DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE

Quezon City

January 25, 2018

REVENUE REGULATIONS NO. 12-2018

SUBJECT: Consolidated Revenue Regulations on Estate Tax and Donor’s Tax

Incorporating the Amendments Introduced by Republic Act No. 10963,

Otherwise Known as the “Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion

(TRAIN) Law”

TO : All Revenue Officials, Employees and Others Concerned

SECTION 1. SCOPE. – Pursuant to the provisions of Sec. 244 of the National Internal

Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (NIRC), and Sec. 84 of Republic Act No. 10963, otherwise

known as the “Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law”, these Regulations

are hereby issued to consolidate the rules governing the imposition and payment of the estate

and donor’s tax incorporating the provisions of the TRAIN Law, particularly the provisions in

Chapters I and II of Title III of the NIRC, thereby repealing Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 2-

2003, as amended.

SEC. 2. RATE OF ESTATE TAX. – The net estate of every decedent, whether

resident or non-resident of the Philippines, as determined in accordance with the NIRC, shall

be subject to an estate tax at the rate of six percent (6%).

SEC. 3. THE LAW THAT GOVERNS THE IMPOSITION OF ESTATE TAX. –

It is a well-settled rule that estate taxation is governed by the statute in force at the time of

death of the decedent. The estate tax accrues as of the death of the decedent and the accrual of

the tax is distinct from the obligation to pay the same. Upon the death of the decedent,

succession takes place and the right of the State to tax the privilege to transmit the estate vests

instantly upon death.

Accordingly, the tax rates and procedures prescribed under these Regulations shall

govern the estate of decedent who died on or after the effectivity date of the TRAIN Law.

SEC. 4. COMPOSITION OF THE GROSS ESTATE. – The gross estate of a

decedent shall be comprised of the following properties and interest therein at the time of

his/her death, including revocable transfers and transfers for insufficient consideration, etc.:

1. Residents and citizens – all properties, real or personal, tangible or intangible, wherever

situated.

2. Non-resident aliens – only properties situated in the Philippines provided, that, with

respect to intangible personal property, its inclusion in the gross estate is subject to the

rule of reciprocity provided for under Section 104 of the NIRC.