii) Benefits received by employees pursuant to

Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended by
Memorandum Order No. 28, dated August 13, 1986;

(iii) Benefits received by officials and employees not

covered by Presidential decree No. 851, as amended by
Memorandum Order No. 28, dated August 13, 1986; and

(iv) Other benefits such as productivity incentives and

Christmas bonus: Provided, further, That the ceiling of
Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000) may be increased
through rules and regulations issued by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner,
after considering among others, the effect on the same of
the inflation rate at the end of the taxable year.

(f) GSIS, SSS, Medicare and Other Contributions. - GSIS, SSS,

Medicare and Pag-ibig contributions, and union dues of
individuals.

(g) Gains from the Sale of Bonds, Debentures or other

Certificate of Indebtedness. - Gains realized from the same or
exchange or retirement of bonds, debentures or other certificate
of indebtedness with a maturity of more than five (5) years.

(h) Gains from Redemption of Shares in Mutual Fund. - Gains

realized by the investor upon redemption of shares of stock in a
mutual fund company as defined in Section 22 (BB) of this
Code.

SEC. 33. Special Treatment of Fringe Benefit.-

(A) Imposition of Tax.- A final tax of thirty-four percent (34%) effective

January 1, 1998; thirty-three percent (33%) effective January 1, 1999; and
thirty-two percent (32%) effective January 1, 2000 and thereafter, is
hereby imposed on the grossed-up monetary value of fringe benefit
furnished or granted to the employee (except rank and file employees as
defined herein) by the employer, whether an individual or a corporation
(unless the fringe benefit is required by the nature of, or necessary to the
trade, business or profession of the employer, or when the fringe benefit is
for the convenience or advantage of the employer). The tax herein imposed
is payable by the employer which tax shall be paid in the same manner as
provided for under Section 57 (A) of this Code. The grossed-up monetary
value of the fringe benefit shall be determined by dividing the actual
monetary value of the fringe benefit by sixty-six percent (66%) effective
January 1, 1998; sixty-seven percent (67%) effective January 1, 1999; and
sixty-eight percent (68%) effective January 1, 2000 and thereafter:
Provided, however, That fringe benefit furnished to employees and taxable
under Subsections (B), (C), (D) and (E) of Section 25 shall be taxed at the
applicable rates imposed thereat: Provided, further, That the grossed -Up
value of the fringe benefit shall be determined by dividing the actual
monetary value of the fringe benefit by the difference between one hundred
percent (100%) and the applicable rates of income tax under Subsections
(B), (C), (D), and (E) of Section 25.

(B) Fringe Benefit defined.- For purposes of this Section, the term
"fringe benefit" means 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 employees as defined herein) 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 and others;
(5) Interest on loan at less than market rate to the extent of the
difference between the market rate and 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.
(C) Fringe Benefits Not Taxable. - The following fringe benefits are
not taxable under this Section:

(1) fringe benefits which are authorized and exempted from tax
under special laws;
(2) Contributions of the employer for the benefit of the employee to
retirement, insurance and hospitalization benefit plans;
(3) Benefits given to the rank and file employees, whether granted
under a collective bargaining agreement or not; and
(4) De minimis benefits as defined in the rules and regulations to be
promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of
the Commissioner.

The Secretary of Finance is hereby authorized to promulgate, upon

recommendation of the Commissioner, such rules and regulations as are
necessary to carry out efficiently and fairly the provisions of this Section,
taking into account the peculiar nature and special need of the trade,
business or profession of the employer.

CHAPTER VII
ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS

SEC. 34. Deductions from Gross Income. - Except for taxpayers

earning compensation income arising from personal services rendered
under an employer-employee relationship where no deductions shall be
allowed under this Section other than under subsection (M) hereof, in
computing taxable income subject to income tax under Sections 24 (A); 25
(A); 26; 27 (A), (B) and (C); and 28 (A) (1), there shall be allowed the
following deductions from gross income;

(A) Expenses. -

(1) Ordinary and Necessary Trade, Business or

Professional Expenses.-

(a) In General. - There shall be allowed as deduction from gross

income all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or
incurred during the taxable year in carrying on or which are
directly attributable to, the development, management,
operation and/or conduct of the trade, business or exercise of a
profession, including:
 (i) A reasonable allowance for salaries, wages, and other
forms of compensation for personal services actually
rendered, including the grossed-up monetary value of
fringe benefit furnished or granted by the employer to the
employee: Provided, That the final tax imposed under
Section 33 hereof has been paid;

(ii) A reasonable allowance for travel expenses, here and

abroad, while away from home in the pursuit of trade,
business or profession;

(iii) A reasonable allowance for rentals and/or other

payments which are required as a condition for the
continued use or possession, for purposes of the trade,
business or profession, of property to which the taxpayer
has not taken or is not taking title or in which he has no
equity other than that of a lessee, user or possessor;

(iv) A reasonable allowance for entertainment,

amusement and recreation expenses during the taxable
year, that are directly connected to the development,
management and operation of the trade, business or
profession of the taxpayer, or that are directly related to
or in furtherance of the conduct of his or its trade,
business or exercise of a profession not to exceed such
ceilings as the Secretary of Finance may, by rules and
regulations prescribe, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner, taking into account the needs as well as
the special circumstances, nature and character of the
industry, trade, business, or profession of the taxpayer:
Provided, That any expense incurred for entertainment,
amusement or recreation that is contrary to law, morals
public policy or public order shall in no case be allowed as
a deduction.

(b) Substantiation Requirements. - No deduction from gross

income shall be allowed under Subsection (A) hereof unless the
taxpayer shall substantiate with sufficient evidence, such as
official receipts or other adequate records: (i) the amount of the
expense being deducted, and (ii) the direct connection or
relation of the expense being deducted to the development,
management, operation and/or conduct of the trade, business
 or profession of the taxpayer.

(c) Bribes, Kickbacks and Other Similar Payments. - No

deduction from gross income shall be allowed under Subsection
(A) hereof for any payment made, directly or indirectly, to an
official or employee of the national government, or to an official
or employee of any local government unit, or to an official or
employee of a government-owned or -controlled corporation, or
to an official or employee or representative of a foreign
government, or to a private corporation, general professional
partnership, or a similar entity, if the payment constitutes a
bribe or kickback.

(2) Expenses Allowable to Private Educational

Institutions. - In addition to the expenses allowable as deductions
under this Chapter, a private educational institution, referred to
under Section 27 (B) of this Code, may at its option elect either: (a) to
deduct expenditures otherwise considered as capital outlays of
depreciable assets incurred during the taxable year for the expansion
of school facilities or (b) to deduct allowance for depreciation thereof
under Subsection (F) hereof.

(B) Interest.-

(1) In General. - The amount of interest paid or incurred within a

taxable year on indebtedness in connection with the taxpayer's
profession, trade or business shall be allowed as deduction from
gross income: Provided, however, That the taxpayer's otherwise
allowable deduction for interest expense shall be reduced by an
amount equal to the following percentages of the interest income
subjected to final tax:

Forty-one percent (41%) beginning January 1, 1998;

Thirty-nine percent (39%) beginning January 1, 1999; and

Thirty-eight percent (38%) beginning January 1, 2000;

(2) Exceptions. - No deduction shall be allowed in respect of

interest under the succeeding subparagraphs:

(a) If within the taxable year an individual taxpayer reporting

income on the cash basis incurs an indebtedness on which an
 interest is paid in advance through discount or otherwise:
Provided, That such interest shall be allowed a a deduction in
the year the indebtedness is paid: Provided, further, That if the
indebtedness is payable in periodic amortizations, the amount
of interest which corresponds to the amount of the principal
amortized or paid during the year shall be allowed as deduction
in such taxable year;

(b) If both the taxpayer and the person to whom the payment
has been made or is to be made are persons specified under
Section 36 (B); or

(c)If the indebtedness is incurred to finance petroleum

exploration.

(3) Optional Treatment of Interest Expense. - At the option of

the taxpayer, interest incurred to acquire property used in trade
business or exercise of a profession may be allowed as a deduction or
treated as a capital expenditure.

(C) Taxes.-

(1) In General. - Taxes paid or incurred within the taxable year in

connection with the taxpayer's profession, trade or business, shall be
allowed as deduction, except

(a) The income tax provided for under this Title;

(b) Income taxes imposed by authority of any foreign country;

but this deduction shall be allowed in the case of a taxpayer
who does not signify in his return his desire to have to any
extent the benefits of paragraph (3) of this subsection (relating
to credits for taxes of foreign countries);

(c) Estate and donor's taxes; and

(d) Taxes assessed against local benefits of a kind tending to

increase the value of the property assessed.

Provided, That taxes allowed under this Subsection, when

refunded or credited, shall be included as part of gross income
in the year of receipt to the extent of the income tax benefit of
 said deduction.

(2) Limitations on Deductions. - In the case of a nonresident

alien individual engaged in trade or business in the Philippines and a
resident foreign corporation, the deductions for taxes provided in
paragraph (1) of this Subsection (C) shall be allowed only if and to the
extent that they are connected with income from sources within the
Philippines.

(3) Credit Against Tax for Taxes of Foreign Countries. - If

the taxpayer signifies in his return his desire to have the benefits of
this paragraph, the tax imposed by this Title shall be credited with:

(a) Citizen and Domestic Corporation. - In the case of a citizen

of the Philippines and of a domestic corporation, the amount of
income taxes paid or incurred during the taxable year to any
foreign country; and

(b) Partnerships and Estates. - In the case of any such

individual who is a member of a general professional
partnership or a beneficiary of an estate or trust, his
proportionate share of such taxes of the general professional
partnership or the estate or trust paid or incurred during the
taxable year to a foreign country, if his distributive share of the
income of such partnership or trust is reported for taxation
under this Title.

An alien individual and a foreign corporation shall not be

allowed the credits against the tax for the taxes of foreign
countries allowed under this paragraph.

(4) Limitations on Credit. - The amount of the credit taken under

this Section shall be subject to each of the following limitations:

(a) The amount of the credit in respect to the tax paid or

incurred to any country shall not exceed the same
proportion of the tax against which such credit is taken,
which the taxpayer's taxable income from sources within
such country under this Title bears to his entire taxable
income for the same taxable year; and

(b) The total amount of the credit shall not exceed the
same proportion of the tax against which such credit is
 taken, which the taxpayer's taxable income from sources
without the Philippines taxable under this Title bears to
his entire taxable income for the same taxable year.

(5) Adjustments on Payment of Incurred Taxes. - If accrued

taxes when paid differ from the amounts claimed as credits by the
taxpayer, or if any tax paid is refunded in whole or in part, the
taxpayer shall notify the Commissioner; who shall redetermine the
amount of the tax for the year or years affected, and the amount of
tax due upon such redetermination, if any, shall be paid by the
taxpayer upon notice and demand by the Commissioner, or the
amount of tax overpaid, if any, shall be credited or refunded to the
taxpayer. In the case of such a tax incurred but not paid, the
Commissioner as a condition precedent to the allowance of this credit
may require the taxpayer to give a bond with sureties satisfactory to
and to be approved by the Commissioner in such sum as he may
require, conditioned upon the payment by the taxpayer of any
amount of tax found due upon any such redetermination. The bond
herein prescribed shall contain such further conditions as the
Commissioner may require.

(6) Year in Which Credit Taken. - The credits provided for in

Subsection (C)(3) of this Section may, at the option of the taxpayer
and irrespective of the method of accounting employed in keeping his
books, be taken in the year which the taxes of the foreign country
were incurred, subject, however, to the conditions prescribed in
Subsection (C)(5) of this Section. If the taxpayer elects to take such
credits in the year in which the taxes of the foreign country accrued,
the credits for all subsequent years shall be taken upon the same
basis and no portion of any such taxes shall be allowed as a deduction
in the same or any succeeding year.

(7) Proof of Credits. - The credits provided in Subsection (C)(3)

hereof shall be allowed only if the taxpayer establishes to the
satisfaction of the Commissioner the following:

(a) The total amount of income derived from sources without

the Philippines;

(b) The amount of income derived from each country, the tax
paid or incurred to which is claimed as a credit under said
paragraph, such amount to be determined under rules and
 regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance; and

(c) All other information necessary for the verification and

computation of such credits.

(D) Losses. -

(1) In General.- Losses actually sustained during the taxable year

and not compensated for by insurance or other forms of indemnity
shall be allowed as deductions:

(a) If incurred in trade, profession or business;

(b) Of property connected with the trade, business or

profession, if the loss arises from fires, storms, shipwreck, or
other casualties, or from robbery, theft or embezzlement.

The Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the

Commissioner, is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and
regulations prescribing, among other things, the time and
manner by which the taxpayer shall submit a declaration of loss
sustained from casualty or from robbery, theft or embezzlement
during the taxable year: Provided, however, That the time limit
to be so prescribed in the rules and regulations shall not be less
than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days from the
date of discovery of the casualty or robbery, theft or
embezzlement giving rise to the loss.

(c) No loss shall be allowed as a deduction under this

Subsection if at the time of the filing of the return, such loss has
been claimed as a deduction for estate tax purposes in the
estate tax return.

(2) Proof of Loss. - In the case of a nonresident alien individual or

foreign corporation, the losses deductible shall be those actually
sustained during the year incurred in business, trade or exercise of a
profession conducted within the Philippines, when such losses are
not compensated for by insurance or other forms of indemnity. The
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, is
hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations prescribing,
among other things, the time and manner by which the taxpayer shall
submit a declaration of loss sustained from casualty or from robbery,
theft or embezzlement during the taxable year: Provided, That the
time to be so prescribed in the rules and regulations shall not be less
than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days from the date of
discovery of the casualty or robbery, theft or embezzlement giving
rise to the loss; and

(3) Net Operating Loss Carry-Over. - The net operating loss of

the business or enterprise for any taxable year immediately preceding
the current taxable year, which had not been previously offset as
deduction from gross income shall be carried over as a deduction
from gross income for the next three (3) consecutive taxable years
immediately following the year of such loss: Provided, however, That
any net loss incurred in a taxable year during which the taxpayer was
exempt from income tax shall not be allowed as a deduction under
this Subsection: Provided, further, That a net operating loss carry-
over shall be allowed only if there has been no substantial change in
the ownership of the business or enterprise in that -

(i) Not less than seventy-five percent (75%) in nominal value of

outstanding issued shares., if the business is in the name of a
corporation, is held by or on behalf of the same persons; or

(ii) Not less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the paid up

capital of the corporation, if the business is in the name of a
corporation, is held by or on behalf of the same persons.

For purposes of this subsection, the term "not operating loss"

shall mean the excess of allowable deduction over gross income
of the business in a taxable year.

Provided, That for mines other than oil and gas wells, a net
operating loss without the benefit of incentives provided for
under Executive Order No. 226, as amended, otherwise known
as the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, incurred in any of
the first ten (10) years of operation may be carried over as a
deduction from taxable income for the next five (5) years
immediately following the year of such loss. The entire amount
of the loss shall be carried over to the first of the five (5) taxable
years following the loss, and any portion of such loss which
exceeds, the taxable income of such first year shall be deducted
in like manner form the taxable income of the next remaining
four (4) years.
 (4) Capital Losses. -

(a) Limitation. - Loss from sales or Exchanges of capital assets

shall be allowed only to the extent provided in Section 39.

(b) Securities Becoming Worthless. - If securities as defined in

Section 22 (T) become worthless during the taxable year and
are capital assets, the loss resulting therefrom shall, for
purposes of this Title, be considered as a loss from the sale or
exchange, on the last day of such taxable year, of capital assets.

(5) Losses From Wash Sales of Stock or Securities. - Losses

from "wash sales" of stock or securities as provided in Section 38.

(6) Wagering Losses. - Losses from wagering transactions shall b

allowed only to the extent of the gains from such transactions.

(7) Abandonment Losses. -

(a) In the event a contract area where petroleum operations are

undertaken is partially or wholly abandoned, all accumulated
exploration and development expenditures pertaining thereto
shall be allowed as a deduction: Provided, That accumulated
expenditures incurred in that area prior to January 1, 1979 shall
be allowed as a deduction only from any income derived from
the same contract area. In all cases, notices of abandonment
shall be filed with the Commissioner.

(b) In case a producing well is subsequently abandoned, the

unamortized costs thereof, as well as the undepreciated costs of
equipment directly used therein, shall be allowed as a
deduction in the year such well, equipment or facility is
abandoned by the contractor: Provided, That if such abandoned
well is reentered and production is resumed, or if such
equipment or facility is restored into service, the said costs shall
be included as part of gross income in the year of resumption or
restoration and shall be amortized or depreciated, as the case
may be.

(E) Bad Debts. -

(1) In General. - Debts due to the taxpayer actually ascertained to

be worthless and charged off within the taxable year except those not
 connected with profession, trade or business and those sustained in a
transaction entered into between parties mentioned under Section 36
(B) of this Code: Provided, That recovery of bad debts previously
allowed as deduction in the preceding years shall be included as part
of the gross income in the year of recovery to the extent of the income
tax benefit of said deduction.

(2) Securities Becoming Worthless. - If securities, as defined in

Section 22 (T), are ascertained to be worthless and charged off within
the taxable year and are capital assets, the loss resulting therefrom
shall, in the case of a taxpayer other than a bank or trust company
incorporated under the laws of the Philippines a substantial part of
whose business is the receipt of deposits, for the purpose of this Title,
be considered as a loss from the sale or exchange, on the last day of
such taxable year, of capital assets.

(F) Depreciation. -

(1) General Rule. - There shall be allowed as a depreciation

deduction a reasonable allowance for the exhaustion, wear and tear
(including reasonable allowance for obsolescence) of property used in
the trade or business. In the case of property held by one person for
life with remainder to another person, the deduction shall be
computed as if the life tenant were the absolute owner of the property
and shall be allowed to the life tenant. In the case of property held in
trust, the allowable deduction shall be apportioned between the
income beneficiaries and the trustees in accordance with the
pertinent provisions of the instrument creating the trust, or in the
absence of such provisions, on the basis of the trust income allowable
to each.

(2) Use of Certain Methods and Rates. - The term "reasonable

allowance" as used in the preceding paragraph shall include, but not
limited to, an allowance computed in accordance with rules and
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, under any of the following
methods:

(a) The straight-line method;

(b) Declining-balance method, using a rate not exceeding twice
the rate which would have been used had the annual allowance
been computed under the method described in Subsection (F)
(1);
 (c) The sum-of-the-years-digit method; and
(d) any other method which may be prescribed by the Secretary
of Finance upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

(3) Agreement as to Useful Life on Which Depreciation

Rate is Based. - Where under rules and regulations prescribed by
the Secretary of Finance upon recommendation of the Commissioner,
the taxpayer and the Commissioner have entered into an agreement
in writing specifically dealing with the useful life and rate of
depreciation of any property, the rate so agreed upon shall be binding
on both the taxpayer and the national Government in the absence of
facts and circumstances not taken into consideration during the
adoption of such agreement. The responsibility of establishing the
existence of such facts and circumstances shall rest with the party
initiating the modification. Any change in the agreed rate and useful
life of the depreciable property as specified in the agreement shall not
be effective for taxable years prior to the taxable year in which notice
in writing by certified mail or registered mail is served by the party
initiating such change to the other party to the agreement:

Provided, however, that where the taxpayer has adopted such useful
life and depreciation rate for any depreciable and claimed the
depreciation expenses as deduction from his gross income, without
any written objection on the part of the Commissioner or his duly
authorized representatives, the aforesaid useful life and depreciation
rate so adopted by the taxpayer for the aforesaid depreciable asset
shall be considered binding for purposes of this Subsection.

(4) Depreciation of Properties Used in Petroleum

Operations. - An allowance for depreciation in respect of all
properties directly related to production of petroleum initially placed
in service in a taxable year shall be allowed under the straight-line or
declining-balance method of depreciation at the option of the service
contractor.

However, if the service contractor initially elects the declining-

balance method, it may at any subsequent date, shift to the straight-
line method.

The useful life of properties used in or related to production of

petroleum shall be ten (10) years of such shorter life as may be
permitted by the Commissioner.
 Properties not used directly in the production of petroleum shall be
depreciated under the straight-line method on the basis of an
estimated useful life of five (5) years.

(5) Depreciation of Properties Used in Mining Operations.

- an allowance for depreciation in respect of all properties used in
mining operations other than petroleum operations, shall be
computed as follows:

(a) At the normal rate of depreciation if the expected life is ten

(10) years or less; or

(b) Depreciated over any number of years between five (5) years
and the expected life if the latter is more than ten (10) years,
and the depreciation thereon allowed as deduction from taxable
income: Provided, That the contractor notifies the
Commissioner at the beginning of the depreciation period
which depreciation rate allowed by this Section will be used.

(6) Depreciation Deductible by Nonresident Aliens

Engaged in Trade or Business or Resident Foreign
Corporations. - In the case of a nonresident alien individual
engaged in trade or business or resident foreign corporation, a
reasonable allowance for the deterioration of Property arising out of
its use or employment or its non-use in the business trade or
profession shall be permitted only when such property is located in
the Philippines.

(G) Depletion of Oil and Gas Wells and Mines. -

(1) In General. - In the case of oil and gas wells or mines, a

reasonable allowance for depletion or amortization computed in
accordance with the cost-depletion method shall be granted under
rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of finance,
upon recommendation of the Commissioner. Provided, That when
the allowance for depletion shall equal the capital invested no further
allowance shall be granted: Provided, further, That after production
in commercial quantities has commenced, certain intangible
exploration and development drilling costs: (a) shall be deductible in
the year incurred if such expenditures are incurred for non-
producing wells and/or mines, or (b) shall be deductible in full in the
year paid or incurred or at the election of the taxpayer, may be
capitalized and amortized if such expenditures incurred are for
producing wells and/or mines in the same contract area.

"Intangible costs in petroleum operations" refers to any cost

incurred in petroleum operations which in itself has no salvage value
and which is incidental to and necessary for the drilling of wells and
preparation of wells for the production of petroleum: Provided, That
said costs shall not pertain to the acquisition or improvement of
property of a character subject to the allowance for depreciation
except that the allowances for depreciation on such property shall be
deductible under this Subsection.

Any intangible exploration, drilling and development expenses

allowed as a deduction in computing taxable income during the year
shall not be taken into consideration in computing the adjusted cost
basis for the purpose of computing allowable cost depletion.

(2) Election to Deduct Exploration and Development

Expenditures. - In computing taxable income from mining
operations, the taxpayer may at his option, deduct exploration and
development expenditures accumulated as cost or adjusted basis for
cost depletion as of date of prospecting, as well as exploration and
development expenditures paid or incurred during the taxable year:
Provided, That the amount deductible for exploration and
development expenditures shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%)
of the net income from mining operations computed without the
benefit of any tax incentives under existing laws. The actual
exploration and development expenditures minus twenty-five
percent (25%) of the net income from mining shall be carried forward
to the succeeding years until fully deducted.

The election by the taxpayer to deduct the exploration and

development expenditures is irrevocable and shall be binding in
succeeding taxable years.

"Net income from mining operations", as used in this Subsection,

shall mean gross income from operations less "allowable deductions"
which are necessary or related to mining operations. "Allowable
deductions" shall include mining, milling and marketing expenses,
and depreciation of properties directly used in the mining operations.
This paragraph shall not apply to expenditures for the acquisition or
improvement of property of a character which is subject to the
allowance for depreciation.
 In no case shall this paragraph apply with respect to amounts paid or
incurred for the exploration and development of oil and gas.

The term "exploration expenditures" means expenditures paid or

incurred for the purpose of ascertaining the existence, location,
extent or quality of any deposit of ore or other mineral, and paid or
incurred before the beginning of the development stage of the mine
or deposit.

The term "development expenditures" means expenditures paid or

incurred during the development stage of the mine or other natural
deposits. The development stage of a mine or other natural deposit
shall begin at the time when deposits of ore or other minerals are
shown to exist in sufficient commercial quantity and quality and shall
end upon commencement of actual commercial extraction.

(3) Depletion of Oil and Gas Wells and Mines Deductible

by a Nonresident Alien individual or Foreign Corporation.
- In the case of a nonresident alien individual engaged in trade or
business in the Philippines or a resident foreign corporation,
allowance for depletion of oil and gas wells or mines under paragraph
(1) of this Subsection shall be authorized only in respect to oil and gas
wells or mines located within the Philippines.

(H) Charitable and Other Contributions. -

(1) In General. - Contributions or gifts actually paid or made within

the taxable year to, or for the use of the Government of the
Philippines or any of its agencies or any political subdivision thereof
exclusively for public purposes, or to accredited domestic corporation
or associations organized and operated exclusively for religious,
charitable, scientific, youth and sports development, cultural or
educational purposes or for the rehabilitation of veterans, or to social
welfare institutions, or to non-government organizations, in
accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary
of finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, no part of
the net income of which inures to the benefit of any private
stockholder or individual in an amount not in excess of ten percent
(10%) in the case of an individual, and five percent (%) in the case of
a corporation, of the taxpayer's taxable income derived from trade,
business or profession as computed without the benefit of this and
the following subparagraphs.
(2) Contributions Deductible in Full. - Notwithstanding the
provisions of the preceding subparagraph, donations to the following
institutions or entities shall be deductible in full;

(a) Donations to the Government. - Donations to the

Government of the Philippines or to any of its agencies or
political subdivisions, including fully-owned government
corporations, exclusively to finance, to provide for, or to be
used in undertaking priority activities in education, health,
youth and sports development, human settlements, science and
culture, and in economic development according to a National
Priority Plan determined by the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA), In consultation with
appropriate government agencies, including its regional
development councils and private philantrophic persons and
institutions: Provided, That any donation which is made to the
Government or to any of its agencies or political subdivisions
not in accordance with the said annual priority plan shall be
subject to the limitations prescribed in paragraph (1) of this
Subsection;

(b) Donations to Certain Foreign Institutions or International

Organizations. - Donations to foreign institutions or
international organizations which are fully deductible in
pursuance of or in compliance with agreements, treaties, or
commitments entered into by the Government of the
Philippines and the foreign institutions or international
organizations or in pursuance of special laws;

(c) Donations to Accredited Nongovernment Organizations. -

The term "nongovernment organization" means a non profit
domestic corporation:

(1) Organized and operated exclusively for scientific,

research, educational, character-building and youth and
sports development, health, social welfare, cultural or
charitable purposes, or a combination thereof, no part of
the net income of which inures to the benefit of any
private individual;

(2) Which, not later than the 15th day of the third month
after the close of the accredited nongovernment
organizations taxable year in which contributions are
received, makes utilization directly for the active conduct
of the activities constituting the purpose or function for
which it is organized and operated, unless an extended
period is granted by the Secretary of Finance in
accordance with the rules and regulations to be
promulgated, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner;

(3) The level of administrative expense of which shall, on

an annual basis, conform with the rules and regulations to
be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, but in no case to
exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total expenses; and

(4) The assets of which, in the even of dissolution, would

be distributed to another nonprofit domestic corporation
organized for similar purpose or purposes, or to the state
for public purpose, or would be distributed by a court to
another organization to be used in such manner as in the
judgment of said court shall best accomplish the general
purpose for which the dissolved organization was
organized.

Subject to such terms and conditions as may be

prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, the term
"utilization" means:

(i) Any amount in cash or in kind (including

administrative expenses) paid or utilized to
accomplish one or more purposes for which the
accredited nongovernment organization was created
or organized.

(ii) Any amount paid to acquire an asset used (or

held for use) directly in carrying out one or more
purposes for which the accredited nongovernment
organization was created or organized.

An amount set aside for a specific project which comes

within one or more purposes of the accredited
nongovernment organization may be treated as a
utilization, but only if at the time such amount is set
 aside, the accredited nongovernment organization has
established to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that
the amount will be paid for the specific project within a
period to be prescribed in rules and regulations to be
promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, but not to exceed
five (5) years, and the project is one which can be better
accomplished by setting aside such amount than by
immediate payment of funds.

(3) Valuation. - The amount of any charitable contribution of

property other than money shall be based on the acquisition cost of
said property.

(4) Proof of Deductions. - Contributions or gifts shall be

allowable as deductions only if verified under the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner.

(I) Research and Development.-

(1) In General. - a taxpayer may treat research or development

expenditures which are paid or incurred by him during the taxable
year in connection with his trade, business or profession as ordinary
and necessary expenses which are not chargeable to capital account.
The expenditures so treated shall be allowed as deduction during the
taxable year when paid or incurred.

(2) Amortization of Certain Research and Development

Expenditures. - At the election of the taxpayer and in accordance
with the rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, the following
research and development expenditures may be treated as deferred
expenses:

(a) Paid or incurred by the taxpayer in connection with his

trade, business or profession;
(b) Not treated as expenses under paragraph 91) hereof; and
(c) Chargeable to capital account but not chargeable to property
of a character which is subject to depreciation or depletion.

In computing taxable income, such deferred expenses shall be

allowed as deduction ratably distributed over a period of not
 less than sixty (60) months as may be elected by the taxpayer
(beginning with the month in which the taxpayer first realizes
benefits from such expenditures).

The election provided by paragraph (2) hereof may be made for

any taxable year beginning after the effectivity of this Code, but
only if made not later than the time prescribed by law for filing
the return for such taxable year. The method so elected, and the
period selected by the taxpayer, shall be adhered to in
computing taxable income for the taxable year for which the
election is made and for all subsequent taxable years unless
with the approval of the Commissioner, a change to a different
method is authorized with respect to a part or all of such
expenditures. The election shall not apply to any expenditure
paid or incurred during any taxable year for which the taxpayer
makes the election.

(3) Limitations on Deduction. - This Subsection shall not apply

to:

(a) Any expenditure for the acquisition or improvement of land,

or for the improvement of property to be used in connection
with research and development of a character which is subject
to depreciation and depletion; and

(b) Any expenditure paid or incurred for the purpose of

ascertaining the existence, location, extent, or quality of any
deposit of ore or other mineral, including oil or gas.

(J) Pension Trusts. - An employer establishing or maintaining a pension

trust to provide for the payment of reasonable pensions to his employees
shall be allowed as a deduction (in addition to the contributions to such
trust during the taxable year to cover the pension liability accruing during
the year, allowed as a deduction under Subsection (A) (1) of this Section ) a
reasonable amount transferred or paid into such trust during the taxable
year in excess of such contributions, but only if such amount (1) has not
theretofore been allowed as a deduction, and (2) is apportioned in equal
parts over a period of ten (10) consecutive years beginning with the year in
which the transfer or payment is made.

(K) Additional Requirements for Deductibility of Certain

Payments. - Any amount paid or payable which is otherwise deductible
from, or taken into account in computing gross income or for which
depreciation or amortization may be allowed under this Section, shall be
allowed as a deduction only if it is shown that the tax required to be
deducted and withheld therefrom has been paid to the Bureau of Internal
Revenue in accordance with this Section 58 and 81 of this Code.

(L) Optional Standard Deduction. - In lieu of the deductions allowed

under the preceding Subsections, an individual subject to tax under Section
24, other than a nonresident alien, may elect a standard deduction in an
amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of his gross income. Unless the
taxpayer signifies in his return his intention to elect the optional standard
deduction, he shall be considered as having availed himself of the
deductions allowed in the preceding Subsections. Such election when made
in the return shall be irrevocable for the taxable year for which the return is
made: Provided, That an individual who is entitled to and claimed for the
optional standard deduction shall not be required to submit with his tax
return such financial statements otherwise required under this Code:
Provided, further, That except when the Commissioner otherwise permits,
the said individual shall keep such records pertaining to his gross income
during the taxable year, as may be required by the rules and regulations
promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner.

(M) Premium Payments on Health and/or Hospitalization

Insurance of an Individual Taxpayer. - The amount of premiums
not to exceed Two thousand four hundred pesos (P2,400) per family or
Two hundred pesos (P200) a month paid during the taxable year for health
and/or hospitalization insurance taken by the taxpayer for himself,
including his family, shall be allowed as a deduction from his gross income:
Provided, That said family has a gross income of not more than Two
hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000) for the taxable year: Provided,
finally, That in the case of married taxpayers, only the spouse claiming the
additional exemption for dependents shall be entitled to this deduction.

Notwithstanding the provision of the preceding Subsections, The Secretary

of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, after a public
hearing shall have been held for this purpose, may prescribe by rules and
regulations, limitations or ceilings for any of the itemized deductions under
Subsections (A) to (J) of this Section: Provided, That for purposes of
determining such ceilings or limitations, the Secretary of Finance shall
consider the following factors: (1) adequacy of the prescribed limits on the
actual expenditure requirements of each particular industry; and (2) effects
of inflation on expenditure levels: Provided, further, That no ceilings shall
further be imposed on items of expense already subject to ceilings under
present law.

SEC. 35. Allowance of Personal Exemption for Individual

Taxpayer. -

(A) In General. - For purposes of determining the tax provided in

Section 24 (A) of this Title, there shall be allowed a basic personal
exemption as follows:

For single individual or married individual judicially decreed as

legally
separated with no qualified
dependents P20,000
For Head of
Family
P25,000
For each married
individual P32,000

In the case of married individuals where only one of the spouses is deriving
gross income, only such spouse shall be allowed the personal exemption.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "head of family" means an

unmarried or legally separated man or woman with one or both parents, or
with one or more brothers or sisters, or with one or more legitimate,
recognized natural or legally adopted children living with and dependent
upon him for their chief support, where such brothers or sisters or children
are not more than twenty-one (21) years of age, unmarried and not
gainfully employed or where such children, brothers or sisters, regardless
of age are incapable of self-support because of mental or physical defect.

(B) Additional Exemption for Dependents. - There shall be allowed

an additional exemption of Eight thousand pesos (P8,000) for each
dependent not exceeding four (4).

The additional exemption for dependent shall be claimed by only one of the
spouses in the case of married individuals.

In the case of legally separated spouses, additional exemptions may be

claimed only by the spouse who has custody of the child or children:
Provided, That the total amount of additional exemptions that may be
claimed by both shall not exceed the maximum additional exemptions
herein allowed.

For purposes of this Subsection, a "dependent" means a legitimate,

illegitimate or legally adopted child chiefly dependent upon and living with
the taxpayer if such dependent is not more than twenty-one (21) years of
age, unmarried and not gainfully employed or if such dependent,
regardless of age, is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical
defect.

(C) Change of Status. - If the taxpayer marries or should have

additional dependent(s) as defined above during the taxable year, the
taxpayer may claim the corresponding additional exemption, as the case
may be, in full for such year.

If the taxpayer dies during the taxable year, his estate may still claim the
personal and additional exemptions for himself and his dependent(s) as if
he died at the close of such year.

If the spouse or any of the dependents dies or if any of such dependents

marries, becomes twenty-one (21) years old or becomes gainfully employed
during the taxable year, the taxpayer may still claim the same exemptions
as if the spouse or any of the dependents died, or as if such dependents
married, became twenty-one (21) years old or became gainfully employed
at the close of such year.

(D) Personal Exemption Allowable to Nonresident Alien

Individual. - A nonresident alien individual engaged in trade, business or
in the exercise of a profession in the Philippines shall be entitled to a
personal exemption in the amount equal to the exemptions allowed in the
income tax law in the country of which he is a subject - or citizen, to
citizens of the Philippines not residing in such country, not to exceed the
amount fixed in this Section as exemption for citizens or resident of the
Philippines: Provided, That said nonresident alien should file a true and
accurate return of the total income received by him from all sources in the
Philippines, as required by this Title.

SEC. 36. Items Not Deductible.-

(A) General Rule. - In computing net income, no deduction shall in any

case be allowed in respect to -

(1) Personal, living or family expenses;

 (2) Any amount paid out for new buildings or for permanent
improvements, or betterments made to increase the value of any
property or estate;

This Subsection shall not apply to intangible drilling and

development costs incurred in petroleum operations which are
deductible under Subsection (G) (1) of Section 34 of this Code.

(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.

(B) Losses from Sales or Exchanges of Property. - In computing

net income, no deductions shall in any case be allowed in respect of losses
from sales or exchanges of property directly or indirectly -

(1) Between members of a family. For purposes of this paragraph, the

family of an individual shall include only his brothers and sisters
(whether by the whole or half-blood), spouse, ancestors, and lineal
descendants; or

(2) Except in the case of distributions in liquidation, between an

individual and corporation more than fifty percent (50%) in value of
the outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by or
for such individual; or

(3) Except in the case of distributions in liquidation, between two

corporations more than fifty percent (50%) in value of the
outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for
the same individual if either one of such corporations, with respect to
the taxable year of the corporation preceding the date of the sale of
exchange was under the law applicable to such taxable year, a
personal holding company or a foreign personal holding company;

(4) Between the grantor and a fiduciary of any trust; or

(5) Between the fiduciary of and the 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 beneficiary of such trust.

SEC. 37. Special Provisions Regarding Income and Deductions

of Insurance Companies, Whether Domestic or Foreign. -

(A) Special Deduction Allowed to Insurance Companies. - In the

case of insurance companies, whether domestic or foreign doing business
in the Philippines, the net additions, if any, required by law to be made
within the year to reserve funds and the sums other than dividends paid
within the year on policy and annuity contracts may be deducted from their
gross income: Provided, however, That the released reserve be treated as
income for the year of release.

(B) Mutual Insurance Companies. - In the case of mutual fire and

mutual employers' liability and mutual workmen's compensation and
mutual casualty insurance companies requiring their members to make
premium deposits to provide for losses and expenses, said companies shall
not return as income any portion of the premium deposits returned to their
policyholders, but shall return as taxable income all income received by
them from all other sources plus such portion of the premium deposits as
are retained by the companies for purposes other than the payment of
losses and expenses and reinsurance reserves.

(C) Mutual Marine Insurance Companies. - Mutual marine

insurance companies shall include in their return of gross income, gross
premiums collected and received by them less amounts paid to
policyholders on account of premiums previously paid by them and interest
paid upon those amounts between the ascertainment and payment
thereof.

(D) Assessment Insurance Companies.- Assessment insurance

companies, whether domestic or foreign, may deduct from their gross
income the actual deposit of sums with the officers of the Government of
the Philippines pursuant to law, as additions to guarantee or reserve funds.

SEC. 38. Losses from Wash Sales of Stock or Securities. -

(A) In the case of any loss claimed to have been sustained from any sale or
other disposition of shares of stock or securities where it appears that
within a period beginning thirty (30) days before the date of such sale or
disposition and ending thirty (30) days after such date, the taxpayer has
acquired (by purchase or by exchange upon which the entire amount of
gain or loss was recognized by law), or has entered into a contact or option
so to acquire, substantially identical stock or securities, then no deduction
for the loss shall be allowed under Section 34 unless the claim is made by a
dealer in stock or securities and with respect to a transaction made in the
ordinary course of the business of such dealer.

(B) If the amount of stock or securities acquired (or covered by the contract
or option to acquire) is less than the amount of stock or securities sold or
otherwise disposed of, then the particular shares of stock or securities, the
loss form the sale or other disposition of which is not deductible, shall be
determined under rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

(C) If the amount of stock or securities acquired (or covered by the contract
or option to acquire which) resulted in the non-deductibility of the loss,
shall be determined under rules and regulations prescribed by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

SEC. 39. Capital Gains and Losses. -

(A) Definitions. - As used in this Title -

(1) Capital Assets. - The term "capital assets" means property held
by the taxpayer (whether or not connected with his trade or
business), but does not include stock in trade of the taxpayer or other
property of a kind which would properly be included in the inventory
of the taxpayer if on hand at the close of the taxable year, or property
held by the taxpayer primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary
course of his trade or business, or property used in the trade or
business, of a character which is subject to the allowance for
depreciation provided in Subsection (F) of Section 34; or real
property used in trade or business of the taxpayer.

(2) Net Capital Gain. - The term "net capital gain" means the
excess of the gains from sales or exchanges of capital assets over the
losses from such sales or exchanges.

(3) Net Capital Loss. - The term "net capital loss" means the
excess of the losses from sales or exchanges of capital assets over the
gains from such sales or exchanges.
(B) Percentage Taken Into Account. - In the case of a taxpayer, other
than a corporation, only the following percentages of the gain or loss
recognized upon the sale or exchange of a capital asset shall be taken into
account in computing net capital gain, net capital loss, and net income:

(1) One hundred percent (100%) if the capital asset has been held for
not more than twelve (12) months; and

(2) Fifty percent (50%) if the capital asset has been held for more
than twelve (12) months;

(C) Limitation on Capital Losses. - Losses from sales or exchanges of

capital assets shall be allowed only to the extent of the gains from such
sales or exchanges. If a bank or trust company incorporated under the laws
of the Philippines, a substantial part of whose business is the receipt of
deposits, sells any bond, debenture, note, or certificate or other evidence of
indebtedness issued by any corporation (including one issued by a
government or political subdivision thereof), with interest coupons or in
registered form, any loss resulting from such sale shall not be subject to the
foregoing limitation and shall not be included in determining the
applicability of such limitation to other losses.

(D) Net Capital Loss Carry-over. - If any taxpayer, other than a

corporation, sustains in any taxable year a net capital loss, such loss (in an
amount not in excess of the net income for such year) shall be treated in
the succeeding taxable year as a loss from the sale or exchange of a capital
asset held for not more than twelve (12) months.

(E) Retirement of Bonds, Etc. - For purposes of this Title, amounts

received by the holder upon the retirement of bonds, debentures, notes or
certificates or other evidences of indebtedness issued by any corporation
(including those issued by a government or political subdivision thereof)
with interest coupons or in registered form, shall be considered as amounts
received in exchange therefor.

(F) Gains or Losses From Short Sales, Etc. - For purposes of this
Title -

(1) Gains or losses from short sales of property shall be considered as

gains or losses from sales or exchanges of capital assets; and

(2) Gains or losses attributable to the failure to exercise privileges or

options to buy or sell property shall be considered as capital gains or
 losses.

SEC. 40. Determination of Amount and Recognition of Gain or

Loss. -

(A) Computation of Gain or Loss. - The gain from the sale or other
disposition of property shall be the excess of the amount realized therefrom
over the basis or adjusted basis for determining gain, and the loss shall be
the excess of the basis or adjusted basis for determining loss over the
amount realized. The amount realized from the sale or other disposition of
property shall be the sum of money received plus the fair market value of
the property (other than money) received;

(B) Basis for Determining Gain or Loss from Sale or

Disposition of Property. - The basis of property shall be -

(1) The cost thereof in the case of property acquired on or after March
1, 1913, if such property was acquired by purchase; or

(2) The fair market price or value as of the date of acquisition, if the
same was acquired by inheritance; or

(3) If the property was acquired by gift, the basis shall be the same as
if it would be in the hands of the donor or the last preceding owner by
whom it was not acquired by gift, except that if such basis is greater
than the fair market value of the property at the time of the gift then,
for the purpose of determining loss, the basis shall be such fair
market value; or

(4) If the property was acquired for less than an adequate

consideration in money or money's worth, the basis of such property
is the amount paid by the transferee for the property; or

(5) The basis as defined in paragraph (C)(5) of this Section, if the

property was acquired in a transaction where gain or loss is not
recognized under paragraph (C)(2) of this Section.

(C) Exchange of Property. -

(1) General Rule. - Except as herein provided, upon the sale or

exchange or property, the entire amount of the gain or loss, as the
case may be, shall be recognized.
(2) Exception. - No gain or loss shall be recognized if in pursuance
of a plan of merger or consolidation -

(a) A corporation, which is a party to a merger or consolidation,

exchanges property solely for stock in a corporation, which is a
party to the merger or consolidation; or

(b) A shareholder exchanges stock in a corporation, which is a

party to the merger or consolidation, solely for the stock of
another corporation also a party to the merger or consolidation;
or

(c) A security holder of a corporation, which is a party to the

merger or consolidation, exchanges his securities in such
corporation, solely for stock or securities in such corporation, a
party to the merger or consolidation.

No gain or loss shall also be recognized if property is

transferred to a corporation by a person in exchange for stock
or unit of participation in such a corporation of which as a
result of such exchange said person, alone or together with
others, not exceeding four (4) persons, gains control of said
corporation: Provided, That stocks issued for services shall not
be considered as issued in return for property.

(3) Exchange Not Solely in Kind. -

(a) If, in connection with an exchange described in the above

exceptions, an individual, a shareholder, a security holder or a
corporation receives not only stock or securities permitted to be
received without the recognition of gain or loss, but also money
and/or property, the gain, if any, but not the loss, shall be
recognized but in an amount not in excess of the sum of the
money and fair market value of such other property received:
Provided, That as to the shareholder, if the money and/or other
property received has the effect of a distribution of a taxable
dividend, there shall be taxed as dividend to the shareholder an
amount of the gain recognized not in excess of his
proportionate share of the undistributed earnings and profits of
the corporation; the remainder, if any, of the gain recognized
shall be treated as a capital gain.

(b) If, in connection with the exchange described in the above

 exceptions, the transferor corporation receives not only stock
permitted to be received without the recognition of gain or loss
but also money and/or other property, then (i) if the
corporation receiving such money and/or other property
distributes it in pursuance of the plan of merger or
consolidation, no gain to the corporation shall be recognized
from the exchange, but (ii) if the corporation receiving such
other property and/or money does not distribute it in
pursuance of the plan of merger or consolidation, the gain, if
any, but not the loss to the corporation shall be recognized but
in an amount not in excess of the sum of such money and the
fair market value of such other property so received, which is
not distributed.

(4) Assumption of Liability. -

(a) If the taxpayer, in connection with the exchanges described

in the foregoing exceptions, receives stock or securities which
would be permitted to be received without the recognition of
the gain if it were the sole consideration, and as part of the
consideration, another party to the exchange assumes a liability
of the taxpayer, or acquires from the taxpayer property, subject
to a liability, then such assumption or acquisition shall not be
treated as money and/or other property, and shall not prevent
the exchange from being within the exceptions.

(b) If the amount of the liabilities assumed plus the amount of

the liabilities to which the property is subject exceed the total of
the adjusted basis of the property transferred pursuant to such
exchange, then such excess shall be considered as a gain from
the sale or exchange of a capital asset or of property which is
not a capital asset, as the case may be.

(5) Basis -

(a) The basis of the stock or securities received by the transferor

upon the exchange specified in the above exception shall be the
same as the basis of the property, stock or securities exchanged,
decreased by (1) the money received, and (2) the fair market
value of the other property received, and increased by (a) the
amount treated as dividend of the shareholder and (b) the
amount of any gain that was recognized on the exchange:
Provided, That the property received as "boot" shall have as
 basis its fair market value: Provided, further, That if as part of
the consideration to the transferor, the transferee of property
assumes a liability of the transferor or acquires form the latter
property subject to a liability, such assumption or acquisition
(in the amount of the liability) shall, for purposes of this
paragraph, be treated as money received by the transferor on
the exchange: Provided, finally, That if the transferor receives
several kinds of stock or securities, the Commissioner is hereby
authorized to allocate the basis among the several classes of
stocks or securities.

(b) The basis of the property transferred in the hands of the

transferee shall be the same as it would be in the hands of the
transferor increased by the amount of the gain recognized to
the transferor on the transfer.

(6) Definitions. -

(a) The term "securities" means bonds and debentures but not
"notes" of whatever class or duration.

(b) The term "merger" or "consolidation", when used in this

Section, shall be understood to mean: (i) the ordinary merger or
consolidation, or (ii) the acquisition by one corporation of all or
substantially all the properties of another corporation solely for
stock: Provided, That for a transaction to be regarded as a
merger or consolidation within the purview of this Section, it
must be undertaken for a bona fide business purpose and not
solely for the purpose of escaping the burden of taxation:
Provided, further, That in determining whether a bona fide
business purpose exists, each and every step of the transaction
shall be considered and the whole transaction or series of
transaction shall be treated as a single unit: Provided, finally ,
That in determining whether the property transferred
constitutes a substantial portion of the property of the
transferor, the term 'property' shall be taken to include the cash
assets of the transferor.

(c) The term "control", when used in this Section, shall mean
ownership of stocks in a corporation possessing at least fifty-
one percent (51%) of the total voting power of all classes of
stocks entitled to vote.
 (d) The Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner, is hereby authorized to issue rules and
regulations for the purpose "substantially all" and for the
proper implementation of this Section.

SEC. 41. Inventories. - Whenever in the judgment of the Commissioner,

the use of inventories is necessary in order to determine clearly the income
of any taxpayer, inventories shall be taken by such taxpayer upon such
basis as the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner, may, by rules and regulations, prescribe as conforming as
nearly as may be to the best accounting practice in the trade or business
and as most clearly reflecting the income.

If a taxpayer, after having complied with the terms and a conditions

prescribed by the Commissioner, uses a particular method of valuing its
inventory for any taxable year, then such method shall be used in all
subsequent taxable years unless:

(i) with the approval of the Commissioner, a change to a different

method is authorized; or

(ii) the Commissioner finds that the nature of the stock on hand (e.g.,
its scarcity, liquidity, marketability and price movements) is such
that inventory gains should be considered realized for tax purposes
and, therefore, it is necessary to modify the valuation method for
purposes of ascertaining the income, profit, or loss in a more realistic
manner: Provided, however, That the Commissioner shall not
exercise his authority to require a change in inventory method more
often than once every three (3) years: Provided, further, That any
change in an inventory valuation method must be subject to approval
by the Secretary of Finance.

SEC. 42. Income from Sources Within the Philippines.-

(A) Gross Income From Sources Within the Philippines. - The

following items of gross income shall be treated as gross income from
sources within the Philippines:

(1) Interests. - Interests derived from sources within the

Philippines, and interests on bonds, notes or other interest-bearing
obligation of residents, corporate or otherwise;
(2) Dividends. - The amount received as dividends:

(a) from a domestic corporation; and

(b) from a foreign corporation, unless less than fifty percent

(50%) of the gross income of such foreign corporation for the
three-year period ending with the close of its taxable year
preceding the declaration of such dividends or for such part of
such period as the corporation has been in existence) was
derived from sources within the Philippines as determined
under the provisions of this Section; but only in an amount
which bears the same ration to such dividends as the gross
income of the corporation for such period derived from sources
within the Philippines bears to its gross income from all
sources.

(3) Services. - Compensation for labor or personal services

performed in the Philippines;

(4) Rentals and Royalties. - Rentals and royalties from property

located in the Philippines or from any interest in such property,
including rentals or royalties for -

(a) The use of or the right or privilege to use in the Philippines

any copyright, patent, design or model, plan, secret formula or
process, goodwill, trademark, trade brand or other like property
or right;

(b) The use of, or the right to use in the Philippines any
industrial, commercial or scientific equipment;

(c) The supply of scientific, technical, industrial or commercial

knowledge or information;

(d) The supply of any assistance that is ancillary and subsidiary

to, and is furnished as a means of enabling the application or
enjoyment of, any such property or right as is mentioned in
paragraph (a), any such equipment as is mentioned in
paragraph (b) or any such knowledge or information as is
mentioned in paragraph (c);

(e) The supply of services by a nonresident person or his

employee in connection with the use of property or rights
 belonging to, or the installation or operation of any brand,
machinery or other apparatus purchased from such
nonresident person;

(f) Technical advice, assistance or services rendered in

connection with technical management or administration of
any scientific, industrial or commercial undertaking, venture,
project or scheme; and

(g) The use of or the right to use:

(i) Motion picture films;

(ii) Films or video tapes for use in connection with
television; and
(iii) Tapes for use in connection with radio broadcasting.

(5) Sale of Real Property. - Gains, profits and income from the
sale of real property located in the Philippines; and

(6) Sale of Personal Property. - Gains; profits and income from

the sale of personal property, as determined in Subsection (E) of this
Section.

(B) Taxable Income From Sources Within the Philippines. -

(1) General Rule. - From the items of gross income specified in

Subsection (A) of this Section, there shall be deducted the expenses,
losses and other deductions properly allocated thereto and a ratable
part of expenses, interests, losses and other deductions effectively
connected with the business or trade conducted exclusively within
the Philippines which cannot definitely be allocated to some items or
class of gross income: Provided, That such items of deductions shall
be allowed only if fully substantiated by all the information necessary
for its calculation. The remainder, if any, shall be treated in full as
taxable income from sources within the Philippines.

(2) Exception. - No deductions for interest paid or incurred abroad

shall be allowed from the item of gross income specified in subsection
(A) unless indebtedness was actually incurred to provide funds for
use in connection with the conduct or operation of trade or business
in the Philippines.

(C) Gross Income From Sources Without the Philippines. - The

following items of gross income shall be treated as income from sources
without the Philippines:

(1) Interests other than those derived from sources within the
Philippines as provided in
paragraph (1) of Subsection (A) of this Section;

(2) Dividends other than those derived from sources within the
Philippines as provided in
paragraph (2) of Subsection (A) of this Section;

(3) Compensation for labor or personal services performed without

the Philippines;

(4) Rentals or royalties from property located without the Philippines

or from any interest in
such property including rentals or royalties for the use of or for the
privilege of using
without the Philippines, patents, copyrights, secret processes and
formulas, goodwill,
trademarks, trade brands, franchises and other like properties;
and

(5) Gains, profits and income from the sale of real property located
without the Philippines.

(D) Taxable Income From Sources Without the Philippines. -

From the items of gross income specified in Subsection (C) of this Section
there shall be deducted the expenses, losses, and other deductions properly
apportioned or allocated thereto and a ratable part of any expense, loss or
other deduction which cannot definitely be allocated to some items or
classes of gross income. The remainder, if any, shall be treated in full as
taxable income from sources without the Philippines.

(E) Income From Sources Partly Within and Partly Without the
Philippines.- Items of gross income, expenses, losses and deductions,
other than those specified in Subsections (A) and (C) of this Section, shall
be allocated or apportioned to sources within or without the Philippines,
under the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance,
upon recommendation of the Commissioner. Where items of gross income
are separately allocated to sources within the Philippines, there shall be
deducted (for the purpose of computing the taxable income therefrom) the
expenses, losses and other deductions properly apportioned or allocated
thereto and a ratable part of other expenses, losses or other deductions
which cannot definitely be allocated to some items or classes of gross
income. The remainder, if any, shall be included in full as taxable income
from sources within the Philippines. In the case of gross income derived
from sources partly within and partly without the Philippines, the taxable
income may first be computed by deducting the expenses, losses or other
deductions apportioned or allocated thereto and a ratable part of any
expense, loss or other deduction which cannot definitely be allocated to
some items or classes of gross income; and the portion of such taxable
income attributable to sources within the Philippines may be determined
by processes or formulas of general apportionment prescribed by the
Secretary of Finance. Gains, profits and income from the sale of personal
property produced (in whole or in part) by the taxpayer within and sold
without the Philippines, or produced (in whole or in part) by the taxpayer
without and sold within the Philippines, shall be treated as derived partly
from sources within and partly from sources without the Philippines.

Gains, profits and income derived from the purchase of personal property
within and its sale without the Philippines, or from the purchase of
personal property without and its sale within the Philippines shall be
treated as derived entirely form sources within the country in which sold:
Provided, however, That gain from the sale of shares of stock in a domestic
corporation shall be treated as derived entirely form sources within the
Philippines regardless of where the said shares are sold. The transfer by a
nonresident alien or a foreign corporation to anyone of any share of stock
issued by a domestic corporation shall not be effected or made in its book
unless: (1) the transferor has filed with the Commissioner a bond
conditioned upon the future payment by him of any income tax that may be
due on the gains derived from such transfer, or (2) the Commissioner has
certified that the taxes, if any, imposed in this Title and due on the gain
realized from such sale or transfer have been paid. It shall be the duty of
the transferor and the corporation the shares of which are sold or
transferred, to advise the transferee of this requirement.

(F) Definitions. - As used in this Section the words "sale" or "sold"

include "exchange" or "exchanged"; and the word "produced" includes
"created", "fabricated", "manufactured", "extracted", "processed", "cured"
or "aged".

CHAPTER VIII
ACCOUNTING PERIODS
AND METHODS OF ACCOUNTING
SEC. 43. General Rule. - The taxable income shall be computed upon
the basis of the taxpayer's annual accounting period (fiscal year or calendar
year, as the case may be) in accordance with the method of accounting
regularly employed in keeping the books of such taxpayer, but if no such
method of accounting has been so employed, or if the method employed
does not clearly reflect the income, the computation shall be made in
accordance with such method as in the opinion of the Commissioner
clearly reflects the income. If the taxpayer's annual accounting period is
other than a fiscal year, as defined in Section 22(Q), or if the taxpayer has
no annual accounting period, or does not keep books, or if the taxpayer is
an individual, the taxable income shall be computed on the basis of the
calendar year.

SEC. 44. Period in which Items of Gross Income Included. - The

amount of all items of gross income shall be included in the gross income
for the taxable year in which received by the taxpayer, unless, under
methods of accounting permitted under Section 43, any such amounts are
to be properly accounted for as of a different period. In the case of the
death of a taxpayer, there shall be included in computing taxable income
for the taxable period in which falls the date of his death, amounts accrued
up to the date of his death if not otherwise properly includible in respect of
such period or a prior period.

SEC. 45. Period for which Deductions and Credits Taken. - The
deductions provided for in this Title shall be taken for the taxable year in
which "paid or accrued" or "paid or incurred", dependent upon the
method of accounting the basis of which the net income is computed,
unless in order to clearly reflect the income, the deductions should be
taken as of a different period. In the case of the death of a taxpayer, there
shall be allowed as deductions for the taxable period in which falls the date
of his death, amounts accrued up to the date of his death if not otherwise
properly allowable in respect of such period or a prior period.

SEC. 46. Change of Accounting Period. If a taxpayer, other than an

individual, changes his accounting period from fiscal year to calendar year,
from calendar year to fiscal year, or from one fiscal year to another, the net
income shall, with the approval of the Commissioner, be computed on the
basis of such new accounting period, subject to the provisions of Section
47.

SEC. 47. Final or Adjustment Returns for a Period of Less than

Twelve (12) Months. -

(A) Returns for Short Period Resulting from Change of

Accounting Period. - If a taxpayer, other than an individual, with the
approval of the Commissioner, changes the basis of computing net income
from fiscal year to calendar year, a separate final or adjustment return shall
be made for the period between the close of the last fiscal year for which
return was made and the following December 31. If the change is from
calendar year to fiscal year, a separate final or adjustment return shall be
made for the period between the close of the last calendar year for which
return was made and the date designated as the close of the fiscal year. If
the change is from one fiscal year to another fiscal year, a separate final or
adjustment return shall be made for the period between the close of the
former fiscal year and the date designated as the close of the new fiscal
year.

(B) Income Computed on Basis of Short Period. - Where a separate

final or adjustment return is made under Subsection (A) on account of a
change in the accounting period, and in all other cases where a separate
final or adjustment return is required or permitted by rules and regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner, to be made for a fractional part of a year, then the income
shall be computed on the basis of the period for which separate final or
adjustment return is made.

SEC. 48. Accounting for Long-Term Contracts. - Income from long-

term contracts shall be reported for tax purposes in the manner as
provided in this Section. As used herein, the term 'long-term contracts'
means building, installation or construction contracts covering a period in
excess of one (1) year. Persons whose gross income is derived in whole or in
part from such contracts shall report such income upon the basis of
percentage of completion. The return should be accompanied by a return
certificate of architects or engineers showing the percentage of completion
during the taxable year of the entire work performed under contract. There
should be deducted from such gross income all expenditures made during
the taxable year on account of the contract, account being taken of the
material and supplies on hand at the beginning and end of the taxable
period for use in connection with the work under the contract but not yet
so applied. If upon completion of a contract, it is found that the taxable net
income arising thereunder has not been clearly reflected for any year or
years, the Commissioner may permit or require an amended return.
SEC. 49. Installment Basis. -

(A) Sales of Dealers in Personal Property. - Under rules and

regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation
of the Commissioner, a person who regularly sells or otherwise disposes of
personal property on the installment plan may return as income therefrom
in any taxable year that proportion of the installment payments actually
received in that year, which the gross profit realized or to be realized when
payment is completed, bears to the total contract price.

(B) Sales of Realty and Casual Sales of Personality. - In the case

(1) of a casual sale or other casual disposition of personal property (other
than property of a kind which would properly be included in the inventory
of the taxpayer if on hand at the close of the taxable year), for a price
exceeding One thousand pesos (P1,000), or (2) of a sale or other
disposition of real property, if in either case the initial payments do not
exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the selling price, the income may,
under the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance,
upon recommendation of the Commissioner, be returned on the basis and
in the manner above prescribed in this Section. As used in this Section, the
term "initial payments" means the payments received in cash or property
other than evidences of indebtedness of the purchaser during the taxable
period in which the sale or other disposition is made.

(C) Sales of Real Property Considered as Capital Asset by

Individuals. - An individual who sells or disposes of real property,
considered as capital asset, and is otherwise qualified to report the gain
therefrom under Subsection (B) may pay the capital gains tax in
installments under rules and regulations to be promulgated by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

(D) Change from Accrual to Installment Basis. - If a taxpayer

entitled to the benefits of Subsection (A) elects for any taxable year to
report his taxable income on the installment basis, then in computing his
income for the year of change or any subsequent year, amounts actually
received during any such year on account of sales or other dispositions of
property made in any prior year shall not be excluded.

SEC. 50. Allocation of Income and Deductions. - In the case of two

or more organizations, trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated
and whether or not organized in the Philippines) owned or controlled
directly or indirectly by the same interests, the Commissioner is authorized
to distribute, apportion or allocate gross income or deductions between or
among such organization, trade or business, if he determined that such
distribution, apportionment or allocation is necessary in order to prevent
evasion of taxes or clearly to reflect the income of any such organization,
trade or business.

CHAPTER IX
RETURNS AND PAYMENT OF TAX

SEC. 51. Individual Return. -

(A) Requirements. -

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the

following individuals are required to file an income tax return:

(a) Every Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines;

(b) Every Filipino citizen residing outside the Philippines, on

his income from sources within the Philippines;

(c) Every alien residing in the Philippines, on income derived

from sources within the Philippines; and

(d) Every nonresident alien engaged in trade or business or in

the exercise of profession in the Philippines.

(2) The following individuals shall not be required to file an income

tax return;

(a) An individual whose gross income does not exceed his total
personal and additional exemptions for dependents under
Section 35: Provided, That a citizen of the Philippines and any
alien individual engaged in business or practice of profession
within the Philippine shall file an income tax return, regardless
of the amount of gross income;

(b) An individual with respect to pure compensation income, as

defined in Section 32 (A)(1), derived from sources within the
Philippines, the income tax on which has been correctly
withheld under the provisions of Section 79 of this Code:
Provided, That an individual deriving compensation
 concurrently from two or more employers at any time during
the taxable year shall file an income tax return: Provided,
further, That an individual whose compensation income
derived from sources within the Philippines exceeds Sixty
thousand pesos (P60,000) shall also file an income tax return;

(c) An individual whose sole income has been subjected to final

withholding tax pursuant to Section 57(A) of this Code; and

(d) An individual who is exempt from income tax pursuant to

the provisions of this Code and other laws, general or special.

(3) The forgoing notwithstanding, any individual not required to file

an income tax return may nevertheless be required to file an
information return pursuant to rules and regulations prescribed by
the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner.

(4) The income tax return shall be filed in duplicate by the following
persons:

(a) A resident citizen - on his income from all sources;

(b) A nonresident citizen - on his income derived from sources

within the Philippines;

(c) A resident alien - on his income derived from sources within

the Philippines; and

(d) A nonresident alien engaged in trade or business in the

Philippines - on his income derived from sources within the
Philippines.

(B) Where to File. - Except in cases where the Commissioner otherwise

permits, the return shall be filed with an authorized agent bank, Revenue
District Officer, Collection Agent or duly authorized Treasurer of the city or
municipality in which such person has his legal residence or principal place
of business in the Philippines, or if there be no legal residence or place of
business in the Philippines, with the Office of the Commissioner.

(C) When to File. -

(1) The return of any individual specified above shall be filed on or

 before the fifteenth (15th) day of April of each year covering income
for the preceding taxable year.

(2) Individuals subject to tax on capital gains;

(a) From the sale or exchange of shares of stock not traded thru
a local stock exchange as prescribed under Section 24(c) shall
file a return within thirty (30) days after each transaction and a
final consolidated return on or before April 15 of each year
covering all stock transactions of the preceding taxable year;
and

(b) From the sale or disposition of real property under Section

24(D) shall file a return within thirty (30) days following each
sale or other disposition.

(D) Husband and Wife. - Married individuals, whether citizens,

resident or nonresident aliens, who do not derive income purely from
compensation, shall file a return for the taxable year to include the income
of both spouses, but where it is impracticable for the spouses to file one
return, each spouse may file a separate return of income but the returns so
filed shall be consolidated by the Bureau for purposes of verification for the
taxable year.

(E) Return of Parent to Include Income of Children. - The income

of unmarried minors derived from properly received from a living parent
shall be included in the return of the parent, except (1) when the donor's
tax has been paid on such property, or (2) when the transfer of such
property is exempt from donor's tax.

(F) Persons Under Disability. - If the taxpayer is unable to make his

own return, the return may be made by his duly authorized agent or
representative or by the guardian or other person charged with the care of
his person or property, the principal and his representative or guardian
assuming the responsibility of making the return and incurring penalties
provided for erroneous, false or fraudulent returns.

(G) Signature Presumed Correct. - The fact that an individual's name

is signed to a filed return shall be prima facie evidence for all purposes that
the return was actually signed by him.

SEC. 52. Corporation Returns. -

(A) Requirements. - Every corporation subject to the tax herein
imposed, except foreign corporations not engaged in trade or business in
the Philippines, shall render, in duplicate, a true and accurate quarterly
income tax return and final or adjustment return in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter XII of this Title. The return shall be filed by the
president, vice-president or other principal officer, and shall be sworn to by
such officer and by the treasurer or assistant treasurer.

(B) Taxable Year of Corporation. - A corporation may employ either

calendar year or fiscal year as a basis for filing its annual income tax
return: Provided, That the corporation shall not change the accounting
period employed without prior approval from the Commissioner in
accordance with the provisions of Section 47 of this Code.

(C) Return of Corporation Contemplating Dissolution or

Reorganization. - Every corporation shall, within thirty (30) days after
the adoption by the corporation of a resolution or plan for its dissolution,
or for the liquidation of the whole or any part of its capital stock, including
a corporation which has been notified of possible involuntary dissolution
by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or for its reorganization,
render a correct return to the Commissioner, verified under oath, setting
forth the terms of such resolution or plan and such other information as
the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the commissioner,
shall, by rules and regulations, prescribe.

The dissolving or reorganizing corporation shall, prior to the issuance by

the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Certificate of Dissolution
or Reorganization, as may be defined by rules and regulations prescribed
by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner,
secure a certificate of tax clearance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue
which certificate shall be submitted to the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

(D) Return on Capital Gains Realized from Sale of Shares of

Stock not Traded in the Local Stock Exchange. - Every corporation
deriving capital gains from the sale or exchange of shares of stock not
traded thru a local stock exchange as prescribed under Sections 24 (c), 25
(A)(3), 27 (E)(2), 28(A)(8)(c) and 28 (B)(5)(c), shall file a return within
thirty (30) days after each transactions and a final consolidated return of
all transactions during the taxable year on or before the fifteenth (15th) day
of the fourth (4th) month following the close of the taxable year.

SEC. 53. Extension of Time to File Returns. - The Commissioner

may, in meritorious cases, grant a reasonable extension of time for filing
returns of income (or final and adjustment returns in case of corporations),
subject to the provisions of Section 56 of this Code.

SEC. 54. Returns of Receivers, Trustees in Bankruptcy or

Assignees. - In cases wherein receivers, trustees in bankruptcy or
assignees are operating the property or business of a corporation, subject
to the tax imposed by this Title, such receivers, trustees or assignees shall
make returns of net income as and for such corporation, in the same
manner and form as such organization is hereinbefore required to make
returns, and any tax due on the income as returned by receivers, trustees or
assignees shall be assessed and collected in the same manner as if assessed
directly against the organizations of whose businesses or properties they
have custody or control.

SEC. 55. Returns of General Professional Partnerships. - Every

general professional partnership shall file, in duplicate, a return of its
income, except income exempt under Section 32 (B) of this Title, setting
forth the items of gross income and of deductions allowed by this Title, and
the names, Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN), addresses and shares
of each of the partners.

SEC. 56. Payment and Assessment of Income Tax for

Individuals and Corporation. -

(A) Payment of Tax. -

(1) In General. - The total amount of tax imposed by this Title shall
be paid by the person subject thereto at the time the return is filed. In
the case of tramp vessels, the shipping agents and/or the husbanding
agents, and in their absence, the captains thereof are required to file
the return herein provided and pay the tax due thereon before their
departure. Upon failure of the said agents or captains to file the
return and pay the tax, the Bureau of Customs is hereby authorized to
hold the vessel and prevent its departure until proof of payment of
the tax is presented or a sufficient bond is filed to answer for the tax
due.

(2) Installment of Payment. - When the tax due is in excess of

Two thousand pesos (P2,000), the taxpayer other than a corporation
may elect to pay the tax in two (2) equal installments in which case,
the first installment shall be paid at the time the return is filed and
 the second installment, on or before July 15 following the close of the
calendar year. If any installment is not paid on or before the date
fixed for its payment, the whole amount of the tax unpaid becomes
due and payable, together with the delinquency penalties.

(3) Payment of Capital Gains Tax. - The total amount of tax

imposed and prescribed under Section 24 (c), 24(D), 27(E)(2), 28(A)
(8)(c) and 28(B)(5)(c) shall be paid on the date the return prescribed
therefor is filed by the person liable thereto: Provided, That if the
seller submits proof of his intention to avail himself of the benefit of
exemption of capital gains under existing special laws, no such
payments shall be required : Provided, further, That in case of failure
to qualify for exemption under such special laws and implementing
rules and regulations, the tax due on the gains realized from the
original transaction shall immediately become due and payable,
subject to the penalties prescribed under applicable provisions of this
Code: Provided, finally, That if the seller, having paid the tax,
submits such proof of intent within six (6) months from the
registration of the document transferring the real property, he shall
be entitled to a refund of such tax upon verification of his compliance
with the requirements for such exemption.

In case the taxpayer elects and is qualified to report the gain by

installments under Section 49 of this Code, the tax due from each
installment payment shall be paid within (30) days from the receipt of such
payments.

No registration of any document transferring real property shall be effected

by the Register of Deeds unless the Commissioner or his duly authorized
representative has certified that such transfer has been reported, and the
tax herein imposed, if any, has been paid.

(B) Assessment and Payment of Deficiency Tax. - After the return

is filed, the Commissioner shall examine it and assess the correct amount
of the tax. The tax or deficiency income tax so discovered shall be paid
upon notice and demand from the Commissioner.

As used in this Chapter, in respect of a tax imposed by this Title, the term
"deficiency" means:

(1) The amount by which the tax imposed by this Title exceeds the
amount shown as the tax by the taxpayer upon his return; but the
amount so shown on the return shall be increased by the amounts
 previously assessed (or collected without assessment) as a deficiency,
and decreased by the amount previously abated, credited, returned or
otherwise repaid in respect of such tax; or

(2) If no amount is shown as the tax by the taxpayer upon this return,
or if no return is made by the taxpayer, then the amount by which the
tax exceeds the amounts previously assessed (or collected without
assessment) as a deficiency; but such amounts previously assessed or
collected without assessment shall first be decreased by the amounts
previously abated, credited returned or otherwise repaid in respect of
such tax.

SEC. 57. Withholding of Tax at Source. -

(A) Withholding of Final Tax on Certain Incomes. - Subject to

rules and regulations the Secretary of Finance may promulgate, upon the
recommendation of the Commissioner, requiring the filing of income tax
return by certain income payees, the tax imposed or prescribed by Sections
24(B)(1), 24(B)(2), 24(C), 24(D)(1); 25(A)(2), 25(A)(3), 25(B), 25(C),
25(D), 25(E), 27(D)(!), 27(D)(2), 27(D)(3), 27(D)(5), 28 (A)(4), 28(A)(5),
28(A)(7)(a), 28(A)(7)(b), 28(A)(7)(c), 28(B)(1), 28(B)(2), 28(B)(3), 28(B)
(4), 28(B)(5)(a), 28(B)(5)(b), 28(B)(5)(c); 33; and 282 of this Code on
specified items of income shall be withheld by payor-corporation and/or
person and paid in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as
provided in Section 58 of this Code.

(B) Withholding of Creditable Tax at Source. - The Secretary of

Finance may, upon the recommendation of the Commissioner, require the
withholding of a tax on the items of income payable to natural or juridical
persons, residing in the Philippines, by payor-corporation/persons as
provided for by law, at the rate of not less than one percent (1%) but not
more than thirty-two percent (32%) thereof, which shall be credited against
the income tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxable year.

(C) Tax-free Covenant Bonds. In any case where bonds, mortgages,

deeds of trust or other similar obligations of domestic or resident foreign
corporations, contain a contract or provisions by which the obligor agrees
to pay any portion of the tax imposed in this Title upon the obligee or to
reimburse the obligee for any portion of the tax or to pay the interest
without deduction for any tax which the obligor may be required or
permitted to pay thereon or to retain therefrom under any law of the
Philippines, or any state or country, the obligor shall deduct bonds,
mortgages, deeds of trust or other obligations, whether the interest or other
payments are payable annually or at shorter or longer periods, and whether
the bonds, securities or obligations had been or will be issued or marketed,
and the interest or other payment thereon paid, within or without the
Philippines, if the interest or other payment is payable to a nonresident
alien or to a citizen or resident of the Philippines.

SEC. 58. Returns and Payment of Taxes Withheld at Source. -

(A) Quarterly Returns and Payments of Taxes Withheld. - Taxes

deducted and withheld under Section 57 by withholding agents shall be
covered by a return and paid to, except in cases where the Commissioner
otherwise permits, an authorized Treasurer of the city or municipality
where the withholding agent has his legal residence or principal place of
business, or where the withholding agent is a corporation, where the
principal office is located.

The taxes deducted and withheld by the withholding agent shall be held as
a special fund in trust for the government until paid to the collecting
officers.

The return for final withholding tax shall be filed and the payment made
within twenty-five (25) days from the close of each calendar quarter, while
the return for creditable withholding taxes shall be filed and the payment
made not later than the last day of the month following the close of the
quarter during which withholding was made: Provided, That the
Commissioner, with the approval of the Secretary of Finance, may require
these withholding agents to pay or deposit the taxes deducted or withheld
at more frequent intervals when necessary to protect the interest of the
government.

(B) Statement of Income Payments Made and Taxes Withheld. -

Every withholding agent required to deduct and withhold taxes under
Section 57 shall furnish each recipient, in respect to his or its receipts
during the calendar quarter or year, a written statement showing the
income or other payments made by the withholding agent during such
quarter or year, and the amount of the tax deducted and withheld
therefrom, simultaneously upon payment at the request of the payee, but
not late than the twentieth (20th) day following the close of the quarter in
the case of corporate payee, or not later than March 1 of the following year
in the case of individual payee for creditable withholding taxes. For final
withholding taxes, the statement should be given to the payee on or before
January 31 of the succeeding year.
(C) Annual Information Return. - Every withholding agent required
to deduct and withhold taxes under Section 57 shall submit to the
Commissioner an annual information return containing the list of payees
and income payments, amount of taxes withheld from each payee and such
other pertinent information as may be required by the Commissioner. In
the case of final withholding taxes, the return shall be filed on or before
January 31 of the succeeding year, and for creditable withholding taxes, not
later than March 1 of the year following the year for which the annual
report is being submitted. This return, if made and filed in accordance with
the rules and regulations approved by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, shall be sufficient compliance with
the requirements of Section 68 of this Title in respect to the income
payments.

The Commissioner may, by rules and regulations, grant to any withholding

agent a reasonable extension of time to furnish and submit the return
required in this Subsection.

(D) Income of Recipient. - Income upon which any creditable tax is

required to be withheld at source under Section 57 shall be included in the
return of its recipient but the excess of the amount of tax so withheld over
the tax due on his return shall be refunded to him subject to the provisions
of Section 204; if the income tax collected at source is less than the tax due
on his return, the difference shall be paid in accordance with the provisions
of Section 56.

All taxes withheld pursuant to the provisions of this Code and its
implementing rules and regulations are hereby considered trust funds and
shall be maintained in a separate account and not commingled with any
other funds of the withholding agent.

(E) Registration with Register of Deeds. - No registration of any

document transferring real property shall be effected by the Register of
Deeds unless the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative has
certified that such transfer has been reported, and the capital gains or
creditable withholding tax, if any, has been paid: Provided, however, That
the information as may be required by rules and regulations to be
prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner, shall be annotated by the Register of Deeds in the Transfer
Certificate of Title or Condominium Certificate of Title: Provided, further,
That in cases of transfer of property to a corporation, pursuant to a merger,
consolidation or reorganization, and where the law allows deferred
recognition of income in accordance with Section 40, the information as
may be required by rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary
of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, shall be annotated
by the Register of Deeds at the back of the Transfer Certificate of Title or
Condominium Certificate of Title of the real property involved: Provided,
finally, That any violation of this provision by the Register of Deeds shall
be subject to the penalties imposed under Section 269 of this Code.

SEC. 59. Tax on Profits Collectible from Owner or Other

Persons. - The tax imposed under this Title upon gains, profits, and
income not falling under the foregoing and not returned and paid by virtue
of the foregoing or as otherwise provided by law shall be assessed by
personal return under rules and regulations to be prescribed by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner. The
intent and purpose of the Title is that all gains, profits and income of a
taxable class, as defined in this Title, shall be charged and assessed with the
corresponding tax prescribed by this Title, and said tax shall be paid by the
owners of such gains, profits and income, or the proper person having the
receipt, custody, control or disposal of the same. For purposes of this Title,
ownership of such gains, profits and income or liability to pay the tax shall
be determined as of the year for which a return is required to be rendered.

CHAPTER X
ESTATES AND TRUSTS

SEC. 60. Imposition of Tax. -

(A) Application of Tax. - The tax imposed by this Title upon individuals
shall apply to the income of estates or of any kind of property held in trust,
including:

(1) Income accumulated in trust for the benefit of unborn or

unascertained person or persons with contingent interests, and
income accumulated or held for future distribution under the terms
of the will or trust;

(2) Income which is to be distributed currently by the fiduciary to the

beneficiaries, and income collected by a guardian of an infant which
is to be held or distributed as the court may direct;

(3) Income received by estates of deceased persons during the period

 of administration or settlement of the estate; and

(4) Income which, in the discretion of the fiduciary, may be either

distributed to the beneficiaries or accumulated.

(B) Exception. - The tax imposed by this Title shall not apply to
employee's trust which forms part of a pension, stock bonus or profit-
sharing plan of an employer for the benefit of some or all of his employees
(1) if contributions are made to the trust by such employer, or employees,
or both for the purpose of distributing to such employees the earnings and
principal of the fund accumulated by the trust in accordance with such
plan, and (2) if under the trust instrument it is impossible, at any time
prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities with respect to employees under the
trust, for any part of the corpus or income to be (within the taxable year or
thereafter) used for, or diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive
benefit of his employees: Provided, That any amount actually distributed to
any employee or distributee shall be taxable to him in the year in which so
distributed to the extent that it exceeds the amount contributed by such
employee or distributee.

(C) Computation and Payment. -

(1) In General. - The tax shall be computed upon the taxable income
of the estate or trust and shall be paid by the fiduciary, except as
provided in Section 63 (relating to revocable trusts) and Section 64
(relating to income for the benefit of the grantor).

(2) Consolidation of Income of Two or More Trusts. - Where, in the

case of two or more trusts, the creator of the trust in each instance is
the same person, and the beneficiary in each instance is the same, the
taxable income of all the trusts shall be consolidated and the tax
provided in this Section computed on such consolidated income, and
such proportion of said tax shall be assessed and collected from each
trustee which the taxable income of the trust administered by him
bears to the consolidated income of the several trusts.

SEC. 61. Taxable Income. - The taxable income of the estate or trust
shall be computed in the same manner and on the same basis as in the case
of an individual, except that:

(A) There shall be allowed as a deduction in computing the taxable income

of the estate or trust the amount of the income of the estate or trust for the
taxable year which is to be distributed currently by the fiduciary to the
beneficiaries, and the amount of the income collected by a guardian of an
infant which is to be held or distributed as the court may direct, but the
amount so allowed as a deduction shall be included in computing the
taxable income of the beneficiaries, whether distributed to them or not.
Any amount allowed as a deduction under this Subsection shall not be
allowed as a deduction under Subsection (B) of this Section in the same or
any succeeding taxable year.

(B) In the case of income received by estates of deceased persons during

the period of administration or settlement of the estate, and in the case of
income which, in the discretion of the fiduciary, may be either distributed
to the beneficiary or accumulated, there shall be allowed as an additional
deduction in computing the taxable income of the estate or trust the
amount of the income of the estate or trust for its taxable year, which is
properly paid or credited during such year to any legatee, heir or
beneficiary but the amount so allowed as a deduction shall be included in
computing the taxable income of the legatee, heir or beneficiary.

(C) In the case of a trust administered in a foreign country, the deductions

mentioned in Subsections (A) and (B) of this Section shall not be allowed:
Provided, That the amount of any income included in the return of said
trust shall not be included in computing the income of the beneficiaries.

SEC. 62. Exemption Allowed to Estates and Trusts. - For the

purpose of the tax provided for in this Title, there shall be allowed an
exemption of Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) from the income of the
estate or trust.

SEC. 63. Revocable Trusts. - Where at any time the power to revest in
the grantor title to any part of the corpus of the trust is vested (1) in the
grantor either alone or in conjunction with any person not having a
substantial adverse interest in the disposition of such part of the corpus or
the income therefrom, or (2) in any person not having a substantial adverse
interest in the disposition of such part of the corpus or the income
therefrom, the income of such part of the trust shall be included in
computing the taxable income of the grantor.

SEC. 64. Income for Benefit of Grantor.-

(A) Where any part of the income of a trust (1) is, or in the discretion of the
grantor or of any person not having a substantial adverse interest in the
disposition of such part of the income may be held or accumulated for
 future distribution to the grantor, or (2) may, or in the discretion of the
grantor or of any person not having a substantial adverse interest in the
disposition of such part of the income, be distributed to the grantor, or (3)
is, or in the discretion of the grantor or of any person not having a
substantial adverse interest in the disposition of such part of the income
may be applied to the payment of premiums upon policies of insurance on
the life of the grantor, such part of the income of the trust shall be included
in computing the taxable income of the grantor.

(B) As used in this Section, the term 'in the discretion of the grantor' means
in the discretion of the grantor, either alone or in conjunction with any
person not having a substantial adverse interest in the disposition of the
part of the income in question.

SEC. 65. Fiduciary Returns. - Guardians, trustees, executors,

administrators, receivers, conservators and all persons or corporations,
acting in any fiduciary capacity, shall render, in duplicate, a return of the
income of the person, trust or estate for whom or which they act, and be
subject to all the provisions of this Title, which apply to individuals in case
such person, estate or trust has a gross income of Twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000) or over during the taxable year. Such fiduciary or person filing
the return for him or it, shall take oath that he has sufficient knowledge of
the affairs of such person, trust or estate to enable him to make such return
and that the same is, to the best of his knowledge and belief, true and
correct, and be subject to all the provisions of this Title which apply to
individuals: Provided, That a return made by or for one or two or more
joint fiduciaries filed in the province where such fiduciaries reside; under
such rules and regulations as the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, shall prescribe, shall be a sufficient
compliance with the requirements of this Section.

SEC. 66. Fiduciaries Indemnified Against Claims for Taxes Paid. -

Trustees, executors, administrators and other fiduciaries are indemnified
against the claims or demands of every beneficiary for all payments of taxes
which they shall be required to make under the provisions of this Title, and they
shall have credit for the amount of such payments against the beneficiary or
principal in any accounting which they make as such trustees or other
fiduciaries.

CHAPTER XI
OTHER INCOME TAX REQUIREMENTS
SEC. 67. Collection of Foreign Payments. - All persons,
corporations, duly registered general co-partnerships (companias
colectivas) undertaking for profit or otherwise the collection of foreign
payments of interests or dividends by means of coupons, checks or bills of
exchange shall obtain a license from the Commissioner, and shall be
subject to such rules and regulations enabling the government to obtain the
information required under this Title, as the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, shall prescribe.

SEC. 68. Information at Source as to Income Payments. - all

persons, corporations or duly registered co- partnerships (companias
colectivas), in whatever capacity acting, including lessees or mortgagors of
real or personal property, trustees, acting in any trust capacity, executors,
administrators, receivers, conservators and employees making payment to
another person, corporation or duly registered general co-partnership
(compania colectiva), of interests, rents, salaries, wages, premiums,
annuities, compensations, remunerations, emoluments or other fixed or
determinable gains, profits and income, other than payment described in
Section 69, in any taxable year, or in the case of such payments made by
the Government of the Philippines, the officers or employees of the
Government having information as to such payments and required to make
returns in regard thereto, are authorized and required to render a true and
accurate return to the Commissioner, under such rules and regulations,
and in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, setting forth the
amount of such gains, profits and income and the name and address of the
recipient of such payments: Provided, That such returns shall be required,
in the case of payments of interest upon bonds and mortgages or deeds of
trust or other similar obligations of corporations, and in the case of
collections of items, not payable in the Philippines, of interest upon the
bonds of foreign countries and interest from the bonds and dividends from
the stock of foreign corporations by persons, corporations or duly
registered general co-partnerships (companias colectivas), undertaking as
a matter of business or for profit or otherwise the collection of foreign
payments of such interests or dividends by means of coupons or bills of
exchange.

SEC. 69. Return of Information of Brokers. - Every person,

corporation or duly registered general co-partnership (compania colectiva),
doing business as a broker in any exchange or board or other similar place
of business, shall, when required by the Commissioner, render a correct
return duly verified under oath under such rules and regulations as the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, may
prescribe, showing the names of customers for whom such person,
corporation or duly registered general co-partnership (compania colectiva)
has transacted any business, with such details as to the profits, losses or
other information which the Commissioner, may require as to each of such
customers as will enable the Commissioner to determine whether all
income tax due on profits or gains of such customers has been paid.

SEC. 70. Returns of Foreign Corporations. -

(A) Requirements. - Under rules and regulations prescribed by

the Secretary of finance, upon the recommendation of the
Commissioner, any attorney, accountant, fiduciary, bank, trust
company, financial institution or other person, who aids, assists,
counsels or advises in, o with respect to; the formation, organization
or reorganization of any foreign corporation, shall, within thirty (30)
days thereafter, file with the Commissioner a return.

(B) Form and Contents of Return. - Such return shall be in

such form and shall set forth; under oath, in respect of each such
corporation, to the full extent of the information within the
possession or knowledge or under the control of the person required
to file the return, such information as the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, shall prescribe by rules and
regulations as necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Title.
Nothing in this Section shall be construed to require the divulging of
privileged communications between attorney and client.

SEC. 71. Disposition of Income Tax Returns, Publication of Lists

of Taxpayers and Filers. - After the assessment shall have been made,
as provided in this Title, the returns, together with any corrections thereof
which may have been made by the Commissioner, shall be filed in the
Office of the Commissioner and shall constitute public records and be open
to inspection as such upon the order of the President of the Philippines,
under rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance,
upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

The Commissioner may, in each year, cause to be prepared and published

in any newspaper the lists containing the names and addresses of persons
who have filed income tax returns.
SEC. 72. Suit to Recover Tax Based on False or Fraudulent
Returns. - When an assessment is made in case of any list, statement or
return, which in the opinion of the Commissioner was false or fraudulent
or contained any understatement or undervaluation, no tax collected under
such assessment shall be recovered by any suit, unless it is proved that the
said list, statement or return was not false nor fraudulent and did not
contain any understatement or undervaluation; but this provision shall not
apply to statements or returns made or to be made in good faith regarding
annual depreciation of oil or gas wells and mines.

SEC. 73. Distribution of dividends or Assets by Corporations. -

(A) Definition of Dividends. - The term "dividends" when used

in this Title means any distribution made by a corporation to its
shareholders out of its earnings or profits and payable to its
shareholders, whether in money or in other property.

Where a corporation distributes all of its assets in complete

liquidation or dissolution, the gain realized or loss sustained by the
stockholder, whether individual or corporate, is a taxable income or a
deductible loss, as the case may be.

(B) Stock Dividend. - A stock dividend representing the transfer

of surplus to capital account shall not be subject to tax. However, if a
corporation cancels or redeems stock issued as a dividend at such
time and in such manner as to make the distribution and cancellation
or redemption, in whole or in part, essentially equivalent to the
distribution of a taxable dividend, the amount so distributed in
redemption or cancellation of the stock shall be considered as taxable
income to the extent that it represents a distribution of earnings or
profits.

(C) Dividends Distributed are Deemed Made from Most

Recently Accumulated Profits. - Any distribution made to the
shareholders or members of a corporation shall be deemed to have
been made form the most recently accumulated profits or surplus,
and shall constitute a part of the annual income of the distributee for
the year in which received.

(D) Net Income of a Partnership Deemed Constructively

Received by Partners. - The taxable income declared by a
partnership for a taxable year which is subject to tax under Section 27
(A) of this Code, after deducting the corporate income tax imposed
 therein, shall be deemed to have been actually or constructively
received by the partners in the same taxable year and shall be taxed
to them in their individual capacity, whether actually distributed or
not.

CHAPTER XII
QUARTERLY CORPORATE INCOME TAX, ANNUAL DECLARATION
AND QUARTERLY PAYMENTS OF INCOME TAXES

SEC. 74. Declaration of Income Tax for Individuals. -

(A) In General. - Except as otherwise provided in this Section, every

individual subject to income tax under Sections 24 and 25(A) of this Title,
who is receiving self-employment income, whether it constitutes the sole
source of his income or in combination with salaries, wages and other fixed
or determinable income, shall make and file a declaration of his estimated
income for the current taxable year on or before April 15 of the same
taxable year. In general, self-employment income consists of the earnings
derived by the individual from the practice of profession or conduct of
trade or business carried on by him as a sole proprietor or by a partnership
of which he is a member. Nonresident Filipino citizens, with respect to
income from without the Philippines, and nonresident aliens not engaged
in trade or business in the Philippines, are not required to render a
declaration of estimated income tax. The declaration shall contain such
pertinent information as the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation
of the Commissioner, may, by rules and regulations prescribe. An
individual may make amendments of a declaration filed during the taxable
year under the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

(B) Return and Payment of Estimated Income Tax by

Individuals. - The amount of estimated income as defined in Subsection
(C) with respect to which a declaration is required under Subsection (A)
shall be paid in four (4) installments. The first installment shall be paid at
the time of the declaration and the second and third shall be paid on
August 15 and November 15 of the current year, respectively. The fourth
installment shall be paid on or before April 15 of the following calendar
year when the final adjusted income tax return is due to be filed.

(C) Definition of Estimated Tax. - In the case of an individual, the

term "estimated tax" means the amount which the individual declared as
income tax in his final adjusted and annual income tax return for the
preceding taxable year minus the sum of the credits allowed under this
Title against the said tax. If, during the current taxable year, the taxpayer
reasonable expects to pay a bigger income tax, he shall file an amended
declaration during any interval of installment payment dates.

SEC. 75. Declaration of Quarterly Corporate Income Tax. -

Every corporation shall file in duplicate a quarterly summary declaration of
its gross income and deductions on a cumulative basis for the preceding
quarter or quarters upon which the income tax, as provided in Title II of
this Code, shall be levied, collected and paid. The tax so computed shall be
decreased by the amount of tax previously paid or assessed during the
preceding quarters and shall be paid not later than sixty (60) days from the
close of each of the first three (3) quarters of the taxable year, whether
calendar or fiscal year.

SEC. 76. Final Adjustment Return. - Every corporation liable to tax

under Section 27 shall file a final adjustment return covering the total
taxable income for the preceding calendar or fiscal year. If the sum of the
quarterly tax payments made during the said taxable year is not equal to
the total tax due on the entire taxable income of that year, the corporation
shall either:

(A) Pay the balance of tax still due; or

(B) Carry-over the excess credit; or

(C) Be credited or refunded with the excess amount paid, as the case
may be.

In case the corporation is entitled to a tax credit or refund of the excess

estimated quarterly income taxes paid, the excess amount shown on its
final adjustment return may be carried over and credited against the
estimated quarterly income tax liabilities for the taxable quarters of the
succeeding taxable years. Once the option to carry-over and apply the
excess quarterly income tax against income tax due for the taxable quarters
of the succeeding taxable years has been made, such option shall be
considered irrevocable for that taxable period and no application for cash
refund or issuance of a tax credit certificate shall be allowed therefor.

SEC. 77. Place and Time of Filing and Payment of Quarterly

Corporate Income Tax. -

(A) Place of Filing. - Except as the Commissioner other wise permits,

the quarterly income tax declaration required in Section 75 and the final
adjustment return required in Section 76 shall be filed with the authorized
agent banks or Revenue District Officer or Collection Agent or duly
authorized Treasurer of the city or municipality having jurisdiction over
the location of the principal office of the corporation filing the return or
place where its main books of accounts and other data from which the
return is prepared are kept.

(B) Time of Filing the Income Tax Return. - The corporate quarterly
declaration shall be filed within sixty (60) days following the close of each
of the first three (3) quarters of the taxable year. The final adjustment
return shall be filed on or before the fifteenth (15 th) day of April, or on or
before the fifteenth (15th) day of the fourth (4th) month following the close
of the fiscal year, as the case may be.

(C) Time of Payment of the Income Tax. - The income tax due on the
corporate quarterly returns and the final adjustment income tax returns
computed in accordance with Sections 75 and 76 shall be paid at the time
the declaration or return is filed in a manner prescribed by the
Commissioner.

CHAPTER XIII
WITHHOLDING ON WAGES

SEC. 78. Definitions. - As used in this Chapter:

(A) Wages. - The term 'wages' means all remuneration (other than fees
paid to a public official) for services performed by an employee for his
employer, including the cash value of all remuneration paid in any medium
other than cash, except that such term shall not include remuneration paid:

(1) For agricultural labor paid entirely in products of the farm where
the labor is performed, or

(2) For domestic service in a private home, or

(3) For casual labor not in the course of the employer's trade or
 business, or

(4) For services by a citizen or resident of the Philippines for a

foreign government or an international organization.

If the remuneration paid by an employer to an employee for services

performed during one-half (1/2) or more of any payroll period of not more
than thirty-one (31) consecutive days constitutes wages, all the
remuneration paid by such employer to such employee for such period
shall be deemed to be wages; but if the remuneration paid by an employer
to an employee for services performed during more than one -half (1/2) of
any such payroll period does not constitute wages, then none of the
remuneration paid by such employer to such employee for such period
shall be deemed to be wages.

(B) Payroll Period. - The term 'payroll period' means a period for which
payment of wages is ordinarily made to the employee by his employer, and
the term "miscellaneous payroll period" means a payroll period other than,
a daily, weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual,
or annual period.

(C) Employee. - The term 'employee' refers to any individual who is the
recipient of wages and includes an officer, employee or elected official of
the Government of the Philippines or any political subdivision, agency or
instrumentality thereof. The term "employee" also includes an officer of a
corporation.

(D) Employer. - The term "employer" means the person for whom an
individual performs or performed any service, of whatever nature, as the
employee of such person, except that:

(1) If the person for whom the individual performs or performed any
service does not have control of the payment of the wages for such
services, the term "employer" (except for the purpose of Subsection
(A) means the person having control of the payment of such wages;
and

(2) In the case of a person paying wages on behalf of a nonresident

alien individual, foreign partnership or foreign corporation not
engaged in trade or business within the Philippines, the term
"employer" (except for the purpose of Subsection (A) means such
person.
SEC. 79. Income Tax Collected at Source.-

(A) Requirement of Withholding. - Every employer making payment

of wages shall deduct and withhold upon such wages a tax determined in
accordance with the rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary
of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner: Provided,
however, That no withholding of a tax shall be required where the total
compensation income of an individual does not exceed the statutory
minimum wage, or five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) per month, whichever
is higher.

(B) Tax Paid by Recipient. - If the employer, in violation of the

provisions of this Chapter, fails to deduct and withhold the tax as required
under this Chapter, and thereafter the tax against which such tax may be
credited is paid, the tax so required to be deducted and withheld shall not
be collected from the employer; but this Subsection shall in no case relieve
the employer from liability for any penalty or addition to the tax otherwise
applicable in respect of such failure to deduct and withhold.

(C) Refunds or Credits. -

(1) Employer. - When there has been an overpayment of tax under

this Section, refund or credit shall be made to the employer only to
the extent that the amount of such overpayment was not deducted
and withheld hereunder by the employer.

(2) Employees. -The amount deducted and withheld under this

Chapter during any calendar year shall be allowed as a credit to the
recipient of such income against the tax imposed under Section 24(A)
of this Title. Refunds and credits in cases of excessive withholding
shall be granted under rules and regulations promulgated by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

Any excess of the taxes withheld over the tax due from the taxpayer shall be
returned or credited within three (3) months from the fifteenth (15 th) day
of April. Refunds or credits made after such time shall earn interest at the
rate of six percent (6%) per annum, starting after the lapse of the three-
month period to the date the refund of credit is made.

Refunds shall be made upon warrants drawn by the Commissioner or by

his duly authorized representative without the necessity of counter-
signature by the Chairman, Commission on Audit or the latter's duly
authorized representative as an exception to the requirement prescribed by
Section 49, Chapter 8, Subtitle B, Title 1 of Book V of Executive Order No.
292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987.

(D) Personal Exemptions. -

(1) In General. - Unless otherwise provided by this Chapter, the

personal and additional exemptions applicable under this Chapter
shall be determined in accordance with the main provisions of this
Title.

(2) Exemption Certificate. -

(a) When to File. - On or before the date of commencement of

employment with an employer, the employee shall furnish the
employer with a signed withholding exemption certificate
relating to the personal and additional exemptions to which he
is entitled.

(b) Change of Status. - In case of change of status of an

employee as a result of which he would be entitled to a lesser or
greater amount of exemption, the employee shall, within ten
(10) days from such change, file with the employer a new
withholding exemption certificate reflecting the change.

(c) Use of Certificates. - The certificates filed hereunder shall

be used by the employer in the determination of the amount of
taxes to be withheld.

(d) Failure to Furnish Certificate. - Where an employee, in

violation of this Chapter, either fails or refuses to file a
withholding exemption certificate, the employer shall withhold
the taxes prescribed under the schedule for zero exemption of
the withholding tax table determined pursuant to Subsection
(A) hereof.

(E) Withholding on Basis of Average Wages. - The Commissioner

may, under rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Finance,
authorize employers to:

(1) estimate the wages which will be paid to an employee in any

quarter of the calendar year;
 (2) determine the amount to be deducted and withheld upon each
payment of wages to such employee during such quarter as if the
appropriate average of the wages so estimated constituted the actual
wages paid; and

(3) deduct and withhold upon any payment of wages to such

employee during ;such quarter such amount as may be required to be
deducted and withheld during such quarter without regard to this
Subsection.

(F) Husband and Wife. - When a husband and wife each are recipients
of wages, whether from the same or from different employers, taxes to be
withheld shall be determined on the following bases:

(1) The husband shall be deemed the head of the family and proper
claimant of the additional exemption in respect to any dependent
children, unless he explicitly waives his right in favor of his wife in
the withholding exemption certificate.

(2) Taxes shall be withheld from the wages of the wife in accordance
with the schedule for zero exemption of the withholding tax table
prescribed in Subsection (D)(2)(d) hereof.

(G) Nonresident Aliens. - Wages paid to nonresident alien individuals

engaged in trade or business in the Philippines shall be subject to the
provisions of this Chapter.

(H) Year-End Adjustment. - On or before the end of the calendar year

but prior to the payment of the compensation for the last payroll period,
the employer shall determine the tax due from each employee on taxable
compensation income for the entire taxable year in accordance with
Section 24(A). The difference between the tax due from the employee for
the entire year and the sum of taxes withheld from January to November
shall either be withheld from his salary in December of the current
calendar year or refunded to the employee not later than January 25 of the
succeeding year.

SEC. 80. Liability for Tax. -

(A) Employer. - The employer shall be liable for the withholding and
remittance of the correct amount of tax required to be deducted and
withheld under this Chapter. If the employer fails to withhold and remit
the correct amount of tax as required to be withheld under the provision of
this Chapter, such tax shall be collected from the employer together with
the penalties or additions to the tax otherwise applicable in respect to such
failure to withhold and remit.

(B) Employee. - Where an employee fails or refuses to file the

withholding exemption certificate or willfully supplies false or inaccurate
information thereunder, the tax otherwise required to be withheld by the
employer shall be collected from him including penalties or additions to
the tax from the due date of remittance until the date of payment. On the
other hand, excess taxes withheld made by the employer due to:

(1) failure or refusal to file the withholding exemption certificate; or

(2) false and inaccurate information shall not be refunded to the

employee but shall be forfeited in favor of the Government.

SEC. 81. Filing of Return and Payment of Taxes Withheld. -

Except as the Commissioner otherwise permits, taxes deducted and
withheld by the employer on wages of employees shall be covered by a
return and paid to an authorized agent bank; Collection Agent, or the duly
authorized Treasurer of the city or municipality where the employer has his
legal residence or principal place of business, or in case the employer is a
corporation, where the principal office is located.

The return shall be filed and the payment made within twenty-five (25)
days from the close of each calendar quarter: Provided, however, That the
Commissioner may, with the approval of the Secretary of Finance, require
the employers to pay or deposit the taxes deducted and withheld at more
frequent intervals, in cases where such requirement is deemed necessary to
protect the interest of the Government.

The taxes deducted and withheld by employers shall be held in a special

fund in trust for the Government until the same are paid to the said
collecting officers.

SEC. 82. Return and Payment in Case of Government

Employees. - If the employer is the Government of the Philippines or any
political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, the return of the
amount deducted and withheld upon any wage shall be made by the officer
or employee having control of the payment of such wage, or by any officer
or employee duly designated for the purpose.
 SEC. 83. Statements and Returns. -

(A) Requirements. - Every employer required to deduct and withhold a

tax shall furnish to each such employee in respect of his employment
during the calendar year, on or before January thirty-first (31 st) of the
succeeding year, or if his employment is terminated before the close of
such calendar year, on the same day of which the last payment of wages is
made, a written statement confirming the wages paid by the employer to
such employee during the calendar year, and the amount of tax deducted
and withheld under this Chapter in respect of such wages. The statement
required to be furnished by this Section in respect of any wage shall contain
such other information, and shall be furnished at such other time and in
such form as the Secretary of Finance, upon the recommendation of the
Commissioner, may, by rules and regulation, prescribe.

(B) Annual Information Returns. - Every employer required to

deduct and withhold the taxes in respect of the wages of his employees
shall, on or before January thirty-first (31st) of the succeeding year, submit
to the Commissioner an annual information return containing a list of
employees, the total amount of compensation income of each employee,
the total amount of taxes withheld therefrom during the year, accompanied
by copies of the statement referred to in the preceding paragraph, and such
other information as may be deemed necessary. This return, if made and
filed in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, shall be
sufficient compliance with the requirements of Section 68 of this Title in
respect of such wages.

(C) Extension of time. - The Commissioner, under such rules and

regulations as may be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, may grant
to any employer a reasonable extension of time to furnish and submit the
statements and returns required under this Section.
TITLE III

CHAPTER I
ESTATE TAX

SEC. 84. Rates of Estate Tax. - There shall be levied, assessed, collected and
paid upon the transfer of the net estate as determined in accordance with
Sections 85 and 86 of every decedent, whether resident or nonresident of the
Philippines, a tax based on the value of such net estate, as computed in
accordance with the following schedule:

If the net estate is:

OVER BUT NOT OVER THE TAX SHALL BE PLUS OF THE EXCESS
OVER

P 200,000 Exempt

P 200,000 550,000 0 5% P 200,000

500,000 2,000,000 P 15,000 8% 500,000

2,000,000 5,000,000 135,000 11% 2,000,000

5,000,000 10,000,000 465,000 15% 5,000,000

10,000,000 And Over 1,215,000 20% 10,000,000

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 nonresident 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.

(A) Decedent's Interest. - To the extent of the interest therein of the

decedent at the time of his death;

(B) Transfer in Contemplation of Death. - To the extent of any interest

therein of which the decedent has at any time made a transfer, by trust or
otherwise, in contemplation of or intended to take effect in possession or
enjoyment at or after death, or of which he has at any time made a transfer, by
trust or otherwise, under which he has retained for his life or for any period
which does not in fact end before his death (1) the possession or enjoyment of,
or the right to the income from the property, or (2) the right, either alone or in
conjunction with any person, to designate the person who shall possess or enjoy
the property or the income therefrom; except in case of a bonafide sale for an
adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth.

(C) Revocable Transfer. -

(1) To the extent of any interest therein, of which the decedent has at
 any time made a transfer (except in case of a bona fide sale for an
adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth) by trust
or otherwise, where the enjoyment thereof was subject at the date of
his death to any change through the exercise of a power (in whatever
capacity exerciseable) by the decedent alone or by the decedent in
conjunction with any other person (without regard to when or from
what source the decedent acquired such power), t o alter, amend,
revoke, or terminate, or where any such power is relinquished in
contemplation of the decedent's death.

(2) For the purpose of this Subsection, the power to alter, amend or
revoke shall be considered to exist on the date of the decedent's death
even though the exercise of the power is subject to a precedent giving
of notice or even though the alteration, amendment or revocation
takes effect only on the expiration of a stated period after the exercise
of the power, whether or not on or before the date of the decedent's
death notice has been given or the power has been exercised. In such
cases, proper adjustment shall be made representing the interests
which would have been excluded from the power if the decedent had
lived, and for such purpose if the notice has not been given or the
power has not been exercised on or before the date of his
death, such notice shall be considered to have been given, or the
power exercised, on the date of his death.

(D) Property Passing Under General Power of Appointment. -

To the extent of any property passing under a general power of
appointment exercised by the decedent: (1) by will, or (2) by deed executed
in contemplation of, or intended to take effect in possession or enjoyment
at, or after his death, or (3) by deed under which he has retained for his life
or any period not ascertainable without reference to his death or for any
period which does not in fact end before his death (a) the possession or
enjoyment of, or the right to the income from, the property, or (b) the right,
either alone or in conjunction with any person, to designate the persons
who shall possess or enjoy the property or the income therefrom; except in
case of a bona fide sale for an adequate and full consideration in money or
money's worth.

(E) Proceeds of Life Insurance. - To the extent of the amount

receivable by the estate of the deceased, his executor, or administrator, as
insurance under policies taken out by the decedent upon his own life,
irrespective of whether or not the insured retained the power of revocation,
or to the extent of the amount receivable by any beneficiary designated in
the policy of insurance, except when it is expressly stipulated that the
designation of the beneficiary is irrevocable.

(F) Prior Interests. - Except as otherwise specifically provided therein,

Subsections (B), (C) and (E) of this Section shall apply to the transfers,
trusts, estates, interests, rights, powers and relinquishment of powers, as
severally enumerated and described therein, whether made, created,
arising, existing, exercised or relinquished before or after the effectivity of
this Code.

(G) Transfers of Insufficient Consideration. - If any one of the

transfers, trusts, interests, rights or powers enumerated and described in
Subsections (B), (C) and (D) of this Section is made, created, exercised or
relinquished for a consideration in money or money's worth, but is not a
bona fide sale for an adequate and full consideration in money or money's
worth, there shall be included in the gross estate only the excess of the fair
market value, at the time of death, of the property otherwise to be included
on account of such transaction, over the value of the consideration received
therefor by the decedent.

(H) Capital of the Surviving Spouse. - The capital of the surviving

spouse of a decedent shall not, for the purpose of this Chapter, be deemed a
part of his or her gross estate.

SEC. 86. Computation of Net Estate. - For the purpose of the tax
imposed in this Chapter, the value of the net estate shall be determined:

(A) Deductions Allowed to the Estate of Citizen or a Resident. -

In the case of a citizen or resident of the Philippines, by deducting from the
value of the gross estate -

(1) Expenses, Losses, Indebtedness, and taxes. - Such amounts:

(a) For actual funeral expenses or in an amount equal to five

percent (5%) of the gross estate, whichever is lower, but in no
case to exceed Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000);

(b) For judicial expenses of the testamentary or intestate

proceedings;

(c) For claims against the estate: Provided, That at the time the
indebtedness was incurred the debt instrument was duly
notarized and, if the loan was contracted within three (3) years
 before the death of the decedent, the administrator or executor
shall submit a statement showing the disposition of the
proceeds of the loan;

(d) For claims of the deceased against insolvent persons where

the value of decedent's interest therein is included in the value
of the gross estate; and

(e) For unpaid mortgages upon, or any indebtedness in respect

to, property where the value of decedent's interest therein,
undiminished by such mortgage or indebtedness, is included in
the value of the gross estate, but not including any income tax
upon income received after the death of the decedent, or
property taxes not accrued before his death, or any estate tax.
The deduction herein allowed in the case of claims against the
estate, unpaid mortgages or any indebtedness shall, when
founded upon a promise or agreement, be limited to the extent
that they were contracted bona fide and for an adequate and
full consideration in money or money's worth. There shall also
be deducted losses incurred during the settlement of the estate
arising from fires, storms, shipwreck, or other casualties, or
from robbery, theft or embezzlement, when such losses are not
compensated for by insurance or otherwise, and if at the time of
the filing of the return such losses have not been claimed as a
deduction for the income tax purposes in an income tax return,
and provided that such losses were incurred not later than the
last day for the payment of the estate tax as prescribed in
Subsection (A) of Section 91.

(2) Property Previously Taxed. - An amount equal to the value

specified below of any property forming a part of the gross estate
situated in the Philippines of any person who died within five (5)
years prior to the death of the decedent, or transferred to the
decedent by gift within five (5) years prior to his death, where such
property can be identified as having been received by the decedent
from the donor by gift, or from such prior decedent by gift, bequest,
devise or inheritance, or which can be identified as having been
acquired in exchange for property so received:

One hundred percent (100%) of the value, if the prior decedent died
within one (1) year prior to the death of the decedent, or if the
property was transferred to him by gift within the same period prior
to his death;

Eighty percent (80%) of the value, if the prior decedent died more
than one (1) year but not more than two (2) years prior to the death
of the decedent, or if the property was transferred to him by gift
within the same period prior to his death;

Sixty percent (60%) of the value, if the prior decedent died more than
two (2) years but not more than three (3) years prior to the death of
the decedent, or if the property was transferred to him by gift within
the same period prior to his death;

Forty percent (40%) of the value, if the prior decedent died more
than three (3) years but not more than four (4) years prior to the
death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred to him by
gift within the same period prior to his death;

Twenty percent (20%) of the value, if the prior decedent died more
than four (4) years but not more than five (5) years prior to the death
of the decedent, or if the property was transferred to him by gift
within the same period prior to his death;

These deductions shall be allowed only where a donor's tax or estate

tax imposed under this Title was finally determined and paid by or on
behalf of such donor, or the estate of such prior decedent, as the case
may be, and only in the amount finally determined as the value of
such property in determining the value of the gift, or the gross estate
of such prior decedent, and only to the extent that the value of such
property is included in the decedent's gross estate, and only if in
determining the value of the estate of the prior decedent, no
deduction was allowable under paragraph (2) in respect of the
property or properties given in exchange therefor. Where a deduction
was allowed of any mortgage or other lien in determining the donor's
tax, or the estate tax of the prior decedent, which was paid in whole
or in part prior to the decedent's death, then the deduction allowable
under said Subsection shall be reduced by the amount so paid. Such
deduction allowable shall be reduced by an amount which bears the
same ratio to the amounts allowed as deductions under paragraphs
(1) and (3) of this Subsection as the amount otherwise deductible
under said paragraph (2) bears to the value of the decedent's estate.
Where the property referred to consists of two or more items, the
aggregate value of such items shall be used for the purpose of
 computing the deduction.

(3) Transfers for Public Use. - The amount of all the bequests,
legacies, devises or transfers to or for the use of the Government of
the Republic of the Philippines, or any political subdivision thereof,
for exclusively public purposes.

(4) The Family Home. - An amount equivalent to the current fair

market value of the decedent's family home: Provided, however, That
if the said current fair market value exceeds One million pesos
(P1,000,000), the excess shall be subject to estate tax. As a sine qua
non condition for the exemption or deduction, said family home must
have been the decedent's family home as certified by the barangay
captain of the locality.

(5) Standard Deduction. - An amount equivalent to One million

pesos (P1,000,000).

(6) Medical Expenses. - Medical Expenses incurred by the decedent

within one (1) year prior to his death which shall be duly
substantiated with receipts: Provided, That in no case shall the
deductible medical expenses exceed Five Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P500,000).

(7) Amount Received by Heirs Under Republic Act No. 4917. - Any
amount received by the heirs from the decedent - employee as a
consequence of the death of the decedent-employee in accordance
with Republic Act No. 4917: Provided, That such amount is included
in the gross estate of the decedent.

(B) Deductions Allowed to Nonresident Estates. - In the case of a

nonresident not a citizen of the Philippines, by deducting from the value of
that part of his gross estate which at the time of his death is situated in the
Philippines:

(1) Expenses, Losses, Indebtedness and Taxes. - That proportion of

the deductions specified in paragraph (1) of Subsection (A) of this
Section which the value of such part bears to the value of his entire
gross estate wherever situated;

(2) Property Previously Taxed. - An amount equal to the value

specified below of any property forming part of the gross estate
situated in the Philippines of any person who died within five (5)
years prior to the death of the decedent, or transferred to the
decedent by gift within five (5) years prior to his death, where such
property can be identified as having been received by the decedent
from the donor by gift, or from such prior decedent by gift, bequest,
devise or inheritance, or which can be identified as having been
acquired in exchange for property so received:

One hundred percent (100%) of the value if the prior decedent died
within one (1) year prior to the death of the decedent, or if the
property was transferred to him by gift, within the same period prior
to his death;

Eighty percent (80%) of the value, if the prior decedent died more
than one (1) year but not more than two (2) years prior to the death
of the decedent, or if the property was transferred to him by gift
within the same period prior to his death;

Sixty percent (60%) of the value, if the prior decedent died more than
two (2) years but not more than three (3) years prior to the death of
the decedent, or if the property was transferred to him by gift within
the same period prior to his death;

Forty percent (40%) of the value, if the prior decedent died more
than three (3) years but not more than four (4) years prior to the
death of the decedent, or if the property was transferred to him by
gift within the same period prior to his death; and

Twenty percent (20%) of the value, if the prior decedent died more
than four (4) years but not more than five (5) years prior to the death
of the decedent, or if the property was transferred to him by gift
within the same period prior to his death.

These deductions shall be allowed only where a donor's tax, or estate

tax imposed under this Title is finally determined and paid by or on
behalf of such donor, or the estate of such prior decedent, as the case
may be, and only in the amount finally determined as the value of
such property in determining the value of the gift, or the gross estate
of such prior decedent, and only to the extent that the value of such
property is included in that part of the decedent's gross estate which
at the time of his death is situated in the Philippines; and only if, in
determining the value of the net estate of the prior decedent, no
deduction is allowable under paragraph (2) of Subsection (B) of this
Section, in respect of the property or properties given in exchange
 therefore. Where a deduction was allowed of any mortgage or other
lien in determining the donor's tax, or the estate tax of the prior
decedent, which was paid in whole or in part prior to the decedent's
death, then the deduction allowable under said paragraph shall be
reduced by the amount so paid. Such deduction allowable shall be
reduced by an amount which bears the same ratio to the amounts
allowed as deductions under paragraphs (1) and (3) of this
Subsection as the amount otherwise deductible under paragraph (2)
bears to the value of that part of the decedent's gross estate which at
the time of his death is situated in the Philippines. Where the
property referred to consists of two (2) or more items, the aggregate
value of such items shall be used for the purpose of computing the
deduction.

(3) Transfers for Public Use. - The amount of all bequests, legacies,
devises or transfers to or for the use of the Government of the
Republic of the Philippines or any political subdivision thereof, for
exclusively public purposes.

(C) Share in the Conjugal Property. - the net share of the surviving
spouse in the conjugal partnership property as diminished by the
obligations properly chargeable to such property shall, for the purpose of
this Section, be deducted from the net estate of the decedent.

(D) Miscellaneous Provisions. - No deduction shall be allowed in the

case of a nonresident not a citizen of the Philippines, unless the executor,
administrator, or anyone of the heirs, as the case may be, includes in the
return required to be filed under Section 90 the value at the time of his
death of that part of the gross estate of the nonresident not situated in the
Philippines.

(E) Tax Credit for Estate Taxes paid to a Foreign Country. -

(1) In General. - The tax imposed by this Title shall be credited with
the amounts of any estate tax imposed by the authority of a foreign
country.

(2) Limitations on Credit. - The amount of the credit taken under this
Section shall be subject to each of the following limitations:

(a) The amount of the credit in respect to the tax paid to any
country shall not exceed the same proportion of the tax against
which such credit is taken, which the decedent's net estate
 situated within such country taxable under this Title bears to
his entire net estate; and

(b) The total amount of the credit shall not exceed the same
proportion of the tax against which such credit is taken, which
the decedent's net estate situated outside the Philippines
taxable under this Title bears to his entire net estate.

SEC. 87. Exemption of Certain Acquisitions and Transmissions.

- The following shall not be taxed:

(A) The merger of usufruct in the owner of the naked title;

(B) The transmission or delivery of the inheritance or legacy by the

fiduciary heir or legatee to the fideicommissary;

(C) The transmission from the first heir, legatee or donee in favor of
another beneficiary, in accordance with the desire of the predecessor;
and

(D) All bequests, devises, legacies or transfers to social welfare,

cultural and charitable institutions, no part of the net income of
which insures to the benefit of any individual: Provided, however,
That not more than thirty percent (30%) of the said bequests,
devises, legacies or transfers shall be used by such institutions for
administration purposes.

SEC. 88. Determination of the Value of the Estate. -

(A) Usufruct. - To determine the value of the right of usufruct, use or

habitation, as well as that of annuity, there shall be taken into account the
probable life of the beneficiary in accordance with the latest Basic Standard
Mortality Table, to be approved by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Insurance Commissioner.

(B) Properties. - The estate shall be appraised at its fair market value as
of the time of death. However, the appraised value of real property as of the
time of death shall be, whichever is higher of:

(1) The fair market value as determined by the Commissioner, or

(2) The fair market value as shown in the schedule of values fixed by
 the Provincial and City Assessors.

SEC. 89. Notice of Death to be Filed. - In all cases of transfers subject

to tax, or where, though exempt from tax, the gross value of the estate
exceeds Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000), the executor, administrator or
any of the legal heirs, as the case may be, within two (2) months after the
decedent's death, or within a like period after qualifying as such executor
or administrator, shall give a written notice thereof to the Commissioner.

SEC. 90. Estate Tax Returns. -

(A) Requirements. - In all cases of transfers subject to the tax imposed

herein, or where, though exempt from tax, the gross value of the estate
exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000), or regardless of the
gross value of the estate, where the said estate consists of registered or
registrable property such as real property, motor vehicle, shares of stock or
other similar property for which a clearance from the Bureau of Internal
Revenue is required as a condition precedent for the transfer of ownership
thereof in the name of the transferee, the executor, or the administrator, or
any of the legal heirs, as the case may be, shall file a return under oath in
duplicate, setting forth:

(1) The value of the gross estate of the decedent at the time of his
death, or in case of a nonresident, not a citizen of the Philippines, of
that part of his gross estate situated in the Philippines;

(2) The deductions allowed from gross estate in determining the

estate as defined in Section 86; and

(3) Such part of such information as may at the time be ascertainable

and such supplemental data as may be necessary to establish the
correct taxes.

Provided, however, That estate tax returns showing a gross value

exceeding Two million pesos (P2,000,000) shall be supported with a
statement duly certified to by a Certified Public Accountant
containing the following:

(a) Itemized assets of the decedent with their corresponding

gross value at the time of his death, or in the case of a
nonresident, not a citizen of the Philippines, of that part of his
gross estate situated in the Philippines;
 (b) Itemized deductions from gross estate allowed in Section
86; and

(c) The amount of tax due whether paid or still due and
outstanding.

(B) Time for Filing. - For the purpose of determining the estate tax
provided for in Section 84 of this Code, the estate tax return required
under the preceding Subsection (A) shall be filed within six (6) months
from the decedent's death.

A certified copy of the schedule of partition and the order of the court
approving the same shall be furnished the Commissioner within thirty (30)
after the promulgation of such order.

(C) Extension of Time. - The Commissioner shall have authority to

grant, in meritorious cases, a reasonable extension not exceeding thirty
(30) days for filing the return.

(D) Place of Filing. - Except in cases where the Commissioner otherwise

permits, the return required under Subsection (A) shall be filed with an
authorized agent bank, or Revenue District Officer, Collection Officer, or
duly authorized Treasurer of the city or municipality in which the decedent
was domiciled at the time of his death or if there be no legal residence in
the Philippines, with the Office of the Commissioner.

SEC. 91. Payment of Tax. -

(A) Time of Payment. - The estate tax imposed by Section 84 shall be

paid at the time the return is filed by the executor, administrator or the
heirs.

(B) Extension of Time. - When the Commissioner finds that the

payment on the due date of the estate tax or of any part thereof would
impose undue hardship upon the estate or any of the heirs, he may extend
the time for payment of such tax or any part thereof not to exceed five (5)
years, in case the estate is settled through the courts, or two (2) years in
case the estate is settled extrajudicially. In such case, the amount in respect
of which the extension is granted shall be paid on or before the date of the
expiration of the period of the extension, and the running of the Statute of
Limitations for assessment as provided in Section 203 of this Code shall be
suspended for the period of any such extension.

Where the taxes are assessed by reason of negligence, intentional disregard

of rules and regulations, or fraud on the part of the taxpayer, no extension
will be granted by the Commissioner.

If an extension is granted, the Commissioner may require the executor, or

administrator, or beneficiary, as the case may be, to furnish a bond in such
amount, not exceeding double the amount of the tax and with such sureties
as the Commissioner deems necessary, conditioned upon the payment of
the said tax in accordance with the terms of the extension.

(C) Liability for Payment. - The estate tax imposed by Section 84 shall
be paid by the executor or administrator before delivery to any beneficiary
of his distributive share of the estate. Such beneficiary shall to the extent of
his distributive share of the estate, be subsidiarily liable for the payment of
such portion of the estate tax as his distributive share bears to the value of
the total net estate.

For the purpose of this Chapter, the term "executor" or "administrator"

means the executor or administrator of the decedent, or if there is no
executor or administrator appointed, qualified, and acting within the
Philippines, then any person in actual or constructive possession of any
property of the decedent.

SEC. 92. Discharge of Executor or Administrator from Personal

Liability. - If the executor or administrator makes a written application
to the Commissioner for determination of the amount of the estate tax and
discharge from personal liability therefore, the Commissioner (as soon as
possible, and in any event within one (1) year after the making of such
application, or if the application is made before the return is filed, then
within one (1) year after the return is filed, but not after the expiration of
the period prescribed for the assessment of the tax in Section 203 shall not
notify the executor or administrator of the amount of the tax. The executor
or administrator, upon payment of the amount of which he is notified, shall
be discharged from personal liability for any deficiency in the tax thereafter
found to be due and shall be entitled to a receipt or writing showing such
discharge.

SEC. 93. Definition of Deficiency. - As used in this Chapter, the term

"deficiency" means:

(a) The amount by which the tax imposed by this Chapter exceeds the
amount shown as the tax by the executor, administrator or any of the heirs
upon his return; but the amounts so shown on the return shall first be
increased by the amounts previously assessed (or collected without
assessment) as a deficiency and decreased by the amount previously
abated, refunded or otherwise repaid in respect of such tax; or

(b) If no amount is shown as the tax by the executor, administrator or any

of the heirs upon his return, or if no return is made by the executor,
administrator, or any heir, then the amount by which the tax exceeds the
amounts previously assessed (or collected without assessment) as a
deficiency; but such amounts previously assessed or collected without
assessment shall first be decreased by the amounts previously abated,
refunded or otherwise repaid in respect of such tax.

SEC. 94. Payment Before Delivery by Executor or

Administrator. - No judge shall authorize the executor or judicial
administrator to deliver a distributive share to any party interested in the
estate unless a certification from the Commissioner that the estate tax has
been paid is shown.

SEC. 95. Duties of Certain Officers and Debtors. - Registers of

Deeds shall not register in the Registry of Property any document
transferring real property or real rights therein or any chattel mortgage, by
way of gifts inter vivos or mortis causa, legacy or inheritance, unless a
certification from the Commissioner that the tax fixed in this Title and
actually due thereon had been paid is show, and they shall immediately
notify the Commissioner, Regional Director, Revenue District Officer, or
Revenue Collection Officer or Treasurer of the city or municipality where
their offices are located, of the non payment of the tax discovered by them.
Any lawyer, notary public, or any government officer who, by reason of his
official duties, intervenes in the preparation or acknowledgment of
documents regarding partition or disposal of donation inter vivos or mortis
causa, legacy or inheritance, shall have the duty of furnishing the
Commissioner, Regional Director, Revenue District Officer or Revenue
Collection Officer of the place where he may have his principal office, with
copies of such documents and any information whatsoever which may
facilitate the collection of the aforementioned tax. Neither shall a debtor of
the deceased pay his debts to the heirs, legatee, executor or administrator
of his creditor, unless the certification of the Commissioner that the tax
fixed in this Chapter had been paid is shown; but he may pay the executor
or judicial administrator without said certification if the credit is included
 in the inventory of the estate of the deceased.

SEC. 96. Restitution of Tax Upon Satisfaction of Outstanding

Obligations. - If after the payment of the estate tax, new obligations of
the decedent shall appear, and the persons interested shall have satisfied
them by order of the court, they shall have a right to the restitution of the
proportional part of the tax paid.

SEC. 97. Payment of Tax Antecedent to the Transfer of Shares,

Bonds or Rights. - There shall not be transferred to any new owner in
the books of any corporation, sociedad anonima, partnership, business, or
industry organized or established in the Philippines any share, obligation,
bond or right by way of gift inter vivos or mortis causa, legacy or
inheritance, unless a certification from the Commissioner that the taxes
fixed in this Title and due thereon have been paid is shown.

If a bank has knowledge of the death of a person, who maintained a bank

deposit account alone, or jointly with another, it shall not allow any
withdrawal from the said deposit account, unless the Commissioner has
certified that the taxes imposed thereon by this Title have been paid:
Provided, however, That the administrator of the estate or any one (1) of
the heirs of the decedent may, upon authorization by the Commissioner,
withdraw an amount not exceeding Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000)
without the said certification. For this purpose, all withdrawal slips shall
contain a statement to the effect that all of the joint depositors are still
living at the time of withdrawal by any one of the joint depositors and such
statement shall be under oath by the said depositors.

CHAPTER II
DONOR'S TAX

SEC. 98. Imposition of Tax. -

(A) There shall be levied, assessed, collected and paid upon the
transfer by any person, resident or nonresident, of the property by
gift, a tax, computed as provided in Section 99.

(B) The tax shall apply whether the transfer is in trust or otherwise,
whether the gift is direct or indirect, and whether the property is real
or personal, tangible or intangible.

SEC. 99. Rates of Tax Payable by Donor. -

(A) In General. - The tax for each calendar year shall be computed on
the basis of the total net gifts made during the calendar year in accordance
with the following schedule:

If the net gift is:

OVER BUT NOT OVER THE TAX SHALL BE PLUS OF THE EXCESS
OVER

P 100,000 Exempt
P 100,000 200,000 0 2% P100,000
200,000 500,000 2,000 4% 200,000
500,000 1,000,000 14,000 6% 500,000
1,000,000 3,000,000 44,000 8% 1,000,000
3,000,000 5,000,000 204,000 10% 3,000,000
5,000,000 10,000,000 404,000 12% 5,000,000
10,000,000 1,004,000 15% 10,000,000

(B) Tax Payable by Donor if Donee is a Stranger. - When the

donee or beneficiary is stranger, the tax payable by the donor shall be thirty
percent (30%) of the net gifts. For the purpose of this tax, a "stranger", is a
person who is not a:

(1) Brother, sister (whether by whole or half-blood), spouse, ancestor

and lineal descendant; or

(2) Relative by consanguinity in the collateral line within the fourth

degree of relationship.

(C) Any contribution in cash or in kind to any candidate, political party or

coalition of parties for campaign purposes shall be governed by the
Election Code, as amended.

SEC. 100. Transfer for Less Than Adequate and Full

Consideration. - Where property, other than real property referred to in
Section 24(D), is transferred for less than an adequate and full
consideration in money or money's worth, then the amount by which the
fair market value of the property exceeded the value of the consideration
shall, for the purpose of the tax imposed by this Chapter, be deemed a gift,
and shall be included in computing the amount of gifts made during the
calendar year.

SEC. 101. Exemption of Certain Gifts. - The following gifts or

donations shall be exempt from the tax provided for in this Chapter:

(A) In the Case of Gifts Made by a Resident. -

(1) Dowries or gifts made on account of marriage and before its

celebration or within one year thereafter by parents to each of their
legitimate, recognized natural, or adopted children to the extent of
the first Ten thousand pesos (P10,000):

(2) Gifts made to or for the use of the National Government or any
entity created by any of its agencies which is not conducted for profit,
or to any political subdivision of the said Government; and

(3) Gifts in favor of an educational and/or charitable, religious,

cultural or social welfare corporation, institution, accredited
nongovernment organization, trust or philanthropic organization or
research institution or organization: Provided, however, That not
more than thirty percent (30%) of said gifts shall be used by such
donee for administration purposes. For the purpose of the
exemption, a 'non-profit educational and/or charitable corporation,
institution, accredited nongovernment organization, trust or
philanthropic organization and/or research institution or
organization' is a school, college or university and/or charitable
corporation, accredited nongovernment organization, trust or
philanthropic organization and/or research institution or
organization, incorporated as a nonstock entity, paying no dividends,
governed by trustees who receive no compensation, and devoting all
its income, whether students' fees or gifts, donation, subsidies or
other forms of philanthropy, to the accomplishment and promotion
of the purposes enumerated in its Articles of Incorporation.

(B) In the Case of Gifts Made by a Nonresident Not a Citizen of

the Philippines. -

(1) Gifts made to or for the use of the National Government or any
entity created by any of its agencies which is not conducted for profit,
or to any political subdivision of the said Government.

(2) Gifts in favor of an educational and/or charitable, religious,

 cultural or social welfare corporation, institution, foundation, trust or
philanthropic organization or research institution or organization:
Provided, however, That not more than thirty percent (30%) of said
gifts shall be used by such donee for administration purposes.

(C) Tax Credit for Donor's Taxes Paid to a Foreign Country. -

(1) In General. - The tax imposed by this Title upon a donor who
was a citizen or a resident at the time of donation shall be credited
with the amount of any donor's tax of any character and description
imposed by the authority of a foreign country.

(2) Limitations on Credit. - The amount of the credit taken

under this Section shall be subject to each of the following
limitations:

(a) The amount of the credit in respect to the tax paid to any
country shall not exceed the same proportion of the tax against
which such credit is taken, which the net gifts situated within
such country taxable under this Title bears to his entire net
gifts; and

(b) The total amount of the credit shall not exceed the same
proportion of the tax against which such credit is taken, which
the donor's net gifts situated outside the Philippines taxable
under this title bears to his entire net gifts.

SEC. 102. Valuation of Gifts Made in Property. - If the gift is made

in property, the fair market value thereof at the time of the gift shall be
considered the amount of the gift. In case of real property, the provisions of
Section 88(B) shall apply to the valuation thereof.

SEC. 103. Filing of Return and Payment of Tax. -

(A) Requirements. - any individual who makes any transfer by gift

(except those which, under Section 101, are exempt from the tax provided
for in this Chapter) shall, for the purpose of the said tax, make a return
under oath in duplicate. The return shall se forth:

(1) Each gift made during the calendar year which is to be included
in computing net gifts;
 (2) The deductions claimed and allowable;

(3) Any previous net gifts made during the same calendar year;

(4) The name of the donee; and

(5) Such further information as may be required by rules and

regulations made pursuant to law.

(B) Time and Place of Filing and Payment. - The return of the
donor required in this Section shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the
date the gift is made and the tax due thereon shall be paid at the time of
filing. Except in cases where the Commissioner otherwise permits, the
return shall be filed and the tax paid to an authorized agent bank, the
Revenue District Officer, Revenue Collection Officer or duly authorized
Treasurer of the city or municipality where the donor was domiciled at the
time of the transfer, or if there be no legal residence in the Philippines,
with the Office of the Commissioner. In the case of gifts made by a
nonresident, the return may be filed with the Philippine Embassy or
Consulate in the country where he is domiciled at the time of the transfer,
or directly with the Office of the Commissioner.

SEC. 104. Definitions. - For purposes of this Title, the terms "gross
estate" and "gifts" include real and personal property, whether tangible or
intangible, or mixed, wherever situated: Provided, however, That where
the decedent or donor was a nonresident alien at the time of his death or
donation, as the case may be, his real and personal property so transferred
but which are situated outside the Philippines shall not be included as part
of his "gross estate" or "gross gift": Provided, further, That franchise
which must be exercised in the Philippines; shares, obligations or bonds
issued by any corporation or sociedad anonima organized or constituted in
the Philippines in accordance with its laws; shares, obligations or bonds by
any foreign corporation eighty-five percent (85%) of the business of which
is located in the Philippines; shares, obligations or bonds issued by any
foreign corporation if such shares, obligations or bonds have acquired a
business situs in the Philippines; shares or rights in any partnership,
business or industry established in the Philippines, shall be considered as
situated in the Philippines: Provided, still further, that no tax shall be
collected under this Title in respect of intangible personal property: (a) if
the decedent at the time of his death or the donor at the time of the
donation was a citizen and resident of a foreign country which at the time
of his death or donation did not impose a transfer tax of any character, in
 respect of intangible personal property of citizens of the Philippines not
residing in that foreign country, or (b) if the laws of the foreign country of
which the decedent or donor was a citizen and resident at the time of his
death or donation allows a similar exemption from transfer or death taxes
of every character or description in respect of intangible personal property
owned by citizens of the Philippines not residing in that foreign country.

The term "deficiency" means: (a) the amount by which tax imposed by this
Chapter exceeds the amount shown as the tax by the donor upon his return; but
the amount so shown on the return shall first be increased by the amount
previously assessed (or collected without assessment) as a deficiency, and
decreased by the amounts previously abated, refunded or otherwise repaid in
respect of such tax, or (b) if no amount is shown as the tax by the donor, then
the amount by which the tax exceeds the amounts previously assessed, (or
collected without assessment) as a deficiency, but such amounts previously
assessed, or collected without assessment, shall first be decreased by the
amount previously abated, refunded or otherwise repaid in respect of such tax.

TITLE IV
VALUE-ADDED TAX

CHAPTER I
IMPOSITION OF TAX

SEC. 105. Persons Liable. - Any person who, in the course of trade or
business, sells barters, exchanges, leases goods or properties, renders services,
and any person who imports goods shall be subject to the value-added tax
(VAT) imposed in Sections 106 to 108 of this Code.

The value-added tax is an indirect tax and the amount of tax may be shifted
or passed on to the buyer, transferee or lessee of the goods, properties or
services. This rule shall likewise apply to existing contracts of sale or lease
of goods, properties or services at the time of the effectivity of Republic Act
No. 7716.

The phrase "in the course of trade or business" means the regular conduct
or pursuit of a commercial or an economic activity, including transactions
incidental thereto, by any person regardless of whether or not the person
engaged therein is a nonstock, nonprofit private organization (irrespective
of the disposition of its net income and whether or not it sells exclusively to
members or their guests), or government entity.
The rule of regularity, to the contrary notwithstanding, services as defined
in this Code rendered in the Philippines by nonresident foreign persons
shall be considered as being course of trade or business.

SEC. 106. Value-Added Tax on Sale of Goods or Properties. -

(A) Rate and Base of Tax. - There shall be levied, assessed and
collected on every sale, barter or exchange of goods or properties, value-
added tax equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the gross selling price or gross
value in money of the goods or properties sold, bartered or exchanged,
such tax to be paid by the seller or transferor.

(1) The term "goods" or "properties" shall mean all tangible and
intangible objects which are capable of pecuniary estimation and
shall include:

(a) Real properties held primarily for sale to customers or held

for lease in the ordinary course of trade or business;

(b) The right or the privilege to use patent, copyright, design or

model, plan, secret formula or process, goodwill, trademark,
trade brand or other like property or right;

(c) The right or the privilege to use in the Philippines of any

industrial, commercial or scientific equipment;

(d) The right or the privilege to use motion picture films, tapes
and discs; and

(e) Radio, television, satellite transmission and cable television

time.

The term "gross selling price" means the total amount of

money or its equivalent which the purchaser pays or is
obligated to pay to the seller in consideration of the sale, barter
or exchange of the goods or properties, excluding the value-
added tax. The excise tax, if any, on such goods or properties
shall form part of the gross selling price.

(2) The following sales by VAT-registered persons shall be subject to

zero percent (0%) rate:
 (a) Export Sales. - The term "export sales" means:

(1) The sale and actual shipment of goods from the

Philippines to a foreign country, irrespective of any
shipping arrangement that may be agreed upon which
may influence or determine the transfer of ownership of
the goods so exported and paid for in acceptable foreign
currency or its equivalent in goods or services, and
accounted for in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);

(2) Sale of raw materials or packaging materials to a

nonresident buyer for delivery to a resident local export-
oriented enterprise to be used in manufacturing,
processing, packing or repacking in the Philippines of the
said buyer's goods and paid for in acceptable foreign
currency and accounted for in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);

(3) Sale of raw materials or packaging materials to

export-oriented enterprise whose export sales exceed
seventy percent (70%) of total annual production;

(4) Sale of gold to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);

and

(5) Those considered export sales under Executive Order

NO. 226, otherwise known as the Omnibus Investment
Code of 1987, and other special laws.

(b) Foreign Currency Denominated Sale. - The phrase

"foreign currency denominated sale" means sale to a
nonresident of goods, except those mentioned in Sections 149
and 150, assembled or manufactured in the Philippines for
delivery to a resident in the Philippines, paid for in acceptable
foreign currency and accounted for in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

(c) Sales to persons or entities whose exemption under special

laws or international agreements to which the Philippines is a
signatory effectively subjects such sales to zero rate.

(B) Transactions Deemed Sale. - The following transactions shall be

deemed sale:

(1) Transfer, use or consumption not in the course of business of

goods or properties originally intended for sale or for use in the
course of business;

(2) Distribution or transfer to:

(a) Shareholders or investors as share in the profits of the VAT-

registered persons; or

(b) Creditors in payment of debt;

(3) Consignment of goods if actual sale is not made within sixty (60)
days following the date such goods were consigned; and

(4) Retirement from or cessation of business, with respect to

inventories of taxable goods existing as of such retirement or
cessation.

(C) Changes in or Cessation of Status of a VAT-registered

Person. - The tax imposed in Subsection (A) of this Section shall also
apply to goods disposed of or existing as of a certain date if under
circumstances to be prescribed in rules and regulations to be promulgated
by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner,
the status of a person as a VAT-registered person changes or is terminated.

(D) Determination of the Tax. -

(1) The tax shall be computed by multiplying the total amount

indicated in the invoice by one-eleventh (1/11).

(2) Sales Returns, Allowances and Sales Discounts. - The value of

goods or properties sold and subsequently returned or for which
allowances were granted by a VAT-registered person may be
deducted from the gross sales or receipts for the quarter in which a
refund is made or a credit memorandum or refund is issued. Sales
discount granted and indicated in the invoice at the time of sale and
the grant of which does not depend upon the happening of a future
event may be excluded from the gross sales within the same quarter it
was given.

(3) Authority of the Commissioner to Determine the Appropriate

 Tax Base. - The Commissioner shall, by rules and regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, determine the appropriate tax
base in cases where a transaction is deemed a sale, barter or exchange
of goods or properties under Subsection (B) hereof, or where the
gross selling price is unreasonably lower than the actual market
value.

SEC. 107. Value-Added Tax on Importation of Goods. -

(A) In General. - There shall be levied, assessed and collected on every

importation of goods a value-added tax equivalent to ten percent (10%)
based on the total value used by the Bureau of Customs in determining
tariff and customs duties plus customs duties, excise taxes, if any, and
other charges, such tax to be paid by the importer prior to the release of
such goods from customs custody: Provided, That where the customs
duties are determined on the basis of the quantity or volume of the goods,
the value-added tax shall be based on the landed cost plus excise taxes, If
any.

(B) Transfer of Goods by Tax-Exempt Persons. - In the case of tax-

free importation of goods into the Philippines by persons, entities or
agencies exempt from tax where such goods are subsequently sold,
transferred or exchanged in the Philippines to non-exempt persons or
entities, the purchasers, transferees or recipients shall be considered the
importers thereof, who shall be liable for any internal revenue tax on such
importation. The tax due on such importation shall constitute a lien on the
goods superior to all charges or liens on the goods, irrespective of the
possessor thereof.

SEC. 108. Value-added Tax on Sale of Services and Use or Lease

of Properties. -

(A) Rate and Base of Tax. - There shall be levied, assessed and
collected, a value-added tax equivalent to ten percent (10%) of gross
receipts derived from the sale or exchange of services, including the use or
lease of properties.

The phrase "sale or exchange of services" means the performance of all

kinds or services in the Philippines for others for a fee, remuneration or
consideration, including those performed or rendered by construction and
service contractors; stock, real estate, commercial, customs and
immigration brokers; lessors of property, whether personal or real;
warehousing services; lessors or distributors of cinematographic films;
persons engaged in milling processing, manufacturing or repacking goods
for others; proprietors, operators or keepers of hotels, motels, resthouses,
pension houses, inns, resorts; proprietors or operators of restaurants,
refreshment parlors, cafes and other eating places, including clubs and
caterers; dealers in securities; lending investors; transportation contractors
on their transport of goods or cargoes, including persons who transport
goods or cargoes for hire another domestic common carriers by land, air
and water relative to their transport of goods or cargoes; services of
franchise grantees of telephone and telegraph, radio and television
broadcasting and all other franchise grantees except those under Section
119 of this Code; services of banks, non-bank financial intermediaries and
finance companies; and non-life insurance companies (except their crop
insurances), including surety, fidelity, indemnity and bonding companies;
and similar services regardless of whether or not the performance thereof
calls for the exercise or use of the physical or mental faculties. The phrase
'sale or exchange of services' shall likewise include:

(1) The lease or the use of or the right or privilege to use any
copyright, patent, design or model, plan secret formula or process,
goodwill, trademark, trade brand or other like property or right;

(2) The lease of the use of, or the right to use of any industrial,
commercial or scientific equipment;

(3) The supply of scientific, technical, industrial or commercial

knowledge or information;

(4) The supply of any assistance that is ancillary and subsidiary to

and is furnished as a means of enabling the application or enjoyment
of any such property, or right as is mentioned in subparagraph (2) or
any such knowledge or information as is mentioned in subparagraph
(3);

(5) The supply of services by a nonresident person or his employee in

connection with the use of property or rights belonging to, or the
installation or operation of any brand, machinery or other apparatus
purchased from such nonresident person.

(6) The supply of technical advice, assistance or services rendered in

connection with technical management or administration of any
scientific, industrial or commercial undertaking, venture, project or
 scheme;

(7) The lease of motion picture films, films, tapes and discs; and

(8) The lease or the use of or the right to use radio, television,
satellite transmission and cable television time.

Lease of properties shall be subject to the tax herein imposed irrespective

of the place where the contract of lease or licensing agreement was
executed if the property is leased or used in the Philippines.

The term "gross receipts" means the total amount of money or its
equivalent representing the contract price, compensation, service fee,
rental or royalty, including the amount charged for materials supplied with
the services and deposits and advanced payments actually or constructively
received during the taxable quarter for the services performed or to be
performed for another person, excluding value-added tax.

(B) Transactions Subject to Zero Percent (0%) Rate. - The

following services performed in the Philippines by VAT- registered persons
shall be subject to zero percent (0%) rate.

(1) Processing, manufacturing or repacking goods for other persons

doing business outside the Philippines which goods are subsequently
exported, where the services are paid for in acceptable foreign
currency and accounted for in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);

(2) Services other than those mentioned in the preceding paragraph,

the consideration for which is paid for in acceptable foreign currency
and accounted for in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);

(3) Services rendered to persons or entities whose exemption under

special laws or international agreements to which the Philippines is a
signatory effectively subjects the supply of such services to zero
percent (0%) rate;

(4) Services rendered to vessels engaged exclusively in international

shipping; and

(5) Services performed by subcontractors and/or contractors in

processing, converting, of manufacturing goods for an enterprise
 whose export sales exceed seventy percent (70%) of total annual
production.

(C) Determination of the Tax. - The tax shall be computed by

multiplying the total amount indicated in the official receipt by one-
eleventh (1/11).

SEC. 109. Exempt Transactions. - The following shall be exempt from

the value-added tax:

(a) Sale of nonfood agricultural products; marine and forest products

in their original state by the primary producer or the owner of the
land where the same are produced;

(b) Sale of cotton seeds in their original state; and copra;

(c) Sale or importation of agricultural and marine food products in

their original state, livestock and poultry of or king generally used as,
or yielding or producing foods for human consumption; and breeding
stock and genetic materials therefor.

Products classified under this paragraph and paragraph (a) shall be

considered in their original state even if they have undergone the
simple processes of preparation or preservation for the market, such
as freezing, drying, salting, broiling, roasting, smoking or stripping.

Polished and/or husked rice, corn grits, raw cane sugar and molasses,
and ordinary salt shall be considered in their original state;

(d) Sale or importation of fertilizers; seeds, seedlings and fingerlings;

fish, prawn, livestock and poultry feeds, including ingredients,
whether locally produced or imported, used in the manufacture of
finished feeds (except specialty feeds for race horses, fighting cocks,
aquarium fish, zoo animals and other animals generally considered as
pets);

(e) Sale or importation of coal and natural gas, in whatever form or

state, and petroleum products (except lubricating oil, processed gas,
grease, wax and petrolatum) subject to excise tax imposed under Title
VI;

(f) Sale or importation of raw materials to be used by the buyer or

importer himself in the manufacture of petroleum products subject to
excise tax, except lubricating oil, processed gas, grease, wax and
petrolatum;

(g) Importation of passenger and/or cargo vessels of more than five

thousand tons (5,000) whether coastwise or ocean-going, including
engine and spare parts of said vessel to be used by the importer
himself as operator thereof;

(h) Importation of personal and household effects belonging to the

residents of the Philippines returning from abroad and nonresident
citizens coming to resettle in the Philippines: Provided, That such
goods are exempt from customs duties under the Tariff and Customs
Code of the Philippines;

(i) Importation of professional instruments and implements,

wearing apparel, domestic animals, and personal household effects
(except any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, machinery other goods for use in
the manufacture and merchandise of any kind in commercial
quantity) belonging to persons coming to settle in the Philippines, for
their own use and not for sale, barter or exchange, accompanying
such persons, or arriving within ninety (90) days before or after their
arrival, upon the production of evidence satisfactory to the
Commissioner, that such persons are actually coming to settle in the
Philippines and that the change of residence is bona fide;

(j) Services subject to percentage tax under Title V;

(k) Services by agricultural contract growers and milling for others of

palay into rice, corn into grits and sugar cane into raw sugar;

(l) Medical, dental, hospital and veterinary services subject to the

provisions of Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7716, as amended:

(m) Educational services rendered by private educational

institutions, duly accredited by the Department of Education, Culture
and Sports (DECS) and the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), and those rendered by government educational institutions;

(n) Sale by the artist himself of his works of art, literary works,
musical compositions and similar creations, or his services
performed for the production of such works;

(o) Services rendered by individuals pursuant to an employer-

employee relationship;

(p) Services rendered by regional or area headquarters established in

the Philippines by multinational corporations which act as
supervisory, communications and coordinating centers for their
affiliates, subsidiaries or branches in the Asia-Pacific Region and do
not earn or derive income from the Philippines;

(q) Transactions which are exempt under international agreements

to which the Philippines is a signatory or under special laws, except
those under Presidential Decree Nos. 66, 529 and 1590;

(r) Sales by agricultural cooperatives duly registered with the

Cooperative Development Authority to their members as well as sale
of their produce, whether in its original state or processed form, to
non-members; their importation of direct farm inputs, machineries
and equipment, including spare parts thereof, to be used directly and
exclusively in the production and/or processing of their produce;

(s) Sales by electric cooperatives duly registered with the Cooperative

Development authority or National Electrification Administration,
relative to the generation and distribution of electricity as well as
their importation of machineries and equipment, including spare
parts, which shall be directly used in the generation and distribution
of electricity;

(t) Gross receipts from lending activities by credit or multi-purpose

cooperatives duly registered with the Cooperative Development
Authority whose lending operation is limited to their members;

(u) Sales by non-agricultural, non- electric and non-credit

cooperatives duly registered with the Cooperative Development
Authority: Provided, That the share capital contribution of each
member does not exceed Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000) and
regardless of the aggregate capital and net surplus ratably distributed
among the members;

(v) Export sales by persons who are not VAT-registered;

(w) Sale of real properties not primarily held for sale to customers or
held for lease in the ordinary course of trade or business or real
property utilized for low-cost and socialized housing as defined by
Republic Act No. 7279, otherwise known as the Urban Development
 and Housing Act of 1992, and other related laws, house and lot and
other residential dwellings valued at One million pesos (P1,000,000)
and below: Provided, That not later than January 31st of the calendar
year subsequent to the effectivity of this Act and each calendar year
thereafter, the amount of One million pesos (P1,000,000) shall be
adjusted to its present value using the Consumer Price Index, as
published by the national Statistics Office (NSO);

(x) Lease of a residential unit with a monthly rental not exceeding

Eight thousand pesos (P8,000); Provided, That not later than
January 31st of the calendar year subsequent to the effectivity of
Republic Act No. 8241 and each calendar year thereafter, the amount
of Eight thousand pesos (P8,000) shall be adjusted to its present
value using the Consumer Price Index as published by the National
Statistics Office (NS0);

(y) Sale, importation, printing or publication of books and any

newspaper, magazine review or bulletin which appears at regular
intervals with fixed prices for subscription and sale and which is not
devoted principally to the publication of paid advertisements; and

(z) Sale or lease of goods or properties or the performance of services

other than the transactions mentioned in the preceding paragraphs,
the gross annual sales and/or receipts do not exceed the amount of
Five hundred fifty thousand pesos (P550,000): Provided, That not
later than January 31st of the calendar year subsequent to the
effectivity of Republic Act No. 8241 and each calendar year
thereafter, the amount of Five hundred fifty thousand pesos
(550,000) shall be adjusted to its present value using the Consumer
Price Index, as published by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The foregoing exemptions to the contrary notwithstanding, any person

whose sale of goods or properties or services which are otherwise not
subject to VAT, but who issues a VAT invoice or receipt therefor shall, in
addition to his liability to other applicable percentage tax, if any, be liable
to the tax imposed in Section 106 or 108 without the benefit of input tax
credit, and such tax shall also be recognized as input tax credit to the
purchaser under Section 110, all of this Code.

SEC. 110. Tax Credits. -

(A) Creditable Input Tax. -

(1) Any input tax evidenced by a VAT invoice or official receipt issued
in accordance with Section 113 hereof on the following transactions
shall be creditable against the output tax:

(a) Purchase or importation of goods:

(i) For sale; or
(ii) For conversion into or intended to form part of a
finished product for sale including packaging materials;
or
(iii) For use as supplies in the course of business; or
(iv) For use as materials supplied in the sale of service; or

(v) For use in trade or business for which deduction for

depreciation or amortization is allowed under this Code,
except automobiles, aircraft and yachts.

(b) Purchase of services on which a value-added tax has been

actually paid.

(2) The input tax on domestic purchase of goods or properties shall

be creditable:

(a) To the purchaser upon consummation of sale and on

importation of goods or properties; and

(b) To the importer upon payment of the value-added tax prior

to the release of the goods from the custody of the Bureau of
Customs.

However, in the case of purchase of services, lease or use of

properties, the input tax shall be creditable to the purchaser,
lessee or licensee upon payment of the compensation, rental,
royalty or fee.

(3) A VAT-registered person who is also engaged in transactions not

subject to the value-added tax shall be allowed tax credit as follows:

(a) Total input tax which can be directly attributed to

transactions subject to value-added tax; and

(b) A ratable portion of any input tax which cannot be directly

attributed to either activity.
 The term "input tax" means the value-added tax due from or paid by
a VAT-registered person in the course of his trade or business on
importation of goods or local purchase of goods or services, including
lease or use of property, from a VAT-registered person. It shall also
include the transitional input tax determined in accordance with
Section 111 of this Code.

The term "output tax" means the value-added tax due on the sale or
lease of taxable goods or properties or services by any person
registered or required to register under Section 236 of this Code.

(B) Excess Output or Input Tax. - If at the end of any taxable quarter
the output tax exceeds the input tax, the excess shall be paid by the VAT-
registered person. If the input tax exceeds the output tax, the excess shall
be carried over to the succeeding quarter or quarters. any input tax
attributable to the purchase of capital goods or to zero-rated sales by a
VAT-registered person may at his option be refunded or credited against
other internal revenue taxes, subject to the provisions of Section 112.

(C) Determination of Creditable Input Tax. - The sum of the excess

input tax carried over from the preceding month or quarter and the input
tax creditable to a VAT-registered person during the taxable month or
quarter shall be reduced by the amount of claim for refund or tax credit for
value-added tax and other adjustments, such as purchase returns or
allowances and input tax attributable to exempt sale.

The claim for tax credit referred to in the foregoing paragraph shall include
not only those filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue but also those
filed with other government agencies, such as the Board of Investments the
Bureau of Customs.

SEC. 111. Transitional/Presumptive Input Tax Credits. -

(A) Transitional Input Tax Credits. - A person who becomes liable to

value-added tax or any person who elects to be a VAT-registered person
shall, subject to the filing of an inventory according to rules and regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of finance, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner, be allowed input tax on his beginning inventory of goods,
materials and supplies equivalent for eight percent (8%) of the value of
such inventory or the actual value-added tax paid on such goods, materials
and supplies, whichever is higher, which shall be creditable against the
output tax.
(B) Presumptive Input Tax Credits. -

(1) Persons or firms engaged in the processing of sardines, mackerel

and milk, and in manufacturing refined sugar and cooking oil, shall
be allowed a presumptive input tax, creditable against the output tax,
equivalent to one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) of the gross value in
money of their purchases of primary agricultural products which are
used as inputs to their production.

As used in this Subsection, the term "processing" shall mean

pasteurization, canning and activities which through physical or
chemical process alter the exterior texture or form or inner substance
of a product in such manner as to prepare it for special use to which it
could not have been put in its original form or condition.

(2) Public works contractors shall be allowed a presumptive input

tax equivalent to one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) of the contract
price with respect to government contracts only in lieu of actual input
taxes therefrom.

SEC. 112. Refunds or Tax Credits of Input Tax. -

(A) Zero-Rated or Effectively Zero-Rated Sales. - any VAT-

registered person, whose sales are zero-rated or effectively zero-rated may,
within two (2) years after the close of the taxable quarter when the sales
were made, apply for the issuance of a tax credit certificate or refund of
creditable input tax due or paid attributable to such sales, except
transitional input tax, to the extent that such input tax has not been
applied against output tax: Provided, however, That in the case of zero-
rated sales under Section 106(A)(2)(a)(1), (2) and (B) and Section 108 (B)
(1) and (2), the acceptable foreign currency exchange proceeds thereof had
been duly accounted for in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP): Provided, further, That where the
taxpayer is engaged in zero-rated or effectively zero-rated sale and also in
taxable or exempt sale of goods of properties or services, and the amount of
creditable input tax due or paid cannot be directly and entirely attributed
to any one of the transactions, it shall be allocated proportionately on the
basis of the volume of sales.

(B) Capital Goods. - A VAT-registered person may apply for the

issuance of a tax credit certificate or refund of input taxes paid on capital
goods imported or locally purchased, to the extent that such input taxes
have not been applied against output taxes. The application may be made
 only within two (2) years after the close of the taxable quarter when the
importation or purchase was made.

(C) Cancellation of VAT Registration. - A person whose registration

has been cancelled due to retirement from or cessation of business, or due
to changes in or cessation of status under Section 106(C) of this Code may,
within two (2) years from the date of cancellation, apply for the issuance of
a tax credit certificate for any unused input tax which may be used in
payment of his other internal revenue taxes.

(D) Period Within Which Refund or Tax Credit of Input Taxes

Shall be Made. - In proper cases, the Commissioner shall grant a refund
or issue the tax credit certificate for creditable input taxes within one
hundred twenty (120) days from the date of submission of compete
documents in support of the application filed in accordance with
Subsections (A) and (B) hereof.

In case of full or partial denial of the claim for tax refund or tax credit, or
the failure on the part of the Commissioner to act on the application within
the period prescribed above, the taxpayer affected may, within thirty (30)
days from the receipt of the decision denying the claim or after the
expiration of the one hundred twenty day-period, appeal the decision or
the unacted claim with the Court of Tax Appeals.-

(E) Manner of Giving Refund. - Refunds shall be made upon warrants

drawn by the Commissioner or by his duly authorized representative
without the necessity of being countersigned by the Chairman, Commission
on audit, the provisions of the Administrative Code of 1987 to the contrary
notwithstanding: Provided, That refunds under this paragraph shall be
subject to post audit by the Commission on Audit.

CHAPTER II
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 113. Invoicing and Accounting Requirements for VAT-

Registered Persons. -

(A) Invoicing Requirements. - A VAT-registered person shall, for

every sale, issue an invoice or receipt. In addition to the information
required under Section 237, the following information shall be indicated in
the invoice or receipt:

(1) A statement that the seller is a VAT-registered person, followed by

his taxpayer's identification number (TIN); and

(2) The total amount which the purchaser pays or is obligated to pay
to the seller with the indication that such amount includes the value-
added tax.

(B) Accounting Requirements. - Notwithstanding the provisions of

Section 233, all persons subject to the value-added tax under Sections 106
and 108 shall, in addition to the regular accounting records required,
maintain a subsidiary sales journal and subsidiary purchase journal on
which the daily sales and purchases are recorded. The subsidiary journals
shall contain such information as may be required by the Secretary of
Finance.

SEC. 114. Return and Payment of Value-Added Tax. -

(A) In General. - Every person liable to pay the value-added tax imposed
under this Title shall file a quarterly return of the amount of his gross sales
or receipts within twenty-five (25) days following the close of each taxable
quarter prescribed for each taxpayer: Provided, however, That VAT-
registered persons shall pay the value-added tax on a monthly basis.

Any person, whose registration has been cancelled in accordance with

Section 236, shall file a return and pay the tax due thereon within twenty-
five (25) days from the date of cancellation of registration: Provided, That
only one consolidated return shall be filed by the taxpayer for his principal
place of business or head office and all branches.

(B) Where to File the Return and Pay the Tax. - Except as the
Commissioner otherwise permits, the return shall be filed with and the tax
paid to an authorized agent bank, Revenue Collection Officer or duly
authorized city or municipal Treasurer in the Philippines located within the
revenue district where the taxpayer is registered or required to register.

(C) Withholding of Creditable Value-Added Tax. - The

Government or any of its political subdivisions, instrumentalities or
agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations
(GOCCs) shall, before making payment on account of each purchase of
goods from sellers and services rendered by contractors which are subject
to the value-added tax imposed in Sections 106 and 108 of this Code,
deduct and withhold the value-added tax due at the rate of three percent
(3%) of the gross payment for the purchase of goods and six percent (6%)
on gross receipts for services rendered by contractors on every sale or
installment payment which shall be creditable against the value-added tax
liability of the seller or contractor: Provided, however, That in the case of
government public works contractors, the withholding rate shall be eight
and one-half percent (8.5%): Provided, further, That the payment for lease
or use of properties or property rights to nonresident owners shall be
subject to ten percent (10%) withholding tax at the time of payment. For
this purpose, the payor or person in control of the payment shall be
considered as the withholding agent.

The value-added tax withheld under this Section shall be remitted within
ten (10) days following the end of the month the withholding was made.

SEC. 115. Power of the Commissioner to Suspend the Business

Operations of a Taxpayer. - The Commissioner or his authorized
representative is hereby empowered to suspend the business operations
and temporarily close the business establishment of any person for any of
the following violations:

(a) In the case of a VAT-registered Person. -

(1) Failure to issue receipts or invoices;

(2) Failure to file a value-added tax return as required under

Section 114; or

(3) Understatement of taxable sales or receipts by thirty percent

(30%) or more of his correct taxable sales or receipts for the
taxable quarter.

(b) Failure of any Person to Register as Required under Section 236. -

The temporary closure of the establishment shall be for the duration of not
less than five (5) days and shall be lifted only upon compliance with
whatever requirements prescribed by the Commissioner in the closure
order.

TITLE V
OTHER PERCENTAGE TAXES
SEC. 116. Tax on Persons Exempt From Value-Added Tax (VAT).
- Any person whose sales or receipts are exempt under Section 109(z) of
this Code from the payment of value-added tax and who is not a VAT-
registered person shall pay a tax equivalent to three percent (3%) of his
gross quarterly sales or receipts: Provided, That cooperatives shall be
exempt from the three percent (3%)gross receipts tax herein imposed.

SEC. 117. Percentage Tax on Domestic Carriers and Keepers of

Garages. - Cars for rent or hire driven by the lessee, transportation
contractors, including persons who transport passengers for hire, and
other domestic carriers by land, air or water, for the transport of
passengers, except owners of bancas and owner of animal-drawn two
wheeled vehicle, and keepers of garages shall pay a tax equivalent to three
percent (3%) of their quarterly gross receipts.

The gross receipts of common carriers derived from their incoming and
outgoing freight shall not be subjected to the local taxes imposed under
Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of
1991.

In computing the percentage tax provided in this Section, the following

shall be considered the minimum quarterly gross receipts in each
particular case:

Jeepney for hire -

1. Manila and other cities P 2,400
2. Provincial 1,200

Public utility bus -

Not exceeding 30 passengers 3,600
Exceeding 30 but not exceeding 50 passengers 6,000
Exceeding 50 passengers 7,200

Taxis -
1. Manila and other cities P 3,600
2. Provincial 2,400

Car for hire (with chauffer) 3,000

Car for hire (without chauffer) 1,800
SEC. 118. Percentage Tax on International Carriers. -

(A) International air carriers doing business in the Philippines shall pay a
tax of three percent (3%) of their quarterly gross receipts.

(B) International shipping carriers doing business in the Philippines shall

pay a tax equivalent to three percent (3%) of their quarterly gross receipts.

SEC. 119. Tax on Franchises. - Any provision of general or special law

to the contrary notwithstanding, there shall be levied, assessed and
collected in respect to all franchises on radio and/or television
broadcasting companies whose annual gross receipts of the preceding year
does not exceed Ten million pesos (P10,000.00), subject to Section 236 of
this Code, a tax of three percent (3%) and on electric, gas and water
utilities, a tax of two percent (2%) on the gross receipts derived from the
business covered by the law granting the franchise: Provided, however,
That radio and television broadcasting companies referred to in this
Section shall have an option to be registered as a value-added taxpayer and
pay the tax due thereon: Provided, further, That once the option is
exercised, it shall not be revoked.

The grantee shall file the return with, and pay the tax due thereon to the
Commissioner or his duly authorized representative, in accordance with
the provisions of Section 128 of this Code, and the return shall be subject to
audit by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, any provision of any existing law
to the contrary notwithstanding.

SEC. 120. Tax on Overseas Dispatch, Message or Conversation

Originating from the Philippines. -

(A) Persons Liable. - There shall be collected upon every overseas

dispatch, message or conversation transmitted from the Philippines by
telephone, telegraph, telewriter exchange, wireless and other
communication equipment service, a tax of ten percent (10%) on the
amount paid for such services. The tax imposed in this Section shall be
payable by the person paying for the services rendered and shall be paid to
the person rendering the services who is required to collect and pay the tax
within twenty (20) days after the end of each quarter.

(B) Exemptions. - The tax imposed by this Section shall not apply to:

(1) Government. - Amounts paid for messages transmitted by the

Government of the Republic of the Philippines or any of its political
 subdivisions or instrumentalities;

(2) Diplomatic Services. - Amounts paid for messages transmitted by

any embassy and consular offices of a foreign government;

(3) International Organizations. - Amounts paid for messages

transmitted by a public international organization or any of its
agencies based in the Philippines enjoying privileges, exemptions and
immunities which the Government of the Philippines is committed to
recognize pursuant to an international agreement; and

(4) News Services. - Amounts paid for messages from any

newspaper, press association, radio or television newspaper,
broadcasting agency, or newstickers services, to any other
newspaper, press association, radio or television newspaper
broadcasting agency, or newsticker service or to a bona fide
correspondent, which messages deal exclusively with the collection of
news items for, or the dissemination of news item through, public
press, radio or television broadcasting or a newsticker service
furnishing a general news service similar to that of the public press.

SEC. 121. Tax on Banks and Non-Bank Financial

Intermediaries. - There shall be a collected tax on gross receipts derived
from sources within the Philippines by all banks and non-bank financial
intermediaries in accordance with the following schedule:

(a) On interest, commissions and discounts from lending activities as

well as income from financial leasing, on the basis of remaining
maturities of instruments from which such receipts are derived:

Short-term maturity (non in excess of two (2) years) 5%

Medium-term maturity (over two (2) years but

not exceeding four (4) years)
3%

Long-term maturity -
(1) Over four (4) years but not exceeding seven (7) years 1%
(2) Over seven (7) years
0%

(b) On dividends
 0%

(c) On royalties, rentals of property, real or personal, profits,

from exchange and all other items treated as gross income
under Section 32 of this Code
5%

Provided, however, That in case the maturity period referred to in

paragraph (a) is shortened thru pretermination, then the maturity period
shall be reckoned to end as of the date of pretermination for purposes of
classifying the transaction as short, medium or long-term and the correct
rate of tax shall be applied accordingly.

Nothing in this Code shall preclude the Commissioner from imposing the
same tax herein provided on persons performing similar banking activities.

SEC. 122. Tax on Finance Companies. - There shall be collected a tax

of five percent (5%) on the gross receipts derived by all finance companies,
as well as by other financial intermediaries not performing quasi-banking
functions dong business in the Philippines, from interest, discounts and all
other items treated as gross income under this Code: Provided, That
interests, commissions and discounts from lending activities, as well as
income from financial leasing, shall be taxed on the basis of the remaining
maturities of the instruments from which such receipts are derived, in
accordance with the following schedule:

Short-term maturity (non in excess of two (2) years) 5%

Medium-term maturity (over two (2) years

but not exceeding four (4) years)
3%

Long-term maturity -
(1) Over four (4) years but not exceeding seven (7) 1%

(2) Over seven (7) years

0%

Provided, however, That in case the maturity period is shortened thru

pretermination, then the maturity period shall be reckoned to end as of the
date of pretermination for purposes of classifying the transaction as short,
medium or long-term and the correct rate of tax shall be applied
accordingly.

Nothing in this Code shall preclude the Commissioner from imposing the
same tax herein provided on persons performing similar financing
activities.

SEC. 123. Tax on Life Insurance Premiums. - There shall be

collected from every person, company or corporation (except purely
cooperative companies or associations) doing life insurance business of any
sort in the Philippines a tax of five percent (5%) of the total premium
collected, whether such premiums are paid in money, notes, credits or any
substitute for money; but premiums refunded within six (6) months after
payment on account of rejection of risk or returned for other reason to a
person insured shall not be included in the taxable receipts; nor shall any
tax be paid upon reinsurance by a company that has already paid the tax;
nor upon doing business outside the Philippines on account of any life
insurance of the insured who is a nonresident, if any tax on such premium
is imposed by the foreign country where the branch is established nor upon
premiums collected or received on account of any reinsurance , if the
insured, in case of personal insurance, resides outside the Philippines, if
any tax on such premiums is imposed by the foreign country where the
original insurance has been issued or perfected; nor upon that portion of
the premiums collected or received by the insurance companies on variable
contracts (as defined in section 232(2) of Presidential Decree No. 612), in
excess of the amounts necessary to insure the lives of the variable contract
workers.

Cooperative companies or associations are such as are conducted by the

members thereof with the money collected from among themselves and
solely for their own protection and not for profit.

SEC. 124. Tax on Agents of Foreign Insurance Companies. -

Every fire, marine or miscellaneous insurance agent authorized under the
Insurance Code to procure policies of insurance as he may have previously
been legally authorized to transact on risks located in the Philippines for
companies not authorized to transact business in the Philippines shall pay
a tax equal to twice the tax imposed in Section 123: Provided, That the
provision of this Section shall not apply to reinsurance: Provided,
however, That the provisions of this Section shall not affect the right of an
owner of property to apply for and obtain for himself policies in foreign
companies in cases where said owner does not make use of the services of
any agent, company or corporation residing or doing business in the
Philippines. In all cases where owners of property obtain insurance directly
with foreign companies, it shall be the duty of said owners to report to the
Insurance Commissioner and to the Commissioner each case where
insurance has been so effected, and shall pay the tax of five percent (5%) on
premiums paid, in the manner required by Section 123.

SEC. 125. Amusement Taxes. - There shall be collected from the

proprietor, lessee or operator of cockpits, cabarets, night or day clubs,
boxing exhibitions, professional basketball games, Jai-Alai and racetracks,
a tax equivalent to:

(a) Eighteen percent (18%) in the case of cockpits;

(b) Eighteen percent (18%) in the case of cabarets, night or day clubs;

(c) Ten percent (10%) in the case of boxing exhibitions: Provided,

however, That boxing exhibitions wherein World or Oriental
Championships in any division is at stake shall be exempt from
amusement tax: Provided, further, That at least one of the contenders
for World or Oriental Championship is a citizen of the Philippines
and said exhibitions are promoted by a citizen/s of the Philippines or
by a corporation or association at least sixty percent (60%) of the
capital of which is owned by such citizens;

(d) Fifteen percent (15%) in the case of professional basketball games

as envisioned in Presidential Decree No. 871: Provided, however,
That the tax herein shall be in lieu of all other percentage taxes of
whatever nature and description; and

(e) Thirty percent (30%) in the case of Jai-Alai and racetracks of their
gross receipts, irrespective, of whether or not any amount is charged
for admission.

For the purpose of the amusement tax, the term "gross receipts" embraces
all the receipts of the proprietor, lessee or operator of the amusement
place. Said gross receipts also include income from television, radio and
motion picture rights, if any. A person or entity or association conducting
any activity subject to the tax herein imposed shall be similarly liable for
said tax with respect to such portion of the receipts derived by him or it.

The taxes imposed herein shall be payable at the end of each quarter and it
shall be the duty of the proprietor, lessee or operator concerned, as well as
any party liable, within twenty (20) days after the end of each quarter, to
make a true and complete return of the amount of the gross receipts
derived during the preceding quarter and pay the tax due thereon.

SEC. 126. Tax on Winnings. - Every person who wins in horse races
shall pay a tax equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his winnings or
'dividends', the tax to be based on the actual amount paid to him for every
winning ticket after deducting the cost of the ticket: Provided, That in the
case of winnings from double, forecast/quinella and trifecta bets, the tax
shall be four percent (4%). In the case of owners of winning race horses,
the tax shall be ten percent (10%) of the prizes.

The tax herein prescribed shall be deducted from the 'dividends'

corresponding to each winning ticket or the "prize" of each winning race
horse owner and withheld by the operator, manager or person in charge of
the horse races before paying the dividends or prizes to the persons entitled
thereto.

The operator, manager or person in charge of horse races shall, within

twenty (20) days from the date the tax was deducted and withheld in
accordance with the second paragraph hereof, file a true and correct return
with the Commissioner in the manner or form to be prescribed by the
Secretary of Finance, and pay within the same period the total amount of
tax so deducted and withheld.

SEC. 127. Tax on Sale, Barter or Exchange of Shares of Stock

Listed and Traded Through the Local Stock Exchange or
Through Initial Public Offering. -

(A) Tax on Sale, Barter or Exchange of Shares of Stock Listed

and Traded Through the Local Stock Exchange. - There shall be
levied, assessed and collected on every sale, barter, exchange, or other
disposition of shares of stock listed and traded through the local stock
exchange other than the sale by a dealer in securities, a tax at the rate of
one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) of the gross selling price or gross value
in money of the shares of stock sold, bartered, exchanged or otherwise
disposed which shall be paid by the seller or transferor.

(B) Tax on Shares of Stock Sold or Exchanged Through Initial

Public Offering. - There shall be levied, assessed and collected on every
sale, barter, exchange or other disposition through initial public offering of
shares of stock in closely held corporations, as defined herein, a tax at the
rates provided hereunder based on the gross selling price or gross value in
money of the shares of stock sold, bartered, exchanged or otherwise
disposed in accordance with the proportion of shares of stock sold,
bartered, exchanged or otherwise disposed to the total outstanding shares
of stock after the listing in the local stock exchange:

Up to twenty-five percent (25%) 4%

Over twenty-five percent (25%) but not over thirty-three

and one third percent (33 1/3%) 2%

Over thirty-three and one third percent (33 1/3%) 1%

The tax herein imposed shall be paid by the issuing corporation in primary
offering or by the seller in secondary offering.

For purposes of this Section, the term "closely held corporation" means
any corporation at least fifty percent (50%) in value of outstanding capital
stock or at least fifty percent (505) of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock entitled to vote is owned directly or indirectly by or for not
more than twenty (20) individuals.

For purposes of determining whether the corporation is a closely held

corporation, insofar as such determination is based on stock ownership,
the following rules shall be applied:

(1) Stock Not Owned by Individuals. - Stock owned directly or

indirectly by or for a corporation, partnership, estate or trust shall be
considered as being owned proportionately by its shareholders,
partners or beneficiaries.

(2) Family and Partnership Ownerships. - An individual shall be

considered as owning the stock owned, directly or indirectly, by or for
his family, or by or for his partner. For purposes of the paragraph, the
'family of an individual' includes only his brothers and sisters
(whether by whole or half-blood), spouse, ancestors and lineal
descendants.

(3) Option. - If any person has an option acquire stock, such stock
shall be considered as owned by such person. For purposes of this
paragraph, an option to acquire such an option and each one of a
series of options shall be considered as an option to acquire such
stock.

(4) Constructive Ownership as Actual Ownership. - Stock

 constructively owned by reason of the application of paragraph (1) or
(3) hereof shall, for purposes of applying paragraph (1) or (2), be
treated as actually owned by such person; but stock constructively
owned by the individual by reason of the application of paragraph (2)
hereof shall not be treated as owned by him for purposes of again
applying such paragraph in order to make another the constructive
owner of such stock.

(C) Return on Capital Gains Realized from Sale of Shares of

Stocks. -

(1) Return on Capital Gains Realized from Sale of Shares of Stock

Listed and Traded in the Local Stock Exchange. - It shall be the duty
of every stock broker who effected the sale subject to the tax imposed
herein to collect the tax and remit the same to the Bureau of Internal
Revenue within five (5) banking days from the date of collection
thereof and to submit on Mondays of each week to the secretary of
the stock exchange, of which he is a member, a true and complete
return which shall contain a declaration of all the transactions
effected through him during the preceding week and of taxes
collected by him and turned over to the Bureau Of Internal Revenue.

(2) Return on Public Offerings of Share Stock. - In case of primary

offering, the corporate issuer shall file the return and pay the
corresponding tax within thirty (30) days from the date of listing of
the shares of stock in the local stock exchange. In the case of
secondary offering, the provision of Subsection (C)(1) of this Section
shall apply as to the time and manner of the payment of the tax.

(D) Common Provisions. - Any gain derived from the sale, barter,
exchange or other disposition of shares of stock under this Section shall be
exempt from the tax imposed in Sections 24(C), 27(D)(2), 28(A)(8)(c), and
28(B)(5)(c) of this Code and from the regular individual or corporate
income tax. Tax paid under this Section shall not be deductible for income
tax purposes.

SEC. 128. Returns and Payment of Percentage Taxes. -

(A) Returns of Gross Sales, Receipts or Earnings and Payment

of Tax. -

(1) Persons Liable to Pay Percentage Taxes. - Every person subject to

the percentage taxes imposed under this Title shall file a quarterly
 return of the amount of his gross sales, receipts or earnings and pay
the tax due thereon within twenty-five (25) days after the end of each
taxable quarter: Provided, That in the case of a person whose VAT
registration is cancelled and who becomes liable to the tax imposed in
Section 116 of this Code, the tax shall accrue from the date of
cancellation and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of
this Section.

(2) Person Retiring from Business. - Any person retiring from a

business subject to percentage tax shall notify the nearest internal
revenue officer, file his return and pay the tax due thereon within
twenty (20) days after closing his business.

(3) Exceptions. - The Commissioner may, by rules and regulations,

prescribe:

(a) The time for filing the return at intervals other than the time
prescribed in the preceding paragraphs for a particular class or
classes of taxpayers after considering such factors as volume of
sales, financial condition, adequate measures of security, and
such other relevant information required to be submitted under
the pertinent provisions of this Code; and

(b) The manner and time of payment of percentage taxes other

than as hereinabove prescribed, including a scheme of tax
prepayment.

(4) Determination of Correct Sales or Receipts. - When it is found

that a person has failed to issue receipts or invoices, or when no
return is filed, or when there is reason to believe that the books of
accounts or other records do not correctly reflect the declarations
made or to be made in a return required to be filed under the
provisions of this Code, the Commissioner, after taking into account
the sales, receipts or other taxable base of other persons engaged in
similar businesses under similar situations or circumstances, or after
considering other relevant information may prescribe a minimum
amount of such gross receipts, sales and taxable base and such
amount so prescribed shall be prima facie correct for purposes of
determining the internal revenue tax liabilities of such person.

(B) Where to File. - Except as the Commissioner otherwise permits,

 every person liable to the percentage tax under this Title may, at his option,
file a separate return for each branch or place of business, or a consolidated
return for all branches or places of business with the authorized agent
bank, Revenue District Officer, Collection Agent or duly authorized
Treasurer of the city or municipality where said business or principal place
of business is located, as the case may be.

TITLE VI
EXCISE TAXES ON CERTAIN GOODS

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 129. Goods Subject to Excise Taxes. - Excise taxes apply to goods
manufactured or produced in the Philippines for domestic sales or consumption
or for any other disposition and to things imported. The excise tax imposed
herein shall be in addition to the value-added tax imposed under Title IV.

For purposes of this Title, excise taxes herein imposed and based on weight
or volume capacity or any other physical unit or measurement shall be
referred to as "specific tax" and an excise tax herein imposed and based on
selling price or other specified value of the good shall be referred to as "ad
valorem tax".

SEC. 130. Filing of Return and Payment of Excise Tax on

Domestic Products. -

(A) Persons Liable to File a Return, Filing of Return on

Removal and Payment of Tax. -

(1) Persons Liable to File a Return. - Every person liable to pay excise
tax imposed under this Title shall file a separate return for each place
of production setting forth, among others, the description and
quantity or volume of products to be removed, the applicable tax base
and the amount of tax due thereon: Provided, however, That in the
case of indigenous petroleum, natural gas or liquefied natural gas, the
excise tax shall be paid by the first buyer, purchaser or transferee for
local sale, barter or transfer, while the excise tax on exported
products shall be paid by the owner, lessee, concessionaire or
operator of the mining claim.
Should domestic products be removed from the place of production
without the payment of the tax, the owner or person having
possession thereof shall be liable for the tax due thereon.

(2) Time for Filing of Return and Payment of the Tax. - Unless
otherwise specifically allowed, the return shall be filed and the excise
tax paid by the manufacturer or producer before removal of domestic
products form place of production: Provided, That the excise tax on
locally manufactured petroleum products and indigenous petroleum
levied under Sections 148 and 151(A)(4), respectively, of this Title
shall be paid within ten (10) days from the date of removal of such
products for the period from January 1, 1998 to June 30, 1998;
within five (5) days from the date of removal of such products for the
period from July 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998; and, before removal
from the place of production of such products from January 1, 1999
and thereafter: Provided, further, That the excise tax on nonmetallic
mineral or mineral products, or quarry resources shall be due and
payable upon removal of such products from the locality where
mined or extracted, but with respect to the excise tax on locally
produced or extracted metallic mineral or mineral products, the
person liable shall file a return and pay the tax within fifteen (15)
days after the end of the calendar quarter when such products were
removed subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by rules and
regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner. For this purpose, the
taxpayer shall file a bond in an amount which approximates the
amount of excise tax due on the removals for the said quarter. The
foregoing rules notwithstanding, for imported mineral or mineral
products, whether metallic or nonmetallic, the excise tax due thereon
shall be paid before their removal from customs custody.

(3) Place of Filing of Return and Payment of the Tax. - Except as the
Commissioner otherwise permits, the return shall be filed with and
the tax paid to any authorized agent bank or Revenue Collection
Officer, or duly authorized City or Municipal Treasurer in the
Philippines.

(4) Exceptions. - The Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of

the Commissioner may, by rules and regulations, prescribe:

(a) The time for filing the return at intervals other than the time
prescribed in the preceding paragraphs for a particular class or
 classes of taxpayers after considering factors such as volume of
removals, adequate measures of security and such other
relevant information required to be submitted under the
pertinent provisions of this Code; and

(b) The manner and time of payment of excise taxes other than
as herein prescribed, under a tax prepayment, advance deposit
or similar schemes. In the case of locally produced of extracted
minerals and mineral products or quarry resources where the
mine site or place of extraction is not the same as the place of
processing or production, the return shall be filed with and the
tax paid to the Revenue District Office having jurisdiction over
the locality where the same are mined, extracted or quarried:
Provided, however, That for metallic minerals processed
abroad, the return shall be filed and the tax due thereon paid to
the Revenue District Office having jurisdiction over the locality
where the same are mined, extracted or quarried.

(B) Determination of Gross Selling Price of Goods Subject to Ad

Valorem Tax. - Unless otherwise provided, the price, excluding the
value-added tax, at which the goods are sold at wholesale in the place of
production or through their sales agents to the public shall constitute the
gross selling price. If the manufacturer also sells or allows such goods to be
sold at wholesale in another establishment of which he is the owner or in
the profits of which he has an interest, the wholesale price in such
establishment shall constitute the gross selling price. Should such price be
less than the cost of manufacture plus expenses incurred until the goods
are finally sold, then a proportionate margin of profit, not less than ten
percent (10%) of such manufacturing cost and expenses, shall be added to
constitute the gross selling price.

(C) Manufacturer's or Producer's Sworn Statement. - Every

manufacturer or producer of goods or products subject to excise taxes shall
file with the Commissioner on the date or dates designated by the latter,
and as often as may be required, a sworn statement showing, among other
information, the different goods or products manufactured or produced
and their corresponding gross selling price or market value, together with
the cost of manufacture or production plus expenses incurred or to be
incurred until the goods or products are finally sold.

(D) Credit for Excise Tax on Goods Actually Exported. - When

goods locally produced or manufactured are removed and actually
exported without returning to the Philippines, whether so exported in their
original state or as ingredients or parts of any manufactured goods or
products, any excise tax paid thereon shall be credited or refunded upon
submission of the proof of actual exportation and upon receipt of the
corresponding foreign exchange payment: Provided, That the excise tax on
mineral products, except coal and coke, imposed under Section 151 shall
not be creditable or refundable even if the mineral products are actually
exported.

SEC. 131. Payment of Excise Taxes on Importer Articles. -

(A) Persons Liable. - Excise taxes on imported articles shall be

paid by the owner or importer to the Customs Officers, conformably
with the regulations of the Department of Finance and before the
release of such articles from the customs house, or by the person who
is found in possession of articles which are exempt from excise taxes
other than those legally entitled to exemption.

In the case of tax-free articles brought or imported into the

Philippines by persons, entitles, or agencies exempt from tax which
are subsequently sold, transferred or exchanged in the Philippines to
non-exempt persons or entitles, the purchasers or recipients shall be
considered the importers thereof, and shall be liable for the duty and
internal revenue tax due on such importation.

The provision of any special or general law to the contrary

notwithstanding, the importation of cigars and cigarettes, distilled
spirits and wines into the Philippines, even if destined for tax and
duty free shops, shall be subject to all applicable taxes, duties,
charges, including excise taxes due thereon: Provided, however, That
this shall not apply to cigars and cigarettes, distilled spirits and wines
brought directly into the duly chartered or legislated freeports of the
Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, crated under Republic
Act No. 7227; the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport,
created under Republic Act No. 7922; and the Zamboanga City
Special Economic Zone, created under Republic Act No. 7903, and
are not transshipped to any other port in the Philippines: Provided,
further, That importations of cigars and cigarettes, distilled spirits
and wines by a government-owned and operated duty-free shop, like
the Duty-Free Philippines (DFP), shall be exempted from all
applicable taxes, duties, charges, including excise tax due thereon:
Provided, still further, That if such articles directly imported by a
 government-owned and operated duty-free shop like the Duty-Free
Philippines, shall be labeled "tax and duty-free" and "not for resale":
Provided, still further, That is such articles brought into the duly
chartered or legislated freeports under Republic Acts No. 7227, 7922
and 7903 are subsequently introduced into the Philippine customs
territory, then such articles shall, upon such introduction, be deemed
imported into the Philippines and shall be subject to all imposts and
excise taxes provided herein and other statutes: Provided, finally,
That the removal and transfer of tax and duty-free goods, products,
machinery, equipment and other similar articles, from one freeport
to another freeport, shall not be deemed an introduction into the
Philippine customs territory.

Articles confiscated shall be disposed of in accordance with the rules

and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner of Customs and Internal
Revenue, upon consultation with the Secretary of Tourism and the
General manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

The tax due on any such goods, products, machinery, equipment or

other similar articles shall constitute a lien on the article itself, and
such lien shall be superior to all other charges or liens, irrespective of
the possessor thereof.

(B) Rate and Basis of the Excise Tax on Imported Articles. -

Unless otherwise specified imported articles shall be subject to the same
rates and basis of excise taxes applicable to locally manufactured articles.

SEC. 132. Mode of Computing Contents of Cask or Package. -

Every fractional part of a proof liter equal to or greater than a half liter in a
cask or package containing more than one liter shall be taxed as a liter, and
any smaller fractional part shall be exempt; but any package of spirits, the
total content of which are less than a proof liter, shall be taxed as one liter.

CHAPTER II
EXEMPTION OR CONDITIONAL TAX-FREE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN
ARTICLES

SEC. 133. Removal of Wines and Distilled Spirits for Treatment of

Tobacco Leaf. - Upon issuance of a permit from the Commissioner and
subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance,
manufacturers of cigars and cigarettes may withdraw from bond, free of excise
local and imported wines and distilled spirits in specific quantities and grades
for use in the treatment of tobacco leaf to be used in the manufacture of cigars
and cigarettes; but such wines and distilled spirits must first be suitably
denatured.

SEC. 134. Domestic Denatured Alcohol. - Domestic alcohol of not less

than one hundred eighty degrees (180 O) proof (ninety percent [90%] absolute
alcohol) shall, when suitably denatured and rendered unfit for oral intake, be
exempt from the excise tax prescribed in Section 141: Provided, however, That
such denatured alcohol shall be subject to tax under Section 106(A) of this
Code: Provided, further, That if such alcohol is to be used for automotive
power, it shall be taxed under Section 148(d) of this Code: Provided, finally,
That any alcohol, previously rendered unfit for oral intake after denaturing but
subsequently rendered fit for oral intake after undergoing fermentation,
dilution, purification, mixture or any other similar process shall be taxed under
Section 141 of this Code and such tax shall be paid by the person in possession
of such reprocessed spirits.

SEC. 135. Petroleum Products Sold to International Carriers and

Exempt Entities or Agencies. - Petroleum products sold to the following are
exempt from excise tax:

(a) International carriers of Philippine or foreign registry on their use

or consumption outside the Philippines: Provided, That the
petroleum products sold to these international carriers shall be
stored in a bonded storage tank and may be disposed of only in
accordance with the rules and regulations to be prescribed by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner;

(b) Exempt entities or agencies covered by tax treaties, conventions

and other international agreements for their use or consumption:
Provided, however, That the country of said foreign international
carrier or exempt entities or agencies exempts from similar taxes
petroleum products sold to Philippine carriers, entities or agencies;
and

(c) Entities which are by law exempt from direct and indirect taxes.

SEC. 136. Denaturation, Withdrawal and Use of Denatured

Alcohol. - Any person who produces, withdraws, sells, transports or
knowingly uses, or is in possession of denatured alcohol, or articles
containing denatured alcohol in violation of laws or regulations now or
hereafter in force pertaining thereto shall be required to pay the
corresponding tax, in addition to the penalties provided for under Title X of
this Code.

SEC. 137. Removal of Spirits Under Bond for Rectification.-

Spirits requiring rectification may be removed from the place of production
to another establishment for the purpose of rectification without
prepayment of the excise tax: Provided, That the distiller removing such
spirits and the rectifier receiving them shall file with the Commissioner
their joint bond conditioned upon the payment by the rectifier of the excise
tax due on the rectified alcohol: Provided, further, That in cases where
alcohol has already been rectified either by original and continuous
distillation or by redistillation, no loss for rectification and handling shall
be allowed and the rectifier thereof shall pay the excise tax due on such
losses: Provided, finally, That where a rectifier makes use of spirits upon
which the excise tax has not been paid, he shall be liable for the payment of
the tax otherwise due thereon.

SEC. 138. Removal of Fermented Liquors to Bonded Warehouse.

- Any brewer may remove or transport from his brewery or other place of
manufacture to a bonded warehouse used by him exclusively for the
storage or sale in bulk of fermented liquors of his own manufacture, any
quantity of such fermented liquors, not less than one thousand (1,000)
liters at one removal, without prepayment of the tax thereon under a
permit which shall be granted by the Commissioner. Such permit shall be
affixed to every package so removed and shall be cancelled or destroyed in
such manner as the Commissioner may prescribe. Thereafter, the
manufacturer of such fermented liquors shall pay the tax in the same
manner and under the same penalty and liability as when paid at the
brewery.

SEC. 139. Removal of Damaged Liquors Free of Tax. - When any

fermented liquor has become sour or otherwise damaged so as to be unfit
for use as such, brewers may sell and after securing a special permit from
the Commissioner, under such conditions as may be prescribed in the rules
and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, remove the same
without the payment of tax thereon in cask or other packages, distinct from
those ordinarily used for fermented liquors, each containing not less than
one hundred seventy-five (175) liters with a note of their contents
permanently affixed thereon.
 SEC. 140. Removal of Tobacco Products Without Prepayment of
Tax. - Products of tobacco entirely unfit for chewing or smoking may be
removed free of tax for agricultural or industrial use, under such conditions
as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations prescribed by the
Secretary of Finance. Stemmed leaf tobacco, fine-cut shorts, the refuse of
fine-cut chewing tobacco, scraps, cuttings, clippings, stems, or midribs,
and sweepings of tobacco may be sold in bulk as raw material by one
manufacturer directly to another without payment of the tax, under such
conditions as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations prescribed by
the Secretary of Finance.

"Stemmed leaf tobacco", as herein used, means leaf tobacco which has had the
stem or midrib removed. The term does not include broken leaf tobacco.

CHAPTER III
EXCISE TAX ON ALCOHOL PRODUCTS

SEC. 141. Distilled Spirits. - On distilled spirits, there shall be

collected, subject to the provisions of Section 133 of this Code, excise taxes
as follows:

(a) If produced from the sap of nipa, coconut, cassava, camote, or

buri palm or from the juice,syrup or sugar of the cane, provided such
materials are produced commercially in the country where they are
processed into distilled spirits, per proof liter, Eight pesos (P8.00):
Provided, That if produced in a pot still or other similar primary
distilling apparatus by a distiller producing not more than one
hundred (100) liters a day, containing not more than fifty percent
(50%) of alcohol by volume, per proof liter, Four pesos (P4.00);

(b) If produced from raw materials other than those enumerated in

the preceding paragraph, the tax shall be in accordance with the net
retail price per bottle of seven hundred fifty milliliter (750 ml.)
volume capacity (excluding the excise tax and the value-added tax) as
follows:

(1) Less than Two hundred and fifty pesos (P250) - Seventy-five
pesos (P75), per proof liter;

(2) Two hundred and fifty pesos (P250) up to Six hundred and
Seventy-Five pesos (P675) - One hundred and fifty pesos
 (P150), per proof liter; and

(3) More than Six hundred and seventy-five pesos (P675) -

Three hundred pesos (P300), per proof liter.

(c) Medicinal preparations, flavoring extracts, and all other

preparations, except toilet preparations, of which, excluding water,
distilled spirits for the chief ingredient, shall be subject to the same
tax as such chief ingredient.

This tax shall be proportionally increased for any strength of the spirits
taxed over proof spirits, and the tax shall attach to this substance as soon
as it is in existence as such, whether it be subsequently separated as pure or
impure spirits, or transformed into any other substance either in the
process of original production or by any subsequent process.

"Spirits or distilled spirits" is the substance known as ethyl alcohol,

ethanol or spirits of wine, including all dilutions, purifications and
mixtures thereof, from whatever source, by whatever process produced,
and shall include whisky, brandy, rum, gin and vodka, and other similar
products or mixtures.

"Proof spirits" is liquor containing one-half (1/2) of its volume of alcohol of

a specific gravity of seven thousand nine hundred and thirty-nine
thousandths (0.7939) at fifteen degrees centigrade (15O C). A "proof liter"
means a liter of proof spirits.

The rates of tax imposed under this Section shall be increased by twelve
percent (12%) on January 1, 2000.

New brands shall be classified according to their current "net retail price".

For the above purpose, "net retail price" shall mean the price at which the
distilled spirit is sold on retail in ten (10) major supermarkets in Metro
Manila, excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax
and the value-added tax as of October 1, 1996.

The classification of each brand of distilled spirits based on the average net
retail price as of October 1, 1996, as set forth in Annex "A", shall remain in
force until revised by Congress.

SEC. 142. Wines. - On wines, there shall be collected per liter of volume
capacity, the following taxes:

(a) Sparkling wines/champagnes regardless of proof, if the net retail

price per bottle (excluding the excise tax and value-added tax) is:

(1) Five hundred pesos (P500) or less - One hundred pesos

(P100); and
(2) More than Five hundred pesos (P500) - Three hundred
pesos (P300).

(b) Still wines containing fourteen percent (14%) of alcohol by

volume or less, Twelve pesos (P12.00); and

(c) Still wines containing more than fourteen percent (14%) but not
more than twenty-five percent (25%) of alcohol by volume, Twenty-
four pesos (P24.00).

Fortified wines containing more than twenty-five percent of alcohol by

volume shall be taxed as distilled spirits. "Fortified wines" shall mean
natural wines to which distilled spirits are added to increase their alcoholic
strength.

The rates of tax imposed under this Section shall be increased by twelve
percent (12%) on January 1, 2000.

New brands shall be classified according to their current net retail price.

For the above purpose, "net retail price" shall mean the price at which wine
is sold on retail in ten (10) major supermarkets in Metro Manila, excluding
the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the value-added
tax as of October 1, 1996.

The classification of each brand of wines based on its average net retail
price as of October 1, 1996, as set forth in Annex "B", shall remain in force
until revised by Congress.

SEC. 143. Fermented Liquor. - There shall be levied, assessed and

collected an excise tax on beer, lager beer, ale, porter and other fermented
liquors except tuba, basi, tapuy and similar domestic fermented liquors in
accordance with the following schedule:

(a) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and value-added
tax) per liter of volume capacity is less than Fourteen pesos and fifty
 centavos (P14.50), the tax shall be Six pesos and fifteen centavos
(P6.15) per liter;

(b) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-
added tax) the per liter of volume capacity is Fourteen pesos and fifty
centavos (P14.50) up to Twenty-two pesos (P22.00), the tax shall be
Nine pesos and fifteen centavos (P9.15) per liter;

(c) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-
added tax) per liter of volume capacity is more than Twenty-two
pesos (P22.00), the tax shall be Twelve pesos and fifteen centavos
(P12.15) per liter.

Variants of existing brands which are introduced in the domestic market

after the effectivity of Republic Act No. 8240 shall be taxed under the
highest classification of any variant of that brand.

Fermented liquor which are brewed and sold at micro-breweries or small

establishments such as pubs and restaurants shall be subject to the rate in
paragraph (c) hereof.

The excise tax from any brand of fermented liquor within the next three (3)
years from the effectivity of Republic Act No. 8240 shall not be lower than
the tax which was due from each brand on October 1, 1996.

The rates of excise tax on fermented liquor under paragraphs (a), (b) and
(c) hereof shall be increased by twelve percent (12%) on January 1, 2000.

New brands shall be classified according to their current net retail price.

For the above purpose, "net retail price" shall mean the price at which the
fermented liquor is sold on retail in twenty (20) major supermarkets in
Metro Manila (for brands of fermented liquor marketed nationally)
excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the
value-added tax. For brands which are marketed only outside Metro
Manila, the "net retail price" shall mean the price at the which the
fermented liquor is sold in five (5) major supermarkets in the region
excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the
value-added tax.

The classification of each brand of fermented liquor based on its average

net retail price as of October 1, 1996, as set forth in Annex "C", shall remain
in force until revised by Congress.

"A variant of brand" shall refer to a brand on which a modifier is prefixed

and/or suffixed to the root name of the brand and/or a different brand
which carries the same logo or design of the existing brand.

Every brewer or importer of fermented liquor shall, within thirty (30) days
from the effectivity of R. A. No. 8240, and within the first five (5) days of
every month thereafter, submit to the Commissioner a sworn statement of
the volume of sales for each particular brand of fermented liquor sold at his
establishment for the three-month period immediately preceding.

Any brewer or importer who, in violation of this Section, knowingly

misdeclares or misrepresents in his or its sworn statement herein required
any pertinent data or information shall be penalized by a summary
cancellation or withdrawal of his or its permit to engage in business as
brewer or importer of fermented liquor.

Any corporation, association or partnership liable for any of the acts or

omissions in violation of this Section shall be fined treble the amount of
deficiency taxes, surcharge, and interest which may be assessed pursuant
to this Section.

Any person liable for any of the acts or omissions prohibited under this
Section shall be criminally liable and penalized under Section 254 of this
Code. Any person who willfully aids or abets in the commission of any such
act or omission shall be criminally liable in the same manner as the
principal.

If the offender is not a citizen of the Philippines, he shall be deported

immediately after serving the sentence, without further proceedings for
deportation.

CHAPTER IV
EXCISE TAX ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS

SEC. 144. Tobacco Products. - There shall be collected a tax of

seventy-five centavos (P0.75) on each kilogram of the following products of
tobacco:

(a) Tobacco twisted by hand or reduced into a condition to be

 consumed in any manner other than the ordinary mode of drying and
curing;

(b) Tobacco prepared or partially prepared with or without the use of

any machine or instruments or without being pressed or sweetened;
and

(c) Fine-cut shorts and refuse, scraps, clippings, cuttings, stems and
sweepings of tobacco.

Fine-cut shorts and refuse, scraps, clippings, cuttings, stems and sweepings
of tobacco resulting from the handling or stripping of whole leaf tobacco
may be transferred, disposed of, or otherwise sold, without prepayment of
the excise tax herein provided for under such conditions as may be
prescribed in the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, if the same are to be
exported or to be used in the manufacture of other tobacco products on
which the excise tax will eventually be paid on the finished product.

On tobacco specially prepared for chewing so as to be unsuitable for use in

any other manner, on each kilogram, Sixty centavos (P0.60).

SEC. 145. Cigars and Cigarettes. -

(A) Cigars. - There shall be levied, assessed and collected on cigars a tax
of One peso (P1.00) per cigar.

(B) Cigarettes Packed by Hand. - There shall be levied, assessed and

collected on cigarettes packed by hand a tax of Forty centavos (P0.40) per
pack.

(C) Cigarettes Packed by Machine. - There shall be levied, assessed

and collected on cigarettes packed by machine a tax at the rates prescribed
below:

(1) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-added
tax) is above Ten
pesos (P10.00) per pack, the tax shall be Twelve pesos (P12.00)
per pack;

(2) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-
added tax) exceeds Six
pesos and fifty centavos (P6.50) but does not exceed Ten pesos
 (P10.00) per pack,
the tax shall be Eight pesos (8.00) per pack;

(3) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-
added tax) is Five pesos
(P5.00) but does not exceed Six pesos and fifty centavos (P6.50)
per pack, the tax
shall be Five pesos (P5.00) per pack;

(4) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-
added tax is below Five
pesos (P5.00) per pack, the tax shall be One peso (P1.00) per pack;

Variants of existing brands of cigarettes which are introduced in the

domestic market after the effectivity of R.A. No. 8240 shall be taxed under
the highest classification of any variant of that brand.

The excise tax from any brand of cigarettes within the next three (3) years
from the effectivity of R. A. No. 8240 shall not be lower than the tax, which
is due from each brand on October 1, 1996: Provided, however, That in
cases where the excise tax rates imposed in paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4)
hereinabove will result in an increase in excise tax of more than seventy
percent (70%); for a brand of cigarette, the increase shall take effect in two
tranches: fifty percent (50%) of the increase shall be effective in 1997 and
one hundred percent (100%) of the increase shall be effective in 1998.

Duly registered or existing brands of cigarettes or new brands thereof

packed by machine shall only be packed in twenties.

The rates of excise tax on cigars and cigarettes under paragraphs (1), (2),
(3) and (4) hereof, shall be increased by twelve percent (12%) on January 1,
2000.

New brands shall be classified according to their current net retail price.

For the above purpose, "net retail price" shall mean the price at which the
cigarette is sold on retail in twenty (20) major supermarkets in Metro
Manila (for brands of cigarettes marketed nationally), excluding the
amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the value-added
tax. For brands which are marketed only outside Metro Manila, the "net
retail price" shall mean the price at which the cigarette is sold in five (5)
major supermarkets in the region excluding the amount intended to cover
the applicable excise tax and the value-added tax.

The classification of each brand of cigarettes based on its average net retail
price as of October 1, 1996, as set forth in Annex "D", shall remain in force
until revised by Congress.

"Variant of a brand" shall refer to a brand on which a modifier is prefixed

and/or suffixed to the root name of the brand and/or a different brand
which carries the same logo or design of the existing brand.

Manufactures and importers of cigars and cigarettes shall, within thirty

(30) days from the effectivity of R. A. No. 8240 and within the first five (5)
days of every month thereafter submit to the Commissioner a sworn
statement of the volume of sales for each particular brand of cigars and/or
cigarettes sold at his establishment for the three-month period
immediately preceding.

Any manufacturer or importer who, in violation of this Section, knowingly

misdeclares or misrepresents in his or its sworn statement herein required
any pertinent data or information shall, upon discovery, be penalized by a
summary cancellation or withdrawal of his or its permit to engage in
business as manufacturer or importer of cigars or cigarettes.

Any corporation, association or partnership liable for any of the acts or

omissions in violation of this Section shall be fined treble the amount of
deficiency taxes, surcharges and interest which may be assessed pursuant
to this Section.

Any person liable for any of the acts or omissions prohibited under this
Section shall be criminally liable and penalized under Section 254 of this
Code. Any person who willfully aids or abets in the commission of any such
act or omission shall be criminally liable in the same manner as the
principal.

If the offender is not a citizen of the Philippines, he shall be deported

immediately after serving the sentence without further proceedings for
deportation.

SEC. 146. Inspection Fee. - For inspection made in accordance with

this Chapter, there shall be collected a fee of Fifty centavos (P0.50) for each
thousand cigars or fraction thereof; Ten centavos (P0.10) for each
thousand cigarettes of fraction thereof; Two centavos (P0.02) for each
kilogram of leaf tobacco or fraction thereof; and Three centavos (P0.03) for
each kilogram or fraction thereof, of scrap and other manufactured
tobacco.

The inspection fee on leaf tobacco, scrap, cigars, cigarettes and other
tobacco products as defined in Section 147 of this Code shall be paid by the
wholesaler, manufacturer, producer, owner or operator of redrying plant,
as the case may be, immediately before removal there of from the
establishment of the wholesaler, manufacturer, owner or operator of the
redrying plant. In case of imported leaf tobacco and products thereof, the
inspection fee shall be paid by the importer before removal from customs'
custody.

Fifty percent (50%) of the tobacco inspection fee shall accrue to the
Tobacco Inspection Fund created by Section 12 of Act No. 2613, as
amended by Act No. 3179, and fifty percent (50%) shall accrue to the
Cultural Center of the Philippines.

SEC. 147. Definition of Terms. - When used herein and in statements

or official forms prescribed hereunder, the following terms shall have the
meaning indicated:

(a) "Cigars" mean all rolls of tobacco or any substitute thereof,

wrapped in leaf tobacco.

(b) "Cigarettes" mean all rolls of finely-cut leaf tobacco, or any

substitute therefor, wrapped in paper or in any other material.

(c) "Wholesale price" shall mean the amount of money or price paid
for cigars or cigarettes purchased for the purpose of resale, regardless
of quantity.

(d) "Retail price" shall mean the amount of money or price which an
ultimate consumer or end-user pays for cigars or cigarettes
purchased.

CHAPTER V
EXCISE TAX ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

SEC. 148. Manufactured Oils and Other Fuels. - There shall be

collected on refined and manufactured mineral oils and motor fuels, the
following excise taxes which shall attach to the goods hereunder
enumerated as soon as they are in existence as such:

(a) Lubricating oils and greases, including but not limited to, base
stock for lube oils and greases, high vacuum distillates, aromatic
extracts, and other similar preparations, and additives for lubricating
oils and greases, whether such additives are petroleum based or not,
per liter and kilogram respectively, of volume capacity or weight,
Four pesos and fifty centavos (P4.50): Provided, however, That the
excise taxes paid on the purchased feedstock (bunker) used in the
manufacture of excisable articles and forming part thereof shall be
credited against the excise tax due therefrom: Provided, further, That
lubricating oils and greases produced from base stocks and additives
on which the excise tax has already been paid shall no longer be
subject to excise tax: Provided, finally, That locally produced or
imported oils previously taxed as such but are subsequently
reprocessed, rerefined or recycled shall likewise be subject to the tax
imposed under this Section.

(b) Processed gas, per liter of volume capacity, Five centavos (P0.05);

(c) Waxes and petrolatum, per kilogram, Three pesos and fifty
centavos (P3.50);

(d) On denatured alcohol to be used for motive power, per liter of

volume capacity, Five centavos (P0.05): Provided, That unless
otherwise provided by special laws, if the denatured alcohol is mixed
with gasoline, the excise tax on which has already been paid, only the
alcohol content shall be subject to the tax herein prescribed. For
purposes of this Subsection, the removal of denatured alcohol of not
less than one hundred eighty degrees (180o ) proof (ninety percent
(90%) absolute alcohol) shall be deemed to have been removed for
motive power, unless shown otherwise;

(e) Naphtha, regular gasoline and other similar products of

distillation, per liter of volume capacity, Four pesos and eighty
centavos (P4.80): Provided, however, That naphtha, when used as a
raw material in the production of petrochemical products or as
replacement fuel for natural-gas-fired-combined cycle power plant, in
lieu of locally-extracted natural gas during the non-availability
thereof, subject to the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the
Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Finance,
per liter of volume capacity, Zero (P0.00): Provided, further, That
 the by-product including fuel oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, pyrolysis
gasoline, liquefied petroleum gases and similar oils having more or
less the same generating power, which are produced in the processing
of naphtha into petrochemical products shall be subject to the
applicable excise tax specified in this Section, except when such by-
products are transferred to any of the local oil refineries through sale,
barter or exchange, for the purpose of further processing or blending
into finished products which are subject to excise tax under this
Section;

(f) Leaded premium gasoline, per liter of volume capacity, Five pesos
and thirty-five centavos (P5.35); unleaded premium gasoline, per
liter of volume capacity, Four pesos and thirty-five centavos (P4.35);

(g) Aviation turbo jet fuel, per liter of volume capacity, Three pesos
and sixty-seven centavos (P3.67);

(h) Kerosene, per liter of volume capacity, Sixty centavos (0.60):

Provided, That kerosene, when used as aviation fuel, shall be subject
to the same tax on aviation turbo jet fuel under the preceding
paragraph (g), such tax to be assessed on the user thereof;

(i) Diesel fuel oil, an on similar fuel oils having more or less the same
generating power, per liter of volume capacity, One peso and sixty-
three centavos (P1.63);

(j) Liquefied petroleum gas, per liter, Zero (P0.00): Provided, That
liquefied petroleum gas used for motive power shall be taxed at the
equivalent rate as the excise tax on diesel fuel oil;

(k) Asphalts, per kilogram, Fifty-six centavos (P0.56); and

(l) Bunker fuel oil, and on similar fuel oils having more or less the
same generating power, per liter of volume capacity, Thirty centavos
(P0.30).

CHAPTER VI
EXCISE TAX ON MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES

SEC. 149. Automobiles. - There shall be levied, assessed and collected an ad

valorem tax on automobiles based on the manufacturer’s or importer’s selling
price, net of excise and value-added tax, in accordance with the following
schedule:

ENGINE DISPLACEMENT [in cc.]

GASOLINE DIESEL TAX RATE

Up to 1600 Up to 1800 15%
1601 to 2000 1801 to 2300 35%
2001 to 2700 2301 to 3000 50%
2701 or over 3001 to over 100%

Provided, That in the case of imported automobiles not for sale, the tax
imposed herein shall be based on the total value used by the Bureau of
Customs in determining tariff and customs duties, including customs duty
and all other charges, plus ten percent (10%) of the total thereof.

Automobiles acquired for use by persons or entities operating within the

freeport zone shall be exempt from excise tax: Provided, That utility
vehicles of registered zone enterprises, which are indispensable in the
conduct and operations of their business, such as delivery trucks and cargo
vans with gross vehicle weight above three (3) metric tons may be allowed
unrestricted use outside the freeport zone: Provided, further, That vehicles
owned by tourist-oriented enterprises, such as tourist buses and cars with
yellow plates, color-coded, and utilized exclusively for the purpose of
transporting tourists in tourism-related activities, and service vehicles of
freeport registered enterprises and executives, such as company service
cars and expatriates’ and investors’ automobiles brought in the name of
such enterprises, may be used outside the freeport zone for such periods as
may be prescribed by the Departments of Finance, and Trade and Industry,
the Bureau of Customs and the Freeport authorities concerned, which in no
case shall exceed fourteen (14) days per month.

In case such tourist buses and cars, service vehicles of registered freeport
enterprises and company service cars are used for more than an aggregate
period of fourteen (14) days per month outside of the freeport zone, the
owner or importer shall pay the corresponding customs duties, taxes and
charges.

In the case of personally-owned vehicles of residents, including

 leaseholders of residences inside the freeport zone, the use of such vehicles
outside of the freeport zone shall be deemed an introduction into the
Philippine customs territory, and such introduction shall be deemed an
importation into the Philippines and shall subject such vehicles to Customs
duties taxes and charges, including excise tax due on such vehicle.

The Secretaries of Finance, and Trade and Industry, together with the
Commissioner of Customs and the administrators of the freeports
concerned, shall promulgate rules and regulations for the proper
identification and control of said automobiles.

SEC. 150. Non-Essential Goods. - There shall be levied, assessed and

collected a tax equivalent to twenty percent (20%) based on the wholesale
price or the value of importation used by the Bureau of Customs in
determining tariff and customs duties, net of excise tax and value-added
tax, of the following goods:

(a) All goods commonly or commercially known as jewelry, whether

real or imitation, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones and
imitations thereof; goods made of, or ornamented, mounted or fitted
with, precious metals or imitations thereof or ivory (not including
surgical and dental instruments, silver-plated wares, frames or
mountings for spectacles or eyeglasses, and dental gold or gold alloys
and other precious metals used in filling, mounting or fitting the
teeth); opera glasses and lorgnettes. The term "precious metals" shall
include platinum, gold, silver and other metals of similar or greater
value. The term ‘imitations thereof shall include platings and alloys of
such metals;

(b) Perfumes and toilet waters;

(c) Yachts and other vessels intended for pleasure or sports.

CHAPTER VII
EXCISE TAX ON MINERAL PRODUCTS

SEC. 151. Mineral Products. -

(A) Rates of Tax. - There shall be levied, assessed and collected on

minerals, mineral products and quarry resources, excise tax as follows:
(1) On coal and coke, a tax of Ten pesos (P10.00) per metric ton;

(2) On all nonmetallic minerals and quarry resources, a tax of two

percent (2%) based on
the actual market value of the gross output thereof at the time of
removal, in the case
of those locally extracted or produced; or the value used by the
Bureau of Customs in
determining tariff and customs duties, net of excise tax and value-
added tax, in the case
of importation.

Notwithstanding the provision of paragraph (4) of Subsection (A) of

Section 151, locally extracted natural gas and liquefied natural gas
shall be taxed at the rate of two percent (2%);

(3) On all metallic minerals, a tax based on the actual market value of
the gross output thereof
at the time of removal, in the case of those locally extracted or
produced; or the value used
by the Bureau of Customs in determining tariff and customs
duties, net of excise tax and
value-added tax, in the case of importation, in accordance with the
following schedule:

(a) Copper and other metallic minerals;

(i) On the first three (3) years upon the effectivity of

Republic Act No. 7729,
one percent (1%);

(ii) On the fourth and the fifth years, one and a half
percent (1 ½%); and

(iii) On the sixth year and thereafter, two percent (2%);

(b) Gold and chromite, two percent (2%).

(4) On indigenous petroleum, a tax of three percent (3%) of the fair

international market price
thereof, on the first taxable sale, barter, exchange or such similar
transaction, such tax
to be paid by the buyer or purchaser before removal from the place
 of production. The
phrase "first taxable sale, barter, exchange or similar
transaction" means the transfer
of indigenous petroleum in its original state to a first taxable
transferee. The fair
international market price shall be determined in consultation
with an appropriate
government agency.

For the purpose of this Subsection, "indigenous petroleum" shall

include locally-extracted mineral oil, hydrocarbon gas, bitumen,
crude asphalt, mineral gas and all other similar or naturally
associated substances with the exception of coal, peat, bituminous
shale and/or stratified mineral deposits.

(B) For Purposes of This Section, the Term:

(1) "Gross output" shall be interpreted as the actual market value of

minerals or mineral products or of bullion from each mine or mineral
land operated as a separate entity, without any deduction from
mining, milling, refining (including all expenses incurred to prepare
the said minerals or mineral products in a marketable state), as well
as transporting, handling, marketing or any other expenses:
Provided, That if the minerals or mineral products are sold or
consigned abroad by the lessee or owner of the mine under C.I.F.
terms, the actual cost of ocean freight and insurance shall be
deducted: Provided, however, That in the case of mineral
concentrate, not traded in commodity exchanges in the Philippines or
abroad, such as copper concentrate, the actual market value shall be
the world price quotations of the refined mineral products content
thereof prevailing in the said commodity exchanges, after deducting
the smelting, refining and other charges incurred in the process of
converting the mineral concentrates into refined metal traded in
those commodity exchanges.

(2) "Minerals" shall mean all naturally occurring inorganic

substances (found in nature) whether in solid, liquid, gaseous or any
intermediate state.

(3) "Mineral products" shall mean things produced and prepared in a

marketable state by simple treatment processes such as washing or drying,
but without undergoing any chemical change or process or manufacturing
 by the lessee, concessionaire or owner of mineral lands.

(4) "Quarry resources" shall mean any common stone or other common
mineral substances as the Director of the Bureau of Mines and Geo-
Sciences may declare to be quarry resources such as, but not restricted to,
marl, marble, granite, volcanic cinders, basalt, tuff and rock phosphate:
Provided, That they contain no metal or other valuable minerals in
economically workable quantities.

CHAPTER VIII
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS REGULATING BUSINESS
OR PERSONS DEALING IN ARTICLES SUBJECT TO EXCISE TAX

SEC. 152. Extent of Supervision Over Establishments Producing

Taxable Output. - The Bureau of Internal Revenue has authority to
supervise establishments where articles subject to excise tax are made or
kept. The Secretary of Finance shall prescribe rules and regulations as to
the mode in which the process of production shall be conducted insofar as
may be necessary to secure a sanitary output and to safeguard the revenue.

SEC. 153. Records to be Kept by Manufacturers; Assessment

Based Thereon. - Manufacturers of articles subject to excise tax shall
keep such records as required by rules and regulations recommended by
the Commissioner and approved by the Secretary of Finance, and such
records, whether of raw materials received into the factory or of articles
produced therein, shall be deemed public and official documents for all
purposes.

The records of raw materials kept by such manufacturers may be used as

evidence by which to determine the amount of excise taxes due from them,
and whenever the amounts of raw material received into any factory
exceeds the amount of manufactured or partially manufactured products
on hand and lawfully removed from the factory, plus waste removed or
destroyed, and a reasonable allowance for unavoidable loss in
manufacture, the Commissioner may assess and collect the tax due on the
products which should have been produced from the excess.

The excise tax due on the products as determined and assessed in

accordance with this Section shall be payable upon demand or within the
period specified therein.
SEC. 154. Premises Subject to Approval by Commissioner. - No
person shall engage in business as a manufacturer of or dealer in articles
subject to excise tax unless the premises upon which the business is to
conducted shall have been approved by the Commissioner.

SEC. 155. Manufacturers to Provide Themselves with Counting

or Metering Devices to Determine Production. - Manufacturers of
cigarettes, alcoholic products, oil products and other articles subject to
excise tax that can be similarly measured shall provide themselves with
such necessary number of suitable counting or metering devices to
determine as accurately as possible the volume, quantity or number of the
articles produced by them under rules and regulations promulgated by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

This requirement shall be complied with before commencement of

operations.

SEC. 156. Labels and Form of Packages. - All articles of domestic

manufacture subject to excise tax and all leaf tobacco shall be put up and
prepared by the manufacturer or producer, when removed for sale or
consumption, in such packages only and bearing such marks or brand as
shall be prescribed in the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Secretary of Finance; and goods of similar character imported into the
Philippines shall likewise be packed and marked in such a manner as may
be required.

SEC. 157. Removal of Articles After the Payment of Tax. - When

the tax has been paid on articles or products subject to excise tax, the same
shall not thereafter be stored or permitted to remain in the distillery,
distillery warehouse, bonded warehouse, or other factory or place where
produced. However, upon prior permit from the Commissioner, oil
refineries and/or companies may store or deposit tax-paid petroleum
products and commingle the same with its own manufactured products not
yet subjected to excise tax. Imported petroleum products may be allowed to
be withdrawn from customs custody without the prepayment of excise tax,
which products may be commingled with the tax-paid or bonded products
of the importer himself after securing a prior permit from the
Commissioner: Provided, That withdrawals shall be taxed and accounted
for on a "first-in, first-out" basis.

SEC. 158. Storage of Goods in Internal-Revenue Bonded

Warehouses. - An internal-revenue bonded warehouse may be
maintained in any port of entry for the storing of imported or
manufactured goods which are subject to excise tax. The taxes on such
goods shall be payable only upon removal from such warehouse and a
reasonable charge shall be made for their storage therein. The
Commissioner, may, in his discretion, exact a bond to secure the payment
of the tax on any goods so stored.

SEC. 159. Proof of Exportation; Exporter's Bond. - Exporters of

goods that would be subject to excise tax, if sold or removed for
consumption in the Philippines, shall submit proof of exportation
satisfactory to the Commissioner and, when the same is deemed necessary,
shall be required to give a bond prior to the removal of the goods for
shipment, conditioned upon the exportation of the same in good faith.

SEC. 160. Manufacturers' and Importers' Bond. - Manufacturers

and importers of articles subject to excise tax shall post a bond subject to
the following conditions:

(A) Initial Bond. - In case of initial bond, the amount shall be equal to
One Hundred thousand pesos (P100,000): Provided, That if after six (6)
months of operation, the amount of initial bond is less than the amount of
the total excise tax paid during the period, the amount of the bond shall be
adjusted to twice the tax actually paid for the period.

(B) Bond for the Succeeding Years of Operation. - The bonds for
the succeeding years of operation shall be based on the actual total excise
tax paid during the period the year immediately preceding the year of
operation.

Such bond shall be conditioned upon faithful compliance, during the time
such business is followed, with laws and rules and regulations relating to
such business and for the satisfaction of all fines and penalties imposed by
this Code.

SEC. 161. Records to be Kept by Wholesale Dealers. - Wholesale

dealers shall keep records of their purchases and sales or deliveries of
articles subject to excise tax, in such form as shall be prescribed in the rules
and regulations by the Secretary of Finance. These records and the entire
stock of goods subject to tax shall be subject at all times to inspection of
internal revenue officers.

SEC. 162. Records to be Kept by Dealers in Leaf Tobacco. -

Dealers in leaf tobacco shall keep records of the products sold or delivered
by them to other persons in such manner as may be prescribed in the rules
and regulations by the Secretary of Finance, such records to be at all times
subject to inspection of internal revenue officers.

SEC. 163. Preservation of Invoices and Stamps. - All dealers

whosoever shall preserve, for the period prescribed in Section 235, all
official invoices received by them from other dealers or from
manufacturers, together with the fractional parts of stamps affixed thereto,
if any, and upon demand, shall deliver or transmit the same to any interval
revenue officer.

SEC. 164. Information to be Given by Manufacturers,

Importers, Indentors, and Wholesalers of any Apparatus or
Mechanical Contrivance Specially for the Manufacture of
Articles Subject to Excise Tax and Importers, Indentors,
Manufacturers or Sellers of Cigarette Paper in Bobbins,
Cigarette Tipping Paper or Cigarette Filter Tips. - Manufacturers,
indentors, wholesalers and importers of any apparatus or mechanical
contrivance specially for the manufacture of articles subject to tax shall,
before any such apparatus or mechanical contrivance is removed from the
place of manufacture or from the customs house, give written information
to the Commissioner as to the nature and capacity of the same, the time
when it is to be removed, and the place for which it is destined, as well as
the name of the person by whom it is to be used; and such apparatus or
mechanical contrivance shall not be set up nor dismantled or transferred
without a permit in writing from the Commissioner.

A written permit from the Commissioner for importing, manufacturing or

selling of cigarette paper in bobbins or rolls, cigarette tipping paper or
cigarette filter tips is required before any person shall engage in the
importation, manufacture or sale of the said articles. No permit to sell said
articles shall be granted unless the name and address of the prospective
buyer is first submitted to the Commissioner and approved by him.
Records, showing the stock of the said articles and the disposal thereof by
sale of persons with their respective addresses as approved by the
Commissioner, shall be kept by the seller, and records, showing stock of
said articles and consumption thereof, shall be kept by the buyer, subject to
inspection by internal revenue officers.

SEC. 165. Establishment of Distillery Warehouse. - Every distiller,

when so required by the Commissioner, shall provide at his own expense a
warehouse, and shall be situated in and constitute a part of his distillery
premises and to be used only for the storage of distilled spirits of his own
manufacture until the tax thereon shall have been paid; but no dwelling
house shall be used for such purpose. Such warehouse, when approved by
the Commissioner, is declared to be a bonded warehouse, and shall be
known as a distillery warehouse.

SEC. 166. Custody of Distillery or Distillery Warehouse. - Every

distillery or distillery warehouse shall be in the joint custody of the revenue
inspector, if one is assigned thereto, and of the proprietor thereof. It shall
be kept securely locked, and shall at no time be unlocked or opened or
remain unlocked or opened unless in the presence of such revenue
inspector or other person who may be designated to act for him as provided
by law.

SEC. 167. Limitation on Quantity of Spirits Removed from

Warehouse. - No distilled spirits shall be removed from any distillery,
distillery warehouse, or bonded warehouse in quantities of less than fifteen
(15) gauge liters at any one time, except bottled goods, which may be
removed by the case of not less than twelve (12) bottles.

SEC. 168. Denaturing Within Premises. - For purposes of this Title,

the process of denaturing alcohol shall be effected only within the distillery
premises where the alcohol to be denatured is produced in accordance with
formulas duly approved by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and only in the
presence of duly designated representatives of said Bureau.

SEC. 169. Recovery of Alcohol for Use in Arts and Industries. -

Manufacturers employing processes in which denatured alcohol used in
arts and industries is expressed or evaporated from the articles
manufactured may, under rules and regulations to be prescribed by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, be
permitted to recover the alcohol so used and restore it again to a condition
suitable solely for use in manufacturing processes.

SEC. 170. Requirements Governing Rectification and

Compounding of Liquors. - Persons engaged in the rectification or
compounding of liquors shall, as to the mode of conducting their business
and supervision over the same, be subject to all the requirements of law
applicable to distilleries: Provided, That where a rectifier makes use of
spirits upon which the excise tax has been paid, no further tax shall be
collected on any rectified spirits produced exclusively therefrom: Provided,
further, That compounders in the manufacture of any intoxicating
beverage whatever, shall not be allowed to make use of spirits upon which
the excise tax has not been previously paid.

SEC. 171. Authority of Internal Revenue Officer in Searching for

Taxable Articles. - Any internal revenue officer may, in the discharge of
his official duties, enter any house, building or place where articles subject
to tax under this Title are produced or kept, or are believed by him upon
reasonable grounds to be produced or kept, so far as may be necessary to
examine, discover or seize the same.

He may also stop and search any vehicle or other means of transportation
when upon reasonable grounds he believes that the same carries any article
on which the excise tax has not been paid.

SEC. 172. Detention of Package Containing Taxable Articles. -

Any revenue officer may detain any package containing or supposed to
contain articles subject to excise tax when he has good reason to believe
that the lawful tax has not been paid or that the package has been or is
being removed in violation of law, and every such package shall be held by
such officer in a safe place until it shall be determined whether the
property so detained is liable by law to be proceeded against for forfeiture;
but such summary detention shall not continue in any case longer than
seven (7) days without due process of law or intervention of the officer to
whom such detention is to be reported.

TITLE VII
DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX

SEC. 173. Stamp Taxes Upon Documents, Loan Agreements,

Instruments and Papers. - Upon documents, instruments, loan
agreements and papers, and upon acceptances, assignments, sales and
transfers of the obligation, right or property incident thereto, there shall be
levied, collected and paid for, and in respect of the transaction so had or
accomplished, the corresponding documentary stamp taxes prescribed in
the following Sections of this Title, by the person making, signing, issuing,
accepting, or transferring the same wherever the document is made,
signed, issued, accepted or transferred when the obligation or right arises
from Philippine sources or the property is situated in the Philippines, and
the same time such act is done or transaction had: Provided, That
whenever one party to the taxable document enjoys exemption from the tax
herein imposed, the other party who is not exempt shall be the one directly
liable for the tax.

SEC. 174. Stamp Tax on Debentures and Certificates of

Indebtedness. - On all debentures and certificates of indebtedness issued
by any association, company or corporation, there shall be collected a
documentary stamp tax of One peso and fifty centavos (P1.50) on each Two
hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of such
documents.

SEC. 175. Stamp Tax on Original Issue of Shares of Stock. - On

every original issue, whether on organization, reorganization or for any
lawful purpose, of shares of stock by any association, company or
corporation, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Two pesos
(P2.00) on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of
the par value, of such shares of stock: Provided, That in the case of the
original issue of shares of stock without par value the amount of the
documentary stamp tax herein prescribed shall be based upon the actual
consideration for the issuance of such shares of stock: Provided, further,
That in the case of stock dividends, on the actual value represented by each
share.

SEC. 176. Stamp Tax on Sales, Agreements to Sell, Memoranda

of Sales, Deliveries or Transfer of Due-bills, Certificates of
Obligation, or Shares of Certificates of Stock. - On all sales, or
agreements to sell, or memoranda of sale, or deliveries, or transfer of due-
bills, certificates of obligation, or shares of certificates of stock in any
association, company, or corporation, or transfer of such securities by
assignment in blank, or by delivery, or by any paper or agreement, or
memorandum or other evidences of transfer or sale whether entitling the
holder in any manner to the benefit of such due-bills, certificates of
obligation or stock, or to secure the future payment of money, or for the
future transfer of any due-bill, certificate of obligation or stock, there shall
be collected a documentary stamp tax of One peso and fifty centavos
(P1.50) on each Two hundred pesos (P200) or fractional part thereof, of
the par value of such due-bill, certificate of obligation or stock; Provided,
That only one tax shall be collected on each sale or transfer of stock or
securities from one person to another, regardless of whether or not a
certificate of stock or obligation is issued, indorsed, or delivered in
pursuance of such sale or transfer: and, Provided, further, That in the case
of stock without par value the amount of documentary stamp tax herein
prescribed shall be equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the
documentary stamp tax paid upon the original issue of said stock.

SEC. 177. Stamp Tax on Bonds, Debentures, Certificate of Stock

or Indebtedness Issued in Foreign Countries. - On all bonds,
debentures, certificates of stock, or certificates of indebtedness issued in
any foreign country, there shall be collected from the person selling or
transferring the same in the Philippines, such as tax as is required by law
on similar instruments when issued, sold or transferred in the Philippines.

SEC. 178. Stamp Tax on Certificates of Profits or Interest in

Property or Accumulations. - On all certificates of profits, or any
certificate or memorandum showing interest in the property or
accumulations of any association, company or corporation, and on all
transfers of such certificates or memoranda, there shall be collected a
documentary stamp tax of Fifty centavos (P0.50) on each Two hundred
pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of such certificate
or memorandum.

SEC. 179. Stamp Tax on Bank Checks, Drafts, Certificates of

Deposit not Bearing Interest, and Other Instruments. - On each
bank check, draft, or certificate of deposit not drawing interest, or order for
the payment of any sum of money drawn upon or issued by any bank, trust
company, or any person or persons, companies or corporations, at sight or
on demand, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of One peso
and fifty centavos (P1.50).

SEC. 180. Stamp Tax on All Bonds, Loan Agreements,

promissory Notes, Bills of Exchange, Drafts, Instruments and
Securities Issued by the Government or Any of its
Instrumentalities, Deposit Substitute Debt Instruments,
Certificates of Deposits Bearing Interest and Others Not
Payable on Sight or Demand. - On all bonds, loan agreements,
including those signed abroad, wherein the object of the contract is located
or used in the Philippines, bills of exchange (between points within the
Philippines), drafts, instruments and securities issued by the Government
or any of its instrumentalities, deposit substitute debt instruments,
certificates of deposits drawing interest, orders for the payment of any sum
of money otherwise than at sight or on demand, on all promissory notes,
whether negotiable or non-negotiable, except bank notes issued for
circulation, and on each renewal of any such note, there shall be collected a
documentary stamp tax of Thirty centavos (P0.30) on each Two hundred
pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of any such
agreement, bill of exchange, draft, certificate of deposit, or note: Provided,
That only one documentary stamp tax shall be imposed on either loan
agreement, or promissory notes issued to secure such loan, whichever will
yield a higher tax: Provided, however, That loan agreements or promissory
notes the aggregate of which does not exceed Two hundred fifty thousand
pesos (P250,000) executed by an individual for his purchase on
installment for his personal use or that of his family and not for business,
resale, barter or hire of a house, lot, motor vehicle, appliance or furniture
shall be exempt from the payment of the documentary stamp tax provided
under this Section.

SEC. 181. Stamp Tax Upon Acceptance of Bills of Exchange and

Others. - Upon any acceptance or payment of any bill of exchange or
order for the payment of money purporting to be drawn in a foreign
country but payable in the Philippines, there shall be collected a
documentary stamp tax of Thirty centavos (P0.30) on each Two hundred
pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of any such bill of
exchange, or order, or the Philippine equivalent to such value, if expressed
in foreign currency.

SEC. 182. Stamp Tax on Foreign Bills of Exchange and Letters

of Credit. - On all foreign bills of exchange and letters of credit (including
orders, by telegraph or otherwise, for the payment of money issued by
express or steamship companies or by any person or persons) drawn in but
payable out of the Philippines in a set of three (3) or more according to the
custom of merchants and bankers, there shall be collected a documentary
stamp tax of Thirty centavos (P0.30) on each Two hundred pesos (P200),
or fractional part thereof, of the face value of any such bill of exchange or
letter of credit, or the Philippine equivalent of such face value, if expressed
in foreign currency.

SEC. 183. Stamp Tax on Life Insurance Policies. - On all policies of

insurance or other instruments by whatever name the same may be called,
whereby any insurance shall be made or renewed upon any life or lives,
there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifty centavos (P0.50)
on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the
amount insured by any such policy.

SEC. 184. Stamp Tax on Policies of Insurance Upon Property. -

On all policies of insurance or other instruments by whatever name the
same may be called, by which insurance shall be made or renewed upon
property of any description, including rents or profits, against peril by sea
or on inland waters, or by fire or lightning, there shall be collected a
documentary stamp tax of Fifty centavos (P0.50) on each Four pesos
(P4.00), or fractional part thereof, of the amount of premium charged:
Provided, however, That no documentary stamp tax shall be collected on
reinsurance contracts or on any instrument by which cession or acceptance
of insurance risks under any reinsurance agreement is effected or recorded.

SEC. 185. Stamp Tax on Fidelity Bonds and Other Insurance

Policies. - On all policies of insurance or bonds or obligations of the
nature of indemnity for loss, damage or liability made or renewed by any
person, association, company or corporation transacting the business of
accident, fidelity, employer’s liability, plate, glass, steam, boiler, burglar,
elevator, automatic sprinkler, or other branch of insurance (except life,
marine, inland, and fire insurance), and all bonds, undertakings, or
recognizances, conditioned for the performance of the duties of any office
or position, for the doing or not doing of anything therein specified, and on
all obligations guaranteeing the validity or legality of any bond or other
obligations issued by any province, city, municipality, or other public body
or organization, and on all obligations guaranteeing the title to any real
estate, or guaranteeing any mercantile credits, which may be made or
renewed by any such person, company or corporation, there shall be
collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifty centavos (P0.50) on each Four
pesos (P4.00), or fractional part thereof, of the premium charged.

SEC. 186. Stamp Tax on Policies of Annuities and Pre-Need

Plans. - On all policies of annuities, or other instruments by whatever
name the same may be called, whereby an annuity may be made,
transferred or redeemed, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax
of One peso and fifty centavos (P1.50) on each Two hundred pesos (P200)
or fractional part thereof, of the capital of the annuity, or should this be
unknown, then on each Two hundred (P200) pesos, or fractional part
thereof, of thirty-three and one-third (33 1/3) times the annual income. On
pre-need plans, the documentary stamp tax shall be Fifty centavos (P0.50)
on each Five hundred pesos (P500), or fractional part thereof, of the value
or amount of the plan.

SEC. 187. Stamp Tax on Indemnity Bonds. - On all bonds for

indemnifying any person, firm or corporation who shall become bound or
engaged as surety for the payment of any sum of money or for the due
execution or performance of the duties of any office or position or to
account for money received by virtue thereof, and on all other bonds of any
description, except such as may be required in legal proceedings, or are
otherwise provided for herein, there shall be collected a documentary
stamp tax of Thirty centavos (P0.30) on each Four pesos (P4.00), or
fractional part thereof, of the premium charged.

SEC. 188. Stamp Tax on Certificates. - On each certificate of damages

or otherwise, and on every certificate or document issued by any customs
officer, marine surveyor, or other person acting as such, and on each
certificate issued by a notary public, and on each certificate of any
description required by law or by rules or regulations of a public office, or
which is issued for the purpose of giving information, or establishing proof
of a fact, and not otherwise specified herein, there shall be collected a
documentary stamp tax of Fifteen pesos (P15.00).

SEC. 189. Stamp Tax on Warehouse Receipts. - On each warehouse

receipt for property held in storage in a public or private warehouse or yard
for any person other than the proprietor of such warehouse or yard, there
shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifteen pesos (P15.00):
Provided, That no tax shall be collected on each warehouse receipt issued
to any one person in any one calendar month covering property the value
of which does not exceed Two hundred pesos (P200).

SEC. 190. Stamp Tax on Jai-Alai, Horse Racing Tickets, lotto or

Other Authorized Numbers Games. - On each jai-alai, horse race
ticket, lotto, or other authorized number games, there shall be collected a
documentary stamp tax of Ten centavos (P0.10): Provided, That if the cost
of the ticket exceeds One peso (P1.00), an additional tax of Ten centavos
(P0.10) on every One peso (P1.00, or fractional part thereof, shall be
collected.

SEC. 191. Stamp Tax on Bills of Lading or Receipts. - On each set

of bills of lading or receipts (except charter party) for any goods,
merchandise or effects shipped from one port or place in the Philippines to
another port or place in the Philippines (except on ferries across rivers), or
to any foreign port, there shall be collected documentary stamp tax of One
peso (P1.00), if the value of such goods exceeds One hundred pesos (P100)
and does not exceed One Thousand pesos (P1,000); Ten pesos (P10), if the
value exceeds One thousand pesos (P1,000): Provided, however, That
freight tickets covering goods, merchandise or effects carried as
accompanied baggage of passengers on land and water carriers primarily
engaged in the transportation of passengers are hereby exempt.
SEC. 192. Stamp Tax on Proxies. - On each proxy for voting at any
election for officers of any company or association, or for any other
purpose, except proxies issued affecting the affairs of associations or
corporations organized for religious, charitable or literary purposes, there
shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifteen pesos (P15.00).

SEC. 193. Stamp Tax on Powers of Attorney. - On each power of

attorney to perform any act whatsoever, except acts connected with the
collection of claims due from or accruing to the Government of the
Republic of the Philippines, or the government of any province, city or
municipality, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Five
pesos (P5.00).

SEC. 194. Stamp Tax on Leases and Other Hiring Agreements. -

On each lease, agreement, memorandum, or contract for hire, use or rent
of any lands or tenements, or portions thereof, there shall be collected a
documentary stamp tax of Three pesos (P3.00) for the first Two thousand
pesos (P2,000), or fractional part thereof, and an additional One peso
(P1.00) for every One Thousand pesos (P1,000) or fractional part thereof,
in excess of the first Two thousand pesos (P2,000) for each year of the term
of said contract or agreement.

SEC. 195. Stamp Tax on Mortgages, Pledges and Deeds of Trust.

- On every mortgage or pledge of lands, estate, or property, real or
personal, heritable or movable, whatsoever, where the same shall be made
as a security for the payment of any definite and certain sum of money lent
at the time or previously due and owing of forborne to be paid, being
payable and on any conveyance of land, estate, or property whatsoever, in
trust or to be sold, or otherwise converted into money which shall be and
intended only as security, either by express stipulation or otherwise, there
shall be collected a documentary stamp tax at the following rates:

(a) When the amount secured does not exceed Five thousand pesos
(P5,000), Twenty pesos (P20.00).

(b) On each Five thousand pesos (P5,000), or fractional part thereof

in excess of Five thousand pesos (P5,000), an additional tax of Ten
pesos (P10.00).

On any mortgage, pledge, or deed of trust, where the same shall be made as
a security for the payment of a fluctuating account or future advances
without fixed limit, the documentary stamp tax on such mortgage, pledge
or deed of trust shall be computed on the amount actually loaned or given
at the time of the execution of the mortgage, pledge or deed of trust,
additional documentary stamp tax shall be paid which shall be computed
on the basis of the amount advanced or loaned at the rates specified above:
Provided, however, That if the full amount of the loan or credit, granted
under the mortgage, pledge or deed of trust shall be computed on the
amount actually loaned or given at the time of the execution of the
mortgage, pledge or deed of trust. However, if subsequent advances are
made on such mortgage, pledge or deed of trust, additional documentary
stamp tax shall be paid which shall be computed on the basis of the amount
advanced or loaned at the rates specified above: Provided, however, That if
the full amount of the loan or credit, granted under the mortgage, pledge or
deed of trust is specified in such mortgage, pledge or deed of trust, the
documentary stamp tax prescribed in this Section shall be paid and
computed on the full amount of the loan or credit granted.

SEC. 196. Stamp tax on Deeds of Sale and Conveyances of Real

Property. - On all conveyances, deeds, instruments, or writings, other
than grants, patents or original certificates of adjudication issued by the
Government, whereby any land, tenement, or other realty sold shall be
granted, assigned, transferred or otherwise conveyed to the purchaser, or
purchasers, or to any other person or persons designated by such
purchaser or purchasers, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax,
at the rates herein below prescribed, based on the consideration contracted
to be paid for such realty or on its fair market value determined in
accordance with Section 6(E) of this Code, whichever is higher: Provided,
That when one of the contracting parties is the Government the tax herein
imposed shall be based on the actual consideration.

(a) When the consideration, or value received or contracted to be

paid for such realty after making proper allowance of any
encumbrance, does not exceed One thousand pesos (P1,000) fifteen
pesos (P15.00).

(b) For each additional One thousand Pesos (P1,000), or fractional

part thereof in excess of One thousand pesos (P1,000) of such
consideration or value, Fifteen pesos (P15.00).

When it appears that the amount of the documentary stamp tax payable
hereunder has been reduced by an incorrect statement of the consideration
in any conveyance, deed, instrument or writing subject to such tax the
Commissioner, provincial or city Treasurer, or other revenue officer shall,
from the assessment rolls or other reliable source of information, assess
the property of its true market value and collect the proper tax thereon.

SEC. 197. Stamp Tax on Charter Parties and Similar

Instruments. - On every charter party, contract or agreement for the
charter of any ship, vessel or steamer, or any letter or memorandum or
other writing between the captain, master or owner, or other person acting
as agent of any ship, vessel or steamer, and any other person or persons for
or relating to the charter of any such ship, vessel or steamer, and on any
renewal or transfer of such charter, contract, agreement, letter or
memorandum, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax at the
following rates:

(a) If the registered gross tonnage of the ship, vessel or steamer does
not exceed one thousand (1,000) tons, and the duration of the charter
or contract does not exceed six (6) months, Five hundred pesos
(P500); and for each month or fraction of a month in excess of six (6)
months, an additional tax of Fifty pesos (P50.00) shall be paid.

(b) If the registered gross tonnage exceeds one thousand (1,000) tons
and does not exceed ten thousand (10,000) tons, and the duration of
the charter or contract does not exceed six (6) months, One thousand
pesos (P1,000); and for each month or fraction of a month in excess
of six (6) months, an additional tax of One hundred pesos (P100)
shall be paid.

(c) If the registered gross tonnage exceeds ten thousand (10,000)

tons and the duration of the charter or contract does not exceed six
(6) months, One thousand five hundred pesos (P1,500); and for each
month or fraction of a month in excess of six (6) months, an
additional tax of One hundred fifty pesos (P150) shall be paid.

SEC. 198. Stamp Tax on Assignments and Renewals of Certain

Instruments. - Upon each and every assignment or transfer of any
mortgage, lease or policy of insurance, or the renewal or continuance of
any agreement, contract, charter, or any evidence of obligation or
indebtedness by altering or otherwise, there shall be levied, collected and
paid a documentary stamp tax, at the same rate as that imposed on the
original instrument.

SEC. 199. Documents and Papers Not Subject to Stamp Tax. -

The provisions of Section 173 to the contrary notwithstanding, the
following instruments, documents and papers shall be exempt from the
documentary stamp tax:

(a) Policies of insurance or annuities made or granted by a fraternal

or beneficiary society, order, association or cooperative company,
operated on the lodge system or local cooperation plan and organized
and conducted solely by the members thereof for the exclusive benefit
of each member and not for profit.

(b) Certificates of oaths administered to any government official in

his official capacity or of acknowledgment by any government official
in the performance of his official duties, written appearance in any
court by any government official, in his official capacity; certificates
of the administration of oaths to any person as to the authenticity of
any paper required to be filed in court by any person or party thereto,
whether the proceedings be civil or criminal; papers and documents
filed in courts by or for the national, provincial, city or municipal
governments; affidavits of poor persons for the purpose of proving
poverty; statements and other compulsory information required of
persons or corporations by the rules and regulations of the national,
provincial, city or municipal governments exclusively for statistical
purposes and which are wholly for the use of the bureau or office in
which they are filed, and not at the instance or for the use or benefit
of the person filing them; certified copies and other certificates
placed upon documents, instruments and papers for the national,
provincial, city, or municipal governments, made at the instance and
for the sole use of some other branch of the national, provincial, city
or municipal governments; and certificates of the assessed value of
lands, not exceeding Two hundred pesos (P200) in value assessed,
furnished by the provincial, city or municipal Treasurer to applicants
for registration of title to land.

SEC. 200. Payment of Documentary Stamp Tax. -

(A) In General. - The provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1045

notwithstanding, any person liable to pay documentary stamp tax upon any
document subject to tax under Title VII of this Code shall file a tax return
and pay the tax in accordance with the rules and regulations to be
prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the
Commissioner.

(B) Time for Filing and Payment of the Tax. - Except as provided by
rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, the tax return prescribed in this
Section shall be filed within ten (10) days after the close of the month when
the taxable document was made, signed, issued, accepted, or transferred,
and the tax thereon shall be paid at the same time the aforesaid return is
filed.

(C) Where to File. - Except in cases where the Commissioner otherwise

permits, the aforesaid tax return shall be filed with and the tax due shall be
paid through the authorized agent bank within the territorial jurisdiction of
the Revenue District Office which has jurisdiction over the residence or
principal place of business of the taxpayer. In places where there is no
authorized agent bank, the return shall be filed with the Revenue District
Officer, collection agent, or duly authorized Treasurer of the city or
municipality in which the taxpayer has his legal residence or principal
place of business.

(D) Exception. - In lieu of the foregoing provisions of this Section, the tax
may be paid either through purchase and actual affixture; or by imprinting
the stamps through a documentary stamp metering machine, on the
taxable document, in the manner as may be prescribed by rules and
regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner.

SEC. 201. Effect of Failure to Stamp Taxable Document. - An

instrument, document or paper which is required by law to be stamped and
which has been signed, issued, accepted or transferred without being duly
stamped, shall not be recorded, nor shall it or any copy thereof or any
record of transfer of the same be admitted or used in evidence in any court
until the requisite stamp or stamps are affixed thereto and cancelled.

TITLE VIII
REMEDIES

CHAPTER I
REMEDIES IN GENERAL

SEC. 202. Final Deed to Purchaser. - In case the taxpayer shall not
redeem the property as herein provided the Revenue District Officer shall,
as grantor, execute a deed conveying to the purchaser so much of the
property as has been sold, free from all liens of any kind whatsoever, and
the deed shall succintly recite all the proceedings upon which the validity of
the sale depends.
SEC. 203. Period of Limitation Upon Assessment and
Collection. - Except as provided in Section 222, internal revenue taxes
shall be assessed within three (3) years after the last day prescribed by law
for the filing of the return, and no proceeding in court without assessment
for the collection of such taxes shall be begun after the expiration of such
period: Provided, That in a case where a return is filed beyond the period
prescribed by law, the three (3)-year period shall be counted from the day
the return was filed. For purposes of this Section, a return filed before the
last day prescribed by law for the filing thereof shall be considered as filed
on such last day.

SEC. 204. Authority of the Commissioner to Compromise,

Abate and Refund or Credit Taxes. - The Commissioner may -

(A) Compromise the Payment of any Internal Revenue Tax,

when:

(1) A reasonable doubt as to the validity of the claim against the

taxpayer exists; or

(2) The financial position of the taxpayer demonstrates a clear

inability to pay the assessed tax.

The compromise settlement of any tax liability shall be subject to the

following minimum amounts:

For cases of financial incapacity, a minimum compromise rate

equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the basic assessed tax; and

For other cases, a minimum compromise rate equivalent to

forty percent (40%) of the basic assessed tax.

Where the basic tax involved exceeds One million pesos (P1,000.000) or
where the settlement offered is less than the prescribed minimum rates,
the compromise shall be subject to the approval of the Evaluation Board
which shall be composed of the Commissioner and the four (4) Deputy
Commissioners.

(B) Abate or Cancel a Tax Liability, when:

(1) The tax or any portion thereof appears to be unjustly or

 excessively assessed; or

(2) The administration and collection costs involved do not justify

the collection of the
amount due.

All criminal violations may be compromised except: (a) those already

filed in court, or (b) those involving fraud.

(C) Credit or refund taxes erroneously or illegally received or penalties

imposed without authority, refund the value of internal revenue stamps
when they are returned in good condition by the purchaser, and, in his
discretion, redeem or change unused stamps that have been rendered unfit
for use and refund their value upon proof of destruction. No credit or
refund of taxes or penalties shall be allowed unless the taxpayer files in
writing with the Commissioner a claim for credit or refund within two (2)
years after the payment of the tax or penalty: Provided, however, That a
return filed showing an overpayment shall be considered as a written claim
for credit or refund.

A Tax Credit Certificate validly issued under the provisions of this Code
may be applied against any internal revenue tax, excluding withholding
taxes, for which the taxpayer is directly liable. Any request for conversion
into refund of unutilized tax credits may be allowed, subject to the
provisions of Section 230 of this Code: Provided, That the original copy of
the Tax Credit Certificate showing a creditable balance is surrendered to
the appropriate revenue officer for verification and cancellation: Provided,
further, That in no case shall a tax refund be given resulting from
availment of incentives granted pursuant to special laws for which no
actual payment was made.

The Commissioner shall submit to the Chairmen of the Committee on

Ways and Means of both the Senate and House of Representatives, every
six (6) months, a report on the exercise of his powers under this Section,
stating therein the following facts and information, among others: names
and addresses of taxpayers whose cases have been the subject of abatement
or compromise; amount involved; amount compromised or abated; and
reasons for the exercise of power: Provided, That the said report shall be
presented to the Oversight Committee in Congress that shall be constituted
to determine that said powers are reasonably exercised and that the
government is not unduly deprived of revenues.

CHAPTER II
 CIVIL REMEDIES FOR COLLECTION OF TAXES

SEC. 205. Remedies for the Collection of Delinquent Taxes. - The

civil remedies for the collection of internal revenue taxes, fees or charges,
and any increment thereto resulting from delinquency shall be:

(a) By distraint of goods, chattels, or effects, and other personal

property of whatever character, including stocks and other securities,
debts, credits, bank accounts and interest in and rights to personal
property, and by levy upon real property and interest in rights to real
property; and

(b) By civil or criminal action.

Either of these remedies or both simultaneously may be pursued in

the discretion of the authorities charged with the collection of such
taxes: Provided, however, That the remedies of distraint and levy
shall not be availed of where the amount of tax involve is not more
than One hundred pesos (P100).

The judgment in the criminal case shall not only impose the penalty
but shall also order payment of the taxes subject of the criminal case
as finally decided by the Commissioner.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue shall advance the amounts needed to

defray costs of collection by means of civil or criminal action,
including the preservation or transportation of personal property
distrained and the advertisement and sale thereof, as well as of real
property and improvements thereon.

SEC. 206. Constructive Distraint of the Property of a Taxpayer.

- To safeguard the interest of the Government, the Commissioner may
place under constructive distraint the property of a delinquent taxpayer or
any taxpayer who, in his opinion, is retiring from any business subject to
tax, or is intending to leave the Philippines or to remove his property
therefrom or to hide or conceal his property or to perform any act tending
to obstruct the proceedings for collecting the tax due or which may be due
from him.

The constructive distraint of personal property shall be affected by

requiring the taxpayer or any person having possession or control of such
property to sign a receipt covering the property distrained and obligate
himself to preserve the same intact and unaltered and not to dispose of the
same ;in any manner whatever, without the express authority of the
Commissioner.

In case the taxpayer or the person having the possession and control of the
property sought to be placed under constructive distraint refuses or fails to
sign the receipt herein referred to, the revenue officer effecting the
constructive distraint shall proceed to prepare a list of such property and,
in the presence of two (2) witnessed, leave a copy thereof in the premises
where the property distrained is located, after which the said property shall
be deemed to have been placed under constructive distraint.

SEC. 207. Summary Remedies. -

(A) Distraint of Personal Property. - Upon the failure of the person

owing any delinquent tax or delinquent revenue to pay the same at the time
required, the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative, if the
amount involved is in excess of One million pesos (P1,000,000), or the
Revenue District Officer, if the amount involved is One million pesos
(P1,000,000) or less, shall seize and distraint any goods, chattels or effects,
and the personal property, including stocks and other securities, debts,
credits, bank accounts, and interests in and rights to personal property of
such persons ;in sufficient quantity to satisfy the tax, or charge, together
with any increment thereto incident to delinquency, and the expenses of
the distraint and the cost of the subsequent sale.

A report on the distraint shall, within ten (10) days from receipt of the
warrant, be submitted by the distraining officer to the Revenue District
Officer, and to the Revenue Regional Director: Provided, That the
Commissioner or his duly authorized representative shall, subject to rules
and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, have the power to lift such order of
distraint: Provided, further, That a consolidated report by the Revenue
Regional Director may be required by the Commissioner as often as
necessary.

(B) Levy on Real Property. - After the expiration of the time required
to pay the delinquent tax or delinquent revenue as prescribed in this
Section, real property may be levied upon, before simultaneously or after
the distraint of personal property belonging to the delinquent. To this end,
any internal revenue officer designated by the Commissioner or his duly
authorized representative shall prepare a duly authenticated certificate
showing the name of the taxpayer and the amounts of the tax and penalty
due from him. Said certificate shall operate with the force of a legal
execution throughout the Philippines.

Levy shall be affected by writing upon said certificate a description of the

property upon which levy is made. At the same time, written notice of the
levy shall be mailed to or served upon the Register of Deeds for the
province or city where the property is located and upon the delinquent
taxpayer, or if he be absent from the Philippines, to his agent or the
manager of the business in respect to which the liability arose, or if there be
none, to the occupant of the property in question.

In case the warrant of levy on real property is not issued before or

simultaneously with the warrant of distraint on personal property, and the
personal property of the taxpayer is not sufficient to satisfy his tax
delinquency, the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative shall,
within thirty (30) days after execution of the distraint, proceed with the
levy on the taxpayer's real property.

Within ten (10) days after receipt of the warrant, a report on any levy shall
be submitted by the levying officer to the Commissioner or his duly
authorized representative: Provided, however, That a consolidated report
by the Revenue Regional Director may be required by the Commissioner as
often as necessary: Provided, further, That the Commissioner or his duly
authorized representative, subject to rules and regulations promulgated by
the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner,
shall have the authority to lift warrants of levy issued in accordance with
the provisions hereof.

SEC. 208. Procedure for Distraint and Garnishment. - The officer

serving the warrant of distraint shall make or cause to be made an account
of the goods, chattels, effects or other personal property distrained, a copy
of which, signed by himself, shall be left either with the owner or person
from whose possession such goods, chattels, or effects or other personal
property were taken, or at the dwelling or place of business of such person
and with someone of suitable age and discretion, to which list shall be
added a statement of the sum demanded and note of the time and place of
sale.

Stocks and other securities shall be distrained by serving a copy of the

warrant of distraint upon the taxpayer and upon the president, manager,
treasurer or other responsible officer of the corporation, company or
association, which issued the said stocks or securities.

Debts and credits shall be distrained by leaving with the person owing the
debts or having in his possession or under his control such credits, or with
his agent, a copy of the warrant of distraint. The warrant of distraint shall
be sufficient authority to the person owning the debts or having in his
possession or under his control any credits belonging to the taxpayer to pay
to the Commissioner the amount of such debts or credits.

Bank accounts shall be garnished by serving a warrant of garnishment

upon the taxpayer and upon the president, manager, treasurer or other
responsible officer of the bank. Upon receipt of the warrant of
garnishment, the bank shall tun over to the Commissioner so much of the
bank accounts as may be sufficient to satisfy the claim of the Government.

SEC. 209. Sale of Property Distrained and Disposition of

Proceeds. - The Revenue District Officer or his duly authorized
representative, other than the officer referred to in Section 208 of this Code
shall, according to rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, forthwith cause a
notification to be exhibited in not less than two (2) public places in the
municipality or city where the distraint is made, specifying; the time and
place of sale and the articles distrained. The time of sale shall not be less
than twenty (20) days after notice. One place for the posting of such notice
shall be at the Office of the Mayor of the city or municipality in which the
property is distrained.

At the time and place fixed in such notice, the said revenue officer shall sell
the goods, chattels, or effects, or other personal property, including stocks
and other securities so distrained, at public auction, to the highest bidder
for cash, or with the approval of the Commissioner, through duly licensed
commodity or stock exchanges.

In the case of Stocks and other securities, the officer making the sale shall
execute a bill of sale which he shall deliver to the buyer, and a copy thereof
furnished the corporation, company or association which issued the stocks
or other securities. Upon receipt of the copy of the bill of sale, the
corporation, company or association shall make the corresponding entry in
its books, transfer the stocks or other securities sold in the name of the
buyer, and issue, if required to do so, the corresponding certificates of
stock or other securities.

Any residue over and above what is required to pay the entire claim,
including expenses, shall be returned to the owner of the property sold. The
expenses chargeable upon each seizure and sale shall embrace only the
actual expenses of seizure and preservation of the property pending ;the
sale, and no charge shall be imposed for the services of the local internal
revenue officer or his deputy.

SEC. 210. Release of Distrained Property Upon Payment Prior

to Sale. - If at any time prior to the consummation of the sale all proper
charges are paid to the officer conducting the sale, the goods or effects
distrained shall be restored to the owner.

SEC. 211. Report of Sale to Bureau of Internal Revenue. - Within

two (2) days after the sale, the officer making the same shall make a report
of his proceedings in writing to the Commissioner and shall himself
preserve a copy of such report as an official record.

SEC. 212. Purchase by Government at Sale Upon Distraint. -

When the amount bid for the property under distraint is not equal to the
amount of the tax or is very much less than the actual market value of the
articles offered for sale, the Commissioner or his deputy may purchase the
same in behalf of the national Government for the amount of taxes,
penalties and costs due thereon.

Property so purchased may be resold by the Commissioner or his deputy,

subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance,
the net proceeds therefrom shall be remitted to the National Treasury and
accounted for as internal revenue.

SEC. 213. Advertisement and Sale. - Within twenty (20) days after
levy, the officer conducting the proceedings shall proceed to advertise the
property or a usable portion thereof as may be necessary to satisfy the
claim and cost of sale; and such advertisement shall cover a period of a
least thirty (30) days. It shall be effectuated by posting a notice at the main
entrance of the municipal building or city hall and in public and
conspicuous place in the barrio or district in which the real estate lies
and ;by publication once a week for three (3) weeks in a newspaper of
general circulation in the municipality or city where the property is located.
The advertisement shall contain a statement of the amount of taxes and
penalties so due and the time and place of sale, the name of the taxpayer
against whom taxes are levied, and a short description of the property to be
sold. At any time before the day fixed for the sale, the taxpayer may
discontinue all proceedings by paying the taxes, penalties and interest. If
he does not do so, the sale shall proceed and shall be held either at the
main entrance of the municipal building or city hall, or on the premises to
be sold, as the officer conducting the proceedings shall determine and as
the notice of sale shall specify.

Within five (5) days after the sale, a return by the distraining or levying
officer of the proceedings shall be entered upon the records of the Revenue
Collection Officer, the Revenue District officer and the Revenue Regional
Director. The Revenue Collection Officer, in consultation with the Revenue
district Officer, shall then make out and deliver to the purchaser a
certificate from his records, showing the proceedings of the sale, describing
the property sold stating the name of the purchaser and setting out the
exact amount of all taxes, penalties and interest: Provided, however, That
in case the proceeds of the sale exceeds the claim and cost of sale, the
excess shall be turned over to the owner of the property.

The Revenue Collection Officer, upon approval by the Revenue District

Officer may, out of his collection, advance an amount sufficient to defray
the costs of collection by means of the summary remedies provided for in
this Code, including ;the preservation or transportation in case of personal
property, and the advertisement and subsequent sale, both in cases of
personal and real property including improvements found on the latter. In
his monthly collection reports, such advances shall be reflected and
supported by receipts.

SEC. 214. Redemption of Property Sold. - Within one (1) year from
the date of sale, the delinquent taxpayer, or any one for him, shall have the
right of paying to the Revenue District Officer the amount of the public
taxes, penalties, and interest thereon from the date of delinquency to the
date of sale, together with interest on said purchase price at the rate of
fifteen percent (15%) per annum from the date of purchase to the date of
redemption, and such payment shall entitle the person paying to the
delivery of the certificate issued to the purchaser and a certificate from the
said Revenue District Officer that he has thus redeemed the property, and
the Revenue District Officer shall forthwith pay over to the purchaser the
amount by which such property has thus been redeemed, and said property
thereafter shall be free form the lien of such taxes and penalties.

The owner shall not, however, be deprived of the possession of the said
property and shall be entitled to the rents and other income thereof until
the expiration of the time allowed for its redemption.
SEC. 215. Forfeiture to Government for Want of Bidder. - In case
there is no bidder for real property exposed for sale as herein above
provided or if the highest bid is for an amount insufficient to pay the taxes,
penalties and costs, the Internal Revenue Officer conducting the sale shall
declare the property forfeited to the Government in satisfaction of the
claim in question and within two (2) days thereafter, shall make a return of
his proceedings and the forfeiture which shall be spread upon the records
of his office. It shall be the duty of the Register of Deeds concerned, upon
registration with his office of any such declaration of forfeiture, to transfer
the title of the property forfeited to the Government without the necessity
of an order from a competent court.

Within one (1) year from the date of such forfeiture, the taxpayer, or any
one for him may redeem said property by paying to the Commissioner or
the latter's Revenue Collection Officer the full amount of the taxes and
penalties, together with interest thereon and the costs of sale, but if the
property be not thus redeemed, the forfeiture shall become absolute.

SEC. 216. Resale of Real Estate Taken for Taxes. - The

Commissioner shall have charge of any real estate obtained by the
Government of the Philippines in payment or satisfaction of taxes,
penalties or costs arising under this Code or in compromise or adjustment
of any claim therefore, and said Commissioner may, upon the giving of not
less than twenty (20) days notice, sell and dispose of the same of public
auction or with prior approval of the Secretary of Finance, dispose of the
same at private sale. In either case, the proceeds of the sale shall be
deposited with the National Treasury, and an accounting of the same shall
rendered to the Chairman of the Commission on Audit.

SEC. 217. Further Distraint or Levy. - The remedy by distraint of

personal property and levy on realty may be repeated if necessary until the
full amount due, including all expenses, is collected.

SEC. 218. Injunction not Available to Restrain Collection of

Tax. - No court shall have the authority to grant an injunction to restrain
the collection of any national internal revenue tax, fee or charge imposed
by this Code.

SEC. 219. Nature and Extent of Tax Lien. - If any person,

corporation, partnership, joint-account (cuentas en participacion),
association or insurance company liable to pay an internal revenue tax,
neglects or refuses to pay the same after demand, the amount shall be a
lien in favor of the Government of the Philippines from the time when the
assessment was made by the Commissioner until paid, with interests,
penalties, and costs that may accrue in addition thereto upon all property
and rights to property belonging to the taxpayer: Provided, That this lien
shall not be valid against any mortgagee purchaser or judgment creditor
until notice of such lien shall be filed by the Commissioner in the office of
the Register of Deeds of the province or city where the property of the
taxpayer is situated or located.

SEC. 220. Form and Mode of Proceeding in Actions Arising

under this Code. - Civil and criminal actions and proceedings instituted
in behalf of the Government under the authority of this Code or other law
enforced by the Bureau of Internal Revenue shall be brought in the name of
the Government of the Philippines and shall be conducted by legal officers
of the Bureau of Internal Revenue but no civil or criminal action for the
recovery of taxes or the enforcement of any fine, penalty or forfeiture under
this Code shall be filed in court without the approval of the Commissioner.

SEC. 221. Remedy for Enforcement of Statutory Penal

Provisions. - The remedy for enforcement of statutory penalties of all
sorts shall be by criminal or civil action, as the particular situation may
require, subject to the approval of the Commissioner.

SEC. 222. Exceptions as to Period of Limitation of Assessment

and Collection of Taxes. -

(a) In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade tax
or of failure to file a return, the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding
in court for the collection of such tax may be filed without
assessment, at any time within ten (10) years after the discovery of
the falsity, fraud or omission: Provided, That in a fraud assessment
which has become final and executory, the fact of fraud shall be
judicially taken cognizance of in the civil or criminal action for the
collection thereof.

(b) If before the expiration of the time prescribed in Section 203 for
the assessment of the tax, both the Commissioner and the taxpayer
have agreed in writing to its assessment after such time, the tax may
be assessed within the period agreed upon. The period so agreed
upon may be extended by subsequent written agreement made before
the expiration of the period previously agreed upon.
 (c) Any internal revenue tax which has been assessed within the
period of limitation as prescribed in paragraph (a) hereof may be
collected by distraint or levy or by a proceeding in court within five
(5) years following the assessment of the tax.

(d) Any internal revenue tax, which has been assessed within the
period agreed upon as provided in paragraph (b) hereinabove, may
be collected by distraint or levy or by a proceeding in court within the
period agreed upon in writing before the expiration of the five (5)
-year period. The period so agreed upon may be extended by
subsequent written agreements made before the expiration of the
period previously agreed upon.

(e) Provided, however, That nothing in the immediately preceding

and paragraph (a) hereof shall be construed to authorize the
examination and investigation or inquiry into any tax return filed in
accordance with the provisions of any tax amnesty law or decree.

SEC. 223. Suspension of Running of Statute of Limitations. - The

running of the Statute of Limitations provided in Sections 203 and 222 on
the making of assessment and the beginning of distraint or levy a
proceeding in court for collection, in respect of any deficiency, shall be
suspended for the period during which the Commissioner is prohibited
from making the assessment or beginning distraint or levy or a proceeding
in court and for sixty (60) days thereafter; when the taxpayer requests for a
reinvestigation which is granted by the Commissioner; when the taxpayer
cannot be located in the address given by him in the return filed upon
which a tax is being assessed or collected: Provided, that, if the taxpayer
informs the Commissioner of any change in address, the running of the
Statute of Limitations will not be suspended; when the warrant of distraint
or levy is duly served upon the taxpayer, his authorized representative, or a
member of his household with sufficient discretion, and no property could
be located; and when the taxpayer is out of the Philippines.

SEC. 224. Remedy for Enforcement of Forfeitures. - The forfeiture

of chattels and removable fixtures of any sort shall be enforced by the
seizure and sale, or destruction, of the specific forfeited property. The
forfeiture of real property shall be enforced by a judgment of
condemnation and sale in a legal action or proceeding, civil or criminal, as
the case may require.

SEC. 225. When Property to be Sold or Destroyed. - Sales of

forfeited chattels and removable fixtures shall be effected, so far as
practicable, in the same manner and under the same conditions as the
public notice and the time and manner of sale as are prescribed for sales of
personal property distrained for the non-payment of taxes.

Distilled spirits, liquors, cigars, cigarettes, other manufactured products of

tobacco, and all apparatus used I or about the illicit production of such
articles may, upon forfeiture, be destroyed by order of the Commissioner,
when the sale of the same for consumption or use would be injurious to
public health or prejudicial to the enforcement of the law.

All other articles subject to excise tax, which have been manufactured or
removed in violation of this Code, as well as dies for the printing or making
of internal revenue stamps and labels which are in imitation of or purport
to be lawful stamps, or labels may, upon forfeiture, be sold or destroyed in
the discretion of the Commissioner.

Forfeited property shall not be destroyed until at least twenty (20) days
after seizure.

SEC. 226. Disposition of funds Recovered in Legal Proceedings

or Obtained from Forfeitures. - all judgments and monies recovered
and received for taxes, costs, forfeitures, fines and penalties shall be paid to
the Commissioner or his authorized deputies as the taxes themselves are
required to be paid, and except as specially provided, shall be accounted for
and dealt with the same way.

SEC. 227. Satisfaction of Judgment Recovered Against any

Internal Revenue Officer. - When an action is brought against any
Internal Revenue officer to recover damages by reason of any act done in
the performance of official duty, and the Commissioner is notified of such
action in time to make defense against the same, through the Solicitor
General, any judgment, damages or costs recovered in such action shall be
satisfied by the Commissioner, upon approval of the Secretary of Finance,
or if the same be paid by the person used shall be repaid or reimbursed to
him.

No such judgment, damages, or costs shall be paid or reimbursed in behalf

of a person who has acted negligently or in bad faith, or with willful
oppression.

CHAPTER III
 PROTESTING AN ASSESSMENT, REFUND, ETC.

SEC. 228. Protesting of Assessment. - When the Commissioner or his

duly authorized representative finds that proper taxes should be assessed,
he shall first notify the taxpayer of his findings: Provided, however, That a
preassessment notice shall not be required in the following cases:

(a) When the finding for any deficiency tax is the result of
mathematical error in the computation of the tax as appearing on the
face of the return; or

(b) When a discrepancy has been determined between the tax

withheld and the amount actually remitted by the withholding agent;
or

(c) When a taxpayer who opted to claim a refund or tax credit of

excess creditable withholding tax for a taxable period was determined
to have carried over and automatically applied the same amount
claimed against the estimated tax liabilities for the taxable quarter or
quarters of the succeeding taxable year; or

(d) When the excise tax due on exciseable articles has not been paid;
or

(e) When the article locally purchased or imported by an exempt

person, such as, but not limited to, vehicles, capital equipment,
machineries and spare parts, has been sold, traded or transferred to
non-exempt persons.

The taxpayers shall be informed in writing of the law and the facts on
which the assessment is made; otherwise, the assessment shall be void.

Within a period to be prescribed by implementing rules and regulations,

the taxpayer shall be required to respond to said notice. If the taxpayer fails
to respond, the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative shall
issue an assessment based on his findings.

Such assessment may be protested administratively by filing a request for

reconsideration or reinvestigation within thirty (30) days from receipt of
the assessment in such form and manner as may be prescribed by
implementing rules and regulations.
Within sixty (60) days from filing of the protest, all relevant supporting
documents shall have been submitted; otherwise, the assessment shall
become final.

If the protest is denied in whole or in part, or is not acted upon within one
hundred eighty (180) days from submission of documents, the taxpayer
adversely affected by the decision or inaction may appeal to the Court of
Tax Appeals within thirty (30) days from receipt of the said decision, or
from the lapse of one hundred eighty (180)-day period; otherwise, the
decision shall become final, executory and demandable.

SEC. 229. Recovery of Tax Erroneously or Illegally Collected. -

no suit or proceeding shall be maintained in any court for the recovery of
any national internal revenue tax hereafter alleged to have been
erroneously or illegally assessed or collected, or of any penalty claimed to
have been collected without authority, of any sum alleged to have been
excessively or in any manner wrongfully collected without authority, or of
any sum alleged to have been excessively or in any manner wrongfully
collected, until a claim for refund or credit has been duly filed with the
Commissioner; but such suit or proceeding may be maintained, whether or
not such tax, penalty, or sum has been paid under protest or duress.

In any case, no such suit or proceeding shall be filed after the expiration of
two (2) years from the date of payment of the tax or penalty regardless of
any supervening cause that may arise after payment: Provided, however,
That the Commissioner may, even without a written claim therefor, refund
or credit any tax, where on the face of the return upon which payment was
made, such payment appears clearly to have been erroneously paid.

SEC. 230. Forfeiture of Cash Refund and of Tax Credit. -

(A) Forfeiture of Refund. - A refund check or warrant issued in

accordance with the pertinent provisions of this Code, which shall remain
unclaimed or uncashed within five (5) years from the date the said warrant
or check was mailed or delivered, shall be forfeited in favor of the
Government and the amount thereof shall revert to the general fund.

(B) Forfeiture of Tax Credit. - A tax credit certificate issued in

accordance with the pertinent provisions of this Code, which shall remain
unutilized after five (5) years from the date of issue, shall, unless
revalidated, be considered invalid, and shall not be allowed as payment for
internal revenue tax liabilities of the taxpayer, and the amount covered by
the certificate shall revert to the general fund.

(C) Transitory Provision. - For purposes of the preceding Subsection,

a tax credit certificate issued by the Commissioner or his duly authorized
representative prior to January 1, 1998, which remains unutilized or has a
creditable balance as of said date, shall be presented for revalidation with
the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative or on before June
30, 1998.

SEC. 231. Action to Contest Forfeiture of Chattel. - In case of the

seizure of personal property under claim of forfeiture, the owner desiring
to contest the validity of the forfeiture may, at any time before sale or
destruction of the property, bring an action against the person seizing the
property or having possession thereof to recover the same, and upon giving
proper bond, may enjoin the sale; or after the sale and within six (6)
months, he may bring an action to recover the net proceeds realized at the
sale.

TITLE IX
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER I
KEEPING OF BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

SEC. 232. Keeping of Books of Accounts. -

(A) Corporations, Companies, Partnerships or Persons

Required to Keep Books of Accounts. - All corporations, companies,
partnerships or persons required by law to pay internal revenue taxes shall
keep a journal and a ledger or their equivalents: Provided, however, That
those whose quarterly sales, earnings, receipts, or output do not exceed
Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) shall keep and use simplified set of
bookkeeping records duly authorized by the Secretary of Finance where in
all transactions and results of operations are shown and from which all
taxes due the Government may readily and accurately be ascertained and
determined any time of the year: Provided, further, That corporations,
companies, partnerships or persons whose gross quarterly sales, earnings,
receipts or output exceed One hundred fifty thousand pesos (P150,000)
shall have their books of accounts audited and examined yearly by
independent Certified Public Accountants and their income tax returns
accompanied with a duly accomplished Account Information Form (AIF)
which shall contain, among others, information lifted from certified
balance sheets, profit and loss statements, schedules listing income-
producing properties and the corresponding income therefrom and other
relevant statements.

(B) Independent Certified Public Accountant Defined. - The term

"Independent Certified Public Accountant", as used in the preceding
paragraph, means an accountant who possesses the independence as
defined in the rules and regulations of the Board of Accountancy
promulgated pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 692, otherwise known as
the Revised Accountancy Law.

SEC. 233. Subsidiary Books. - All corporations, companies,

partnerships or persons keeping the books of accounts mentioned in the
preceding Section may, at their option, keep subsidiary books as the needs
of their business may require: Provided, That were such subsidiaries are
kept, they shall form part of the accounting system of the taxpayer and
shall be subject to the same rules and regulations as to their keeping,
translation, production and inspection as are applicable to the journal and
the ledger.

SEC. 234. Language in which Books are to be Kept;

Translation. - All such corporations, companies, partnerships or persons
shall keep the books or records mentioned in Section 232 hereof in native
language, English or Spanish: Provided, however, That if in addition to
said books or records the taxpayer keeps other books or records in a
language other than a native language, English or Spanish, he shall make a
true and complete translation of all the entries in suck other books or
records into a native language; English or Spanish, and the said translation
must be made by the bookkeeper, or such taxpayer, or in his absence, by
his manager and must be certified under oath as to its correctness by the
said bookkeeper or manager, and shall form an integral part of the
aforesaid books of accounts. The keeping of such books or records in any
language other than a native language, English or Spanish, is hereby
prohibited.

SEC. 235. Preservation of Books and Accounts and Other

Accounting Records. - All the books of accounts, including the
subsidiary books and other accounting records of corporations,
partnerships, or persons, shall be preserved by them for a period beginning
from the last entry in each book until the last day prescribed by Section
203 within which the Commissioner is authorized to make an assessment.
The said books and records shall be subject to examination and inspection
by internal revenue officers: Provided, That for income tax purposes, such
examination and inspection shall be made only once in a taxable year,
except in the following cases:

(a) Fraud, irregularity or mistakes, as determined by the

Commissioner;

(b) The taxpayer requests reinvestigation;

(c) Verification of compliance with withholding tax laws and

regulations;

(d) Verification of capital gains tax liabilities; and

(e) In the exercise of the Commissioner's power under Section 5(B) to

obtain information from other persons in which case, another or
separate examination and inspection may be made. Examination and
inspection of books of accounts and other accounting records shall be
done in the taxpayer's office or place of business or in the office of the
Bureau of Internal Revenue. All corporations, partnerships or
persons that retire from business shall, within ten (10) days from the
date of retirement or within such period of time as may be allowed by
the Commissioner in special cases, submit their books of accounts,
including the subsidiary books and other accounting records to the
Commissioner or any of his deputies for examination, after which
they shall be returned. Corporations and partnerships contemplating
dissolution must notify the Commissioner and shall not be dissolved
until cleared of any tax liability.

Any provision of existing general or special law to the contrary

notwithstanding, the books of accounts and other pertinent records of tax-
exempt organizations or grantees of tax incentives shall be subject to
examination by the Bureau of Internal Revenue for purposes of
ascertaining compliance with the conditions under which they have been
granted tax exemptions or tax incentives, and their tax liability, if any.

CHAPTER II
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

SEC. 236. Registration Requirements. -

(A) Requirements. - Every person subject to any internal revenue tax
shall register once with the appropriate Revenue District Officer:

(1) Within ten (10) days from date of employment, or

(2) On or before the commencement of business,or

(3) Before payment of any tax due, or

(4) Upon filing of a return, statement or declaration as required in

this Code.

The registration shall contain the taxpayer's name, style, place of residence,
business and such other information as may be required by the
Commissioner in the form prescribed therefor.

A person maintaining a head office, branch or facility shall register with the
Revenue District Officer having jurisdiction over the head office, brand or
facility. For purposes of this Section, the term "facility" may include but
not be limited to sales outlets, places of production, warehouses or storage
places.

(B) Annual Registration Fee. - An annual registration fee in the

amount of Five hundred pesos (P500) for every separate or distinct
establishment or place of business, including facility types where sales
transactions occur, shall be paid upon registration and every year
thereafter on or before the last day of January: Provided, however, That
cooperatives, individuals earning purely compensation income, whether
locally or abroad, and overseas workers are not liable to the registration fee
herein imposed.

The registration fee shall be paid to an authorized agent bank located

within the revenue district, or to the Revenue Collection Officer, or duly
authorized Treasurer of the city of municipality where each place of
business or branch is registered.

(C) Registration of Each Type of Internal Revenue Tax. - Every

person who is required to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue
under Subsection (A) hereof, shall register each type of internal revenue tax
for which he is obligated, shall file a return and shall pay such taxes, and
shall updates such registration of any changes in accordance with
Subsection (E) hereof.
(D) Transfer of Registration. - In case a registered person decides to
transfer his place of business or his head office or branches, it shall be his
duty to update his registration status by filing an application for
registration information update in the form prescribed therefor.

(E) Other Updates. - Any person registered in accordance with this

Section shall, whenever applicable, update his registration information
with the Revenue District Office where he is registered, specifying therein
any change in type and other taxpayer details.

(F) Cancellation of Registration. - The registration of any person who

ceases to be liable to a tax type shall be cancelled upon filing with the
Revenue District Office where he is registered an application for
registration information update in a form prescribed therefor.

(G) Persons Commencing Business. - Any person, who expects to

realize gross sales or receipts subject to value-added tax in excess of the
amount prescribed under Section 109(z) of this Code for the next 12-month
period from the commencement of the business, shall register with the
Revenue District Office which has jurisdiction over the head office or
branch and shall pay the annual registration fee prescribed in Subsection
(B) hereof.

(H) Persons Becoming Liable to the Value-added Tax. - Any

person, whose gross sales or receipts in any 12-month period exceeds the
amount prescribed under Subsection 109(z) of this Code for exemption
from the value-added tax shall register in accordance with Subsection (A)
hereof, and shall pay the annual registration fee prescribed within ten (10)
days after the end of the last month of that period, and shall be liable to the
value-added tax commencing from the first day of the month following his
registration.

(I) Optional Registration of Exempt Person. - Any person whose

transactions are exempt from value-added tax under Section 109(z) of this
Code; or any person whose transactions are exempt from the value-added
tax under Section 109(a), (b), (c), and (d) of this Code, who opts to register
as a VAT taxpayer with respect to his export sales only, may update his
registration information in accordance with Subsection (E) hereof, not
later than ten (10) days before the beginning of the taxable quarter and
shall pay the annual registration fee prescribed in Subsection (B) hereof.

In any case, the Commissioner may, for administrative reasons, deny any
application for registration including updates prescribed under Subsection
(E) hereof.

For purposes of Title IV of this Code, any person who has registered value-
added tax as a tax type in accordance with the provisions of Subsection (C)
hereof shall be referred to as VAT-registered person who shall be assigned
only one Taxpayer Identification Number.

(J) Supplying of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). - Any

person required under the authority of this Code to make, render or file a
return, statement or other document shall be supplied with or assigned a
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) which he shall indicate in such
return, statement or document filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue
for his proper identification for tax purposes, and which he shall indicate in
certain documents, such as, but not limited to the following:

(1) Sugar quedans, refined sugar release order or similar instruments;

(2) Domestic bills of lading;

(3) Documents to be registered with the Register of Deeds of

Assessor's Office;

(4) Registration certificate of transportation equipment by land, sea

or air;

(5) Documents to be registered with the Securities and Exchange

Commission;

(6) Building construction permits;

(7) Application for loan with banks, financial institutions, or other

financial intermediaries;

(8) Application for mayor's permit;

(9) Application for business license with the Department of Trade &
Industry; and

(10) Such other documents which may hereafter be required under

rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance,
upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

In cases where a registered taxpayer dies, the administrator or executor

shall register the estate of the decedent in accordance with Subsection (A)
hereof and a new Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) shall be supplied
in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

In the case of a nonresident decedent, the executor or administrator of the

estate shall register the estate with the Revenue District Office where he is
registered: Provided, however, That in case such executor or administrator
is not registered, registration of the estate shall be made with the Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN) supplied by the Revenue District Office
having jurisdiction over his legal residence.

Only one Taxpayer identification Number (TIN) shall be assigned to a

taxpayer. Any person who shall secure more than one Taxpayer
Identification Number shall be criminally liable under the provision of
Section 275 on 'Violation of Other Provisions of this Code or Regulations in
General'.

SEC. 237. Issuance of Receipts or Sales or Commercial Invoices.

- All persons subject to an internal revenue tax shall, for each sale or
transfer of merchandise or for services rendered valued at Twenty-five
pesos (P25.00) or more, issue duly registered receipts or sales or
commercial invoices, prepared at least in duplicate, showing the date of
transaction, quantity, unit cost and description of merchandise or nature of
service: Provided, however, That in the case of sales, receipts or transfers
in the amount of One hundred pesos (P100.00) or more, or regardless of
the amount, where the sale or transfer is made by a person liable to value-
added tax to another person also liable to value-added tax; or where the
receipt is issued to cover payment made as rentals, commissions,
compensations or fees, receipts or invoices shall be issued which shall show
the name, business style, if any, and address of the purchaser, customer or
client: Provided, further, That where the purchaser is a VAT-registered
person, in addition to the information herein required, the invoice or
receipt shall further show the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of the
purchaser.

The original of each receipt or invoice shall be issued to the purchaser,

customer or client at the time the transaction is effected, who, if engaged in
business or in the exercise of profession, shall keep and preserve the same
in his place of business for a period of three (3) years from the close of the
taxable year in which such invoice or receipt was issued, while the
duplicate shall be kept and preserved by the issuer, also in his place of
business, for a like period.

The Commissioner may, in meritorious cases, exempt any person subject to

internal revenue tax from compliance with the provisions of this Section.

SEC. 238. Printing of Receipts or Sales or Commercial Invoices.

- All persons who are engaged in business shall secure from the Bureau of
Internal Revenue an authority to print receipts or sales or commercial
invoices before a printer can print the same.

No authority to print receipts or sales or commercial invoices shall be

granted unless the receipts or invoices to be printed are serially numbered
and shall show, among other things, the name, business style, Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN) and business address of the person or entity
to use the same, and such other information that may be required by rules
and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner.

All persons who print receipt or sales or commercial invoices shall

maintain a logbook/register of taxpayers who availed of their printing
services. The logbook/register shall contain the following information:

(1) Names, Taxpayer Identification Numbers of the persons or

entities for whom the receipts
or sales or commercial invoices were printed; and

(2) Number of booklets, number of sets per booklet, number of copies

per set and the
serial numbers of the receipts or invoices in each booklet.

SEC. 239. Sign to be Exhibited by Distiller, Rectifier,

Compounder, Repacker and Wholesale Liquor Dealer. - Every
person engaged in distilling or rectifying spirits, compounding liquors,
repacking wines or distilled spirits, and every wholesale liquor dealer shall
keep conspicuously on the outside of his place of business a sign exhibiting,
in letters not less than six centimeters (6 cms.) high, his name or firm style,
with the words "Registered Distiller", "Rectifier of Spirits", "Compounder
of Liquors", "Repacker of Wines or Distilled Spirits", or "Wholesale Liquor
Dealer", as the case may be, and his assessment number.

SEC. 240. Sign to be Exhibited by Manufacturer of Products of

Tobacco. - Every manufacturer of cigars, cigarettes or tobacco, and every
wholesale dealer in leaf tobacco or manufactured products of tobacco shall
 place and keep on outside of the building wherein his business is carried
on, so that it can be distinctly seen, a sign stating his full name and
business in letters not less than six centimeters (6 cms.) high and also
giving his assessment number.

SEC. 241. Exhibition of Certificate of Payment at Place of

Business. - The certificate or receipts showing payment of taxes issued to
a person engaged in a business subject to an annual registration fee shall
be kept conspicuously exhibited in plain view in or at the place where the
business is conducted; and in case of a peddler or other persons not having
a fixed place of business, shall be kept in the possession of the holder
thereof, subject to production upon demand of any internal revenue officer.

SEC. 242. Continuation of Business of Deceased Person. - When

any individual who has paid the annual registration fee dies, and the same
business is continued by the person or persons interested in his estate, no
additional payment shall be required for the residue of the term which the
tax was paid: Provided, however, That the person or persons interested in
the estate should, within thirty (30) days from the death of the decedent,
submit to the Bureau of Internal Revenue or the regional or revenue
District Office inventories of goods or stocks had at the time of such death.
The requirement under this Section shall also be applicable in the case of
transfer of ownership or change of name of the business establishment.

SEC. 243. Removal of Business to Other Location. - Any business for

which the annual registration fee has been paid may, subject to the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of
the Commissioner, be removed and continued in any other place without the
payment of additional tax during the term for which the payment was made.

CHAPTER III
RULES AND REGULATIONS

SEC. 244. Authority of Secretary of Finance to Promulgate

Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Finance, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, shall promulgate all needful rules
and regulations for the effective enforcement of the provisions of this Code.

SEC. 245. Specific Provisions to be Contained in Rules and

Regulations. - The rules and regulations of the Bureau of Internal
Revenue shall, among other thins, contain provisions specifying,
prescribing or defining:

(a) The time and manner in which Revenue Regional Director shall
canvass their respective Revenue Regions for the purpose of
discovering persons and property liable to national internal revenue
taxes, and the manner in which their lists and records of taxable
persons and taxable objects shall be made and kept;

(b) The forms of labels, brands or marks to be required on goods

subject to an excise tax, and the manner in which the labelling,
branding or marking shall be effected;

(c) The conditions under which and the manner in which goods
intended for export, which if not exported would be subject to an
excise tax, shall be labelled, branded or marked;

(d) The conditions to be observed by revenue officers respecting the

institutions and conduct of legal actions and proceedings;

(e) The conditions under which goods intended for storage in bonded
warehouses shall be conveyed thither, their manner of storage and
the method of keeping the entries and records in connection
therewith, also the books to be kept by Revenue Inspectors and the
reports to be made by them in connection with their supervision of
such houses;

(f) The conditions under which denatured alcohol may be removed

and dealt in, the character and quantity of the denaturing material to
be used, the manner in which the process of denaturing shall be
effected, so as to render the alcohol suitably denatured and unfit for
oral intake, the bonds to be given, the books and records to be kept,
the entries to be made therein, the reports to be made to the
Commissioner, and the signs to be displayed in the business or by the
person for whom such denaturing is done or by whom, such alcohol
is dealt in;

(g) The manner in which revenue shall be collected and paid, the
instrument, document or object to which revenue stamps shall be
affixed, the mode of cancellation of the same, the manner in which
the proper books, records, invoices and other papers shall be kept
and entries therein made by the person subject to the tax, as well as
 the manner in which licenses and stamps shall be gathered up and
returned after serving their purposes;

(h) The conditions to be observed by revenue officers respecting the

enforcement of Title III imposing a tax on estate of a decedent, and
other transfers mortis causa, as well as on gifts and such other rules
and regulations which the Commissioner may consider suitable for
the enforcement of the said Title III;

(i) The manner in which tax returns, information and reports shall be
prepared and reported and the tax collected and paid, as well as the
conditions under which evidence of payment shall be furnished the
taxpayer, and the preparation and publication of tax statistics;

(j) The manner in which internal revenue taxes, such as income tax,
including withholding tax, estate and donor's taxes, value-added tax,
other percentage taxes, excise taxes and documentary stamp taxes
shall be paid through the collection officers of the Bureau of Internal
Revenue or through duly authorized agent banks which are hereby
deputized to receive payments of such taxes and the returns, papers
and statements that may be filed by the taxpayers in connection with
the payment of the tax: Provided, however, That notwithstanding the
other provisions of this Code prescribing the place of filing of returns
and payment of taxes, the Commissioner may, by rules and
regulations, require that the tax returns, papers and statements that
may be filed by the taxpayers in connection with the payment of the
tax. Provided, however, That notwithstanding the other provisions of
this Code prescribing the place of filing of returns and payment of
taxes, the Commissioner may, by rules and regulations require that
the tax returns, papers and statements and taxes of large taxpayers be
filed and paid, respectively, through collection officers or through
duly authorized agent banks: Provided, further, That the
Commissioner can exercise this power within six (6) years from the
approval of Republic Act No. 7646 or the completion of its
comprehensive computerization program, whichever comes earlier:
Provided, finally, That separate venues for the Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao areas may be designated for the filing of tax returns and
payment of taxes by said large taxpayers.

For the purpose of this Section, "large taxpayer" means a taxpayer who
satisfies any of the following criteria;

(1) Value-Added Tax (VAT). - Business establishment with VAT paid or

payable of at least One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) for any
quarter of the preceding taxable year;

(2) Excise Tax. - Business establishment with excise tax paid or payable
of at least One million pesos (P1,000,000) for the preceding taxable year;

(3) Corporate Income Tax. - Business establishment with annual

income tax paid or payable of at least One million pesos (P1,000,000) for
the preceding taxable year; and

(4) Withholding Tax. - Business establishment with withholding tax

payment or remittance of at least One million pesos (P1,000,000) for the
preceding taxable year.

Provided, however, That the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation

of the Commissioner, may modify or add to the above criteria for
determining a large taxpayer after considering such factors as inflation,
volume of business, wage and employment levels, and similar economic
factors.

The penalties prescribed under Section 248 of this Code shall be imposed
on any violation of the rules and regulations issued by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, prescribing the place
of filing of returns and payments of taxes by large taxpayers.

SEC. 246. Non-Retroactivity of Rulings. - Any revocation,

modification or reversal of any of the rules and regulations promulgated in
accordance with the preceding Sections or any of the rulings or circulars
promulgated by the Commissioner shall not be given retroactive
application if the revocation, modification or reversal will be prejudicial to
the taxpayers, except in the following cases:

(a) Where the taxpayer deliberately misstates or omits material facts

from his return or any document required of him by the Bureau of
Internal Revenue;

(b) Where the facts subsequently gathered by the Bureau of Internal

Revenue are materially different from the facts on which the ruling is
based; or

(c) Where the taxpayer acted in bad faith.

 TITLE X
STATUTORY OFFENSES AND PENALTIES

CHAPTER I
ADDITIONS TO TAX

SEC. 247. General Provisions. -

(a) The additions to the tax or deficiency tax prescribed in this

Chapter shall apply to all taxes, fees and charges imposed in this
Code. The Amount so added to the tax shall be collected at the same
time, in the same manner and as part of the tax.

(b) If the withholding agent is the Government or any of its agencies,

political subdivisions or instrumentalities, or a government-owned or
controlled corporation, the employee thereof responsible for the
withholding and remittance of the tax shall be personally liable for
the additions to the tax prescribed herein.

(c) the term "person", as used in this Chapter, includes an officer or

employee of a corporation who as such officer, employee or member
is under a duty to perform the act in respect of which the violation
occurs.

SEC. 248. Civil Penalties. -

(A) There shall be imposed, in addition to the tax required to be paid,

a penalty equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount due,
in the following cases:

(1) Failure to file any return and pay the tax due thereon as
required under the provisions of this Code or rules and
regulations on the date prescribed; or

(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the Commissioner, filing a

return with an internal revenue officer other than those with
whom the return is required to be filed; or

(3) Failure to pay the deficiency tax within the time prescribed
for its payment in the notice of assessment; or

(4) Failure to pay the full or part of the amount of tax shown on
 any return required to be filed under the provisions of this Code
or rules and regulations, or the full amount of tax due for which
no return is required to be filed, on or before the date
prescribed for its payment.

(B) In case of willful neglect to file the return within the period
prescribed by this Code or by rules and regulations, or in case a false
or fraudulent return is willfully made, the penalty to be imposed shall
be fifty percent (50%) of the tax or of the deficiency tax, in case, any
payment has been made on the basis of such return before the
discovery of the falsity or fraud: Provided, That a substantial
underdeclaration of taxable sales, receipts or income, or a substantial
overstatement of deductions, as determined by the Commissioner
pursuant to the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the
Secretary of Finance, shall constitute prima facie evidence of a false
or fraudulent return: Provided, further, That failure to report sales,
receipts or income in an amount exceeding thirty percent (30%) of
that declared per return, and a claim of deductions in an amount
exceeding (30%) of actual deductions, shall render the taxpayer liable
for substantial underdeclaration of sales, receipts or income or for
overstatement of deductions, as mentioned herein.

SEC. 249. Interest. -

(A) In General. - There shall be assessed and collected on any unpaid

amount of tax, interest at the rate of twenty percent (20%) per annum, or
such higher rate as may be prescribed by rules and regulations, from the
date prescribed for payment until the amount is fully paid.

(B) Deficiency Interest. - Any deficiency in the tax due, as the term is
defined in this Code, shall be subject to the interest prescribed in
Subsection (A) hereof, which interest shall be assessed and collected from
the date prescribed for its payment until the full payment thereof.

(C) Delinquency Interest. - In case of failure to pay:

(1) The amount of the tax due on any return to be filed, or

(2) The amount of the tax due for which no return is required, or

(3) A deficiency tax, or any surcharge or interest thereon on the due

date appearing in the notice and demand of the Commissioner, there
shall be assessed and collected on the unpaid amount, interest at the
 rate prescribed in Subsection (A) hereof until the amount is fully
paid, which interest shall form part of the tax.

(D) Interest on Extended Payment. - If any person required to pay

the tax is qualified and elects to pay the tax on installment under the
provisions of this Code, but fails to pay the tax or any installment hereof, or
any part of such amount or installment on or before the date prescribed for
its payment, or where the Commissioner has authorized an extension of
time within which to pay a tax or a deficiency tax or any part thereof, there
shall be assessed and collected interest at the rate hereinabove prescribed
on the tax or deficiency tax or any part thereof unpaid from the date of
notice and demand until it is paid.

SEC. 250. Failure to File Certain Information Returns. - In the

case of each failure to file an information return, statement or list, or keep
any record, or supply any information required by this Code or by the
Commissioner on the date prescribed therefor, unless it is shown that such
failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, there shall,
upon notice and demand by the Commissioner, be paid by the person
failing to file, keep or supply the same, One thousand pesos (1,000) for
each failure: Provided, however, That the aggregate amount to be imposed
for all such failures during a calendar year shall not exceed Twenty-five
thousand pesos (P25,000).

SEC. 251. Failure of a Withholding Agent to Collect and Remit

Tax. - Any person required to withhold, account for, and remit any tax
imposed by this Code or who willfully fails to withhold such tax, or account
for and remit such tax, or aids or abets in any manner to evade any such tax
or the payment thereof, shall, in addition to other penalties provided for
under this Chapter, be liable upon conviction to a penalty equal to the total
amount of the tax not withheld, or not accounted for and remitted.

SEC. 252. Failure of a Withholding Agent to refund Excess

Withholding Tax. - Any employer/withholding agent who fails or
refuses to refund excess withholding tax shall, in addition to the penalties
provided in this Title, be liable to a penalty to the total amount of refunds
which was not refunded to the employee resulting from any excess of the
amount withheld over the tax actually due on their return.

CHAPTER II
CRIMES, OTHER OFFENSES AND FORFEITURES
SEC. 253. General Provisions. -

(a) Any person convicted of a crime penalized by this Code shall, in

addition to being liable for the payment of the tax, be subject to the
penalties imposed herein: Provided, That payment of the tax due
after apprehension shall not constitute a valid defense in any
prosecution for violation of any provision of this Code or in any
action for the forfeiture of untaxed articles.

(b) Any person who willfully aids or abets in the commission of a

crime penalized herein or who causes the commission of any such
offense by another shall be liable in the same manner as the
principal.

(c) If the offender is not a citizen of the Philippines, he shall be

deported immediately after serving the sentence without further
proceedings for deportation. If he is a public officer or employee, the
maximum penalty prescribed for the offense shall be imposed and, in
addition, he shall be dismissed from the public service and
perpetually disqualified from holding any public office, to vote and to
participate in any election. If the offender is a Certified Public
Accountant, his certificate as a Certified Public Accountant shall,
upon conviction, be automatically revoked or cancelled.

(d) In the case of associations, partnerships or corporations, the

penalty shall be imposed on the partner, president, general manager,
branch manager, treasurer, officer-in-charge, and the employees
responsible for the violation.

(e) The fines to be imposed for any violation of the provisions of this
Code shall not be lower than the fines imposed herein or twice the
amount of taxes, interest and surcharges due from the taxpayer,
whichever is higher.

SEC. 254. Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax. - Any person who

willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed under
this Code or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties
provided by law, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not less
than Thirty thousand (P30,000) but not more than One hunderd thousand
pesos (P100,000) and suffer imprisonment of not less than two (2) years
but not more than four (4) years: Provided, That the conviction or acquittal
obtained under this Section shall not be a bar to the filing of a civil suit for
the collection of taxes.
SEC. 255. Failure to File Return, Supply Correct and Accurate
Information, Pay Tax Withhold and Remit Tax and Refund
Excess Taxes Withheld on Compensation. - Any person required
under this Code or by rules and regulations promulgated thereunder to pay
any tax make a return, keep any record, or supply correct the accurate
information, who willfully fails to pay such tax, make such return, keep
such record, or supply correct and accurate information, or withhold or
remit taxes withheld, or refund excess taxes withheld on compensation, at
the time or times required by law or rules and regulations shall, in addition
to other penalties provided by law, upon conviction thereof, be punished by
a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) and suffer
imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than ten (10)
years.

Any person who attempts to make it appear for any reason that he or
another has in fact filed a return or statement, or actually files a return or
statement and subsequently withdraws the same return or statement after
securing the official receiving seal or stamp of receipt of internal revenue
office wherein the same was actually filed shall, upon conviction therefor,
be punished by a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) but
not more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) and suffer imprisonment
of not less than one (1) year but not more than three (3) years.

SEC. 256. Penal Liability of Corporations. - Any corporation,

association or general co-partnership liable for any of the acts or omissions
penalized under this Code, in addition to the penalties imposed herein
upon the responsible corporate officers, partners, or employees shall, upon
conviction for each act or omission, be punished by a fine of not less than
Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) but not more than One hundred thousand
pesos (P100,000).

SEC. 257. Penal Liability for Making False Entries, Records or

Reports, or Using Falsified or Fake Accountable Forms. -

(A) Any financial officer or independent Certified Public Accountant

engaged to examine and audit books of accounts of taxpayers under
Section 232 (A) and any person under his direction who:

(1) Willfully falsifies any report or statement bearing on any

examination or audit, or renders a report, including exhibits,
statements, schedules or other forms of accountancy work which has
 not been verified by him personally or under his supervision or by a
member of his firm or by a member of his staff in accordance with
sound auditing practices; or

(2) Certifies financial statements of a business enterprise containing

an essential misstatement of facts or omission in respect of the
transactions, taxable income, deduction and exemption of his client;
or

(B) Any person who:

(1) Not being an independent Certified Public Accountant according

to Section 232(B) or a financial officer, examines and audits books of
accounts of taxpayers; or

(2) Offers to sign and certify financial statements without audit; or

(3) Offers any taxpayer the use of accounting bookkeeping records for
internal revenue purposes not in conformity with the requirements
prescribed in this Code or rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder; or

(4) Knowingly makes any false entry or enters any false or fictitious
name in the books of accounts or record mentioned in the preceding
paragraphs; or

(5) Keeps two (2) or more sets of such records or books of accounts;
or

(6) In any way commits an act or omission, in violation of the

provisions of this Section; or

(7) Fails to keep the books of accounts or records mentioned in

Section 232 in a native language, English or Spanish, or to make a
true and complete translation as required in Section 234 of this Code,
or whose books of accounts or records kept in a native language,
English or Spanish, and found to be at material variance with books
or records kept by him in another language; or

(8) Willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax

imposed under this Code, or knowingly uses fake or falsified revenue
official receipts, Letters of Authority, certificates authorizing
registration, Tax Credit Certificates, Tax Debit Memoranda and other
 accountable forms shall, upon conviction for each act or omission, be
punished by a fine not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) but
not more than One hundred pesos (P100,000) and suffer
imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than six (6)
years.

If the offender is a Certified Public Accountant, his certificate as a Certified

Public Accountant shall be automatically revoked or cancelled upon
conviction.

In the case of foreigners, conviction under this Code shall result in his
immediate deportation after serving sentence, without further proceedings
for deportation.

SEC. 258. Unlawful Pursuit of Business. - Any person who carries

on any business for which an annual registration fee is imposed without
paying the tax as required by law shall, upon conviction for each act or
omission, be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos
(P5,000) but not more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) and suffer
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than two (2)
years: Provided, That in the case of a person engaged in the business of
distilling, rectifying, repacking, compounding or manufacturing any article
subject to excise tax, he shall, upon conviction for each act or omission, be
punished by a fine of not less than Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000) but
not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) and suffer imprisonment of
not less than two (2) years but not more than four (4) years.

SEC. 259. Illegal Collection of Foreign Payments. - Any person

who knowingly undertakes the collection of foreign payments as provided
under Section 67 of this Code without having obtained a license therefor, or
without complying with its implementing rules and regulations, shall, upon
conviction for each act or omission, be punished by a fine of not less than
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000) and suffer imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not
more than two (2) years.

SEC. 260. Unlawful Possession of Cigarette Paper in Bobbins or

Rolls, Etc. - It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his possession
cigarette paper in bobbins or rolls, cigarette tipping paper or cigarette filter
tips, without the corresponding authority therefor issued by the
Commissioner. Any person, importer, manufacturer of cigar and cigarettes,
who has been found guilty under this Section, shall, upon conviction for
each act or omission, be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty
thousand pesos (P20,000) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos
(P1000,000) and suffer imprisonment for a term of not less than six (6)
years and one (1) day but not more than twelve (12) years.

SEC. 261. Unlawful Use of Denatured Alcohol. - Any person who for
the purpose of manufacturing any beverage, uses denatured alcohol or
alcohol specially denatured to be used for motive power or withdrawn
under bond for industrial uses or alcohol knowingly misrepresented to be
denatured to be unfit for oral intake or who knowingly sells or offers for
sale any beverage made in whole or in part from such alcohol or who uses
such alcohol for the manufacture of liquid medicinal preparations taken
internally, or knowingly sells or offers for sale such preparations
containing as an ingredient such alcohol, shall upon conviction for each act
or omission be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000)
and suffer imprisonment for a term of not less than six (6) years and one
(1) day but not more than twelve (12) years.

Any person who shall unlawfully recover or attempt to recover by

distillation or other process any denatured alcohol or who knowingly sells
or offers for sale, conceals or otherwise disposes of alcohol so recovered or
redistilled shall be subject to the same penalties imposed under this
Section.

SEC. 262. Shipment or Removal of Liquor or Tobacco Products

under False Name or Brand or as an Imitation of any Existing
or Otherwise Known Product Name or Brand. - Any person who
ships, transports or removes spirituous, compounded or fermented liquors,
wines or any manufactured products of tobacco under any other than the
proper name or brand known to the trade as designating the kind and
quality of the contents of the cask, bottle or package containing the same or
as an imitation of any existing or otherwise known product name or brand
or causes such act to be done, shall, upon conviction for each act or
omission, be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P1000,000)
and suffer imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day but
not more than twelve (12) years.

SEC. 263. Unlawful Possession or Removal of Articles Subject

to Excise Tax without Payment of the Tax. - Any person who owns
and/or is found in possession of imported articles subject to excise tax, the
tax on which has not been paid in accordance with law, or any person who
owns and/or is found in possession of imported tax-exempt articles other
than those to whom they are legally issued shall be punished by:

(a) A fine of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000) nor more
than Two thousand pesos (P2,000) and suffer imprisonment of not
less than sixty (60) days but not more than one hundred (100) days,
if the appraised value, to be determined in the manner prescribed in
the Tariff and Customs Code, including duties and taxes, of the
articles does not exceed One thousand pesos (P1,000).

(b) A fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) but not
more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) and suffer
imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than four
(4) years, if the appraised value, to be determined in the manner
prescribed in the Tariff and Customs Code, including duties and
taxes, of the articles exceeds One thousand pesos (P1,000) but does
not exceed Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000);

(c) A fine of not less than Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000) but not
more than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) and suffer imprisonment
of not less than four (4) years but not more than six (6) years, if the
appraised value, to be determined in the manner prescribed in the
Tariff and Customs Code, including duties and taxes of the articles is
more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) but does not exceed One
hundred fifty thousand pesos (P150,000); or

(d) A fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) but not
more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) and suffer
imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years but not more than
twelve (12) years, if the appraised value, to be determined in the
manner prescribed in the Tariff and Customs Code, including duties
and taxes, of the articles exceeds One hundred fifty thousand pesos
(P150,000).

Any person who is found in possession of locally manufactured articles

subject to excise tax, the tax on which has not been paid in accordance with
law, or any person who is found in possession of such articles which are
exempt from excise tax other than those to whom the same is lawfully
issued shall be punished with a fine of not less than (10) times the amount
of excise tax due on the articles found but not less than Five hundred pesos
(P500) and suffer imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not
more than four (4) years.

Any manufacturer, owner or person in charge of any article subject to

excise tax who removes or allows or causes the unlawful removal of any
such articles from the place of production or bonded warehouse, upon
which the excise tax has not been paid at the time and in the manner
required, and any person who knowingly aids or abets in the removal of
such articles as aforesaid, or conceals the same after illegal removal shall,
for the first offense, be punished with a fine of not less than ten (10) times
the amount of excise tax due on the articles but not less than One thousand
pesos (P1,000) and suffer imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but
not more than two (2) years.

The mere unexplained possession of articles subject to excise tax, the tax
on which has not been paid in accordance with law, shall be punishable
under this Section.

Sec. 264. Failure or refusal to Issue Receipts or Sales or

Commercial Invoices, Violations related to the Printing of such
Receipts or Invoices and Other Violations. -

(a) Any person who, being required under Section 237 to issue receipts or
sales or commercial invoices, fails or refuses to issue such receipts of
invoices, issues receipts or invoices that do not truly reflect and/or contain
all the information required to be shown therein, or uses multiple or
double receipts or invoices, shall, upon conviction for each act or omission,
be punished by a fine of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000) but not
more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) and suffer imprisonment of not
less than two (2) years but not more than four (4) years.

(b) Any person who commits any of the acts enumerated hereunder shall
be penalized in the same manner and to the same extent as provided for in
this Section:

(1) Printing of receipts or sales or commercial invoices without

authority from the Bureau of Internal Revenue; or

(2) Printing of double or multiple sets of invoices or receipts; or

(3) Printing of unnumbered receipts or sales or commercial invoices,

not bearing the name, business style, Taxpayer Identification
Number, and business address of the person or entity.
SEC. 265. Offenses Relating to Stamps. - Any person who commits
any of the acts enumerated hereunder shall, upon conviction thereof, be
punished by a fine of not less than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) but
not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) and suffer imprisonment of
not less than four (4) years but not more than eight (8) years:

(a) making, importing, selling, using or possessing without express

authority from the Commissioner, any die for printing or making
stamps, labels, tags or playing cards;

(b) Erasing the cancellation marks of any stamp previously used, or

altering the written figures or letters or cancellation marks on
internal revenue stamps;

(c) Possessing false, counterfeit, restored or altered stamps, labels or

tags or causing the commission of any such offense by another;

(d) Selling or offering for sale any box or package containing articles
subject to excise tax with false, spurious or counterfeit stamps or
labels or selling from any such fraudulent box, package or container
as aforementioned; or

(e) Giving away or accepting from another, or selling, buying or using

containers on which the stamps are not completely destroyed.

Sec. 266. Failure to Obey Summons. - Any person who, being duly
summoned to appear to testify, or to appear and produce books of
accounts, records, memoranda or other papers, or to furnish information
as required under the pertinent provisions of this Code, neglects to appear
or to produce such books of accounts, records, memoranda or other
papers, or to furnish such information, shall, upon conviction, be punished
by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000) but not more than
ten thousand pesos (P10,000) and suffer imprisonment of not less than
one (1) year but not more than two (2) years.

SEC. 267. Declaration under Penalties of Perjury. - Any

declaration, return and other statement required under this Code, shall, in
lieu of an oath, contain a written statement that they are made under the
penalties of perjury. Any person who willfully files a declaration, return or
statement containing information which is not true and correct as to every
material matter shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties
prescribed for perjury under the Revised Penal Code.
SEC. 268. Other Crimes and Offenses. -

(A) Misdeclaration or Misrepresentation of Manufacturers

Subject to Excise Tax. - Any manufacturer who, in violation of the
provisions of Title VI of this Code, misdeclares in the sworn statement
required therein or in the sales invoice, any pertinent data or information
shall be punished by a summary cancellation or withdrawal of the permit
to engage in business as a manufacturer of articles subject to excise tax.

(B) Forfeiture of Property Used in Unlicensed Business or Dies

Used for Printing False Stamps, Etc. - All chattels, machinery, and
removable fixtures of any sort used in the unlicensed production of articles
subject to excise tax shall be forfeited. Dies and other equipment used for
the printing or making of any internal revenue stamp, label or tag which is
in imitation of or purports to be a lawful stamp, label or tag shall also be
forfeited.

(C) Forfeiture of Goods Illegally Stored or Removed. - Unless

otherwise specifically authorized by the Commissioner, all articles subject
to excise tax should not be stored or allowed to remain in the distillery
warehouse, bonded warehouse or other place where made, after the tax
thereon has been paid; otherwise, all such articles shall be forfeited.
Articles withdrawn from any such place or from customs custody or
imported into the country without the payment of the required tax shall
likewise be forfeited.

CHAPTER III
PENALTIES IMPOSED ON PUBLIC OFFICERS

SEC. 269. Violations Committed by Government Enforcement

Officers. - Every official, agent, or employee of the Bureau of Internal
Revenue or any other agency of the Government charged with the
enforcement of the provisions of this Code, who is guilty of any of the
offenses herein below specified shall, upon conviction for each act or
omission, be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000)
and suffer imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years but not more than
fifteen (15) years and shall likewise suffer an additional penalty of
perpetual disqualification to hold public office, to vote, and to participate
in any public election:
(a) Extortion or willful oppression through the use of his office or
willful oppression and harassment of a taxpayer who refused,
declined, turned down or rejected any of his offers specified in
paragraph (d) hereof;

(b) Knowingly demanding or receiving any fee, other or greater sums

that are authorized by law or receiving any fee, compensation or
reward, except as by law prescribed, for the performance of any duty;

(c) Willfully neglecting to give receipts, as by law required, for any

sum collected in the performance of duty or willfully neglecting to
perform any other duties enjoined by law;

(d) Offering or undertaking to accomplish, file or submit a report or

assessment on a taxpayer without the appropriate examination of the
books of accounts or tax liability, or offering or undertaking to submit
a report or assessment less than the amount due the Government for
any consideration or compensation, or conspiring or colluding with
another or others to defraud the revenues or otherwise violate the
provisions of this Code;

(e) Neglecting or by design permitting the violation of the law by any

other person;

(f) Making or signing any false entry or entries in any book, or

making or signing any false certificate or return;

(g) Allowing or conspiring or colluding with another to allow the

unauthorized retrieval, withdrawal or recall of any return, statement
or declaration after the same has been officially received by the
Bureau of Internal Revenue;

(h) Having knowledge or information of any violation of this Code or

of any fraud committed on the revenues collectible by the Bureau of
Internal Revenue, failure to report such knowledge or information to
their superior officer, or failure to report as otherwise required by
law; and

(i) Without the authority of law, demanding or accepting or

attempting to collect, directly or indirectly, as payment or otherwise
any sum of money or other thing of value for the compromise,
adjustment or settlement of any charge or complaint for any violation
 or alleged violation of this Code.

Provided, That the provisions of the foregoing paragraph notwithstanding,

any internal revenue officer for which a prima facie case of grave
misconduct has been established shall, after due notice and hearing of the
administrative case and subject to Civil Service Laws, be dismissed from
the revenue service: Provided, further, That the term "grave misconduct",
as defined in Civil Service Law, shall include the issuance of fake letters of
authority and receipts, forgery of signature, usurpation of authority and
habitual issuance of unreasonable assessments.

SEC. 270. Unlawful Divulgence of Trade Secrets. - Except as

provided in Section 71 of this Code and Section 26 of Republic Act No.
6388, any officer or employee of the Bureau of Internal Revenue who
divulges to any person or makes known in any other manner than may be
provided by law information regarding the business, income or estate of
any taxpayer, the secrets, operation, style or work, or apparatus of any
manufacturer or producer, or confidential information regarding the
business of any taxpayer, knowledge of which was acquired by him in the
discharge of his official duties, shall upon conviction for each act or
omission, be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000), or
suffer imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than five
(5) years, or both.

SEC. 271. Unlawful Interest of Revenue Law Enforcers in

Business. - Any internal revenue officer who is or shall become
interested, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture, sale or importation of
any article subject to excise tax under Title VI of this Code or in the
manufacture or repair or sale, of any die for printing, or making of stamps,
or labels shall upon conviction for each act or omission, be punished by a
fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000) but not more than Ten
thousand pesos (P10,000), or suffer imprisonment of not less than two (2)
years and one (1) day but not more than four (4) years, or both.

SEC. 272. Violation of Withholding Tax Provision. - Every officer

or employee of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines or any of
its agencies and instrumentalities, its political subdivisions, as well as
government-owned or controlled corporations, including the Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), who, under the provisions of this Code or rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder, is charged with the duty to
deduct and withhold any internal revenue tax and to remit the same in
accordance with the provisions of this Code and other laws is guilty of any
offense herein below specified shall, upon conviction for each act or
omission be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos
(P5,000) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) or suffer
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and one (1) day but not more
than two (2) years, or both:

(a) Failing or causing the failure to deduct and withhold any internal
revenue tax under any of the withholding tax laws and implementing
rules and regulations;

(b) Failing or causing the failure to remit taxes deducted and

withheld within the time prescribed by law, and implementing rules
and regulations; and

(c) Failing or causing the failure to file return or statement within the
time prescribed, or rendering or furnishing a false or fraudulent
return or statement required under the withholding tax laws and
rules and regulations.

SEC. 273. Penalty for Failure to Issue and Execute Warrant. -

Any official who fails to issue or execute the warrant of distraint or levy
within thirty (30) days after the expiration of the time prescribed in Section
207 or who is found guilty of abusing the exercise thereof by competent
authority shall be automatically dismissed from the service after due notice
and hearing.

CHAPTER IV
OTHER PENAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 274. Penalty for Second and Subsequent Offenses. - In the

case of reincidence, the maximum of the penalty prescribed for the offense
shall be imposed.

SEC. 275. Violation of Other Provisions of this Code or Rules

and Regulations in General. - Any person who violates any provision
of this Code or any rule or regulation promulgated by the Department of
Finance, for which no specific penalty is provided by law, shall, upon
conviction for each act or omission, be punished by a fine of not more than
One thousand pesos (P1,000) or suffer imprisonment of not more than six
(6) months, or both.
SEC. 276. Penalty for Selling, Transferring, Encumbering or in
Any Way Disposing of Property Placed Under Constructive
Distraint. - Any taxpayer, whose property has been placed under
constructive distraint, who sells, transfers, encumbers or in any way
disposes of said property, or any part thereof, without the knowledge and
consent of the Commissioner, shall, upon conviction for each act or
omission, be punished by a fine of not less than twice the value of the
property so sold, encumbered or disposed of but not less than Five
Thousand pesos (P5,000), or suffer imprisonment of not less than two (2)
years and one (1) day but not more than four (4) years, of both.

SEC. 277. Failure to Surrender Property Placed Under Distraint

and Levy. - Any person having in his possession or under his control any
property or rights to property, upon which a warrant of constructive
distraint, or actual distraint and levy has been issued shall, upon demand
by the Commissioner or any of his deputies executing such warrant,
surrender such property or right to property to the Commissioner or any of
his deputies, unless such property or right is, at the time of such demand,
subject to an attachment or execution under any judicial process. Any
person who fails or refuses to surrender any of such property or right shall
be liable in his own person and estate to the Government in a sum equal to
the value of the property or rights not so surrendered but not exceeding the
amount of the taxes (including penalties and interest) for the collection of
which such warrant had been issued, together with cost and interest if any,
from the date of such warrant. In addition, such person shall, upon
conviction for each act or omission, be punished by a fine of not less than
Five thousand pesos (P5,000), or suffer imprisonment of not less than six
(6) months and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years, or both.

SEC. 278. Procuring Unlawful Divulgence of Trade Secrets. -

Any person who causes or procures an officer or employee of the Bureau of
Internal Revenue to divulge any confidential information regarding the
business, income or inheritance of any taxpayer, knowledge of which was
acquired by him in the discharge of his official duties, and which it is
unlawful for him to reveal, and any person who publishes or prints in any
manner whatever, not provided by law, any income, profit, loss or
expenditure appearing in any income tax return, shall be punished by a
fine of not more than Two thousand pesos (P2,000), or suffer
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than five (5) years,
or both.

SEC. 279. Confiscation and Forfeiture of the Proceeds or

Instruments of Crime. - In addition to the penalty Imposed for the
violation of the provisions of Title X of this Code, the same shall carry with
it the confiscation and forfeiture in favor of the government of the proceeds
of the crime or value of the goods, and the instruments or tools with which
the crime was committed: Provided, however, That if in the course of the
proceedings, it is established that the instruments or tools used in the illicit
act belong to a third person, the same shall be confiscated and forfeited
after due notice and hearing in a separate proceeding in favor of the
Government if such third person leased, let, chartered or otherwise
entrusted the same to the offender: Provided, further, That in case the
lessee subleased, or the borrower, charterer, or trustee allowed the use of
the instruments or tools to the offender, such instruments or tools shall,
likewise, be confiscated and forfeited: Provided, finally, That property of
common carriers shall not be subject to forfeiture when used in the
transaction of their business as such common carrier, unless the owner or
operator of said common carrier was, at the time of the illegal act, a
consenting party or privy thereto, without prejudice to the owner's right of
recovery against the offender in a civil or criminal action. Articles which
are not subject of lawful commerce shall be destroyed.

SEC. 280. Subsidiary Penalty. - If the person convicted for violation

of any of the provisions of this Code has no property with which to meet
the fine imposed upon him by the court, or is unable to pay such fine, he
shall be subject to a subsidiary personal liability at the rate of one (1) day
for each Eight pesos and fifty centavos (P8.50) subject to the rules
established in Article 39 of the Revised Penal Code.

SEC. 281. Prescription for Violations of any Provision of this

Code. - All violations of any provision of this Code shall prescribe after
Five (5) years.

Prescription shall begin to run from the day of the commission of the
violation of the law, and if the same be not known at the time, from the
discovery thereof and the institution of judicial proceedings for its
investigation and punishment.

The prescription shall be interrupted when proceedings are instituted

against the guilty persons and shall begin to run again if the proceedings
are dismissed for reasons not constituting jeopardy.

The term of prescription shall not run when the offender is absent from the
Philippines.
SEC. 282. Informer's Reward to Persons Instrumental in the
Discovery of Violations of the National Internal Revenue Code
and in the Discovery and Seizure of Smuggled Goods. -

(A) For Violations of the National Internal Revenue Code. - Any

person, except an internal revenue official or employee, or other public
official or employee, or his relative within the sixth degree of
consanguinity, who voluntarily gives definite and sworn information, not
yet in the possession of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, leading to the
discovery of frauds upon the internal revenue laws or violations of any of
the provisions thereof, thereby resulting in the recovery of revenues,
surcharges and fees and/or the conviction of the guilty party and/or the
imposition of any of the fine or penalty, shall be rewarded in a sum
equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the revenues, surcharges or fees
recovered and/or fine or penalty imposed and collected or One Million
Pesos (P1,000,000) per case, whichever is lower. The same amount of
reward shall also be given to an informer where the offender has offered to
compromise the violation of law committed by him and his offer has been
accepted by the Commissioner and collected from the offender: Provided,
That should no revenue, surcharges or fees be actually recovered or
collected, such person shall not be entitled to a reward: Provided, further,
That the information mentioned herein shall not refer to a case already
pending or previously investigated or examined by the Commissioner or
any of his deputies, agents or examiners, or the Secretary of Finance or any
of his deputies or agents: Provided, finally, That the reward provided
herein shall be paid under rules and regulations issued by the Secretary of
Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

(B) For Discovery and Seizure of Smuggled Goods. - To encourage

the public to extend full cooperation in eradicating smuggling, a cash
reward equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the fair market value of the
smuggled and confiscated goods or One Million Pesos (P1,000,000) per
case, whichever is lower, shall be given to persons instrumental in the
discovery and seizure of such smuggled goods.

The cash rewards of informers shall be subject to income tax, collected as a

final withholding tax, at a rate of ten percent (10%).

The provisions of the foregoing Subsections notwithstanding, all public

officials, whether incumbent or retired, who acquired the information in
the course of the performance of their duties during their incumbency, are
prohibited from claiming informer's reward.

TITLE XI
ALLOTMENT OF INTERNAL REVENUE

CHAPTER I
DISPOSITION AND ALLOTMENT OF NATIONAL INTERNAL
REVENUE IN GENERAL

SEC. 283. Disposition of National Internal Revenue. - National

Internal revenue collected and not applied as herein above provided or
otherwise specially disposed of by law shall accrue to the National Treasury
and shall be available for the general purposes of the Government, with the
exception of the amounts set apart by way of allotment as provided for
under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government
Code of 1991.

In addition to the internal revenue allotment as provided for in the

preceding paragraph, fifty percent (50%) of the national taxes collected
under Sections 106, 108 and 116 of this Code in excess of the increase in
collections for the immediately preceding year shall be distributed as
follows:

(a) Twenty percent (20%) shall accrue to the city or municipality

where such taxes are collected and shall be allocated in accordance
with Section 150 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the
Local Government Code of 1991; and

(b) Eighty percent (80%) shall accrue to the National Government.

SEC. 284. Allotment for the Commission on Audit. - One-half of

one percent (1/2 of 1%) of the collections from the national internal
revenue taxes not otherwise accruing to special accounts in the general
fund of the national government shall accrue to the Commission on Audit
as a fee for auditing services rendered to local government units, excluding
maintenance, equipment, and other operating expenses as provided for in
Section 21 of Presidential Decree No. 898.

The Secretary of Finance is hereby authorized to deduct from the monthly

internal revenue tax collections an amount equivalent to the percentage as
herein fixed, and to remit the same directly to the Commission on Audit
under such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Secretary
of Finance and the Chairman of the Commission on Audit.

SEC. 285. Allotment for the Bureau of Internal Revenue. - An

amount equivalent to five percent (5%) of the excess of actual collections of
national internal revenue taxes over the collection goal shall accrue to the
special fund of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and shall be treated as
receipts automatically appropriated. Said amount shall be utilized as
incentive bonus for revenue personnel, purchase of necessary equipment
and facilities for the improvement of tax administration, as approved by
the Commissioner: Provided, That the President may, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner, direct that the excess be credited to
a Special Account in the National Treasury to be held in the reserve
available for distribution as incentive bonus in the subsequent years.

The Secretary of Finance is hereby authorized to transfer from the Treasury

an amount equivalent to the percentage as herein fixed and to remit the
same directly to the Bureau of Internal Revenue under such rules and
regulations as may be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance.

CHAPTER II
SPECIAL DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN NATIONAL INTERNAL
REVENUE TAXES

SEC. 286. Disposition of Proceeds of insurance Premium Tax. -

Twenty-five percent (25%) of the premium tax collected under Section 123
of this Code shall accrue to the Insurance Fund as contemplated in Section
418 of Presidential Decree No. 612 which shall be used for the purpose of
defraying the expenses of the Insurance Commission. The Commissioner
shall turn over and deliver the said Insurance Fund to the Insurance
Commissioner as soon as the collection is made.

SEC. 287. Shares of Local Government Units in the Proceeds

from the Development and Utilization of the National Wealth. -
Local Government units shall have an equitable share in the proceeds
derived from the utilization and development of the national wealth, within
their respective areas, including sharing the same with the inhabitants by
way of direct benefits.

(A) Amount of Share of Local Government Units. - Local

government units shall, in addition to the internal revenue allotment, have
a share of forty percent (40%) of the gross collection derived by the
national government from the preceding fiscal year from excise taxes on
mineral products, royalties, and such other taxes, fees or charges, including
related surcharges, interests or fines, and from its share in any co-
production, joint venture or production sharing agreement in the
utilization and development of the national wealth within their territorial
jurisdiction.

(B) Share of the Local Governments from Any Government

Agency or Government-Owned or Controlled Corporation. -
Local Government Units shall have a share, based on the preceding fiscal
year, from the proceeds derived by any government agency or government-
owned or controlled corporation engaged in the utilization and
development of the national wealth based on the following formula,
whichever will produce a higher share for the local government unit:

(1) One percent (1%) of the gross sales or receipts of the preceding
calendar year, or

(2) Forty percent (40%) of the excise taxes on mineral products,

royalties, and such other taxes, fees or charges, including related
surcharges, interests or fines the government agency or government-
owned or -controlled corporations would have paid if it were not
otherwise exempt.

(C) Allocation of Shares. - The share in the preceding Section shall be

distributed in the following manner:

(1) Where the natural resources are located in the province:

(a) Province - twenty percent (20%)

(b) Component city/municipality - forty-five percent (45%);

and

(c) Barangay - thirty-five percent (35%)

Provided, however, That where the natural resources are located in two (2)
or more cities, the allocation of shares shall be based on the formula on
population and land area as specified in subsection (C)(1) hereof.

(2) Where the natural resources are located in a highly urbanized or

independent component city:
 (a) City - sixty - five percent (65%); and

(b) Barangay - thirty - five percent (35%)

Provided, however, That where the natural resources are located in two (2)
or more cities, the allocation of shares shall be based on the formula on
population and land area as specified in subsection (c)(1) hereof.

SEC. 288. Disposition of Incremental Revenues. -

(A) Incremental Revenues from Republic Act No. 7660. - The

incremental revenues from the increase in the documentary stamp taxes
under R.A. No. 7660 shall be set aside for the following purposes:

(1) In 1994 and 1995, twenty five percent (25%) thereof respectively,
shall accrue to the Unified Home-Lending Program under Executive
Order No. 90 particularly for mass socialized housing program to be
allocated as follows: fifty percent (50%) for mass-socialized housing;
thirty percent (30%) for the community mortgage program; and
twenty percent (20%) for land banking and development to be
administered by the National Housing Authority: Provided, That no
more than one percent (1%) of the respective allocations hereof shall
be used for administrative expenses;

(2) In 1996, twenty five percent (25%) thereof to be utilized for the
National Health Insurance Program that hereafter may be mandated
by law;

(3) In 1994 and every year thereafter, twenty five percent (25%)
thereof shall accrue to a Special Education Fund to be Administered
by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports for the
construction and repair of school facilities, training or teachers, and
procurement or production of instructional materials and teaching
aids; and

(4) In 1994 and every year thereafter, fifty percent (50%) thereof shall
accrue to a Special Infrastructure Fund for the Construction and
repair of roads, bridges, dams and irrigation, seaports and
hydroelectric and other indigenous power projects: however, That for
the years 1994 and 1995, thirty percent (30%), and for the years 1996,
1997 and 1998, twenty percent (20%), of this fund shall be allocated
for depressed provinces as declared by the President as of the time of
the effectivity of R. A. No. 7660: Provided, further, That availments
 under this fund shall be determined by the President on the basis of
equity.

Provided, finally, That in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this Section, not
more one percent (1%) of the allocated funds thereof shall be used for
administrative expenses by the implementing agencies.

(B) Incremental Revenues from Republic Act No. 8240. - Fifteen

percent (15%) of the incremental revenue collected from the excise tax on
tobacco products under R. A. No. 8240 shall be allocated and divided
among the provinces producing burley and native tobacco in accordance
with the volume of tobacco leaf production. The fund shall be exclusively
utilized for programs in pursuit of the following objectives:

(1) Cooperative projects that will enhance better quality of

agricultural products and increase income and productivity of
farmers;

(2) Livelihood projects, particularly the development of alternative

farming system to enhance farmer's income; and

(3) Agro-industrial projects that will enable tobacco farmers to be

involved in the management and subsequent ownership of projects,
such as post-harvest and secondary processing like cigarette
manufacturing and by-product utilization.

The Department of Budget and Management, in consultation with the

Oversight Committee created under said R.A. No. 8240, shall issue the
corresponding rules and regulations governing the allocation and
disbursement of this fund.

SEC. 289. Special Financial Support to Beneficiary Provinces

Producing Virginia Tobacco. - The financial support given by the
National Government for the beneficiary provinces shall be constituted and
collected from the proceeds of fifteen percent (15%) of the excise taxes on
locally manufactured Virginia-type of cigarettes.

The funds allotted shall be divided among the beneficiary provinces pro-
rata according to the volume of Virginia tobacco production.

Production producing Virginia tobacco shall be the beneficiary provinces

under Republic Act No. 7171. Provided, however, that to qualify as
beneficiary under R. A. No. 7171, a province must have an average annual
 production of Virginia leaf tobacco in an amount not less than one million
kilos: Provided, further, that the Department of Budget and Management
(DBM) shall each year determine the beneficiary provinces and their
computed share of the funds under R. A. No. 7171, referring to the National
Tobacco Administration (NTA) records of tobacco acceptances, at the
tobacco trading centers for the immediate past year.

The Secretary of Budget and Management is hereby directed to retain

annually the said funds equivalent to fifteen percent (15%) of excise taxes
on locally manufactured Virginia type cigarettes to be remitted to the
beneficiary provinces qualified under R. A. No. 7171.

The provision of existing laws to the contrary notwithstanding, the fifteen

percent (15%) share from government revenues mentioned in R. A. No.
7171 and due to the Virginia tobacco-producing provinces shall be directly
remitted to the provinces concerned.

Provided, That this Section shall be implemented in accordance with the

guidelines of Memorandum Circular No. 61-A dated November 28, 1993,
which amended Memorandum Circular No. 61, entitled "Prescribing
Guidelines for Implementing Republic Act No. 7171", dated January 1,
1992.

Provided, further, That in addition to the local government units

mentioned in the above circular, the concerned officials in the province
shall be consulted as regards the identification of projects to be financed.

TITLE XII
OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

SEC. 290. Congressional Oversight Committee. -

A Congressional Oversight Committee, hereinafter referred to as the

Committee, is hereby constituted in accordance with the provisions of this
Code. The Committee shall be composed of the Chairmen of the Committee
on Ways and Means of the Senate and House Representatives and four (4)
additional members from each house, to be designated by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives and the Senate President, respectively.

The Committee shall, among others, in aid of legislation:

(1) Monitor and ensure the proper implementation of Republic Act

 No. 8240;

(2) Determine that the power of the Commissioner to compromise

and abate is reasonably exercised;

(3) Review the collection performance of the Bureau of Internal

Revenue; and

(4) Review the implementation of the programs of the Bureau of

Internal Revenue.

In furtherance of the hereinabove cited objectives, the Committee is

empowered to require of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, submission of all
pertinent information, including but not limited to: industry audits;
collection performance data; status report on criminal actions initiated
against persons; and submission of taxpayer returns: Provided, however,
That any return or return information which can be associated with, or
otherwise identify, directly or indirectly, a particular taxpayer shall be
furnished the Committee only when sitting in Executive Session unless
such taxpayer otherwise consents in writing to such disclosure.

TITLE XIII
REPEALING PROVISIONS

SEC. 291. In General. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with this Code
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

TITLE XIV
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 292. Separability Clause. - If any clause, sentence, paragraph or

part of this Code shall be adjudged by any Court of competent jurisdiction
to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the
remainder of said Code, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause,
sentence, paragraph or part thereof directly involved in the controversy.

SEC. 4. The Secretary of Finance shall, upon recommendation of the

Commissioner of Internal Revenue, promulgate and publish the necessary rules
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 5. Transitory Provisions. - Deferment of the Effectivity of the

Imposition of VAT on Certain Services. - The effectivity of the imposition of the
value-added tax on services as prescribed in Section 17(a) and (b) of Republic
Act No. 7616, as amended by Republic Act. 8241, is hereby further deferred until
December 31, 1999, unless Congress deems otherwise: Provided, That the said
services shall continue to pay the applicable tax prescribed under the present
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is subsequently

declared unconstitutional, the validity of the remaining provisions hereof shall
remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clauses. -

(A) The provision of Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7906, otherwise known
as the "Thrift Banks Act of 1995" shall continue to be in force and effect
only until December 31, 1999.

Effective January 1, 2000, all thrift banks, whether in operation as of that

date or thereafter, shall no longer enjoy tax exemption as provided under
Section 17 of R. A. No. 7906, thereby subjecting all thrift banks to taxes,
fees and charges in the same manner and at the same rate as banks and
other financial intermediaries.

(B) The provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended,

and all other laws, including charters of government-owned or controlled
corporations, decrees, orders, or regulations or parts thereof, that are
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect on January 1, 1998.