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Taxation Law 2 Reviewer Long
Taxation Law 2 Reviewer Long
those imposed upon the gratuitous d.) Privilege theory or State Partnership
disposition of private property theory
Inheritance is not a right but a privilege
Under our law, they are taxes levied on granted by the state and large estates
the transmission of private properties from have been acquired only with the
a prior decedent to his heirs in the case of protection of the state. The State, as a
estate tax, or from a donor to a donee in passive and silent partner in the
the case of donors tax. accumulation of property has the right to
collect the share which is properly due to
Kinds of Transfer Taxes it.
or bonds have acquired a business situs in the INCLUSIONS IN THE GROSS ESTATE (CR2IG
Philippines; and
e.) Shares or rights in any partnership, business, DIP)
or industry
established in the Philippines.
1) Decedents interest at a specific
property
GROSS ESTATE
- To the extent of the interest therein of the
the total value of all property, whether
decedent at the time of his death. (Sec. 85 A)
real or personal, tangible or intangible
belonging to the decedent at the time of - Ex: partnership interest, dividends
his death, situated within or outside the
Philippines, where such decedent was a 2) Transfer in contemplation of death
resident or citizen of the Philippines. - A transfer with the thought of death.
In the case of a nonresident alien - The term in contemplation of death means
decedent, it shall include only property that the impelling or controlling motive is the
situated in the Philippines. thought of death, regardless of whether the
transferor is near the possibility of death or
not, which induces the disposition of the
Property Included in the Gross Estate property for the purpose of avoiding the tax.
(INCLUSIONS): - Example: donation was made concurrently
A. In case of resident citizens, nonresident with the execution of a will (Vidal de Rocs vs.
citizens and resident aliens: Posadas, 58 Phil 108)
1. Real Property within and without the
Philippines; Circumstances taken into account in
2. Tangible personal property within and without determining in whether the transfer was made
the Philippines; and in contemplation of death:
3. Intangible personal property within and without A.) Age and state of health of the decedent at
the Philippines. the time of the gift;
B.) Length of time between the gift and the
B. In cases of nonresident aliens: date of death; and
1. Real property within the Philippines; C.) Concurrent making of a will or making a
2. Tangible personal property within the will within a short time after the transfer.
Philippines and;
3. Intangible personal property within the Note: Check the factual settings before and at
Philippines, unless there is reciprocity in which time of death because proximity to death is not
case, it is not taxable. always conclusive.
Note: In relation to transfers with retention of b.) The alteration, amendment or revocation
rights which are made in contemplation of death takes effect only upon the expiration of a
if the right of retention by the Decedent is co- stated period after the exercise of the
terminous with his lifetime. power.
- Ex: X has a house and lot which he transferred If the notice has not been given or
to Y the power has not been exercised on or
a) with the condition that X will use it while X before the decedents death, such notice
lives or the power shall be considered to have
- Effect: Still part of estate of X as he has been given or exercised on the date of the
control over it decedents death.
b) with the condition that X will use it only for 10 4.) Transfer of property under a general
years and then X dies before 10 years power of appointment
- Effect: Not part of the estate of X as he is not
the actual owner - A transfer where the donor of the power of
appointment authorizes the donee of such power
3.) Transfer with retention or reservation of to designate any person he chooses to be given
certain rights the right over the appointed property.
- This contemplates the instances where the
owner transfers his property during his lifetime - The transferee may choose freely any person
but still retains economic benefits (the possession who will own the property after he dies
or enjoyment of the property or the power to
designate the person who may exercise such - Rationale: the will of the transferee is followed;
rights). hence, part of transferees estate
B. Transfer with retention of interest in respect to: A.) A power is general, when it authorizes
- 1. The possession or enjoyment of or the right to the donee of the power to appoint any
the person he pleases including himself, thus
income from the property; or having a full dominion over the property
2. The right either alone or in conjunction with as if he owned it.
any person, to designate the person who shall
possess or enjoy the property or the income B.) It is special when, the donee can appoint
therefrom. And such interest is retained by only among a restricted or designated
the decedent for his life or for any period class of persons other than himself.
which does not in fact end before his death.
Note:
C. Transfer with reversionary interest, wherein If the power of appointment is general, it
there is a possibility that the transferred makes the appointed property a part of the
property may return to the decedent or his donees property.
estate or that it may become subject to a
power of disposition by the decedent. Under a general power of appointment,
- Ex: A transfers his property to B in naked title to the property is legally transferred to
ownership and to C in usufruct throughout Cs the donee. Therefore the property shall form
lifetime subject to the condition that if C part of the gross estate of the donee.
predeceases A, the property shall return to A. If A
dies during Cs lifetime, the value of the
reversionary interest of A at death is included in 5.) Transfer for insufficient consideration
his gross estate. - A transfer that is not a bona fide sale of
property for an adequate and full
3.) Revocable transfer consideration in money or moneys worth. The
- the decedent has full control of disposition of excess of the fair market value at the time of
property death over the value of the consideration
- even if the control is not exercised, it is enough received by the decedent shall form part of
that it is his gross estate.
exists
- A transfer where: - However, if the purported absolute sale inter
a.) The decedent or in conjunction with any other vivos by the decedent is shown to be
person has reserved the right to alter, amend, fictitious, then the total value of the property
revoke, or terminate; or transferred is subject to inclusion in the
b.) Any such power is relinquished in taxable estate.
contemplation of the decedents death.
- Ex: X owns a house and lot, he wants to help Y
The power to alter, amend or revoke shall be so he sells his house worth P5M for only P1M. At
considered to exist on the date of the decedents the time of Xs death, his house and lot is worth
death even though: P10M.
a.) the exercise of the power is subject to a How much is included in the gross estatre of X?
precedent giving of notice; or 10-1 = 9M
- Ex: X bought a car worth P1.3M. X needed Note: Common reasons for 1 and 2 the will of
money so he sells his car to Y for only P1M. This the first decedent is followed, the second
is not a transfer for insufficient consideration as decedent has no control over the disposition.
this is a bona fide transfer at arms length; hence,
a valid transfer. 3. Transfers to social welfare, cultural, and
charitable institutions
6.) Proceeds of life insurance - Requisites:
- Proceeds of life insurance taken by the decedent a) Qualified organization
on his own life shall be included in the gross b) Not more than 30% will be used for
estate if the beneficiary: administrative purposes
A.) Is the estate of the decedent, his executor, - Reason: to encourage such transfers
or administrator (regardless whether the
designation is revocable or irrevocable); or 4. Proceeds of insurance not includible in
B.) Third person other than the estate, the gross estate of the decedent
executor, administrator but the a) Amount receivable by any beneficiary
designation of the beneficiary is irrevocably designated in the policy of insurance
revocable. by the insured.
- Presumption: proceeds are revocable b) Proceeds of a group insurance policy taken out
- include in the estate only if it is revocable as the by a company for its employees.
decedent retained control over the proceeds c) Proceeds of insurance policies issued by the
GSIS to government officials and employees.
7.) Prior Interest d) Benefits accruing under the Social Security
- Except as otherwise specifically provided Act.
therein, subsections (B), (C), (E) of Section 85 e) Proceeds of life insurance payable to the heirs
referring to transfer in contemplation of death, of deceased members of the military personnel of
revocable transfer and proceeds of life the United States Army or Philippine Army under
insurance respectively shall apply to the laws administered by the United States Veterans
transfers, trusts, estates, interests, rights, Administration.
powers and relinquishment of powers as f) Accident insurance proceeds.
severally enumerated and described therein,
whether made, created, arising, existing, 5. Separate property of the surviving
exercised or relinquished before or after the spouse.
effectivity of the CTRP.
Note:
NOTE: In the determination of the gross estate, the
In most of these transfers the property nature of the property, whether common
remains substantially that of the transferor during property of the spouses, separate or exclusive
his lifetime notwithstanding the transfer since he property either of the deceased or of the
still retains either the beneficial ownership or surviving spouse, becomes of vital
naked title to the property. importance.
1. Merger of usufruct in the owner of the Under the Civil Code, the husband and
naked title wife who got married before August 3, 1988
- ex: X has a house and lot. X gave the title to Z. are governed by the Conjugal Partnership of
X also allows Y to use the same and that in case Y Gains, while those who got married on or after
dies, the use goes to Z. What are the effects? August 3, 1988 are governed by the Absolute
a) If X dies include the house and lot in Xs Community of Property, unless a different
estate regime was agreed upon in the marriage
b) If Y dies exclude from the estate of Y as the settlement.
will of X is being followed, there is a merger of
usufruct in Z (the owner of the naked title). EXEMPTION FROM ESTATE TAX
2. Fideicommisary and transmissions from A. The first P200, 000.00 value of the estate (sec.
the first heir, legatee, or donee in favor of 84 NIRC)
another beneficiary, in accordance with the B. The merger of the usufruct in the owner of the
desire of the predecessor naked title.
- ex: X has a house and lot. In the will of X, Y may C. The transmission from the first heir, legatee, or
have the title to the house and lot but in case Y donee in favor of another beneficiary in
dies, the property will go to Z. What are the accordance with the desire of the predecessor.
effects? D. All bequest, devises, legacies or transfers to
a) If X dies include as part of Xs estate as he social welfare, cultural and charitable
actually owns it institutions, no part of the net income of which
b) If Y dies excluded from the estate of Y as he inured to the benefit of any individual and
has no control over its disposition provided that not more than 30% of the said
bequest, etc shall be used by such institution
- Ex: X has a house and lot which he wants to for administration purposes.
give to Y but Y is a minor at the moment so that X E. Intangible personal property of non-resident
institutes T to hold the property in trust for Y until aliens under the principle of reciprocity.
Y reaches the age of majority. X died. The F. Retirement benefits of employees of private
property passed to T. T died. Y reached the age of firms from private pension plans approved by
majority. Effect if T dies: Not part of estate of T. the BIR.
G. Amount received for war damages.
H. Grants and donations to the Intramuros individual benefit of the heirs, legatees, or
administration. devisees are not allowed as deductions.
ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS FROM THE GROSS - ex: expenses to be declared as administrator
ESTATE vs. an oppositor is a personal expense
- Granted by mere legislative grace
- Construed strictly against the taxpayer
- Requisites:
a) Substantiate the claim for deduction
b) Identify the provision granting the 3) Claims against the decedents estate
deduction. - Debts or obligations of the decedent that is
The provision must be clear and definite. enforceable
against the estate provided that the following
RESIDENT DECEDENT requisites are
met:
A. Ordinary Deductions (ELIT): a) They were contracted in good faith and for
an adequate and full consideration in
1) Funeral Expenses money or moneys worth.
- The amount deductible is equal to 5% of the b) They must be existing against the estate.
gross estate or the amount of the actual funeral c) They must be legally enforceable
expenses whichever is lower, but in no case to obligations of the decedent and ought to be
exceed P200,000; enforced by the claimants.
d) They must be reasonably certain in
- Actual funeral expenses are those which were amount; and;
actually incurred in connection with the interment e) At the time the indebtedness was incurred,
or burial of the deceased and paid for from the the debt instrument was duly notarized
estate of said deceased. and if the loan was contracted within three
(3) years before the death of the
decedent, the administrator or executor
- Funeral expenses include: shall submit a statement showing the
a) Costs of coffin, tombstone, disposition of the proceeds of the loan.
mausoleum, and burial lot;
b) Funeral parlor fees;
c) Mourning clothing of the surviving 4) Claims against the insolvent persons
spouse and the unmarried minor children; - Requisites for deductibility:
d) Costs of obituary notices; and a) The amount of said claims has been
e) Expenses during the wake. initially included as part of the gross estate;
and
- The following cannot be deducted under funeral b) The incapacity of the debtors to pay their
expenses: obligations is proven and not merely alleged.
a) Cash advances of the surviving spouse and
the heirs; 5) Unpaid mortgages indebtedness
b) Expenses paid by the relatives and friends;
and - Requisites for deductibility:
c) Expenses after the burial. a) The fair market value of the property
mortgaged without deducting the
- Requisites: mortgage indebtedness has been initially
a) The expenses must be due to the included as part of his gross estate;
interment, wake and burial; hence, b) The mortgage indebtedness was
expenses on the death anniversary are not contracted in good faith and for an adequate
included and full consideration in money or moneys
b) The expenses must have been shouldered worth.
by the estate and not by other people
- ex: X obtained a 3M loan from Y and executed a
2) Judicial expenses of the testamentary or Real Estate Mortgage over his house and lot
intestate proceedings worth 5M. X paid 1M. X died.
- Requisite: administration expenses to those Effect: in the estate of X, include the 5M in the
actually incurred in the administration of the gross estate of X and claim as deduction the
estate. unpaid 2M.
has dependents or is a head of family with - Concept: if a property located in the Philippines
dependents.) was already subjected to estate tax abroad and
b. Such fact must be certified by the Barangay the same property is also subjected to estate tax
Captain of the locality where the family is in the Philippines, the foreign tax paid is allowed
situated. to reduce his Philippine estate tax
c. The total value of the family home must be
included in the gross estate of the decedent. - Purpose: minimize the effect of international
d. The allowable deduction must be in an amount double taxation
equivalent to the current fair market value of
the family home as declared or included in the - applicable only to residents and citizens, not to
gross estate not exceeding NRA since he is taxed only on his properties
P1, 000,000. within the Philippines; hence, the NRA will not be
made to pay estate taxes twice for his property
E. Standard Deduction Of P1, 000,000.00 located abroad = no international double taxation
- on top of other deductions, unlike the optional = no tax credit. (Sec. 86 (E)(2))
standard deduction which is in lieu of other
deductions; hence, it does not include the P - Requisites:
200,000 exemption 1. Prove that the foreign estate tax has been paid
2. Prove reciprocity : that in the decedents
F. Medical Expenses foreign country, a similar tax credit is given to
- Requisites: Filipinos
a. Must be incurred by the decedent within one
(1) year Limitations on tax credit:
prior to his death A.)The tax credit limit for estate taxes paid to one
b. Must be duly substantiated by receipts; and foreign country is determined by the following:
c. Must not exceed P500, 000
TAX CREDIT LIMIT=
*Opinion of JB: medical expense must be related
to the cause of death as it is the estate that is Decedents Net Estate situated in a foreign
being settled. Otherwise, if not related, it is a country x Phil. Estate tax of the Entire net estate
personal expense.
B.) The tax credit limit for estate taxes paid to
G. Amounts Received By Heirs Under RA two or more countries is determined as follows:
4917 From The Decedents Employer As A
Consequence Of The Death Of The TAX CREDIT LIMIT =
DecedentEmployee, Provided That Such
Amount Is Included In The Gross Estate Of Decedents net estate situated outside of the Phil
The Decedent. X Phil. Estate tax of Entire net Estate
- retirement benefits
- Requisite: include in gross estate Note:
1.) Under limitation A the allowable tax credit is
H. NET SHARE OF THE SURVIVING SPOUSE the lower amount between the tax credit limit
IN THE CONJUGAL / COMMUNITY PROPERTY. and the estate tax paid to the foreign country.
- Requisite: Include the entire amount in the gross
estate then deduct the share of the surviving 2.) Under limitation B the allowable tax credit is
spouse the lower amount between the tax credit limit
- Ex: H owns a car worth 1M and a house and lot computed under (A) and that computed under
worth 5M (B)
W owns a truck worth 2M and jewelry worth
10M
H and W owns a conjugal lot worth 20M B.) IF DECEDENT IS A NON RESIDENT ALIEN
H died.
The deductions allowed to citizens or
Gross estate of H: residents of the Philippines are also extended to a
Exclusive Conjugal non-resident alien decedent with respect to his
5 M house and lot 20 M lot estates situated in the Philippines at the time of
1M car _________ _______ his death.
6M 20 M
Total gross estate = 26 M In case of deductions for expenses, losses,
indebtedness and taxes, the amount of the
Then claim as deduction the 10M, which is allowable deduction is limited only to the
the share of the surviving spouse in the proportion of such deductions with the value of
conjugal lot. such part of his gross estate which at the time of
his death, is situated in the Philippines, bears to
- Ex: H and W died simultaneously. In computing the value of his entire gross estate wherever
the gross estate of H and W, their shares situated. (Sec. 86 (B))
shares as to the conjugal lot may immediately be
split as there is no surviving spouse left. Formula:
Allowable deduction of non-resident estate =
I) Tax Credit For Estate Tax Paid To A
Foreign Country Philippine Gross Estate x Deductions
- The estate tax imposed by the tax code shall be Claimed
credited with the amount of any estate tax paid Entire Gross estate
to a foreign country.
As a prerequisite to the deduction, it must Where the gross value of the estate exceeds P
be included in the return required to be filed the 20,000 although exempt, the executor,
value at the time of his death, of that part of the administrator, or any of the legal heirs shall give,
gross estate of the non-resident not situated in within 2 months after the decedents death or
the Philippines, to determine the ratable portion within like period after the executor or
of the deduction for expenses allowable. administrator qualifies as such, a written notice
thereof, to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
(Sec. 89, NIRC)
Valuation of Property
The estate shall be appraised at its fair market - Contents of the letter:
value (FMV) at the time of death of the decedent 1. The fact that the decedent died
(Sec.88, NIRC). This is regardless of any 2. Residence of the decedent
subsequent contingency affecting the estate. 3. Date of death
(Lorenzo vs. Posadas, 64 Phil. 353)
- Effect of failure to file notice: subject to penalty
1. Real Property not lower than P1,000
- higher amount of :
a) FMV as determined by the Commissioner * Note: Filing with the nearest Revenue District
- This is the zonal value (of the land) as fixed Office is sufficient compliance.
by the CIR, and can be obtained from the BIR
website or regional office Filing of Return and Payment of Tax
5.) When to Pay NOTE: There are two ways the government may
Pay the estate tax at the time you will file enforce collection of estate taxes from the
your estate tax return. (Pay as you file decedents heirs:
system) 1. It can collect from all the heirs the amount of
the estate tax proportionate to the inheritance
6.) Extension for Payment: they received.
- allowed in meritorious cases when the 2. It can subject properties of the estate which
Commisioner finds that the payment of the are in the hands of the heirs/transferees to the
esate tax on the due date would impose payment of the tax. (CIR vs. Pineda, 21 SCRA
undue hardships upon the estate or any heir : 105)
At most 2 years if estate extrajudicially NOTE: The heirs have a solidary obligation to
settled settle the estate. Hence, the BIR can collect from
At most 5 years if estate judicially or sue any of the heirs, but only up to the amount
settled of that heirs share in the hereditary estate. This
is without prejudice to such heirs right of
- NOTE: The taxpayer must not be guilty of reimbursement from his co-heirs of their share in
a) negligence the payment of the estate tax. (CIR vs. Pineda, 21
b) intentional disregard of the rules and SCRA 105)
regulations, or
c) fraud
Measures to Insure Payment of Estate Tax
- the taxpayer may also be required to pay a
bond not exceeding double the amount of tax and a. No judge shall authorize the executor or
with such sureties, as the Commissioner deems judicial administrator to deliver a distributive
necessary share to any party interested in the estate unless
a certification from the Commissioner that the
estate tax has been paid as shown. (Sec.94)
* Note: The filing of the estate tax return is not - by the court requiring the
sufficient to obtain a tax clearance, the executor/administrator to submit an inventory of
administrator/executor/heir must submit properties of the estate, these properties are to
additional documents to determine the be distributed only after payment of estate taxes
correctness of the values stated by him in the and receipt of clearance by the Commissioner or
estate tax return. his duly authorized representative
- such as the title of the land, tax declaration of - NOTE: The approval of the probate court is not
the land and its improvements or Certificate of required before estate taxes may be collected.
No-improvement, vicinity map to fix the exact The enforcement and collection of taxes are
location and zonal value, etc. executive in nature. (Marcos II vs. CA, 273 SCRA
(Read: Revenue Memorandum Order 15-2003) 47)
* Note: To avoid the imposition of penalties while b. Registers of Deeds shall not register in
there is no extra/judicial settlement yet, any heir the Registry of Property any document
may file a sworn declaration to the BIR stating transferring real property any document
transferring real property or real right therein or
the fact of death, that the estate has not yet
any chattel mortgage, by way of gift inter vivos
been settled and the list of the properties or mortis causa, legacy or inheritance, unless
included in the estate, as basis for payment of certification from the commissioner that the tax
estate tax. has been paid and the y shall immediately notify
the Commissioner, Regional Director, Revenue
District Officer, or Revenue collection Officer or
If Gross Estate >2M, additional
treasurer of the city or municipality where their
requirement:
officer are located, of the non-payment of the tax
- must submit a certificate of an independent
discovered by them. (Sec. 95)
CPA stating:
- before the properties are transferred in the
1. itemized assets of the decedent with
name of the heirs, a Certificate Authorizing
corresponding gross value at the time of
Registration (CAR) must be shown
his death;
or if NRA, that part of his gross estate
c. Any lawyer notary public, or any
situated in the Philippines
Government Officer who, by reason of his official
2. itemized deductions from the gross estate
duties, intervenes in the preparation or
3. amount of tax due, whether paid or still
acknowledgement of documents regarding
due and outstanding
partition or disposal of donation inter vivos or
mortis causa, legacy or inheritance, shall have
Liability for Payment of Estate Tax
the duty of furnishing the Commissioner, etc.,
with copies of such documents and any
Primarily Liable : Executor or administrator -
information whatsoever, which may facilitate the
before delivery to any beneficiary of his collection of the aforementioned tax. (Sec. 95)
distributive shares. After due payment, the - ex: deed of extrajudicial settlement, deed of
executor or administrator shall be discharged donation
from personal liability.
- For this purpose, all withdrawal slips shall 4. Set up a living trust
contain a statement to the effect that all of the - Trust: obligation imposed by a person
joint depositors are still living at the time of regarding his
withdrawal by any one of the joint depositors and property
such statement shall be under oath. Otherwise, - Create an irrevocable trust over your
the joint depositor will be liable for perjury (Sec. properties so that they will not form part of your
267). gross estate when you die. This is because the
Irrevocable Trust is a new taxpayer created.
- joint accounts covered by this rule include and - Ex: grandfather (Grantor) during his lifetime
and and/or accounts, but do not include an would like to give certain properties to his
account subject to a Survivorship Agreement with grandchild. Until he reaches the age of
maturity, the properties will be held in trust by
a survivor-take-all feature (because there is an X (trustee) for the grandchild (Beneficiary).
automatic transfer of right to the survivor; hence,
not included in gross estate of the joint depositor
who died tax avoidance scheme)
Payable within 30 days Payable within 6 2.) The donors tax is also intended to prevent
from the date of gift months from the date the avoidance of income tax through the
of death device of splitting income among
Imposed on the net Imposed on the net numerous/different donees with the donor
gift estate thereby escaping the effect of the progressive
rates of income taxation.
II. DONORS TAX / GIFT TAX
Kinds Of Gift Taxes:
A. NATURE 1. Donors tax or tax levied on the act of
- It is an excise (privilege) tax, imposed on the giving; it supplements the estate tax; and
privilege of the donor to give or on the privilege 2. Donees tax or tax levied on the act of
of the done to receive. It is not a tax on the receiving; it was formerly the counterpart of
property as such because its imposition does not the inheritance tax, which has been
rest upon general ownership. integrated into an estate tax.
- The tax is imposed without reference to the *Both taxes have now been integrated into a
death of the donor unlike in the case of estate donors tax.
tax.
Parties To A Donation:
Donation / Gift 1. Donor - the Person who disposes of his
- an act of liberality whereby a person disposes property or right.
gratuitously of a thing or right in favor of another 2. Donee - the Person who receives the property
who accepts it. or right.
- For tax purposes, the term has a much wider Properties Included In The Term Gift
meaning, it includes:
(A). In the case of resident citizens, non-
a. any transfer in trust or otherwise, whether resident citizens and resident aliens:
the gift is direct or indirect, and whether the 1. Real property within and without the
property is real or personal, tangible or Philippines.
intangible. (Sec. 98) 2. Tangible personal property within and
without the Philippines; and
b. any transfer of property by gift, except in 3. Intangible personal property within and
forced sales and in the sale of real property without the Philippines.
which is a capital asset, for less than and
adequate and full consideration in money or (B.) In the case of non-resident aliens:
moneys worth. (Sec. 100) 1. Real property within the Philippines.
2. Tangible personal property within the
c. Condonation or remission of debt, where Philippines.
the creditor merely desires to benefit a 3. Intangible personal property within the
debtor and without any consideration Philippines, unless there is reciprocity in
therefore cancels the debt. which case, it is not taxable.
3.) donations made between business states that proprietary educational institutions
organizations may be given the same privileges subject to a
are considered donations made to strangers guideline; as a guideline, the NIRC does not
(RR 2-2003) provide for such exemption to them.
Note: Donees who have no blood relation to the 2. Gifts made by a Non-Resident Alien
donor are considered strangers to the donor, such a.) Gifts made to or for the use of the National
as those made to ones in-laws or to juridical Government or any entity created by of its
persons. agencies which is not conducted for profit,
or to any political subdivision of the said
2. Value of the Gift government.
- the higher the value of the gift, the higher the
gift taxes b.) Gifts in favor of educational, charitable,
religious, cultural or social welfare
corporation, institution, foundations trust or
C. DEDUCTIONS / EXEMPTIONS FROM GIFT philanthropic organization, research
TAX organization or institution; Provided, that no
more than 30% of said gifts shall be used by
1. Gifts Made by a Resident: such donee for administration purposes.
Note: doesnt include accredited NGO
a.) Dowries or gifts made on account of marriage Note:
before its celebration or within one year 1. Intangible personal property in the gross gift of
thereafter by parents to each of their legitimate, a NON-RESIDENT ALIEN donor shall be taxable in
illegitimate or adopted children to the extent of the Philippines, if the PRINCIPLE OF RECIPROCITY
the first P10,000.00. is not cognizable.
Note:
For purposes of exemption, a non-profit
educational and/or charitable corporation,
institution, accredited non-government
organization, trust or philanthropic D. TAX TREATMENT OF PROPERTIES
organization is defined as: TRANSFERRED FOR LESS THAN FULL /
ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION
school, trust or university and/ or
charitable corporation, foundation trust or
General Rule: The amount by which the FMV of
philanthropic organization and/ or
the property exceeded the value of the
research institution or organization
consideration shall be deemed a gift
incorporated as a non-stock entity:
paying no dividends. Exception: real properties classified as capital
governed by trustees who receive no assets (not used in business) as there were
compensation; and already subjected to Capital Gains Tax
devoting all its income to the
accomplishment and promotion of the
purposes enumerated in its articles of E. TAX TREATMENT OF POLITICAL
incorporation. CONTRIBUTIONS
- any contribution in cash or in kind to any
candidate, political party or coalition of parties for
campaign purposes shall be governed by the
Note: Election Code; hence, this is not subject to gift
Only donations made to non-stock, non-profit tax (report to COMELEC?)
educational institutions are exempt from gift
taxes as although Article 14 of the Constitution
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F. TAX CREDIT FOR DONORS TAXES PAID TO Between those found guilty of the same
A FOREIGN COUNTRY criminal offenses.
1. Donor was a Filipino citizen or resident alien, at Between those made to a public officer or his
the time of foreign donation wife, descendants, ascendants by reason of
2. Donors taxes of any character and description his office.
are imposed and paid by the authority of a
foreign country. Note: Effects Of General And Specific
Renunciation
- An heirs general renunciation of inheritance in
Limitations: favor of a co-heir is not subject to donors tax, but
A.) For donors tax paid to one foreign country; if it is specifically renounced in favor of a co-heir
to the exclusion of others, it shall be subject to
The amount of tax credit in respect to the donors tax.
tax paid to any country shall not exceed the
same proportion of the tax against which Note: Renunciation of a surviving spouse of
credit is taken which the net gifts situated his/her share in the conjugal partnership or
within such country taxable under the absolute community after dissolution of
National Internal Revenue Code bears to his marriage
entire net gift, and - whether made in favor of the heirs of the
deceased spouse or in favor of a third person, the
B.) For donors tax paid to two or more foreign same is subject to donors tax
countries:
H. VALUATION
- the gift tax is based on the fair market value of
the gift at the time it was given
Formula:
I. LAW APPLICABLE
1. Donors Tax Paid to 1 Foreign Country
- the law in force at the time of the perfection /
Tax Credit Limit = completion of the donation shall govern the
imposition of donors tax. A donation is
Net gift situated in a foreign country X Phil. considered as completed FOR TAX PURPOSES at
Donors Tax the time the donee accepts the gift.
3. Payment of Donors Tax Note: Do not deduct the first 100,000 in case of
- pay as you file the tax return donee-relatives as this is incorporated already in
- Note: if the donors tax was paid for the the table under Section 99.
transfer, there is no more need to subject the
transfer again to estate tax. Applying the Back General Rule: H and W are considered separate
Tax Theory, there is no tax that remained unpaid and distinct taxpayers for purposes of donors
regarding this transfer. tax.
Exception: What was donated is a conjugal
4. Extensions For Payment Of Donors Tax property and only H signed. There is only one
- the NIRC does not provide for any extension for donor, without prejudice to the right of W to
payment of gift tax, as it is presumed that if you question the validity of the donation without
can donate, you still have sufficient properties to her consent.
pay for the tax. Unlike in estate tax where
extension is granted, because the payment of PROBLEMS
the tax may cause undue hardship on the heirs 1. Donations made by X
specifically for non-liquid properties which January 300,000 to his brother
requires time to be sold first to be converted into April 400,000 to his sister
cash for payment of the estate tax. August 500,000 to his mother
For each of H and W the computation is: - No donors tax because as if A never inherited
500,000 to A 250,000 anything from X and the transfer was made
- to B 250,000 directly from X to B and C.
A B
250,000 250,000 VALUE ADDED TAX
-10,000 _______
240,000 250,000 A. Value Added Tax
*2 to 15% * 30% - Indirect Tax
- It is not the tax itself which is shifted or passed but c. Persons engaged in transactions which are
it is the burden to pay the tax zero-rated, being subject to VAT, are
Why? Tax is Personal. Seller is still liable, required to register while registration is
only that the economic burden is shouldered option for VAT-exempt persons.
by the buyer.
F. Tax Credits
a. Transitional Input Tax Credits (Sec.
B. Transactions Subject to VAT (ISBEL) 111(A), NIRC, as amended by RA 9337)
a. Importation whether or not in the regular b. Presumptive Input Tax Credits (Sec.
course of business 111(B), NIRC, as amended by RA 9337)
b. Sale
conducted in the
c. Barter
regular course TAX ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
d. Exchange of business
e. Lease A. Tax Administration: Its general
concepts
* The phrase in the course of business means the - is the power of the Bureau of
regular conduct or pursuit of a commercial or an Internal Revenue (BIR) to enforced
economic activity, including transactions incidental and administer taxes.
thereto, by any person regardless of whether or not
the person engaged therein is a non-stock, non-profit B. Government agencies involved in tax
private organization (irrespective of the disposition of administration
its net income and whether or not it sells exclusively to - the BIR and Bureau of Customs
members or their guests), or government entity. are tasked to implement revenues
laws as the case may be.
* VAT becomes due when the following conditioned
concur: C. The Bureau of Internal Revenue
(c) Where the taxpayer acted in bad faith. In case a taxpayer files an application to
compromise the payment of his tax liabilities on
2. Examination of Books of his claim that his financial position demonstrates
Accounts (Sec. 5, NIRC) a clear inability to pay the tax assessed, his
- the Bureau has the power to application shall not be considered unless and
examine books of accounts of until he waives in writing his privilege under
Republic Act No. 1405 or under other general or
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special laws, and such waiver shall constitute the duly authorized representative may
authority of the Commissioner to inquire into the authorize the examination of any
bank deposits of the taxpayer. taxpayer and the assessment of
the correct amount of tax:
Such limited power of the Commissioner Provided, however; That failure to
does not conflict with R.A 1405 or the Secrecy of file a return shall not prevent the
Bank Deposits Law because the provisions of the Commissioner from authorizing the
Tax Code granting this power are an exception to examination of any taxpayer.
the said legislation. Any return, statement of
declaration filed in any office
If the bank has knowledge of the death of authorized to receive the same
a person, who maintained a bank deposit account shall not be withdrawn: Provided,
either alone or jointly with another, it shall not That within three (3) years from
allow any withdrawal from the said deposit the date of such filing, the same
account, unless the Commissioner has certified may be modified, changed, or
that the transfer taxes imposed thereon have amended: Provided, further, That
been paid. However the administrator of the no notice for audit or investigation
estate or any one of the heirs of the decedent of such return, statement or
may, upon authorization by the Commissioner, declaration has in the meantime
withdraw an amount not exceeding twenty been actually served upon the
thousand pesos (P20, 000.00) without the taxpayer.
certification. For this purpose all withdrawal slips
shall contain a statement to the effect that all of i. Amendment of Returns
the joint depositors are still living at the time of
withdrawal by any one of the joint depositors and When a report required by
such statement shall be under oath by the said law as a basis for the assessment
depositors. of any national internal revenue tax
shall not be forthcoming within the
d. Summons persons, take time fixed by laws or rules and
testimony regulations or when there is reason
to believe that any such report is
In ascertaining the correctness of any false, incomplete or erroneous, the
return, or in making a return when none has been Commissioner shall assess the
made, or in determining the liability of any proper tax on the best evidence
person for any internal revenue tax, or in obtainable.
collecting any such liability, or in evaluating tax In case a person fails to file
compliance, the Commissioner is authorized: a required return or other
document at the time prescribed
1. To summon the person liable for tax or by law, or willfully or otherwise
required to file a return, or any officer or files a false or fraudulent return or
employee of such person, or any person having other document, the
possession, custody, or care of the books of Commissioner shall make or
accounts and other accounting records containing amend the return from his own
entries relating to the business of the person knowledge and from such
liable for tax, or any other person, to appear information as he can obtain
before the Commissioner or his duly authorized through testimony or otherwise,
representative at a time and place specified in which shall be prima facie correct
the summons and to produce such books, papers, and sufficient for all legal
records, or other data, and to give testimony purposes. (Sec. 6 {b}, NIRC)
(Sec.5 {c}, NIRC)
the lists containing the names and reflect the declarations made or to be
addresses of persons who have made in a return required to be filed under
filed income tax returns. (see the provisions of this Code, the
Sec.71, NIRC) Commissioner, after taking into account
the sales, receipts, income or other
Any internal revenue officer taxable base of other persons engaged in
who is or shall become interested, similar businesses under similar situations
directly or indirectly, in the or circumstances or after considering
manufacture, sale or importation of other relevant information may prescribe a
any article subject to excise tax minimum amount of such gross receipts,
under Title VI of this Code or in the sales and taxable base, and such amount
manufacture or repair or sale, of so prescribed shall be prima facie correct
any die for printing, or making of for purposes of determining the internal
stamps, or labels shall upon revenue tax liabilities of such person.
conviction for each act or omission,
be punished by a fine of not less
than Five thousand pesos (P5,000) d. Power to terminate tax
but not more than Ten thousand period (see Sec. 6 {d}),
pesos (P10,000), or suffer NIRC)
imprisonment of not less than two - When it shall come to the
(2) years and one (1) day but not knowledge of the Commissioner
more than four (4) years, or both. that a taxpayer is retiring from
(see Sec.270, NIRC) business subject to tax, or is
intending to leave the Philippines
or to remove his property
therefore or to hide or conceal his
property, or is performing any act
b. Power to make a returns tending to obstruct the
(Sec.6 {b}, NIRC) proceedings for the collection of
the tax for the past or current
What is Best quarter or year or to render the
Evidence Obtainable Rule? same totally or partly ineffective
unless such proceedings are
- In case a person fails to file a begun immediately, the
required return or other document Commissioner shall declare the
at the time prescribed by law, or tax period of such taxpayer
willfully or otherwise files a false terminated at any time and shall
or fraudulent return or other send the taxpayer a notice of
document, the Commissioner such decision, together with a
shall make or amend the return request for the immediate
from his own knowledge and from payment of the tax for the period
such information as he can obtain so declared terminated and the
through testimony or otherwise, tax for the preceding year or
which shall be prima facie correct quarter, or such portion thereof as
and sufficient for all legal may be unpaid, and said taxes
purposes. shall be due and payable
immediately and shall be subject
to all the penalties hereafter
c. Power to conduct inventory prescribed, unless paid within the
taking, surveillance and to time fixed in the demand made by
issue presumptive gross the Commissioner.
sales/receipts (see Sec.6
{c}, NIRC) - the BIR has the power to
- The Commissioner may, at any terminate tax period under the
time during the taxable year, order following instances:
inventory-taking of goods of any taxpayer
as a basis for determining his internal when the taxpayer conceals
revenue tax liabilities, or may place the his properties with the
business operations of any person, natural intention to evade taxes
or juridical, under observation or when the taxpayer is leaving
surveillance if there is reason to believe
the Philippines with the
that such person is not declaring his
intention to evade taxes
correct income, sales or receipts for
when the taxpayer is
internal revenue tax purposes. The
obstructing proceedings for
findings may be used as the basis for
the collection of taxes
assessing the taxes for the other months
or quarters of the same or different when the taxpayer is
taxable years and such assessment shall removing properties with the
be deemed prima facie correct. intention of evading taxes
when the taxpayer is retiring
When it is found that a person has form business
failed to issue receipts and invoices in
violation of the requirements of Sections e. Power to fix real property
113 and 237 of the Tax Code, or when values (see Sec.6 {e}, NIRC)
there is reason to believe that the books of
accounts or other records do not correctly
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already filed in court, or (b) those him/her. In contrast, the criminal charge
involving fraud. need not go through all this.
D. The rule on estoppel in relation to tax ii. CIR v. Reyes, G.R. No. 159694,
administration January 27, 2006
a. Against the government
Tax payers shall be informed in writing of
The error made by a tax official in the assessment the law and the facts on which the
of his tax liabilities does not have the effect of assessment and the assessment is made;
relieving the taxpayer from the obligation to pay otherwise the assessment shall be void.
the full amount of his tax liability, for taxes are (2nd paragraph of section 228 is clear and
fixed by law and the government is never mandatory)
estopped to collect the legitimate taxes because
of the errors committed by its agents. However, c. Kinds of Assessment
like other principles, the principle of estoppel also
admits exceptions in the interest of justice and d. Statute of Limitation on Assessment
fair play. The Commissioner is precluded from of Internal Revenue Taxes (Sections 203,
adopting a position inconsistent with one 222, NIRC)
previously taken where in justice would result
therefore or where there has been a General rule (sec203)
misrepresentation. Internal revenue taxes shall be assessed
within three years after the last day
prescribed for the filing of the return, and
Any mistakes committed by no proceeding in court without
the agents of the sovereign, namely government assessment for the collection of sluch
officials and employees are their own and cannot taxes shall begun after the expiration of
bind the government, which cannot be placed on such period.
estoppel on account of the mistakes of its agents.
Exceptions (sec.222)
b. Against the taxpayer In the case of a false of fraudulent return
with intent to evade tax or of failure to file
E. Assessments and its governing principles a return, the tax collection may be filed
without an assessment at any time within
a. Definition ten years after the discovery of the falsity,
The notice and demand for payment of a fraud or omission:
tax liability should not be confused with
assessment relative to real property If before the expiration of the time
taxation which refers to the listing and prescribed in the tax codes for the
evaluation of taxable real property. assessment of the tax, both the
commissioner and the taxpayer have
b. What constitutes an assessment agreed in writing to its assessment after
such time, the tax may be assessed within
i. CIR v. Pascor Realty, 29 June 1999 the period agreed upon.
Neither the NIRC nor the revenue
regulations governing the protest of i. RMO 20-90, Philippine Journalist
assessments provide a specific definition Inc., v. CIR, G.R. No. 162852, 16 December
of form of an assessment however the 2004
NIRC defines the specific function and
effects of an assessment: Appellate Jurisdiction of the CTA is not
limited to cases which involve decisions of
An assessment must be sent to and the CIR on matters relating to
received by a tax payer, and must assessments or refunds. The second part
demand payment of the taxes described of the provision covers other cases that
therein within a specific period. arise out of the NIRC or related laws and
Issuance of an assessment is vital in administered by the BIR. The wording of
determining the period of limitation the provision is clear and simple. It gives
regarding its proper issuance and the the CTA the Jurisdiction to determine if the
period within which to protest. warrant of distraint and levy issued by the
An assessment is deemed made only BIR is valid and to rule if the waiver of
when the collector of Internal Revenue stature of limitations was validly effected.
releases or mails or sends such notice to
the tax payer. A waiver of the statute of limitations under
An assessment is not necessary before the NIRC, to a certain extent, is a
acriminal charge can be filed. derogation of the taxpayers right to
Before an assessment is issued, there is security against prolonged and
unscrupulous investigations and must
by practice, a pre-assessment notice
sent to the tax payer.The tax Payer is therefore be carefully and strictly
construed. The waiver of the statute of
then given a chance to submit position
papers and documents to prove that the limitations is not a waiver of the right to
invoke the defense of prescription as
assessment is unwarranted. If the
commissioner is unsatisfied, an erroneously held by the CA. It is an
agreement between the taxpayer and the
assessment signed by him/her is then
sent to the tax payer informing the latter BIR that the period to issue an assessment
and collect the taxes due id extended to a
specifically and clearly that an
assessment has been made against date certain.
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The defense of prescription of the period What is involved here is not collection of
for the assessment and collection of tax taxes where the assessment of the
liabilities shall be deemed waived when commissioner of internal revenue may be
such defense was not properly pleaded reviewed by the court of tax appeals, but
and the facts alleged and evidenced a criminal prosecution for violations of the
submitted by the parties were not NIRC which is within the recognizance of
sufficient to support a finding by the the CFI. While there can be no civil action
supreme court on the matter to enforce collection before the
prescription, being a matter of defense, assessment procedures provided in the
imposes the burden on the taxpayer to code have been followed, there is no
prove that the full period of the limitation requirement for the precise computation
has expired, and this requires him to and assessment of the tax before there
positively establish the date when the can be a criminal prosecution under the
period started running and when the same code.
was fully accomplished.
ii. CIR v. CA, G.R. No. 119322, 4 June
g. Instances when pre-assessment is not 1996
required (Section 228)
A preassessment notice shall not be Reading Ungab carefully, the
required in the following cases: pronouncement therein that deficiency
When any tax deficiency is the result assessment is not necessary prior to
of mathematical error in the prosecution is pointedly and deliberately
computation of the tax as appearing qualified by the Court with following
on the face of the return. statement quoted form Guzik v. U. S.: the
When a discrepancy has been crime is complete when the violator has
determined between the tax knowingly and willfully filed a fraudulent
withheld and the amount actually return with intent to evade and defeat a
remitted by the withholding agent. part or all of the tax. In plain words, for
When a taxpayer who opted to claim criminal prosecution to proceed before
a refund or tax credit of excess assessment, there must be a prima facie
creditable withholding tax for a showing of willful attempt to evade taxes.
taxable period was determined to There was willful attempt to evade tax in
have carried over and automatically Ungab because of the taxpayers failure to
applied the same amount claimed declare in his income tax return his
against the estimated tax liabilities income derived from banana saplings. In
for the taxable quarter or quarters of the mind of the trial court and the Court of
the succeeding taxable year. Appeals, Fortunes situation is quite apart
factually since the registered wholesale
When the excise tax due on
price of the goods. Approved by the BIR, is
exciseable articles has not been paid.
presumed to be the actual wholesale
When the article locally purchased or
price, therefore, not fraudulent and unless
imported by an exempt person has and until the BIR has made a final
been sold, traded, or transferred to determination of what is supposed to be
non-exempt persons. the correct taxes, the taxpayer should not
be placed in the crucible of criminal
h. Governing principles concerning prosecution. Herein lies a whale of
assessment difference between Ungab and the case at
bar.
Injunction is not available to restrain the
collection of internal revenue taxes. iii. CIR v. Pascor Realty, 29 June 1999
Exception: the Court of Appeals may issue The issuance of an assessment is vital in
injunctions against administrative determining the period of limitation
collection, when collection could regarding its proper issuance and the
jeopardize the interest of the Government period within which to protest it. Section
or taxpayer. 203 of NIRC provides that internal revenue
taxes must be assessed within three years
i. When do we reckon the period when from the last day within which to file the
the assessment was made? return. Section 222, on the other hand,
specifies a period of ten years in case a
Internal revenue taxes shall be assessed fraudulent return with intent to evade was
within three years after the last day submitted or in case of failure to file a
prescribed by law for the filing of the return. Also, Section 228 of the same law
return. states that said assessment may be
protested only within thirty days from
In case where a return is filed beyond the receipt thereof. Necessarily, the taxpayer
three year period shall be counted form must be certain that a specific document
the day the return was filed. constitutes an assessment. Otherwise,
confusion would arise regarding the period
j. Is assessment necessary before a within which t make an assessment or to
taxpayer could be prosecuted for violation protest the same, or whether interest and
of the NIRC? penalty may accrue thereon.
i. Ungab v. Cusi, May 30, 1980 k. Are the procedures outlined in Section
228 of the NIRC retroactive?
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requirement, the assessment shall become his protest of the assessment (Surigao Electric
final. (Revenue Regulation No. 12-85, dated Co. Inc. v. CTA, 57 SCRA 523)
Nov. 27, 1985.) 4. The actual issuance of a warrant of
distraint and levy in certain cases cannot be
considered as final decision on a disputed
Effect of a protest on the period to collect settlement (CIR v. Union Shipping Corp)
deficiency taxes:
b. Effect of protest filed out of time
The prescriptive period is arrested by the
taxpayer's request for re-examination or The pendency of the taxpayer's appeal in the
reinvestigation even if he has not previously Court of Tax Appeals and in the Supreme Court
waived it (CIR vs. Wyeth, G.R. No. 76281,Sep 30, had the effect of temporarily staying the hands of
1991) the said Commissioner. If the taxpayer's stand
that the pendency of the appeal did not stop the
Failure of the BIR to act within the 180-day running of the period because the Court of Tax
period. Appeals did not have jurisdiction over the case of
taxes is upheld, taxpayers would be encouraged
If the Commissioner or his duly authorized to delay the payment of taxes in the hope of
representative fails to act on the taxpayers ultimately avoiding the same. Under the
protest within 180 days from the date of circumstances, the running of the prescriptive
submission by the taxpayer of the required period was suspended. Deficiency Percentage
documents in support of his protest, the taxpayer Taxes must be imposed.(PROTECTOR'S SERVICES,
may appeal to the CA within 30 days from the INC., petitioner, vs. CA, G.R. No. 118176, 2000
lapse of the 180-day period. Apr 12)
1. General Rule is two years from the date of e. Is automatic application of excess tax credits
payment allowed?
f. Effect of existing tax liability on a pending claim
The two-year prescriptive period provided in for refund
Section 292 (now Section 230 of the Tax Code g. Period of validity of a tax refund/credit
should be computed from the time of filing the 1. Returns are not actionable documents for
Adjustment Return or Annual Income Tax Return purposes of the rules on civil procedure and
and final payment of income tax.(CIR vs. TMX evidence
SALES, G.R. No. 83736, 1992 Jan 15,) h. Refund and Protest are mutually exclusive
remedies
The rationale in computing the two-year
prescriptive period with respect to the petitioner
corporation's claim for refund from the time it
filed its final adjustment return is the fact that it i. Is the taxpayer entitled to claim interest on the
was only then that ACCRAIN could ascertain refunded tax?
whether it made profits or incurred losses in its
business operations. The "date of payment", General Rule: The Government cannot be
therefore, in ACCRAIN's case was when its tax required to pay interest on taxes refunded to the
liability, if any, fell due upon its filing of its final taxpayer, unless:
adjustment return. (ACCRA vs CA, G.R. No. 96322,
1991 Dec 20) 1. The Commissioner acted with patent
arbitrariness
The two-year period for prescription should be Arbitrariness presupposes inexcusable or
counted from the date of payment of the tax, obstinate disregard of legal provisions. (CIR vs.
which for actions for refund of corporate income Victorias Milling Corp., Inc. L-19607, Nov. 29,
tax should be computed from the time of actual
filing of the adjustment return or annual income 1966.)
tax return. This is so because at that point, it can
already be determined whether there has been 2. In case of Income Tax withheld on the wages of
an overpayment by the taxpayer. Moreover, employees
under Sec. 49 (a) by the NIRC (now Sec. 56(a), Any excess of the taxes withheld over the tax due
1997 NIRC), payment is made at the time the
return is filed. (CIR V CA, CTA, BPI, GR No. from the taxpayer shall be returned or credited
117254. January 21, 1999) within 3 months from the fifteenth (15th) day of
There is some likelihood that the above rule could April. Refund or credit after such time earn
apply also to individuals who are self employed interest at the rate of 6% per annum, starting
(i.e., in business and professional practice) as after the lapse of the 3-month period to the date
well as estates and trusts, which are likewise
the refund or credit is made (Sec 79 (c) (2) 1997
required to file quarterly returns.
NIRC
The prescriptive period of two years should
commence to run only from the time that the b. Other Remedies
refund is ascertained, which can only be
determined after a final adjustment return is
1. Action to Contest Forfeiture of Chattel (Sec.
accomplished.(CIR V PHILAMLIFE, 244 SCRA 446.
May 29, 1995) 231)
d. Is setting-off of taxes against a pending claim for Remedies available to the Government
refund allowed?
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Within the period agreed upon, When should it run again: When the
when both the TP and the proceeding is dismissed for reason not
Commissioner have agreed in constituting jeopardy.
writing, before the expiration of the
period in Sec. 203 for the Where to file
assessment of the tax. 1) Court of Tax Appeals- on criminal offenses
arising from violations of the NIRC or TCC and
Where to File other laws administered by the BIR and the BOC,
1) Court of Tax Appeals- where the principal where the principal amount of taxes and fees,
amount of taxes and fees exclusive of charges exclusive of charges and penalties claimed is
and penalties claimed is one million pesos and P1,000,000.00 and above.
above 2) RTC, Mun. TC, Metro TC- on criminal offenses
2) RTC, Mun. TC, Metro TC- where the principal arising from violations of the NIRC or TCC and
amount of taxes and fees, exclusive of charges other laws administered by the BIR and the BOC,
and penalties claimed is less thanP1,000,000.00 where the principal amount of taxes and fess
(Sec 7[c], RA 9282) exclusive of charges and penalties claimed is less
The approval of the CIR is essential than P1,000,000.00 or where there is no specified
in civil cases (Sec. 220). However amount claimed (Sec 7[b], RA 9282)
under Sec. 7 of
NIRC, the Commissioner may CASES:
delegate suchpower to a Regional Director. REPUBLIC V. HIZON, DEC. 13, 1999 (re: approval
of filing of civil and criminal actions)
Actions instituted by the government to Revenue Adm. Order No. 10-95 specifically
collect internal revenue taxes in regular authorizes the Litigation and Prosecution
courts (RTC or MTCs, depending on the section of the Legal Division of regional
amount involved). It includes filing by the district offices to institute the necessary
government with the probate court claims civil and criminal actions for tax collection.
against the deceased taxpayer. As the complaint filed in this case was
Resorted to when the tax liability becomes signed by the BIRs Chief of Legal Division
final and unappealable, or when the for Region 4 and verified by the Regional
decision of the Director, there was, therefore, compliance
Commissioner becomes final or executory. with the law.
When: Sec. 7 of NIRC, authorizes the BIR
Commissioner to delegate the powers
A tax is assessed and the assessment vested in him under the pertinent
becomes final and unappealable because provision of the Code to any subordinate
the taxpayer official with the rank equivalent to a
fails to file an administrative protest with division chief or higher.
the BIR within 30 days from the receipt of the
assessment. CIR V. LA SUERTE CIGAR, JULY 04, 1992 (re:
When an administrative protest filed by participation of the Office of the Solicitor General)
the taxpayer against the assessment is The institution or commencement before a
denied, in whole and in part or Is not acted proper court of civil and criminal actions
upon within 180 days from submission of and proceedings arising under the Tax
the documents, and Reform Act which "shall be conducted by
The taxpayer adversely affected by the legal officers of the Bureau of Internal
decision or inaction fails to file an appeal Revenue" is not in dispute. An appeal
with the CTA within 30 days from receipt from such court, however, is not a matter
of said decision or from the lapse of of right. Section 220 of the Tax Reform Act
the180 day period. must not be understood as overturning
the long established procedure before this
B. CRIMINAL CASES ( TITLE X, NIRC; SEC. Court in requiring the Solicitor General to
281, NIRC) represent the interest of the Republic.
This Court continues to maintain that it is
All violations of any provision of the tax the Solicitor General who has the primary
code shall prescribe after five (5) years. responsibility to appear for the
government in appellate proceedings.
NOTE:
When should it commence: The five (5) PNOC V. CA, APRIL 26, 2005
year prescriptive period shall begin to run
from the LIM V. CA, OCT. 18, 1990 ( re: prescription
a. If known, day of the commission of the of criminal actions, Sec, 281, NIRC)
violation.
b. If not known, from the time of should be filed 5 years from the (1) day of
discovery and the institution of judicial the commission of the violation of the law,
proceeding for its investigation and and if the same shall be not known, from
punishment. the (2) discovery thereof and the
When is it interrupted: institution of the judicial proceedings for
a. When a proceeding is instituted its investigation and punishment.
against the guilty person
b. When the offender is absent from the MARCOS II V. CA, JUNE 5, 1997 (re: enforcement
Philippines. of tax liability during pendency of probate
proceedings)
The BIR is authorized to collect estate tax 2. INTEREST- This is an increment on any
deficiency through the summary remedy unpaid amount of tax assessed at the rate of 20%
of the levying upon and sale of properties per annum or such higher rate as may be
of a decedent, without the cognition and prescribed by the regulations from the date
authority of the court sitting in probate prescribed for payment until the amount is
over the supposed will of the deceased, fully paid.
because the collection of estate tax is
executive in character. As such the estate Classes of interest
tax is exempted from the application of
the statute of the non claims, and this is 1. Deficiency interest
justified by the necessity of the 2. Delinquency interest
government finding, immortalized in the 3. Interest on extended payment
maxim that taxes are the lifeblood of the
government Deficiency interest
E. EFFECTS OF FAILURE TO PAY THE TAX ON Any deficiency in the tax due shall be
TIME: ADDITIONS TO THE TAX (CHAPTER I, subject to the interest of 20% per annum
TITLE X, NIRC) which shall be assessed and collected
from the date prescribed for its payment
1. SURCHARGES- a civil penalty imposed until the full payment thereof.
by law as an addition to the main tax required to
be paid. It is not a criminal penalty but a civil When delinquency interest imposed?
administrative sanction provided primarily as
safeguard for the protection of the State Delinquency interest is imposed in case of
revenue and to reimburse the government for the failure to pay:
expenses of investigation and the loss 1. The amount of the tax due on any
resulting from the taxpayers fraud. A surcharge return required to be filed; or
added to the main tax is subject to 2. The amount of tax due for which no
interest. return is required; or
3. A deficiency tax or any surcharge or
a. ORDINARY (SEC. 248A, NIRC) interest thereon on the issue date
appearing in the notice and demand of
Penalty: 25% of the amount due, in addition to the Commissioner.
the tax required to be paid
Rate is 20% per annum until the amount is
a. Failure to file any return and to pay fully paid which interest shall form part of
the tax due thereon as required by the tax.
the NIRC or rules.
b. Filing a return with an internal Interest on Extended Payment.
revenue officer other than those 1) any person who is qualified and elects to pay
with whom the return is required to the tax on installment but fails to pay the tax, or
be fired. Not authorized officer. any installment, or any part on or before the date
c. Failure to pay the deficiency tax prescribed; or
within the time prescribed for its 2) where the Commissioner has authorized an
payment in the notice of extension of time within which to pay a tax or a
assessment. deficiency tax or any part thereof,
d. Failure to pay the full or part of the 3) from the date of notice and demand until it is
amount of tax shown on any paid.
return, or the full amount of tax
due for which no return is required Compromise Penalty
to be filed, on or before the date 1. It is a certain amount of money which the
prescribed for its payment. taxpayer pays to compromise a tax
violation.
b. FRAUD PENALTY (SEC. 248B, NIRC) 2. It is pain in lieu of a criminal prosecution.
3. Since it is voluntary in character, the same
Penalty: 50% of the amount due, in addition to may be collected only if the taxpayer is
the tax required to be paid willing to pay them.
a. In case of willful neglect to file the Failure to File Certain Information Returns
return within the period prescribed (Sec. 250, NIRC)
by the NIRC or rule. A) Penalty: P 1,000 for each failure
b. In case a false or fraudulent return B) The aggregate amount for all such failure shall
is willfully made. not exceed P 25,000 during a calendar year
C) Upon notice and demand by the Commissioner
CASE: CIR V. JAVIER, JULY 31, 1991 D) Unless it is shown that such failure is due to
There was no actual intentional reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
fraud in filing the return. Private In the case of each failure to file:
respondents notation on the tax 1) information return;
return was at most an error or 2) statement or list;
mistake of fact or law not 3) keep any record;
constituting fraud, an invitation 4) supply any information
for investigation and private E) required by this Code or by the Commissioner
respondent had literally laid his on the date prescribed thereof.
cards on the table.
Petitioner is already paying three (3%) - Those already covered by the Tariff
percent common carrier's tax on its and Customs Code;
gross sales/earnings under the - Duties upon products
National Internal Revenue Code.[19] To about to be exported and
tax petitioner again on its gross goods passing through
receipts in its transportation of territorial jurisdiction
petroleum business would defeat the cannot be taxed by LGUs.
purpose of the Local Government
Code. - Taxation of the National
Government, including its agencies
c. Palma Development Corp. vs. and instrumentalities as we as local
Municipality of Malangas, October 16, government units;
2003 (Sec. 133e)
- Those subjects not within the ambit
By express language of Sections 153 of real taxation by reason of public
and 155 of RA No. 7160, local policy, i.e. Cooperatives registered
government units, through their under RA 6938 (CDA);
Sanggunian, may prescribe the terms
and conditions for the imposition of toll - Those enjoying privileges as
fees or charges for the use of any granted by the Board of
public road, pier or wharf funded and Investments (Investments Priorities
constructed by them. A service fee Plan);
imposed on vehicles using municipal - Both pioneer and non-
roads leading to the wharf is thus pioneer enterprises enjoy
valid. However, Section 133(e) of RA such kind of privileges
No. 7160 prohibits the imposition, in under the Omnibus
the guise of wharfage, of fees -- as well Investments Code.
as all other taxes or charges in any
form whatsoever -- on goods or - Taxes on agricultural or aquatic
merchandise. It is therefore irrelevant products sold by marginal
if the fees imposed are actually for enterprises;
police surveillance on the goods,
because any other form of imposition - Taxes, fees, or charges for the
on goods passing through the registration of motor vehicles and
territorial jurisdiction of the for the issuance of all kinds of
municipality is clearly prohibited by licenses or permits for the driving
Section 133(e). thereof, except tricycles.
d. Batangas Power Corp. vs. Batangas
City, April 28, 2004 (Section 133g) - LTO vs. Butuan Congress has no
intention to delegate issuance of
Sec. 133 (g) of the LGC, which permits to LGUs. The intention of
proscribes local government units the law is to centralize issuance of
(LGUs) from levying taxes on BOI- permits to drive motor vehicles
certified pioneer enterprises for a including tricycles is to monitor the
period of six years from the date of operation of the same. Section
registration, applies specifically to 133(l) is only for franchise where
taxes imposed by the local to grant the same is within the
government, like the business tax discretion of LGUs. The permit to
imposed by Batangas City on BPC in drive is issued by LTO.
the case at bar. Reliance of BPC on the
provision of Executive Order No. 226, 4. Time of Payment (Section 167, LGC)
[18] specifically Section 1, Article 39,
Title III, is clearly misplaced as the six- Unless otherwise provided in LGC, all local
year tax holiday provided therein taxes, fees, and charges shall be paid
which commences from the date of within the first twenty (20) days of January
commercial operation refers to income or of each subsequent quarter, as the case
taxes imposed by the national may be. The Sanggunian concerned may,
government on BOI-registered pioneer for a justifiable reason or cause, extend
firms. Clearly, it is the provision of the the time for payment of such taxes, fees,
Local Government Code that should or charges without surcharges or
apply to the tax claim of Batangas City penalties, but only for a period not
against the BPC. The 6-year tax exceeding six (6) months.
exemption of BPC should thus
2. Cities may tax those that may be taxed by Who is entitled to the notice of
a province and a municipality. They may assessment
impose a tax rate which is 50% higher
than the rates being imposed by provinces 1. Talusan vs. Tayag, (April 04, 2001) -
and municipalities. Cases involving an auction sale of land
for the collection of delinquent taxes
3. Municipalities are in personam. Thus, notice by
i. Business permit
publication, though sufficient in
ii. Community Taxes
iii. May levy taxes, fees, and charges not proceedings in rem, does not as a rule
otherwise levied by provinces (Sec. satisfy the requirement of proceedings
142) in personam. As such, mere
publication of the notice of delinquency
would not suffice, considering that the
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- General Rule: All local taxes, fees and 2. Hagonoy Market Vednors
charges shall be paid within the first 20 Assn. vs. Municipality of
days of January or of each subsequent Hagonoy. Bulacan, (February 6,
quarter, as the case may be. 2002) - Sec. 187, LGC requires
that an appeal of a tax ordinance
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taxpayer must also be able to file 271, LGC), [Page 479, Tax Law and
a case in court before the Jurisprudence, 2000 Edition by Justice Vitug and
expiration of the 2 year period. Judge Acosta].
E. Properties Exempt
(9) Docks and structures which, though 1. Section 234, LGC
floating, are intended by their nature and a. Real property owned by the
object to remain at a fixed place on a Republic of the Philippines or any of its
river, lake, or coast; political subdivisions except
when the beneficial use thereof has been
operated and governed by the property. Manila sought to levy real property
Authority. tax on heirs for back taxes covering 1977 and
1978.
The Court ruled that the
Authority is not a GOCC but an Who is lible for the back taxes?
instrumentality of the national a. not the heirs because they were not the
government which is generally owners nor beneficial owners at the time
exempt from payment of real b. not GSIS because at the time it was
property tax. However, said exempt
exemption does not apply to the c. beneficial users or those using the
portions of the IFPC which the property for commercial use must pay
Authority leased to private entities. however not made liable since not
With respect to these properties, impleaded
the Authority is liable to pay real
property tax. H. Procedure in Real Property Taxation
Actual Use of Property as Basis for The Court also laid down the procedure in
Assessment (Sec. 217, LGC) computing the real property tax. With the
Real property shall be classified, introduction of assessment levels, tax rates could
valued and assessed on the basis of actual use be maintained, although tax payments can be
regardless of where located, made either higher or lower depending on their
whoever owns it, and whoever uses it. percentage (assessment level) applied to the fair
market value of property to derive its assessed
Beneficial User May Be value which is subject to tax. Moreover, classes
Liable if: and values of real properties can be given proper
* he leased property from consideration, like assigning lower assessment
the government levels to residential properties and higher levels
* he leased property from to properties used in business. The procedural
an exempt owner steps in computing the real property tax are as
* use is not exempt from follows:
real property tax
1) Ascertain the assessment level of the
2. In Testate Estate of Concordia Lim vs. property
Manila, February 21, 1990, GSIS foreclosed the 2) Multiply the market value by the
property mortgaged by Lim and for failure to applicable assessment level of the property
redeem, owned by GSIS for the years 1977 to 3) Find the tax rate which corresponds to
1978. In 1979, heirs of Lim repurchased the the class (use) of the property and multiply the
o Undivided real property in the name of the 3. Residential land principally devoted to
estate or heirs or devisees habitation
o Corporation, partnership and association 4.Mineral- lands which minerals, metallic or non-
same as individuals metallic, exist in sufficient quantity or grade
o Owned by the Republic of the Philippines, to justify the necessary expenditures to extract
its instrumentalities, political subdivisions, and utilize such materials
beneficial use is transferred to a taxable 5. Industrial-land devoted principally to industrial
person in the name of the possessor activity as capital investment and is not
classified as agricultural, commercial,
All declarations shall be kept and filed under a timber, mineral or residential land
uniform classification system to be established by 6. Timberland
the provincial, city or municipal assessor. 7. Special
- Classification of lands made by respective
Steps in assessment of Real Property : sanggunian in accordance with zoning
1. Listing of all properties subject to the ordinances.
tax; and -It is based on actual use. Actual use refers to
2. The valuation of such properties. the purpose for which the property is
principally or predominantly utilized by the
In Callanta vs. Ombudsman, January 30, person in possession thereof.
1998, where the issue was whether officials and
employees of the Office of the City Assessor may For Machinery
reduce the new assessed values of real properties 1. For Brand New machinery : FMV is acquisition
upon requests of the affected property owners, cost
the Court ruled that forestall the practice of 2. In all other cases:
initially setting unreasonably high reassessment FMV = Remaining economic life x
values only to eventually change them to Replacement cost
unreasonably lower values upon "requests" of
property owners, the law gives no such authority DETERMINE ASSESSED VALUE (Sec. 218)
to the city assessor or his subalterns.. . Thus,
petitioners' unauthorized reduction of the Procedure
assessed values ineluctably resulted in the local 1. take the schedule of FMV (Fair Market Value)
government's deprivation of the corresponding 2. Assessed value = FMV x Assessment level
revenues. Lost or reduced revenues undeniably 3. Real Property Tax = Assessed value x Allowable
translate into damages or injury within the Real Property Tax rate
contemplation of the law. The city government of
Cebu, therefore, had every legal right to feel 4.Enactment of a Real Property Tax Ordinance
aggrieved and to institute the proceeding against
petitioners. Barangays cannot impose realty taxes.
Municipalities cannot fix real estate tax rates.
3. Preparation of Schedule of Fair Market Values
Procedure:
APPRAISAL AND VALUATION OF REAL a.hearing and modification of prepared
PROPERTY schedule
(Sec 212-214, 224-225) b.publication
c.adoption of the schedule
How to determine Fair Market Value: d.adoption of real property ordinance with
assessment levels
For Land
1. Assessor of the province/city or municipality Coverage / Types of Real Property Tax:
may summon the owners of the properties to be 1. Basic real property tax / Annual Ad Valorem Tax
affected and may take depositions concerning the For real property not specifically exempted
property, its ownership amount, nature and a.Provinces not more than 1% of
value. (sec. 213,LGC) assessed value;
2. Assessor prepares a schedule of FMV for b.Cities, Municipalities in MM not more
different classes of properties. than 2% of assessed value
3. Sanggunian enacts an ordinance.
4. The schedule of FMV is published in a 2. Special levies:
newspaper of general circulation in the province a. Special Education Fund (SEF)
city or municipality concerned or in the absence - 1% additional real estate tax to finance
thereof shall be posted in the provincial capitol the SEF (Sec.236) within MM area only
city or municipal hall places therein (Sec. 212,
LGC) b. Additional Ad Valorem on the Lands
not exceeding 5% of the assessed value
Classification of Land for purposes of of the property (Sec. 236, LGC)
assessment - Sec 218, LGC
1. Commercial land devoted principally for the
object of profit and is not classified as
agricultural, industrial, mineral, timber, or c. Special Assessments/ For Public Works
residential land - on lands specially benefited by public
2. Agricultural land devoted principally to the works, projects or improvements funded by the
planting of trees, raising of crops, livestock and LGU
poultry, dairying, salt making, inland fishing and - May be imposed even by municipalities
similar aquacultural activities, and other outside MM provided:
agricultural activities - Special levy shall not exceed 60%
of the actual cost of such projects and
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improvements, including the costs of acquiring sell and bought by a buyer who is not
land and such other real property in connection compelled to buy
therewith not apply to lands exempt from basic
real property tax and the remainder of the land Assessed Value or Assessment Value (AV)
have been donated to the local government unit - fair market value of the real
concerned for the construction of said property multiplied by the assessment
projects. (Sec. 240, LGC). level. It is synonymous with taxable
value.
Special Levy
Requirements for validity:
1. infrastructure project financed by Payment of Tax
government whereby real property
owners benefit from it When: January 1 of every year (Sec 246)
2. not more than 60% of actual cost The tax shall constitute as superior lien (Sec. 246)
of project
3. not less than five but not more How:
than ten years a. basic real prop tax in 4 equal installments (Mar
4. thru an ordinance 31,Jun 30,Sep 30, Dec 31)
a. nature of project b. special levy - governed by ordinance
b. extent of project
c. cost spent Interest for Late Payment
d. metes and bounds - two percent (2%) each month on unpaid
amount until the delinquent amt is paid.
What may be done: - provided in no case shall the total interest
i. levy ad valorem taxes (see above) exceed thirty-six (36) months
ii. Fix Assessment levels
Assessment level is the percentage Advance and Prompt Payment
applied to the fair market value to determine the a) advance payment - discount not exceeding
taxable or taxation value of the property. 20% of annual tax (Sec 251, LGC)
b) prompt payment - discount not exceeding 10%
In City Assessor of Cebu City vs. of annual tax due(Art 342 IRR)
Association of Benevola de Cebu, June 8, 2007,
applying Secs. 215-216, of LGC, in line with City Collection of Tax (Sec.247, LGC)
Tax Ordinance LXX of Cebu City, the 10% special The collection of the real property tax with
assessment should be imposed for the Chong interest thereon and related expenses and the
Hua Hospital Medical Arts Center (CHHMAC) enforcement of the remedies provided by the LGC
building which should be classified as special. or any applicable laws shall be the responsibility
Sec. 216, LGC states that: of the city or municipal treasurer concerned.
The city or municipal treasurer my
SEC. 216. Special Classes of deputize the barangay treasurer to collect all
Real Property.All lands, taxes on real property located in the barangay
buildings, and other provided the barangay treasurer is properly
improvements thereon bonded.
actually, directly and
exclusively used for hospitals, Who Collects:
cultural or scientific purposes, The provincial, city, municipal or barangay
and those owned and used by treasurer
local water districts, and
government-owned or Period Within Which To Collect (Sec 270):
controlled corporations Within five (5) yrs from the date they become due
rendering essential public within ten (10) yrs. from discovery of fraud, in
services in the supply and case there is fraud or intent to evade
distribution of water and/or
generation and transmission Period of prescription shall be SUSPENDED
of electric power shall be when: (Sec 270, LGC)
classified as special. 1. local treasurer is legally prevented to collect
tax
iii. Provide for appropriations 2. the owner of prop requests for
iv. Adopt Schedule of Fair Market Values reinvestigation and writes a waiver before
expiration of period to collect
Fair Market Value and Assessed Value Whats 3. the owner of the property is out of the
the difference? country or cannot be located
Fair Market Value (FMV)
- price at which a property may be
sold by a seller who is not compelled to