GENERAL PRINCIPLES

 
I. Concepts, Nature and Characteristics of Taxation and Taxes.
 
Taxation Defined:
 
As a process, it is a means by which the sovereign, through its law-making body, raises revenue to defray the necessary
expenses of the government. It is merely a way of apportioning the costs of government among those who in some measures
are privileged to enjoy its benefits and must bear its burdens.
 
As a power, taxation refers to the inherent power of the state to demand enforced contributions for public purpose or
purposes.
 
Rationale of Taxation - The Supreme Court held:
“It is said that taxes are what we pay for civilized society. Without taxes, the government would be paralyzed for lack of
the motive power to activate and operate it. Hence, despite the natural reluctance to surrender part of one’s hard-earned income
to the taxing authorities, every person who is able must contribute his share in the running of the government. The government
for its part is expected to respond in the form of tangible and intangible benefits intended to improve the lives of the people and
enhance their moral and material values. The  symbiotic relationship is the rationale of taxation  and should dispel the erroneous
notion that it is an arbitrary method of exaction by those in the seat of power.
Taxation is a symbiotic relationship, whereby in exchange for the protection that the citizens get from the government,
taxes are paid.” (Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs Allegre, Inc.,et al., L-28896, Feb. 17, 1988)
 
Purposes and Objectives of Taxation
 
1.     Revenue – to provide funds or property with which the State promotes the general welfare and protection of its citizens.
 
2.     Non-Revenue [PR2EP]
 
a.     Promotion of General Welfare –  Taxation may be used as an  implement of police power in order to promote the general
welfare of the people. [see Lutz vs Araneta (98 Phil 148) and Osmeňa vs Orbos (G.R. No. 99886, Mar. 31, 1993)]
 
b.     Regulation – As in the case of taxes levied on excises and privileges like those imposed in tobacco or alcoholic products
or amusement places like night clubs, cabarets, cockpits, etc.
In the case of Caltex Phils. Inc. vs COA  (G.R. No. 92585, May 8, 1992), it was held that taxes may also be imposed for
a regulatory purpose as, for instance, in the rehabilitation and stabilization of a threatened industry which is affected with public
industry like the oil industry.
 
c.      Reduction of Social Inequality – this is made possible through the progressive system of taxation where the objective is to
prevent the under-concentration of wealth in the hands of few individuals.
 
d.     Encourage Economic Growth – in the realm of tax exemptions and tax reliefs, for instance, the purpose is to grant
incentives or exemptions in order to encourage investments and thereby promote the country’s economic growth.
 
e.     Protectionism – in some important sectors of the economy, as in the case of foreign importations, taxes sometimes
provide protection to local industries like protective tariffs and customs.
 
Taxes Defined
 
Taxes are the enforced proportional contributions from persons and property levied by the law-making body of the State by
virtue of its sovereignty for the support of government and for public needs.
 
Essential Characteristic of Taxes [ LEMP3S ]
 
1.     It is levied by the law-making body of the State
The power to tax is a legislative power which under the Constitution only Congress can exercise through the
enactment of laws. Accordingly, the obligation to pay taxes is a statutory liability.
 
2.     It is an enforced contribution
A tax is not a voluntary payment or donation. It is not dependent on the will or contractual assent, express or implied, of
the person taxed. Taxes are not contracts but positive acts of the government.
 
3.     It is generally payable in money
Tax is a pecuniary burden – an exaction to be discharged alone in the form of money which must be in legal tender,
unless qualified by law, such as RA 304 which allows backpay certificates as payment of taxes.
 
4.     It is proportionate in character - It is ordinarily based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay.
 
5.     It is levied on persons or property - A tax may also be imposed on acts, transactions, rights or privileges.
 
6.     It is levied for public purpose or purposes - Taxation involves, and a tax constitutes, a burden to provide income for public
purposes.
 
7.     It is levied by the State which has jurisdiction over the persons or property. - The persons, property or service to be taxed
must be subject to the jurisdiction of the taxing state.
 
 
Theory and Basis of Taxation
 

1.      Necessity Theory

Taxes proceed upon the theory that the existence of the government is a necessity; that it cannot continue without the
means to pay its expenses; and that for those means, it has the right to compel all citizens and properties within its limits to
contribute.
In a case, the Supreme Court held that:
Taxation is a power emanating from necessity. It is a necessary burden to preserve the State’s sovereignty and a
means to give the citizenry an army to resist aggression, a navy to defend its shores from invasion, a corps of civil servants to
serve, public improvements designed for the enjoyment of the citizenry and those which come with the State’s territory and
facilities, and protection which a government is supposed to provide.  (Phil. Guaranty Co., Inc. vs Commissioner of Internal
Revenue, 13 SCRA 775).
 

2.      The Benefits-Protection Theory

The basis of taxation is the reciprocal duty of protection between the state and its inhabitants. In return for the
contributions, the taxpayer receives the general advantages and protection which the government affords the taxpayer and his
property.
 
 
Qualifications of the Benefit-Protection Theory:
 
a.     It does not mean that only those who are able to pay and do pay taxes can enjoy the privileges and protection given to a
citizen by the government.
b.     From the contributions received, the government renders no special or commensurate benefit to any particular property or
person.
 c.      The only benefit to which the taxpayer is entitled is that derived from his enjoyment of the privileges of living in an
organized society established and safeguarded by the devotion of taxes to public purposes. (Gomez vs Palomar, 25 SCRA 829)
d.     A taxpayer cannot object to or resist the payment of taxes solely because no personal benefit to him can be pointed out as
arising from the tax.  (Lorenzo vs Posadas, 64 Phil 353)
 

3.      Lifeblood Theory

Taxes are the lifeblood of the government, being such, their prompt and certain availability is an imperious
need. (Collector of Internal Revenue vs. Goodrich International Rubber Co., Sept. 6, 1965) Without taxes, the government would
be paralyzed for lack of motive power to activate and operate it.
 
 
Nature of Taxing Power
 
1.     Inherent in sovereignty – The power of taxation is inherent in sovereignty as an incident or attribute thereof, being essential
to the existence of every government. It can be exercised by the government even if the Constitution is entirely silent on the
subject.
a.     Constitutional provisions relating to the power of taxation do not operate as grants of the power to the government. They
merely constitute limitations upon a power which would otherwise be practically without limit.
b.     While the power to tax is not expressly provided for in our constitutions, its existence is recognized by the provisions
relating to taxation.
In the case of Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority vs Marcos, Sept. 11, 1996,  as an incident of sovereignty, the
power to tax has been described as “unlimited in its range, acknowledging in its very nature no limits, so that security against its
abuse is to be found only in the responsibility of the legislative which imposes the tax on the constituency who are to pay it.”
 
2.     Legislative in character – The power to tax is exclusively legislative and cannot be exercised by the executive or judicial
branch of the government.
 
3.     Subject to constitutional and inherent limitations  – Although in one decided case the Supreme Court called it an awesome
power, the power of taxation is subject to certain limitations. Most of these limitations are specifically provided in the Constitution
or implied therefrom while the rest are inherent and they are those which spring from the nature of the taxing power itself
although, they may or may not be provided in the Constitution.
 
 
Scope of Legislative Taxing Power [S2 A P K A M]
 
1.     subjects of Taxation (the persons, property or occupation etc. to be taxed)
2.     amount or rate of the tax
3.     purposes for which taxes shall be levied provided they are public purposes
4.     apportionment of the tax
5.     situs of taxation
6.     method of collection
 
Is the Power to Tax the Power to Destroy?
 
In the case of Churchill, et al. vs Concepcion (34 Phil 969) it has been ruled that:
The power to impose taxes is one so unlimited in force and so searching in extent so that the courts scarcely venture
to declare that it is subject to any restriction whatever, except such as rest in the discretion of the authority which exercise it. No
attribute of sovereignty is more pervading, and at no point does the power of government affect more constantly and intimately
all the relations of life than through the exaction made under it.
And in the notable case of McCulloch vs Maryland, Chief Justice Marshall laid down the rule that the  power to tax
involves the power to destroy.
 According to an authority, the above principle is pertinent only when there is no power to tax a particular subject and
has no relation to a case where such right to tax exists. This opt-quoted maxim instead of being regarded as a blanket
authorization of the unrestrained use of the taxing power for any and all purposes, irrespective of revenue, is more reasonably
construed as an epigrammatic statement of the political and economic axiom that since the financial needs of a state or nation
may outrun any human calculation, so the power to meet those needs by taxation must not be limited even though the taxes
become burdensome or confiscatory. To say that “the power to tax is the power to destroy” is to describe not the purposes for
which the taxing power may be used but the degree of vigor with which the taxing power may be employed in order to raise
revenue (I Cooley 179-181)
 

        Constitutional Restraints Re: Taxation is the Power to Destroy

While taxation is said to be the power to destroy, it is by no means unlimited. It is equally correct to postulate that
the “power to tax is not the power to destroy while the Supreme Court sits,”because of the constitutional restraints placed on a
taxing power that violated fundamental rights.
In the case of  Roxas, et al vs CTA (April 26, 1968) , the SC reminds us that although the power of taxation is
sometimes called the power to destroy, in order to maintain the general public’s trust and confidence in the Government, this
power must be used justly and not treacherously. The Supreme Court held:
“The power of taxation is sometimes called also the power to destroy. Therefore it should be exercised with caution to
minimize injury to the proprietary rights of a taxpayer. It must be exercised fairly, equally and uniformly, lest the tax collector kill
the ‘hen that lays the golden egg ’. And, in order to maintain the general public’ trust and confidence in the Government this
power must be used justly and not treacherously.”
The doctrine seeks to describe, in an extreme, the consequential nature of taxation and its resulting implications, to wit:
a.     The power to tax must be exercised with caution to minimize injury to proprietary rights of a taxpayer;
b.     If the tax is lawful and not violative of any of the inherent and constitutional limitations, the fact alone that it may destroy an
activity or object of taxation will not entirely permit the courts to afford any relief; and
c.      A subject or object that may not be destroyed by the taxing authority may not likewise be taxed. (e.g. exercise of a
constitutional right)
 
Power of Judicial Review in Taxation
The courts cannot review the wisdom or advisability or expediency of a tax. The court’s power is limited only to the
application and interpretation of the law.
Judicial action is limited only to review where involves:
1.     The determination of validity on the tax in relation to constitutional precepts or provisions.
2.     The determination, in an appropriate case, of the application of the law.
 
 
Aspects of Taxation
1.     Levy – determination of the persons, property or excises to be taxed, the sum or sums to be raised, the due date thereof and
the time and manner of levying and collecting taxes (strictly speaking, such refers to taxation)
 
2.     Collection – consists of the manner of enforcement of the obligation on the part of those who are taxed. (this includes
payment by the taxpayer and is referred to as tax administration)
The two processes together constitute the “taxation system”.
 
Basic Principles of a Sound Tax System [FAT]

1.      Fiscal Adequacy – the sources of tax revenue should coincide with, and approximate the needs of
government expenditure. Neither an excess nor a deficiency of revenue vis-à-vis the needs of government would be in keeping
with the principle.
 

2.      Administrative Feasibility – tax laws should be capable of convenient, just and effective administration.
 
3.      Theoretical Justice – the tax burden should be in proportion to the taxpayer’s ability to pay  (ability-to-pay
principle). The 1987 Constitution requires taxation to be equitable and uniform.
 
 
II. Classifications and Distinction
 
Classification of Taxes
 
A.      As to Subject matter
 
1.     Personal, capitation or poll taxes – taxes of fixed amount upon all persons of a certain class within the jurisdiction of the
taxing power without regard to the amount of their property or occupations or businesses in which they may be engaged in.
example: community tax
 
2.     Property Taxes – taxes on things or property of a certain class within the jurisdiction of the taxing power.
example: real estate tax
 
3.     Excise Taxes – charges imposed upon the performance of an act, the enjoyment of a privilege, or the engaging in an
occupation.
examples: income tax, value-added tax, estate tax or donor’s tax
 
 
B.      As to Burden
 
1.     Direct Taxes – taxes wherein both the “incidence” as well as the “impact” or burden of the tax faces on one person.
examples: income tax, community tax, donor’s tax, estate tax
 
2.     Indirect Taxes – taxes wherein the incidence of or the liability for the payment of the tax falls on one person, but the burden
thereof can be shifted or passed to another person.
examples: VAT, percentage taxes, customs duties excise taxes on certain specific goods
 
Important Points to Consider regarding Indirect Taxes:
1.     When the consumer or end-user of a manufacturer product is tax-exempt, such exemption covers only those taxes for which
such consumer or end-user is directly liable. Indirect taxes are not included. Hence, the manufacturer cannot claim exemption
from the payment of sales tax, neither can the consumer or buyer of the product demand the refund of the tax that the
manufacturer might have passed on to him.  (Phil. Acetylene Co. inc. vs Commissioner of Internal Revenue et. al., L-19707,
Aug.17, 1987)
 
2.     When the transaction itself is the one that is tax-exempt but through error the seller pays the tax and shifts the same to the
buyer, the seller gets the refund, but must hold it in trust for buyer.   (American Rubber Co. case, L-10963, April 30, 1963)
 
3.     Where the exemption from indirect tax is given to the contractee, but the evident intention is to exempt the contractor so that
such contractor may no longer shift or pass on any tax to the contractee, the contractor may claim tax exemption on the
transaction (Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs John Gotamco and Sons, Inc., et.al., L-31092, Feb. 27, 1987)
 
4.     When the law granting tax exemption specifically includes indirect taxes or when it is clearly manifest therein that legislative
intention to exempt embraces indirect taxes, then the buyer of the product or service sold has a right to be reimbursed the
amount of the taxes that the sellers passed on to him.  (Maceda vs Macaraig,supra)
 
 
C.      As to Purpose
 
1.     General/Fiscal/Revenue – tax imposed for the general purposes of the government, i.e., to raise revenues for governmental
needs.
Examples: income taxes, VAT, and almost all taxes
 
2.     Special/Regulatory – tax imposed for special purposes, i.e., to achieve some social or economic needs.
Examples: educational fund tax under Real Property Taxation
 
D.      As to Measure of Application
 
1.     Specific Tax – tax imposed per head, unit or number, or by some standard of weight or measurement and which requires no
assessment beyond a listing and classification of the subjects to be taxed.
Examples: taxes on distilled spirits, wines, and fermented liquors
 
2.     Ad Valorem Tax – tax based on the value of the article or thing subject to tax.
example: real property taxes, customs duties
 
E.      As to Date
 
1.     Progressive Tax – the rate or the amount of the tax increases as the amount of the income or earning (tax base) to be taxed
increases.
examples: income tax, estate tax, donor’s tax
 
2.     Regressive Tax – the tax rate decreases as the amount of income or earning (tax base) to be taxed increases.
Note: We have no regressive taxes (this is according to De Leon)
 
3.     Mixed Tax – tax rates are partly progressive and partly regressive.
 
4.     Proportionate Tax – tax rates are fixed on a flat tax base.
examples: real estate tax, VAT, and other percentage taxes
 
 
F.      As to Scope or authority imposing the tax
 
1.     National Tax – tax imposed by the National Government.
examples: national internal revenue taxes, customs duties
 
2.     Municipal/Local Tax – tax imposed by Local Government units.
examples: real estate tax, professional tax
 
       Regressive System of Taxation vis-à-vis Regressive Tax
A regressive tax, must not be confused with regressive system of taxation.
Regressive Tax: tax the rate of which decreases as the tax base increases.
Regressive System of Taxation: focuses on indirect taxes, it exists when there are more indirect taxes imposed than
direct taxes.
 
Taxes distinguished from other Impositions
 
a.     Toll vs Tax
Toll – sum of money for the use of something, generally applied to the consideration which is paid for the use of a
road, bridge of the like, of a public nature.
 
 
                Tax                     vs                 Toll
 1.     demand of sovereignty 1.     demand of proprietorship
2.     paid for the support of the 2.     paid for the use of another’s
government property
3.     generally, no limit as to 3.     amount depends on the cost
amount imposed of construction or maintenance
of the public improvement used
4.     imposed only by the 4.     imposed by the government
government or private individuals or entities
 
b.     Penalty vs Tax
Penalty – any sanctions imposed as a punishment for violations of law or acts deemed injurious.
 
               Tax                      vs              Penalty
1.     generally intended to raise 1.     designed to regulate
revenue conduct
2.     imposed only by the 2.     imposed by the government
government or private individuals or entities
 
c.      Special Assessment vs Tax
Special Assessment – an enforced proportional contribution from owners of lands especially or peculiarly benefited by
public improvements.
 
               Tax                      vs     Special Assessment
1.     imposed on persons, 1.     levied only on land
property and excise
2.     personal liability of the 2.     not a personal liability of the
person assessed person assessed, i.e. his liability
is limited only to the land
involved
3.     based on necessity as well 3.     based wholly on benefits
as on benefits received
4.     general application (see 4.     exceptional both as time and
Apostolic Prefect vs Treas. Of place
Baguio, 71 Phil 547)
 
Important Points to Consider Regarding Special Assessments:
1.     Since special assessments are not taxes within the constitutional or statutory provisions on tax exemptions, it follows that the
exemption under Sec. 28(3), Art. VI of the Constitution does not apply to special assessments.
2.     However, in view of the exempting proviso in  Sec. 234 of the Local Government Code,  properties which are actually, directly
and exclusively used for religious, charitable and educational purposes are not exactly  exempt from real property taxes but are
exempt from the imposition of special assessments as well.( see Aban)
3 .The general rule is that an exemption from taxation does not include exemption from special assessment.
 
d.     License or Permit Fee vs Tax
                License or Permit fee – is a charge imposed under the police power for the purposes of regulation.
 
                Tax                      vs      License/Permit Fee
1.     enforced contribution 1.     legal compensation or
assessed by sovereign authority reward of an officer for specific
to defray public expenses purposes
2.     for revenue purposes 2.     for regulation purposes
3.     an exercise of the taxing 3.     an exercise of the police
power power
 4.     generally no limit in the 4.     amount is limited to the
amount of tax to be paid necessary expenses of
inspection and regulation
5.     imposed also on persons 5.     imposed on the right to
and property exercise privilege
6.     non-payment does not 6.     non-payment makes the act
necessarily make the act or or business illegal
business illegal
 
                   Three kinds of licenses are recognized in the law:
1.     Licenses for the regulation of useful occupations.
2.     Licenses for the regulation or restriction of non-useful occupations or enterprises
3.     Licenses for revenue only
 
 
Importance of the distinctions between tax and license fee:
1.     Some limitations apply only to one and not to the other, and that exemption from taxes may not include exemption from
license fees.
2.     The power to regulate as an exercise of police power does not include the power to impose fees for revenue purposes.  (see
American Mail Line vs City of Butuan, L-12647, May 31, 1967 and related cases)
3.     An extraction, however, maybe considered both a tax and a license fee.
4.     But a tax may have only a regulatory purpose.
5.     The general rule is that the imposition is a tax if its primary purpose is to generate revenue and regulation is merely
incidental; but if regulation is the primary purpose, the fact that incidentally revenue is also obtained does not make the
imposition of a tax. (see Progressive Development Corp. vs Quezon City, 172 SCRA 629)
 
e.     Debt vs Tax
Debt is based upon juridical tie, created by law, contracts, delicts or quasi-delicts between parties for their private
interest or resulting from their own acts or omissions.
 
                Tax                     vs                  Debt
1.     based on law 1.     based on contracts, express
or implied
2.     generally, cannot be 2.     assignable
assigned
3.     generally payable in money 3.     may be paid in kind
4.     generally not subject to set- 4.     may be subject to set-off or
off or compensation compensation
5.     imprisonment is a sanction 5.     no imprisonment for non-
for non-payment of tax except payment of debt
poll tax
6.     governed by special 6.     governed by the ordinary
prescriptive periods provided for periods of prescriptions
in the Tax Code
7.     does not draw interest 7.     draws interest when so
except only when delinquent stipulated, or in case of default
 
General Rule: Taxes are not subject to set-off or legal compensation. The government and the taxpayer are not creditors and
debtors or each other. Obligations in the nature of debts are due to the government in its corporate capacity, while taxes are due
to the government in its sovereign capacity ( Philex Mining Corp. vs CIR, 294 SCRA 687; Republic vs Mambulao Lumber Co., 6
SCRA 622)
 
Exception: Where both the claims of the government and the taxpayer against each other have already become due and
demandable as well as fully liquated. (see Domingo vs Garlitos, L-18904, June 29, 1963)
 
 
 
Pertinent Case:
 
Philex Mining Corp. vs Commissioner of Internal Revenue
G.R. No. 125704, Aug. 28, 1998
 
                The Supreme Court held that: “We have consistently ruled that there can be no offsetting of taxes against the claims
that the taxpayer may have against the government. A person cannot refuse to pay a tax on the ground that the government
owes him an amount equal to or greater than the tax being collected. The collection of a tax cannot await the results of a lawsuit
against the government.”
 
f.       Tax Distinguished from other Terms.
 
1.     Subsidy – a pecuniary aid directly granted by the government to an individual or private commercial enterprise deemed
beneficial to the public.
 
2.     Revenue – refers to all the funds or income derived by the government, whether from tax or from whatever source and
whatever manner.
 
3.     Customs Duties – taxes imposed on goods exported from or imported into a country. The term taxes is broader in scope as
it includes customs duties.
 
4.     Tariff – it may be used in 3 senses:
a.     As a book of rates drawn usually in alphabetical order containing the names of several kinds of merchandise with the
corresponding duties to be paid for the same.
b.     As duties payable on goods imported or exported (PD No. 230)
c.      As the system or principle of imposing duties on the importation/exportation of goods.
 
5.     Internal Revenue – refers to taxes imposed by the legislative other than duties or imports and exports.
 
6.     Margin Fee – a currency measure designed to stabilize the currency.
 
7.     Tribute – synonymous with tax; taxation implies tribute from the governed to some form of sovereignty.
 
8.     Impost – in its general sense, it signifies any tax, tribute or duty. In its limited sense, it means a duty on imported goods and
merchandise.
 
Inherent Powers of the State
 
1.     Police Power
2.     Power of Eminent Domain
3.     Power of Taxation
 
 
 
 
 
Distinctions among the Three Powers
 
Taxation Police Power Eminent Domain
PURPOSE
- levied for the purpose of raising - exercised to - taking of property for
 revenue promote public public use
welfare thru
regulations
AMOUNT OF EXACTION
- no limit  - limited to the - no exaction,
                                                             cost of compensation paid by
regulations, the government
issuance of the
license or
surveillance
BENEFITS RECEIVED
- no special or direct benefits - no direct - direct benefit results
received but the enjoyment of the benefits but a in the form of just
privileges of living in an organized healthy economic compensation
society standard of
society
or “damnum
absque injuria”  is
attained
NON-IMPAIRMENT OF CONTRACTS
- the impairment rule subsist - contract may be - contracts may be
impaired impaired
TRANSFER OF PROPERTY RIGHTS
- taxes paid become part of public - no transfer but - property is taken by
funds only restraint on the gov’t upon
the exercise of payment of just
property right compensation
exists
SCOPE
- affects all persons, property and - affects all - affects only the
excise persons, particular property
property, comprehended
privileges, and
even rights
BASIS
- public necessity - public necessity -public necessity,
and the right of private property is
the state and the taken for public use
public to self-
protection and
self-preservation
AUTHORITY WHICH EXERCISES THE POWER
- only by the government or its - only by the - may be granted to
political subdivisions government or its public service,
political companies, or public
subdivisions utilities
 
III. Limitations on the Power of Taxation
 
Limitations, Classified
 
a.     Inherent Limitations or those which restrict the power although they are not embodied in the Constitution [P N I T E]
 
1.     Public Purpose of Taxes
2.     Non-delegability of the Taxing Power
3.     Territoriality or the Situs of Taxation
4.     Exemption of the Government from taxes
5.     International Comity
 
b.     Constitutional Limitations or those expressly found in the constitution or implied from its provision
 
1.     Due process of law
2.     Equal protection of law
3.     Freedom of Speech and of the press
4.     Non-infringement of religious freedom
5.     Non-impairment of contracts
6.     Non-imprisonment for debt or non-payment of poll tax
7.     Origin of Appropriation, Revenue and Tariff Bills
8.     Uniformity, Equitability and Progressitivity of Taxation
9.     Delegation of Legislative Authority to Fx Tariff Rates, Import and Export Quotas
10.  Tax Exemption of Properties Actually, Directly, and Exclusively used for Religious Charitable
11.  Voting requirements in connection with the Legislative  Grant of Tax Exemption
12.  Non-impairment of the Supreme Courts’ jurisdiction in Tax Cases
13.  Tax exemption of Revenues and Assets, including Grants, Endowments, Donations or Contributions to Education Institutions
 
c. Other Constitutional Provisions related to Taxation
 
1.     Subject and Title of Bills
2.     Power of the President to Veto an items in an Appropriation, Revenue or Tariff Bill
3.     Necessity of an Appropriation made before money
4.     Appropriation of Public Money
5.     Taxes Levied for Special Purposes
6.     Allotment to LGC
 
Inherent Limitations
 
A. Public Purpose of Taxes
1.     Important Points to Consider:
a.   If taxation is for a public purpose, the tax must be used:
      a.1) for the support of the state or
a.2) for some recognized objects of governments or
     a.3) directly to promote the welfare of the community (taxation as an implement of police power)
 
b.  The term “public purpose” is synonymous with “governmental purpose”; a purpose affecting the inhabitants of the state
or taxing district as a community and not merely as individuals.
 
          c. A tax levied for a private purpose constitutes a taking of property without due process of law.
 
          d. The purposes to be accomplished by taxation need not be exclusively public. Although private individuals are directly
benefited, the tax would still be valid provided such benefit is only incidental.
 
          e. The test is not as to who receives the money, but the character of the purpose for which it is expended; not the
immediate result of the expenditure but rather the ultimate.
 
          g. In the imposition of taxes, public purpose is presumed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.   Test in determining Public Purposes in tax
 

a. Duty Test – whether the thing to be threatened by the appropriation of public revenue is something which is
the duty of the State, as a government.
 

b. Promotion of General Welfare Test  – whether the law providing the tax directly promotes the welfare of the
community in equal measure.
 
 
Basic Principles of a Sound Tax System  (FAT)
 

a. Fiscal Adequacy – the sources of tax revenue should coincide with, and approximate the needs of government
expenditure. Neither an excess nor a deficiency of revenue vis-à-vis the needs of government would be in keeping with the
principle.
 

b. Administrative Feasibility – tax laws should be capable of convenient, just and effective administration.
 

c. Theoretical Justice – the tax burden should be in proportion to the taxpayer’s ability to pay  (ability-to-pay
principle). The 1987 Constitution requires taxation to be equitable and uniform.
 
 
B. Non-delegability of Taxing Power
 
1.        Rationale: Doctrine of Separation of Powers; Taxation is purely legislative, Congress cannot delegate the power to
others.
 
2.        Exceptions:
a. Delegation to the President (Art.VI. Sec. 28(2) 1987 Constitution)
The power granted to Congress under this constitutional provision to authorize the President to fix within specified
limits and subject to such limitations and restrictions as it may impose, tariff rates and other duties and imposts include tariffs
rates even for revenue purposes only. Customs duties which are assessed at the prescribed tariff rates are very much like taxes
which are frequently imposed for both revenue-raising and regulatory purposes  (Garcia vs Executive Secretary, et. al., G.R. No.
101273, July 3, 1992)
 
b. Delegations to the Local Government (Art. X. Sec. 5, 1987 Constitution)
It has been held that the general principle against the delegation of legislative powers as a consequence of the theory
of separation of powers is subject to one well-established exception, namely, that legislative power may be delegated to local
governments. The theory of non-delegation of legislative powers does not apply in maters of local concern.  (Pepsi-Cola Bottling
Co. of the Phil, Inc. vs City of Butuan, et . al., L-22814, Aug. 28, 1968)
 
 c. Delegation to Administrative Agencies with respect to aspects of Taxation not legislative in character.
                example: assessment and collection
 
3.     Limitations on Delegation
 
a. It shall not contravene any Constitutional provisions or inherent limitations of taxation;
b. The delegation is effected either by the Constitution or by validly enacted legislative measures or statute; and
c. The delegated levy power, except when the delegation is by an express provision of Constitution itself, should only
be in favor of the local legislative body of the local or municipal government concerned.
 
4.     Tax Legislation vis-à-vis Tax Administration - Every system of taxation consists of two parts:
                a. the elements that enter into the imposition of the tax [S 2 A P K A M], or tax regulation; and
                b. the steps taken for its assessment and collection or tax administration
If what is delegated is tax legislation, the delegation is invalid; but if what is involved is only tax administration, the non-
delegability rule is not violated.
 
 
C. Territoriality or Situs of Taxation
 
1.     Important Points to Consider:
a.   Territoriality or Situs of Taxation means “place of taxation” depending on the nature of taxes being imposed.
b.   It is an inherent mandate that taxation shall only be exercised on persons, properties, and excise within the territory of
the taxing power because:
b.1) Tax laws do not operate beyond a country’s territorial limit.
b.2) Property which is wholly and exclusively within the jurisdiction of another state receives none of the protection for
which a tax is supposed to be compensation.
 
c.   However, the fundamental basis of the right to tax is the capacity of the government to provide benefits and protection
to the object of the tax. A person may be taxed, even if he is outside the taxing state, where there is between him and the
taxing state, a privity of relationship justifying the levy.
 
2.     Factors to Consider in determining Situs of Taxation
a.   kind and Classification of the Tax
b.   location of the subject matter of the tax
c.   domicile or residence of the person
d.   citizenship of the person
e.   source of income
f.     place where the privilege, business or occupation is being exercised
 
 
D. Exemption of the Government from Taxes
 
1.     Important Points to Consider:
Reasons for Exemptions:
a.1) To levy tax upon public property would render necessary new taxes on other public property for the payment of the
tax so laid and thus, the government would be taxing itself to raise money to pay over to itself;
a.2) In order that the functions of the government shall not be unduly impede; and
a.3) To reduce the amount of money that has to be handed by the government in the course of its operations.
2.    Unless otherwise provided by law, the exemption applies only to government entities through which the government
immediately and directly exercises its sovereign powers  (Infantry Post Exchange vs Posadas, 54 Phil 866)
3.     Notwithstanding the immunity, the government may tax itself in the absence of any constitutional limitations.
4.     Government-owned or controlled corporations, when performing proprietary functions are generally subject to tax in the
absence of tax exemption provisions in their charters or law creating them.
 
E. International Comity
 
1.     Important Points to Consider:
a.   The property of a foreign state or government may not be taxed by another.
 
b.   The grounds for the above rule are:
b.1) sovereign equality among states
b.2) usage among states that when one enter into the territory of another, there is an implied understanding that the
power does not intend to degrade its dignity by placing itself under the jurisdiction of the latter
b.3) foreign government may not be sued without its consent so that it is useless to assess the tax since it cannot be
collected
b.4) reciprocity among states
 
Constitutional Limitations
 
1.     Due Process of Law
 
a.   Basis:  Sec. 1 Art. 3 “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law x   x x.”
 
Requisites :
1.        The interest of the public generally as distinguished from those of a particular class require the intervention
of the state;
2.        The means employed must be reasonably necessary to the accomplishment for the purpose and not unduly
oppressive;
3.        The deprivation was done under the authority of a valid law or of the constitution; and
4.        The deprivation was done after compliance with fair and reasonable method of procedure prescribed by law.
In a string of cases, the Supreme Court held that in order that due process of law must not be done in an arbitrary,
despotic, capricious, or whimsical manner.
 
2.     Equal Protection of the Law
 
a.   Basis: Sec.1 Art. 3 “ xxx  Nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.
Important  Points to Consider:
              1.     Equal protection of the laws signifies that all persons subject to legislation shall be treated under
circumstances and conditions both in the privileges conferred and liabilities imposed
              2.     This doctrine prohibits class legislation which discriminates against some and favors others.
 
b.   Requisites for a Valid Classification
1.  Must not be arbitrary
          2. Must not be based upon substantial distinctions
 3. Must be germane to the purpose of law.
 4. Must not be limited to exiting conditions only; and
 5. Must play equally to all members of a class.
 
3.     Uniformity, Equitability and Progressivity of Taxation
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 28(1) Art. VI. The rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable.  The Congress shall evolve a progressive
system of taxation.
b. Important Points to Consider:
1.           Uniformity (equality or equal protection of the laws) means all taxable articles or kinds or property of the same
class shall be taxed at the same rate. A tax is uniform when the same force and effect in every place where the subject of it is
found.
2.           Equitable means fair, just, reasonable and proportionate to one’s ability to pay.
 3.           Progressive system of Taxation places stress on direct rather than indirect taxes, or on the taxpayers’ ability to
pay
4.           Inequality which results in singling out one particular class for taxation or exemption infringes no constitutional
limitation. (see Commissioner vs. Lingayen Gulf Electric, 164 SCRA 27)
5.           The rule of uniformity does not call for perfect uniformity or perfect equality, because this is hardly attainable.
 
4.     Freedom of Speech and of the Press
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 4 Art. III.  No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression or of the pressx x x “
b. Important Points to Consider:
                        1.     There is curtailment of press freedom and freedom of thought if a tax is levied in order to suppress the basic
right of the people under the Constitution.
                        2.     A business license may not be required for the sale or contribution of printed materials like newspaper for
such would be imposing a prior restraint on press freedom
                        3.     However, an annual registration fee on all persons subject to the value-added tax does not constitute a
restraint on press freedom since it is not imposed for the exercise of a privilege but only for the purpose of defraying part of cost
of registration.
 
5.     Non-infringement of Religious Freedom
 
a.   Basis:  Sec. 5 Art. III. “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof.  The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall
be forever be allowed. x x x”
b.    Important Points to Consider:
                 1. License fees/taxes would constitute a restraint on the freedom of worship as they are actually in the nature of a
condition or permit of the exercise of the right.
                 2. However, the Constitution or the Free Exercise of Religion clause does not prohibit imposing a generally applicable
sales and use tax on the sale of religious materials by a religious organization.  (see Tolentino vs Secretary of Finance, 235
SCRA 630)
 
 
 
 
 
6.     Non-impairment of Contracts
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 10 Art. III. “No law impairing the obligation of contract shall be passed.”
b.   Important Points to Consider:
1.           A law which changes the terms of the contract by making new conditions, or changing those in the contract, or
dispenses with those expressed, impairs the obligation.
2.           The non-impairment rule, however, does not apply to public utility franchise since a franchise is subject to
amendment, alteration or repeal by the Congress when the public interest so requires.
 
7.     Non-imprisonment for non-payment of poll tax
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 20 Art. III. “No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of poll tax.”
b.    Important Points to Consider:
              1.     The only penalty for delinquency in payment is the payment of surcharge in the form of interest at the rate of
24% per annum which shall be added to the unpaid amount from due date until it is paid. (Sec. 161, LGC)
              2.     The prohibition is against “imprisonment” for “non-payment of poll tax”. Thus, a person is subject to
imprisonment for violation of the community tax law other than for non-payment of the tax and for non-payment of other taxes as
prescribed by law.
 
8.     Origin or Revenue, Appropriation and Tariff Bills
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 24 Art. VI.  “All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills, bill authorizing increase of the public debt, bills of local
application, and private bills shall originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or
concur with amendments.”
b.    Under the above provision, the Senator’s power is not only to  “only concur with amendments” but also “to propose
amendments”. (Tolentino vs Sec. of Finance, supra)
 
9.     Delegation of Legislative Authority to Fix Tariff Rates, Imports and Export Quotas
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 28(2) Art. VI “x x x The Congress may, by law, authorize the President to fix within specified limits, and
subject to such limitations and restrictions as it may impose, tariff rates, import and export quotas, tonnage and wharfage
dues, and other duties or imposts within the framework of the national development program of the government.
 
10.  Tax Exemption of Properties Actually, Directly and Exclusively used for Religious, Charitable and Educational Purposes
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 28(3) Art. VI. “Charitable institutions, churches and parsonages or convents appurtenant thereto, mosques,
non-profit cemeteries, and all lands, building, and improvements  actually, directly and exclusively used for religious,
charitable or educational purposes shall be exempt from taxation.”
b.    Important Points to Consider:
                        1.     Lest of the tax exemption: the use and not ownership of the property
                        2.     To be tax-exempt, the property must be actually, directly and exclusively used for the purposes mentioned.
                        3.     The word “exclusively” means “primarily’.
                        4.     The exemption is not limited to property actually indispensable but extends to facilities which are incidental
to and reasonably necessary for the accomplishment of said purposes.
                        5.     The constitutional exemption applies only to property tax.
                        6.     However, it would seem that under existing law, gifts made in favor or religious charitable and educational
organizations would nevertheless qualify for donor’s gift tax exemption. (Sec. 101(9)(3), NIRC)
 
11.   Voting Requirements in connection with the Legislative Grant for tax exemption
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 28(4) Art. VI. “No law granting any tax exemption shall be passed without the concurrence of a majority of
all the members of the Congress.”
b.    The above provision requires the concurrence of a majority not of attendees constituting a quorum but of all members
of the Congress.
 
12.   Non-impairment of the Supreme Courts’ jurisdiction in Tax Cases
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 5 (2) Art. VIII. “The Congress shall have the power to define, prescribe, and apportion the jurisdiction of the
various courts but may not deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases enumerated in Sec. 5 hereof.”
              Sec. 5 (2b) Art. VIII. “The Supreme Court shall have the following powers: x x x(2) Review, revise, modify or affirm
on appeal or certiorari x x x final judgments and orders of lower courts in x x x all cases involving the legality of any tax,
impost, assessment, or toll or any penalty imposed in relation thereto.”
 
13.   Tax Exemptions of Revenues and Assets, including grants, endowments, donations or contributions to Educational
Institutions
 
a.   Basis: Sec. 4(4) Art. XIV. “Subject to the conditions prescribed by law, all grants, endowments, donations or
contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from tax.”
b.    Important Points to Consider:
1.         The exemption granted to non-stock, non-profit educational institution covers income, property, and donor’s taxes, and
custom duties.
2.         To be exempt from tax or duty, the revenue, assets, property or donation must be used actually, directly and exclusively
for educational purpose.
3.         In the case or religious and charitable entities and non-profit cemeteries, the exemption is limited to property tax.
4.         The said constitutional provision granting tax exemption to non-stock, non-profit educational institution is self-executing.
5.         Tax exemptions, however, of proprietary (for profit) educational institutions require prior legislative implementation. Their
tax exemption is not self-executing.
6.         Lands, Buildings, and improvements actually, directly, and exclusively used for educational purposed are exempt from
property tax, whether the educational institution is proprietary or non-profit.
 
 
 
 
 
 
c.   Department of Finance Order No. 137-87, dated Dec. 16, 1987
       
        The following are some of the highlights of the DOF order governing the tax exemption of non-stock, non-profit educational
institutions:
        1.     The tax exemption is not only limited to revenues and assets derived from strictly school operations like income from
tuition and other miscellaneous feed such as matriculation, library, ROTC, etc. fees, but it also extends to incidental income
derived from canteen, bookstore and dormitory facilities.
        2.     In the case, however, of incidental income, the facilities mentioned must not only be owned and operated by the school
itself but such facilities must be located inside the school campus. Canteens operated by mere concessionaires are taxable.
        3.     Income which is unrelated to school operations like income from bank deposits, trust fund and similar arrangements,
royalties, dividends and rental income are taxable.
        4.     The use of the school’s income or assets must be in consonance with the purposes for which the school is created; in
short, use must be school-related, like the grant of scholarships, faculty development, and establishment of professional chairs,
school building expansion, library and school facilities.
 
 
Other Constitutional Provisions related to Taxation
 
1.     Subject and Title of Bills (Sec. 26(1) 1987 Constitution)
 
                        “Every Bill passed by Congress shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof.”
 
   in the Tolentino E-VAT case, supra, the E-vat, or the Expanded Value Added Tax Law (RA 7716) was also questioned
on the ground that the constitutional requirement on the title of a bill was not followed.
 
2.     Power of the President to Veto items in an Appropriation, Revenue or Tariff Bill (Sec. 27(2), Art. VI of the 1987
Constitution)
                 
                  “The President shall have the power to veto any particular item or items in an Appropriation, Revenue or Tariff bill
but the veto shall not affect the item or items to which he does not object.”
 
3.     Necessity of an Appropriation made before money may be paid out of the Treasury (Sec. 29(1), Art. VI of the 1987
Constitution)
 
                        “No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.”
 
4.     Appropriation of Public Money for the benefit of any Church, Sect, or System of Religion (Sec. 29(2), Art. VI of the 1987
Constitution)
 
                        ”No public money or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid or employed, directly or indirectly for the use,
benefit, support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution, or system of religion or of any priest, preacher, minister,
or other religious teacher or dignitary as such except when such priest, preacher, minister or dignitary is assigned to the armed
forces or to any penal institution, or government orphanage or leprosarium.”
 
 5.     Taxes levied for Special Purpose (Sec. 29(3), Art. VI of the 1987 Constitution)
 
                        “All money collected or any tax levied for a special purpose shall be treated as a special fund and paid out for
such purpose only. It the purpose for which a special fund was created has been fulfilled or abandoned the balance, if any, shall
be transferred to the general funds of the government.”
 
   An example is the Oil Price Stabilization Fund created under P.D. 1956 to stabilize the prices of imported crude oil. In a
decide case, it was held that where under an executive order of the President, this special fund is transferred from the
general fund to a “trust liability account,” the constitutional mandate is not violated. The OPSF, according to the court,
remains as a special fund subject to COA audit ( Osmeňa vs Orbos, et al., G.R. No. 99886, Mar. 31, 1993)
 
6.     Allotment to Local Governments
   Basis: Sec. 6, Art. X of the 1987 Constitution
                  “Local Government units shall have a just share, as determined by law, in the national taxes which shall be
automatically released to them.”
 
 
 
IV. Situs of Taxation and Double Taxation
 
Situs of Taxation
 
1.     Situs of Taxation literally means the Place of Taxation.
2.     Basic Rule – state where the subject to be taxed has a situs may rightfully levy and collect the tax
 
       Some Basic Considerations Affecting Situs of Taxation
1.     Protection
                A legal situs cannot be given to property for the purpose of taxation where neither the property nor the person is within
the protection of the taxing state
                In the case of Manila Electric Co. vs Yatco (69 Phil 89) , the Supreme Court ruled that insurance premium paid on a fire
insurance policy covering property situated in the Phils. are taxable in the Phils. Even though the fire insurance contract was
executed outside the Phils. and the insurance policy is delivered to the insured therein. This is because  the Philippines
Government must get something in return for the protection it gives to the insured property in the Phils. and by reason of such
protection, the insurer is benefited thereby.
 

2.      The maxim of Mobilia Sequuntur Personam and Situs of Taxation

                According to this maxim, which means ”movable follow the person,” the situs of personal property is the domicile of the
owner. This is merely a fiction of law and is not allowed to stand in the way of taxation of personalty in the place where it has its
actual situs and the requisite legislative jurisdiction exists.
 
                Example: shares of stock may have situs for purposes of taxation in a state in which they are permanently kept
regardless of the domicile of the owner, or the state in which he corporation is organized.
 
 
 
3.     Legislative Power to Fix Situs
                If no constitutional provisions are violated, the power of the legislative to fix situs is undoubted.
 
                Example: our law fixes the situs of intangible personal property for purposes of the estate and gift taxes. (see  Sec.
104, 1997 NIRC)
 
                Note: In those cases where the situs for certain intangibles are not categorically spelled out, there is room for applying
the mobilia rule.
 
4.     Double Taxation and the Situs Limitation (see later topic)
 
Criteria in Fixing Tax Situs of Subject of Taxation
 
a.   Persons – Poll tax may be levied upon persons who are residents of the State.
b.   Real Property – is subject to taxation in the State in which it is located whether the owner is a resident or non-resident,
and is taxable only there.
   Rule of Lex Rei Sitae
c.   Tangible Personal property – taxable in the state where it has actual situs – where it is physically located. Although the
owner resides in another jurisdiction.
 
   Rule of Lex Rei Sitae
 
d.   Intangible Personal Property – situs or personal property is the domicile of the owner, in accordance with the
principle “MOBILIA SEQUUNTUR PERSONAM”, said principle, however, is not controlling when it is inconsistent with express
provisions of statute or when justice demands that it should be, as where the property has in fact a situs elsewhere. (see  Wells
Fargo Bank v. Collector 70 PHIL 325; Collector v. Fisher L-11622, January, 1961)
 
e.   Income – properly exacted from persons who are residents or citizens in the taxing jurisdiction and even those who are
neither residents nor citizens provided the income is derived from sources within the taxing state.
 
f.     Business, Occupation, and Transaction – power to levy an excise tax depends upon the place where the business is
done, of the occupation is engaged in of the transaction not place.
 
 
g.   Gratuitous Transfer of Property – transmission of property from donor to donee, or from a decedent to his heirs may be
subject to taxation in the state where the transferor was a citizen or resident, or where the property is located.
 
V. Multiplicity of Situs
 
                There is multiplicity of situs when the same subject of taxation, like income or intangible, is subject to taxation in
several taxing jurisdictions.  This happens due to:
a.   Variance in the concept of  “domicile” for tax purposes;
b.   Multiple distinct relationship that may arise with respect to intangible personality; and
c.   The use to which the property may have been devoted, all of which may receive the protection of the laws of jurisdiction
other than the domicile of the owner
 
Remedy – taxation jurisdiction may provide:
a.   Exemption or allowance of deductions or tax credit for foreign taxes
b.   Enter into treaties with other states
 
Double Taxation
 
           Two (2) Kinds of Double Taxation
1.    Obnoxious or Direct Duplicate Taxation  (Double taxation in its strict sense)  - In the objectionable or prohibited sense
means that the same property is taxed twice when it should be taxed only once.
 
            Requisites:
1.    Same property is taxed twice
2.    Same purpose
 3.    Same taxing authority
4.    Within the same jurisdiction
5.    During the same taxing period
6.    Same kind or character of tax
 
2.    Permissive or Indirect Duplicate Taxation (Double taxation in its broad sense)  – This is the opposite of direct double
taxation and is not legally objectionable.  The absence of one or more of the foregoing requisites of the obnoxious direct tax
makes it indirect.
           
       Instances of Double Taxation in its Broad Sense
1.     A tax on the mortgage as personal property when the mortgaged property is also taxed at its full value as real estate;
2.     A tax upon a corporation for its capital stock as a whole and upon the shareholders for their shares;
3.     A tax upon a corporation for its capital stock as a whole and upon the shareholders for their shares;
4.     A tax upon depositions in the bank for their deposits and a tax upon the bank for their property in which   such deposits
are invested
5.     An excise tax upon certain use of property and a property tax upon the same property; and
6.     A tax upon the same property imposed by two different states.
 
       Means to Reduce the Harsh Effect of Taxation
1.     Tax Deduction – subtraction from gross income in arriving a taxable income
2.     Tax Credit – an amount subtracted from an individual’s or entity’s tax liability to arrive at the total tax liability
 
        A deduction differ from a tax credit in that a deduction reduces taxable income while credit reduces tax liability
 
3.     Exemptions
4.     Treaties with other States
5.     Principle of Reciprocity
 
       Constitutionality
                Double Taxation in its stricter sense is undoubtedly unconstitutional but that in the  broader sense is not necessarily
so.
General Rule:  Our Constitution does not prohibit double taxation; hence, it may not be invoked as a defense against the validity
of tax laws.
a.   Where a tax is imposed by the National Government and another by the city for the exercise of occupation or business
as the taxes are not imposed by the same public authority ( City of Baguio vs De Leon, Oct. 31, 1968)
b.   When a Real Estate dealer’s tax is imposed for engaging in the business of leasing real estate in addition to Real
Estate Tax on the property leased and the tax on the income desired as they are different kinds of tax
c.   Tax on manufacturer’s products and another tax on the privilege of storing exportable copra in warehouses within a
municipality are imposed as first tax is different from the second
d.   Where, aside from the tax, a license fee is imposed in the exercise of police power.
 
Exception:  Double Taxation while not forbidden, is something not favored.  Such taxation, it has been held, should, whenever
possible, be avoided and prevented.
a.   Doubts as to whether double taxation has been imposed should be resolved in favor of the taxpayer.  The reason is to
avoid injustice and unfairness.
b.   The taxpayer may seek relief under the Uniformity Rule or the Equal Protection guarantee.
Forms of Escape from Taxation
 
         Six Basic Forms of Escape from Taxation
1.     Shifting
2.     Capitalization
3.     Transformation
4.     Evasion
5.     Avoidance
 6.     Exemption
 
1.     Shifting – Transfer of the burden of a tax by the original payer or the one on whom the tax was assessed or imposed to
another or someone else
                Impact of taxation – is the point at which a tax is originally imposed.
                Incidence of Taxation – is the point on which a tax burden finally rests or settles down.
                Relations among Shifting, Impact and Incidence of Taxation  – the impact  is the initial phenomenon, the shifting is the
intermediate process, and the incidence is the result.
                Kinds of Shifting:
a.   Forward Shifting – the burden of tax is transferred from a factor of production through the factors of distribution
until it finally settles on the ultimate purchaser or consumer
b.   Backward Shifting – effected when the burden of tax is transferred from the consumer or purchaser through
the factors of distribution to the factor of production
c.   Onward Shifting – this occurs when the tax is shifted two or more times either forward or backward
 
2.     Capitalization, defined – the reduction in the price of the taxed object equal to the capitalized value of future taxes which
the purchaser expects to be called upon to pay
 
3.     Transformation – The method whereby the manufacturer or producer upon whom the tax has been imposed, fearing the
loss of his market if he should add the tax to the price, pays the tax and endeavors to recoup himself by improving his process of
production thereby turning out his units of products at a lower cost.
 
4.     Tax Evasion – is the use of the taxpayer of illegal or fraudulent means to defeat or lessen the payment of a tax.
 
   Indicia of Fraud in Taxation
a.   Failure to declare for taxation purposes true and actual income derived from business for two consecutive years, and
b.   Substantial underdeclaration of income tax returns of the taxpayer for  four consecutive years coupled with
overstatement of deduction.
 
   Evasion of the tax takes place only when there are no proceeds. Evasion of Taxation is tantamount, fiscally speaking, to
the absence of taxation.
 
5.     Tax Avoidance – is the use by the taxpayer of legally permissible alternative tax rates or method of assessing taxable
property or income in order to avoid or reduce tax liability.
   Tax Avoidance is not punishable by law, a taxpayer has the legal right to decrease the amount of what otherwise would
be his taxes or altogether avoid by means which the law permits.
 
Distinction between Tax Evasion and Avoidance
 
           Tax Evasion            vs           Tax Avoidance
accomplished by breaking accomplished by legal
the letter of the law procedures or means which
maybe contrary to the intent of
the sponsors of the tax law
but nevertheless do not
violate the letter of the law
 
 
VI. Exemption from Taxation
 
A.     Tax Exemption – is a grant of immunity, express or implied, to particular persons or corporations from the obligations to pay
taxes.
 
B.     Nature of Tax Exemption
1.          It is merely a personal privilege of the grantee
2.          It is generally revocable by the government unless the exemption is founded on a contract which is protected from
impairment, but the contract must contain the other essential elements of contracts, such as, for example, a valid cause or
consideration.
3.          It implies a waiver on the part of the government of its right to collect what otherwise would be due to it, and in this
sense is prejudicial thereto.
4.          It is not necessarily discriminatory so long as the exemption has a reasonable foundation or rational basis.
 
C.    Rationale of tax Exemption
                Public interest would be subserved by the exemption allowed which the law-making body considers sufficient to offset
monetary loss entailed in the grant of the exemption.  (CIR vs Bothelo Shipping Corp.,           L-21633, June 29, 1967;  CIR vs
PAL, L-20960, Oct. 31, 1968)
 
D.    Grounds for Tax Exemptions
1.    May be based on a contract in which case, the public represented by the Government is supposed to receive a full
equivalent therefore
2.    May be based on some ground of public policy, such as, for example, to encourage new and necessary industries.
3.    May be created in a treaty on grounds of reciprocity or to lessen the rigors of international double or multiple taxation
which occur where there are many taxing jurisdictions, as in the taxation of income and intangible personal property
 
E.     Equity, not a ground for Tax Exemption
                There is no tax exemption solely on the ground of equity, but equity can be used as a basis for statutory exemption.  At
times the law authorizes condonation of taxes on equitable considerations. (Sec 276, 277, Local Government Code)
 
F.     Kinds of Tax Exemptions
1.        As to basis
a.     Constitutional Exemptions – Immunities from taxation which originate from the Constitution
b.     Statutory Exemptions – Those which emanate from Legislation
 
2.        As to form
a.     Express Exemption – Whenever expressly granted by organic or statute of law
b.     Implied Exemption – Exist whenever particular persons, properties or excises are deemed exempt as they fall outside
the scope of the taxing provision itself
 
3.        As to extent
a.     Total Exemption – Connotes absolute immunity
b.     Partial Exemption – One where collection of a part of the tax is dispensed with
 
G.    Principles Governing the Tax Exemption
1.        Exemptions from taxation are highly disfavored by law, and he who claims an exemption must be able to justify by the
clearest grant of organic or statute of law.  (Asiatic Petroleum vs Llanes, 49 PHIL 466;  Collector of Internal Revenue vs. Manila
Jockey Club, 98 PHIL 670)
2.        He who claims an exemption must justify that the legislative intended to exempt him by words too plain to be
mistaken. (Visayan Cebu Terminal vs CIR, L-19530, Feb. 27, 1965)
3.        He who claims exemptions should convincingly proved that he is exempt
4.        Tax exemptions must be strictly construed (Phil. Acetylene vs CIR, L-19707, Aug. 17, 1967)
5.        Tax Exemptions are not presumed. (Lealda Electric Co. vs CIR,    L-16428, Apr. 30, 1963)
6.        Constitutional grants of tax exemptions are self-executing  (Opinion No. 130, 1987, Sec. Of Justice)
7.        Tax exemption are personal.
8.        Deductions for income tax purposes partake of the nature of tax exemptions, hence, they are strictly construed against
the tax payer
 9.        A tax amnesty, much like a tax exemption is never favored or presumed by law  (CIR vs CA, G.R. No. 108576, Jan. 20,
1999)
10.     The rule of strict construction of tax exemption should not be applied to organizations performing strictly religious,
charitable, and educational functions
 
VII.               Other Doctrines in Taxation
 
Prospectivity of Tax Laws
 
General Rule:  Taxes must only be imposed prospectively
 
Exception:  The language of the statute clearly demands or express that it shall have a retroactive effect .
 
Important Points to Consider
1.    In order to declare a tax transgressing the due process clause of the Constitution it must be so harsh and oppressive in
its retroactive application (Fernandez vs Fernandez, 99 PHIL934)
2.    Tax laws are neither political nor penal in nature they are deemed laws of the occupied territory rather than the occupying
enemy. (Hilado vs Collector, 100 PHIL 288)
3.    Tax laws not being penal in character, the rule in the Constitution against the passage of the ex post facto laws cannot
be invoked, except for the penalty imposed.
 
Imprescriptibility of Taxes
 
General Rule:  Taxes are imprescriptible
 
Exception:  When provided otherwise by the tax law itself. 
Example: NIRC provides for statutes of limitation in the assessment and collection of taxes therein imposed
Important Point to Consider
1.    The law on prescription, being a remedial measure, should be liberally construed to afford protection as a corollary, the
exceptions to the law on prescription be strictly construed.  (CIR vs CA. G.R. No. 104171, Feb. 24, 1999)
 
Doctrine of Equitable Recoupment
It provides that a claim for refund barred by prescription may be allowed to offset unsettled tax liabilities should be
pertinent only to taxes arising from the same transaction on which an overpayment is made and underpayment is due.
This doctrine, however, was rejected by the Supreme Court, saying that it was not convinced of the wisdom and
proprietary thereof, and that it may work to tempt both the collecting agency and the taxpayer to delay and neglect their
respective pursuits of legal action within the period set by law.  (Collector vs UST, 104 PHIL 1062)
 
Taxpayer’s Suit - It is only when an act complained of, which may include legislative enactment, directly involves the illegal
disbursement of public funds derived from taxation that the taxpayer’s suit may be allowed.
 
 
VIII.       Interpretation and Construction of Tax Statutes
Important Points to Consider:
1.        On the interpretation and construction of tax statutes, legislative intention must be considered.
 
2.        In case of doubt, tax statutes are construed strictly against the government and liberally construed in favor of the
taxpayer.
 
3.        The rule of strict construction against the government is not applicable where the language of the tax law is plain and
there is no doubt as to the legislative intent.      
 
 4.        The exemptions (or equivalent provisions, such as tax amnesty and tax condonation) are not presumed and when
granted are strictly construed against the grantee.
 
5.        The exemptions, however, are construed liberally in favor of the grantee in the following:
a.        When the law so provides for such liberal construction;
b.        Exemptions from certain taxes granted under special circumstances to special classes of persons;
c.        Exemptions in favor of the Government, its political subdivisions;
d.        Exemptions to traditional exemptees, such as, those in favor of charitable institutions.
 
6.        The tax laws are presumed valid.
 
7.        The power to tax is presumed to exist.
 
 
TAX ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
 

Agencies Involved in Tax Administration

 
1.        Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs for internal revenue and customs law enforcement. It is
noteworthy to note that the BIR is largely decentralized in that a great extent of tax enforcement duties are
delegated to the Regional Directors and Revenue District Officers.
 
2.        Provincial, City and Municipal assessors and treasures for local and real property taxes.
 

Agents and Deputies for Collection of National Internal Revenue Taxes

 
                Under Sec. 12 of the 1997 NIRC, the following are constituted as 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 of internal revenue taxes
authorized to be made through banks.
 

Bureau of Internal Revenue

 
 Powers and Duties
 
a.        Exclusive and original power to interpret provisions of the NIRC and other tax laws, subject to review by the
Secretary of Finance;
b.        Assessment and Collection of all national internal revenue taxes, fees and charges;
c.        Enforcement of all forfeitures, penalties and fines connected therewith;
d.        Execution of judgment in all cases decided in its favor by the Court of Tax Appeals and the ordinary courts.
e.        Effecting and administering the supervisory and police powers conferred to it by the Tax Code or other laws.
f.          Obtaining information, summoning, examining and taking testimony of persons for purposes of ascertaining the
correctness of any return or in determining the liability of any person for any internal revenue tax, or in collecting
any such liability. 
 
Rule of “ No Estoppel Against the Government”
 
                It is a settled rule of law that in the performance of its governmental functions, the state cannot be estopped by the
neglect of its agents and officers. Nowhere is it more true than in the field of taxation ( CIR vs. Abad, et. al., L-19627, June 27,
1968). Estoppel does not apply to preclude the subsequent findings on taxability (Ibid.)
 
                The principle of tax law enforcement is:  The Government is not estopped by the mistakes or errors of its agents;
erroneous application and enforcement of law by public officers do not block the subsequent correct application of statutes  (E.
Rodriguez, Inc. vs. Collector of Internal Revenue, L-23041, July 31, 1969.)
 
                Similarly, estoppel does not apply to deprive the government of its right to raise defenses even if those defenses are
being raised only for the first time on appeal  (CIR vs Procter & Gamble Phil. G.R. No. 66838, 15 April 1988.)
Exceptions:
 
                The Court ruled in Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs. C.A., et. al. G.R. No. 117982, 6 Feb 1997 that  like other
principles of law, the non-application of estoppel to the government  admits of exceptions in the interest of justice and fair play, as
where injustice will result to the taxpayer. 
 
Estoppel Against the Taxpayer
 
                While the principle of estoppel may not be invoked against the government, this is not necessarily true in case of the
taxpayer. In CIR vs. Suyac, 104 Phil 819, the taxpayer made several requests for the reinvestigation of its tax liabilities such that
the government, acceding to the taxpayers request, postponed the collection of its liability. The taxpayer cannot later on be
permitted to raise the defense of prescription inasmuch as his previous requests for reinvestigation have the effect of placing him
in estoppel. 
 
 
Nature and Kinds of Assessments
 
                An assessment is the official action of an administrative officer determining the amount of tax due from a taxpayer, or
it may be the notice to the effect that the amount therein stated is due from the taxpayer that the payment   of the tax or
deficiency stated therein. (Bisaya Land Transportation Co. vs CIR, 105 Phil 1338)
 
                Classifications:
 
a.        Self-assessment- Tax is assessed by the taxpayer himself. The amount is reflected in the tax return that is filed
by him and the tax is paid at the time he files his return.  (Sec. 56 [A] {1], 1997 NIRC)
b.       Deficiency Assessment- This is an assessment made by the tax assessor whereby the correct amount of the tax
is determined after an examination or investigation is conducted. The liability is determined and is; therefore,
assessed for the following reasons:
1.        The amount ascertained exceeds that which is shown as tax by the taxpayer in his return;
2.        No amount is shown in the return or;
3.        The taxpayer did not file any return at all.  (Sec. 56 [B] ]1] and [2] 1997 NIRC)
 
c.        Illegal and Void Assessments- This is an assessment wherein the tax assessor has no power to act at
all (Victorias Milling vs. CTA, L-24213, 13 Mar 1968)
d.       Erroneous Assessment – This is an assessment wherein the assessor has the power to assess but errs in the
exercise of that power (Ibid.)
 
 
Principles Governing Tax Assessments
 
                1. Assessments are prima facie presumed correct and made in good faith.
 
         The taxpayer has the duty of proving otherwise  (Interprovincial Autobus vs. CIR, 98 Phil 290)
         In the absence of any proof of any irregularities in the performance of official duties, an assessment will not be
disturbed. (Sy Po. Vs. CTA, G.R. No 81446, 8 Aug 1988
         All presumptions are in favor of tax assessments (Dayrit vs. Cruz, L-39910, 26 Sept. 1988)
         Failure to present proof of error in the assessment will justify judicial affirmation of said assessments.  (CIR vs
C.C. G.R. No. 104151 and 105563, 10 Mar 1995)
         A party challenging an appraiser’s finding of value is required to prove not only that the appraised value is
erroneous but also what the proper value is (Caltex vs. C.C. G.R. No. 104781, 10 July 1998)
 
        2. Assessments should not be based on presumptions no matter how logical the presumption might be. In order to
stand the test of judicial scrutiny it must be based on actual facts.
 
      3. Assessment is discretionary on the part of the Commissioner.  Mandamus will not lie to compel him to assess a tax
after investigation if he finds no ground to assess. Mandamus to compel the Commissioner to assess will result in the
encroachment on executive functions (Meralco Secuirities Corp. vs. Savellano, L-36181 and L-36748, 23 Oct 1992).
 
Except:
        The BIR Commissioner may be compelled to assess by mandamus if in the exercise of his discretion there is evidence
of arbitrariness and grave abuse of discretion as to go beyond statutory authority  (Maceda vs. Macaraig, G.R. No. 8829, 8
June 1993).
 
4. The authority vested in the Commissioner to assess taxes may be delegated.  An assessment signed by an employee for
and in behalf of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue is valid. However, it is settled that the power to make final
assessments cannot be delegated. The person to whom a duty is delegated cannot lawfully delegate that duty to another.
(City Lumber vs. Domingo, L-18611, 30 Jan 1964).
 
5.  Assessments must be directed to the right party. Hence, if for example, the taxpayer being assessed is an estate of a
decedent, the administrator should be the party to whom the assessment should be sent  (Republic vs. dela Rama, L-
21108, 29 Nov. 1966),  and not the heirs of the decedent
 
Means Employed in the Assessment of Taxes
 
A. Examination of Returns: Confidentiality Rule
 
                The Tax Code requires that after the return is filed, the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative shall
examine the same and assess the correct amount of tax. The tax or the deficiency of the tax so assessed shall be paid upon
notice and demand from the Commissioner or from his duly authorized representative. Any return, statement or declaration filed
in any office authorized to receive the same shall not be withdrawn. However, within three (3) days from the date of such filing,
the same may be modified, changed or amended, provided that no notice for audit or investigation of such return, statement or
declaration has in the meantime been actually served upon the taxpayer.  (Sec 6[A], 1997 NIRC)
                               
                Although Sec. 71 of the 1997 NIRC provides that tax returns shall constitute public records, it is necessary to know
that these are confidential in nature and may not be inquired into in unauthorized cases under pain of penalty of law provided for
in Sec 270 of the 1997 NIRC.
 
                The aforesaid rule, however, is subject to certain exceptions. In the following cases, inquiry into the income tax returns
of taxpayers may be authorized:
 
1.        When the inspection of the return is authorized upon the written order of the President of the Philippines.
2.        When inspection is authorized under the Finance Regulation No. 33 of the Secretary of Finance.
3.        When the production of the tax return is material evidence in a criminal case wherein the Government is
interested in the result. (Cu Unjieng, et. al. vs. Posadas, etc, 58 Phil 360)  
4.        When the production or inspection thereof is authorized by the taxpayer himself  (Vera vs Cusi L-33115, 29 June
1979).              
 
 
B. Assessment Based on the Best Evidence Obtainable
 
The law authorizes the Commissioner to assess taxes on the basis of the best evidence obtainable in the following
cases:
 
1.        if a person fails to file a return or other document at the time prescribed by law; or
2.        he willfully or otherwise files a false or fraudulent return or other document.
 
When the method is used, the Commissioner makes or amends the return from his knowledge and from such
information as he can obtain through testimony or otherwise. Assessments made as such are deemed prima facie correct and
sufficient for all legal purposes. (Sec. 6 [B], 1997 NIRC)
 
Best Evidence Obtainable  refers to any data, record, papers, documents, or any evidence gathered by internal
revenue officers from government offices or agencies, corporations, employers, clients or patients, tenants, lessees, vendees
and from all other sources, with whom the taxpayer had previous transactions or from whom he received any income, after
ascertaining that a report required by law as basis for the assessment of any internal revenue tax has not been filed or when
there is reason to believe that any such report is false, incomplete or erroneous.
 
A case in point on the use of the best evidence obtainable is  Sy Po vs CTA. In that case, there was a demand made
by the Commissioner on the Silver Cup Wine Company owned by petitioner’s deceased husband Po Bien Seng. The demand
was for the taxpayer to submit to the BIR for examination the factory’s books of accounts and records, so BIR investigators
raided the factory and seized different brands of alcoholic beverages.
 
The investigators, on the basis of the wines seized and the sworn statements of the factory’s employees on the
quantity of raw materials consumed in the manufacture of liquor, assessed the corresponding deficiency income and specific
taxes. The Supreme Court, on appeal, upheld the legality of the assessment.
 
 
C. Inventory-Taking, Surveillance and Presumptive Gross Sales and Receipts
 
The Commissioner is authorized at any time during the taxable year to order the inventory-taking of goods of any taxpayer
as a basis for assessment.
 
If there is reason to believe that a person is not declaring his correct income, sales or receipts for internal revenue tax
purposes, his business operation may be placed under observation or surveillance. The finding made in the surveillance may be
used as a basis for assessing the taxes for the other months or quarters of the same or different taxable years.  (Sec. 6 [C], 1997
NIRC) 
 
 
D. Termination of Taxable Period
 
The Commissioner shall declare the tax period of a taxpayer terminated at any time when it shall come to his knowledge:
 
a.        That the taxpayer is retiring from business subject to tax;
b.        That he intends to leave the Philippines or remove his property therefrom;
c.        That the taxpayer hides or conceals his property; or
d.        That he performs 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 written decision to terminate the tax period shall be accompanied 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.
Said taxes shall be due and payable immediately and shall be subject to all the penalties prescribed unless paid within the time
fixed in the demand made by the Commissioner (Sec. 6 [d], 1997 NIRC)
 
 
 
 
               
E. Fixing of Real Property Values
 
                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 for real tax purposes (Sec 6 [E], 1997 NIRC). 
 
               
F. Inquiry into Bank Deposits
 
                Examination of bank deposits enables the Commissioner to assess the correct tax liabilities of taxpayers. However,
bank deposits are confidential under R.A. 1405. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of R.A. 1405 and other general or
special laws, the Commissioner is 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) (@) of the Tax Code
by reason of his financial incapacity to pay his tax liability. In this case, the application for compromise shall not be considered
unless and until he waives in writing his privilege under R.A. 1405, or under other general or special laws, and such waiver shall
constitute the authority of the Commissioner to inquire into bank deposits of the taxpayer  (Sec. 6[F], 1997 NIRC). 
               
Net Worth Method in Investigation
 
                The basis of using the Net Worth Method of investigation is  Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 43-72. This method of
investigation, otherwise known as “inventory method of income tax verification” is a very effective method of determining taxable
income and deficiency income tax due from a taxpayer.
 
 
                  Basic Concept and Theory
                The method is an extension of the basic accounting principle:  assets minus liabilities equals net worth. The taxpayer’s
net worth is determined both at the beginning and at the end of the same taxable year. The increase or decrease in net worth is
adjusted by adding all non-deductible items and subtracting therefrom non-taxable receipts. The theory is that the unexplained
increase in net worth of a taxpayer is presumed to be derived from taxable sources.
 
 
                Legal Source of authority for use of the Method
                  The Commissioner’s authority to use the net worth method and other indirect methods of establishing taxable
income is found in Sec. 43, 1997 NIRC. This authority has been upheld by the courts in a long line of cases, notable among
which is the leading case of Perez vs. CTA, 103 Phil 1167. The method is a practical necessity if a fair and efficient system of
collecting revenue is to be maintained.
 
                Moreover, Sec. 6[B], 1997 NIRC, provides for a broad and general investigatory power to assess the proper tax on the
best evidence obtainable whenever a report required by law as basis for the assessment of any national internal revenue tax
shall not be forthcoming within the time fixed by law or regulation, or when there is reason to believe that any such report is false,
incomplete or erroneous.
Conditions for the use of the method
 
(a)     That the taxpayer's books of accounts do not clearly reflect his income, or the taxpayer has no books, or if he has
books, he refuses to produce them (Inadequate Records).
 
 The Government may be forced to resort to the net worth method of proof where the few records of
the taxpayer were destroyed; for, to require more would be tantamount to holding that skillful concealment is an
inevitable barrier to proof.
               
(b)     That there is evidence of a possible source or sources of income to account for the increase in net worth or the
expenditures (Need for evidence of the sources of income).
 
In all leading cases on this matter, courts are unanimous in holding that when the tax case is civil in
nature, direct proof of sources of income is not essential-that the government is not required to negate all
possible non-taxable sources of the alleged net worth increases. The burden of proof is upon the taxpayer to
show that his net worth increase was derived from non-taxable sources.
As stated by the Supreme Court, in civil cases, the assessor need not prove the specific source of
income. This reasonable on the basic assumption that most assets are derived from a taxable source and that
when this is not true, the taxpayer is in a position to explain the discrepancy.  (Perez vs. CTA, supra)
However, when the taxpayer is criminally prosecuted for tax evasion, the need for evidence of a
likely source of income becomes a prerequisite for a successful prosecution. The burden of proof is always with
the Government. Conviction in such cases, as in any criminal case, rests on proof beyond reasonable doubt.
 
(c)     That there is a fixed starting point or opening net worth, i.e., a date beginning with a taxable year or prior to it, at
which time the taxpayer’s financial condition can be affirmatively established with some definiteness.
 
This is an essential condition, considered to be the cornerstone of a net worth case. If the starting
point or opening net worth is proven to be wrong, the whole superstructure usually fails. The courts have
uniformly stressed that the validity of the result of any investigation under this method will depend entirely
upon a correct opening net worth.
 
(d) That the circumstances are such that the method does not reflect the taxpayer’s income with reasonable accuracy
and certainty and proper and just additions of personal expenses and other non-deductible expenditures were
made and correct, fair and equitable credit adjustments were given by way of eliminating non-taxable
items. (Proper adjustments to conform to the income tax laws)
                               
        Proper adjustments for non-deductible items must be made. The following non-deductibles, as the case may
be, must be added to the increase or decrease in the net worth:
 
1.        personal, living or family expenses;
2.        premiums paid on any life insurance policy;
3.        losses from sales or exchanges of property between members of the family;
4.        income taxes paid;
5.        estate, inheritance and gift taxes;
6.        other non-deductible taxes;
7.        election expenses and other expenses against public policy;
8.        non-deductible contributions;
9.        gifts to others;
10.     net capital loss, and the like
 
On the other hand, non-taxable items should be deducted therefrom. These items are necessary
adjustments to avoid the inclusion of what otherwise are non-taxable receipts. They are:
 
1.        inheritance, gifts and bequests received;
2.        non-taxable capital gains;
3.        compensation for injuries or sickness;
4.        proceeds of life insurance policies;
5.        sweepstakes winnings;
6.        interest on government securities and the like
 
 Increase in net worth are not taxable if they are shown not to be the result of unreported   income but to
be the result of the correction of errors in the taxpayer’s entries in the books relating to indebtedness to certain
creditors, erroneously listed although already paid. (Fernandez Hermanos Inc. vs. CIR, L-21551, 30 Sept. 1969)
 
 
Enforcement of Forfeitures and Penalties
               
Statutory Offenses and Penalties
 
1.        Additions to the Tax
 
Additions to the tax are increments to the basic tax incident due to the taxpayer’s non-compliance with
certain legal requirements, like the taxpayer’s refusal or failure to pay taxes and/or other violations of taxing provisions.
 
Additions to the tax consist of the:
 
(1) civil penalty, otherwise known as surcharge, which may either be 25% or 50 % of the tax depending upon
the nature of the violation;
 
(2) interest  either for a deficiency tax or delinquency as to payment; 
 
(3) other civil penalties or administrative fines such as for failure to file certain information returns and
violations committed by withholding agents. (Secs. 247 to 252, 1997 NIRC)
 
General Considerations on the Addition to tax
a. Additions to the tax or deficiency tax apply to all taxes, fees, and charges imposed in the Tax Code.
 
b. The amount so added to the tax shall be collected at the same time, in the same manner, and as part of
the tax.
 
c. 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  (Sec. 247[b], 1997 NIRC)  such
as the 25% surcharge and the 20% interest per annum on the delinquency  (Secs. 248 and 249 [C], 1997 NIRC)
 
 
Surcharge
The payment of the surcharge is mandatory  and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue is not vested with
any authority to waive or dispense with the collection thereof. In one case, the Supreme Court held that the fact that on
account of riots directed against the Chinese on certain dates, they were prevented from paying their internal revenue
taxes on time, does not authorize the Commissioner to extend the time prescribed for the payment of taxes or to
accept them without the additional penalty (Lim Co Chui vs. Posadas, 47 Phil 460)
 
The Commissioner is not vested with any authority to waive or dispense with the collection therof.  (CIR vs.
CA, supra).  The penalty and interest are not penal but compensatory for the concomitant use of the funds by the
taxpayer beyond the date when he is supposed to have paid them to the Government. (Philippine Refining Company
vs. C.A., G.R. No. 1188794, 8 May 1996).
 
An extension of time to pay taxes granted by the Commissioner does not excuse payment of the
surcharge (CIR vs. Cu Unjieng, L-26869, 6 Aug. 1975)
 
The following cases, however, show the instances when the imposition of the 25% surcharge had been
waived:
 
 1.        Where the taxpayer in good faith made a mistake in the interpretation of the applicable regulations thereby
resulting in delay in the payment of taxes. (Connel Bros. Co. vs. CIR, L-15470, 26 Dec. 1963)
2.        A Subsequent reversal by the BIR of a prior ruling relied upon by the taxpayer may also be a ground for
dispensing with the 25% surcharge. (CIR vs. Republic Cement Corp., L-35677, 10 Aug. 1983)
3.        Where a doubt existed on the part of the Bureau as to whether or not R.A. 5431 abolished the income tax
exemptions of corporations (including electric power franchise grantees) except those exempt under Sec. 27
(now, Sec. 30, 1997 NIRC), the imposition of the surcharge may be dispensed with ( Cagayan Electreic Power &
Light Co. vs CIR, G.R. No. 60126, 25 Sept. 1985)
4.        In the case of failure to make and file a return or list within the time prescribed by law, not due to willful neglect,
where such return or list is voluntarily filed by the taxpayer without notice from the CIR or other officers, and it is
shown that the failure to file it in due time was due to a reasonable cause, no surcharge will be added to the
amount of tax due on the return. In such case, in order to avoid the imposition of the surcharge, the taxpayer must
make a statement showing all the facts alleged as reasonable causes for failure to file the return on time in the
form of an affidavit, which should be attached to the return.
 
 
Interest       
                This is an increment on any unpaid amount of tax, assessed at the rate of twenty percent (20%) per annum,
or such higher rate as may be prescribed y rules and regulations, from the date prescribed for payment until the
amount is fully paid. (Sec. 249 [A], 1997 NIRC)
 
                Interest is classified into:
1.        Deficiency interest
Any deficiency in the tax due, as the term is defined in this code, shall be subject to the interest of 20% per
annum, or such higher rate as may be prescribed by rules and regulations, which shall be assessed and collected from
the date prescribed for its payment until the full payment thereof  (Sec. 249 [B], 1997 NIRC)
 
2.        Delinquency interest
This kind of interest is imposed in case of failure to pay:
(1)     The amount of the tax due on any return required 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.
 
 
3. Interest on Extended Payment
Imposed when a person required to pay the tax is qualified and elects to pay the tax on installment under the
provisions of the Code, but fails to pay the tax or any installment thereof, 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. (Sec. 249[d], 1997 NIRC)
 
                Administrative Offenses
1. Failure to File Certain Information Returns
2. Failure of a Withholding Agent to Collect and Remit Taxes
3. Failure of a Withholding Agent to Refund Excess Withholding Tax
 
 
GENERAL CONCEPT AND ITEMS OF INCOME
 
I.   Income in General
 
A.                   Income means all wealth which flows into the taxpayer other than as a mere return on capital.
It denotes the     amount of money or property received by a person or corporation within a specified time, whether as
payment for services, interests, or profits from investments.(Fisher vs. Trinidad, 43 Phil 973)
“A mere return of capital”
e.g. Payments of loans
vs.
“Other than a mere return of capital”
e. g. interest paid on such loans
 
                     Income is not merely increase in value of property; but a gain, a profit in excess of capital as a result of exchange
transactions.
 
 
B.                         Basic Feature of our Present Income Tax System
1.                    The law has adopted the most  comprehensive tax situs by using all possible legal criteria in the determination of its
tax base as well as the source of the taxable income.
2.                    The individual income tax system, in the main, is  progressive in nature, i. e. the tax rates increase as the tax base
increases. In certain cases, however, final taxes are imposed on passive income.
3.                    The present income tax law is now more  schedular than global in the case of individual income taxpayers, but it has
maintained much of its global treatment on corporation. 
 
 
C.       Forms of Income
Income may either be received in the form of:
 
1.              Cash – income pertains to money or money substitutes derived as compensation or earning derived from labor, practice
of profession and conduct of business.
2.              Property – income denotes the earned right of ownership over tangible or intangible thing as a result of labor, business
or practice of profession.
3.              Services – income based on the performance received in payment for the work previously rendered by one person to
another.
4.              Combination of cash, services or property.
 
 
D.       Classification of Income
 
1.              Compensation Income –         the gain derived from labor especially employment such as salaries and commission.
2.              Profession or Business Income – the value derived from an exercise of profession, business or utilization of capital
assets. e.g. income derived from sale of assets used in trade or business
3.              Passive Income – income in which the taxpayer merely waits for the amount to come in. e. g. interest derived from bank
accounts
4.              Capital Gain – an income derived from the sale of assets not used in trade or business. e.g. income from sale of
personal property
 
 
 
E.                         Distinction between Other Terms and Income
 
 Income Capital
-- Flow of wealth -- Original investment or fund used in order to generate
earnings

-- Service of wealth -- wealth

-- Fruit -- Tree
 
 
Income Revenue
-- Refers to the earnings of individual person, -- Refers to all funds occurring to the treasury of the gov’t.
partnership, corporation or estate and trust.
 
 
Income Receipts
-- Refers to the amount after excluding capital -- Refer to all wealth collected over a certain period. It may
invested, cost of goods, and other allowable include capital as well as income.
deductions.
 
 
F.                         Income may be classified as Non – taxable or Taxable;
 
1.        Non – Taxable Income – income received but not included in determination of taxable income, nor as part of the gross
income.
E. g.
         13th month pay not exceeding P30k
          Winnings from lotto or sweepstakes
 
2.        Taxable Income – it is the amount of the income upon which the tax rate prescribed by law is applied to obtain the amount
of Income Tax.
 
Taxable Income may be grouped into three (3) categories:
         Passive investment income subject to final tax = eg. Royalties, interest from Phil. Bank deposit.
         Compensation income – refers to all income payments, in money or in kind, “arising from personal” services
under an employer – employee relationship.
         Non – compensation income or Business / Professional Income –   any other income that is not derived from
personal services or not related to an ER – EE (employer – employee) relationship and is generally subject to tax
on net income basis.
 
 
G.                         Requisites for income to be taxable.
1.        There must be gain – there must be a value received in the form of cash or its equivalent as a result of rendition of service
or earnings in excess of capital invested.
 
         A mere expectation of profits is not an income
         A transaction where- by nothing of exchangeable value comes to or is received by the taxpayer does not give rise
to   or create taxable income.
         Items or amounts received which do not add to the taxpayer’s net worth or redound to his benefits such as
amounts merely deposited or entrusted to him are not considered as gains (CIR vs. Tours specialist, 183 SCRA
402).
          Gain need not be necessarily in cash. It may be in form of payment, reduction or cancellation of T’s
indebtedness, or gain from exchange of property.
 
 
2.        The gain must actually be or constructively realized or received.
 
GENRULE: A mere increase in the value of property without actual realization, either through sale or other disposition, is not
taxable. The increase in value is a mere unrealized increase in capital.
 

EXCEPT:  ECONOMIC BENEFIT PRINCIPLE (BIR RULING NO. 029 – 98, MARCH 19, 1998)
                -That even without the sale or other disposition if by reason of appraisal, the cost basis is used as the new tax base fro
purposes of computing the allowable depreciation expense, the net difference between the original cost basis and new basis due
to appraisal is taxable.
 
         An income is constructively received by a person when - it is credited to the amount of or segregated in his favor
and which maybe drawn by him at any time without any limitations e. g.:
         Interest credited on savings bank deposits
         Dividends applied by the corporation against the indebted- ness of stockholder
         Share in the profit of a partner in General Professional Partnership
 
 
3.        The gain must not be excluded by the law or treaty from the taxation.
 
         The gain must be exempted.
         Property or money received by a taxpayer in which he has “no business transaction right to retain, but a duty to
return “To the one person from whom it was received is not considered as income (e. g. payment by
mistake). Reason:  The receipt is offset by a liability to the party making the excess payment.  However, where the
duty to return is unclear, the recipient may be required to pay the tax.
 
 
II.                   GROSS INCOME
 
A.       Gross Income – means all income derived during a taxable year by a taxpayer from  whatever source, whether
legal or illegal.
 
          The term “derived from whatever source “implies the inclusion of all income under the law, irrespective of the
voluntary or involuntary action of the taxpayer in producing the gains.
         It includes illegal gains arising from – gambling, betting, lotteries extortion and fraud.
 
 
B.       Items included in the determination of Gross Income, but not limited to the following;  (C - G2IR2P3AD)
 
1.        Compensation for services in whatever form paid, including but not limited to;
 
a. Salaries – refer to earnings received periodically for regular work other than manual labor.
 
b.        Wages  – are earnings received usually according to specified intervals of work, as by the hour, day or
week.
 
c.        Fees - amount received by an employee for the services rendered to the employer.
 
 d.        Commission – refers to percentage of total or an certain quota of sales volume attained as part of
incentives, such a sales commission.
 
e.        Similar items – like pension or retiring allowance.
 
 
         A pension awarded to a person  where no services have been rendered are mere gifts or gratuities and not
taxable as income. They are subject to donor’s tax payable by the donee.
 
         Compensation for personal services is taxable when:
a. Income for services rendered is taxable in the year of receipt.(cash basis)
b. Cash, property or services earned during the taxable year though not actually received are deemed to have
accrued to the taxpayer and are classified as income (accrual basis).
 
    Forms of Compensation
a. money
b. in kind
       Compensation paid to an employee of a corporation in its stock is to be treated as if the corporation
sold the stock for its market value and paid to the employee in cash.
       Living quarters furnished to the employee in addition to cash salary. The rental value should be
reported as income.
       Meals given to employee, the value thereof substitutes income.

CONVENIENCE OF THE EMPLOYER RULE

  The allowances furnished to the employee which are for the convenience and advantage of the employer or for proper
performance of the employees’ duty, shall not be taxable on the part of the employee receiving the same.
REQUISITES:
                        a. They must be furnished within the employer business permit.
                        b. The employer accepts the same as a condition of his employment
 
                --- Promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness   received in payment of services are considered as income to
the extent of their fair market value.
 
                --- An individual who performs services for a creditor, who in consideration thereof cancels his debt, income to that
amount is realized by the debtor as compensation for his services. However,  if the creditor condones /cancels the debt
without any service rendered by the debtor , the amount of such debt is a gift and need not be included in the gross income of the
debtor. The amount is subjects to donor’s tax.
 
                        c. Both in money and in kind.
         
2. Gross income derived from the conduct of trade, business or the exercise of a profession.
 
(a). Determination of gross income in case of manufacturing, merchandising or mining business.
 
Formula: Gross Income =  (Gross Sales – cost of goods sold) + other income
 
(b).  Income from a long term contract – long term contract means building, installation and construction contract
covering a period in excess of one year.
 
NOTE: any income derived from these contracts shall be reported upon the basis of  Percentage  of Completion.
 
(c). Income from farming may be reported in any of the following methods:
 
 (1). Cash basis – no inventory is used in determining profits.
(2). Accrual basis – an inventory is used in determining profits.
(3). Crop basis – it is generally used when the farmer is engaged in producing crops which take more than a
year to gather and dispose of from the time of planting.
 
3. Gains derived from    dealings in property – refers to the income derived from the sale and or exchange of
assets, which result in gain because of the excess of the amount of value received by the taxpayer.
GENRULE: The entire amount of the gain or  loss arising from the transaction shall be taxable or deductible, or
the case may be.
 
4. Royalty Income – these are the compensations or payments for the use of property and are paid to the owner
of a right.
 
5. Rental Income – refers to earning derived from leasing real estate as well as personal property. It includes all
other obligations assumed to be paid by the lessee to the third party in behalf of the lessor.
 
         Taxes paid by the tenant (lessee) to or for a lessor for a business property are  additional rent  and constitute
income taxable to the lessor.
 
         Advanced rentals:
(a). if the advanced rental is a Security Deposit which restricts the lessor as to its use  -- such amount shall be
“excluded” in the determination of rental income.
 
(b). If the advance rental is  Prepaid Rental received without restriction as to its use – the entire amount is
“taxable” in the year it is received.
 
         Permanent improvements made by the lessee on leased property.
When the lessee makes improve – ments on the leased property and the said improvements will belong to
the lessor upon the expiration of the lease contract, the lessor may report the income there from upon either by
the following methods:
(a). Outright method – the lessor will report as income the FMV (fair market value) of the improvements on
the year of completion.
 
(b). Spread out method  – the lessor may spread over the life of the lease the estimated depreciated value of
such improvements at the termination of the lease and report as income of each year of the lease an aliquot part
theory.
 
         Income resulting from pre – mature termination of the lease contract.
 
RULES:
                (a). If the improvement is destroyed before the termination of the lease contract -- the lessor is entitled to “deduct” as a
loss for the year when such destruction takes place the amount previously reported as income.
                (b). If the lease is terminated prior to the expiration of the lease contract for any reason, other than a bonafide sale to
the lessor – the lessor received “additional income” for the year the value of the improvements exceed the amount of income
already reported.
 
         Income of corporation from leased property.  Where the property of a corporation is leased to the lessee in
consideration that the latter shall pay in lieu of rental an amount equivalent to a certain rate of dividend on
the lessor’s capital stock; it shall be considered as;
(a). Rentals (income) –  to lessee and lessor (income to the corp.)
 
(b). Dividend from the lessor corporation – as far as the shareholders are concerned.
 
 
6. Interest Income
                An earning derived from depositing or lending of money, goods or credits.
 
GENRULE: Interest received by a taxpayer, whether usurious or not, is subject to income tax.
 
EXCEPT: When interest income is exempted by law from income tax.
 
 
7. Prizes and winnings
GENRULE:  Prizes and winnings whether in cash or in kind are taxable.
 
         Prizes and winnings are subject to 20% final tax.
 
         Where the amount of prizes or winning is P10k or less – subject to schedular rate.
 
8. Pension
                 Refers to allowance paid regularly to a person on his retirement or to his dependents on his death, in consideration of
past services, meritorious work, age, loss or injury.
 
 
9. Partner’s distributive profits from the net income of a General Professional Partnership.
 
NOTE: Gen. Professional Partnership -- is created by a group of individuals for the purpose of exercising their common
profession
E. g. Law firm
 
 
10. Annuities
                  Amount payable yearly or at other regular intervals for a certain or uncertain period
                  They also represent as installment payments for life insurance sold by insurance companies.
 
         If the part of annuity payments represent “ interest” = taxable income.
 
         If the annuity is a mere return of premium = not taxable.
 
11. Dividends
                    -- Means any distributions made by a stock corporation to its SH’s (stockholders) out of its earnings or profits and
payable to its SH’s in money or other property.
 

NON – TAXABLE INTER – CORPORATE PRINCIPLE

         Dividends from the domestic corporation and shares in profits of taxable partnerships received by domestic corp.
are exempt from income tax.
 
         Sources of dividends payment: Every dividend declared by a corporation is presumed to come from the “ most
recently accumulated profit”.
 
         Taxable dividends include the following:
(a)     Cash Dividend – a dividend paid in cash and is taxable to the extent of the cash received.
 
(b)     Liquidating dividend – a dividend distributed to the SHs upon dissolution of the corporation.
 
 (c)      Scrip Dividend – issued in a form of promissory note and it is taxable in its FMV
 
(d)     Indirect dividend – when a corporation forgives the indebtedness of its stockholders, the transaction has
the effect of payment of dividend to the extent of the amount of the debt.
 
(e)     Property dividend—a dividend paid in property of a corporation such as stock investment, bands or
securities held by the corporation and to the extent of the FMV of the property received at the time of the
distribution.
 
 
(f)       Stock Dividend  -- Involves the transfer of a portion of retained earning to capital stock by action of
stockholders. it simply means the capitalization of retained earnings.
               
GENRULE: A mere issuance of stock dividends is not subject to income tax, because it merely represents capital and it does not
constitute income to its recipient. Before disposition thereof, stock dividends are nothing but a representation of interest in the
corporate entity.
 
EXCEPTIONS:  When stock dividends are subject to tax;
a.)         These shares are later redeemed for a consideration by the corporation or otherwise conveyed by the
stockholder to the extent of such contribution. Under the NIRC, if a corporation, after the distribution of a non-
taxable stock dividend, proceeds to cancel or redeem its stock at such time and in such manner as to make the
distribution and cancellation or redemption essentially equivalent to the distribution of a tax of a taxable dividend,
the amount received in redemption or cancellation of the stock shall be treated as a taxable dividend to the
extent that it represents a distribution of earnings or profits.  (Sec.73 (B), NIRC). Depending on the
circumstances, corporate earnings may be distributed under the guise of initial capitalization by declaring the
stock dividends previously issued and later redeem or cancel said dividends by paying cash to the stockholder.
This process amounts to distribution of taxable dividends which is just delayed so as to escape the tax.  (CIR vs.
CA, 301 SCRA 152)
b.)         The recipient is other than the stockholder. (Bachrach vs. Seifert, 57 PHIL 483)
c.)         A change in the stockholder’s equity results by virtue of the stock dividend issuance.
 
 Stock dividend is classified into;
(1). Non – taxable – is one where the new shares confer the same rights and interest as the old share.  There is no change in the
corporate identity.  After the distribution thereof, there is no change in the proportionate interest of SHs.
 
(2). Taxable Stock dividend – is one where there either has been a change of corporate identity or a change in the nature of the
shares, where the proportionate interest of the SHs changes.
 
         Under the corp. code, stock dividend being one payable in capital stock, cannot be declared out of
outstanding capital stock but from retained earnings of the corporation.
 
         Where corporate earnings are used to purchase outstanding stocks treated as treasury stock (stocks
issued and fully paid for and subsequently reacquired by the corporation of purchase, redemption or through
same other means) as a technical but prohibited device, to avoid the effects of income taxation, distribution
of said corporate earnings in the form of stock dividend will subject SHs receiving them to income tax. The
corporation parting with a portion of its earnings “to buy” the outstanding stock is in ultimate effect and result
making a distribution of such earnings to the stockholders.  (Commissioner vs. Manning, 66 SCRA 14)
 
 
 
III.                 EXCLUSION FROM INCOME
 
A. Exclusion – refers to income received or earned but is not taxable as income because it is exempted by law or by
treaty. Receipts which are not in fact income are also excluded from Gross Income.
  
Exclusion Deductions
-- not taken into account in determining they are subtracted from gross income
gross income

 
         Exclusions are in the nature of tax exemptions, thus the claimant must establish them convincingly.
 
 
B. Exclusion under the Code. (LAGI C MR G2)
 
1). Life Insurance Proceed
      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.     
 
 
Note:
         Reason for exclusion: The contract of insurance is a contract of indemnity hence, the proceeds thereof are
considered indemnity rather than a gain or profits.
   Instances when proceeds from insurance are taxable:
a.)       Where proceeds are held by the insurer under an agreement to pay interest. The  interest is included in
determination of gross income.
b.)       Where the transfer is for valuable consideration.
 
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 of the contract of upon surrender.
 
Reason for the exclusion: The return of premium is a mere return of capital. However,  where the included in the gross amount
received exceed the aggregate premiums paid, the excess shall be income.
 
3.)  Gift, Bequests, and Devises
         The value the property acquired by gift, devise, or descent shall be excluded. However, the  income  from such property, as
well  as gift, bequest, devise, or descent of income from property, in cases of transfers of divided interest, shall be included in
gross income.
 
        4). Income Exempt under Treaty
Income of any kind, to the extent required by any treaty obligation binding upon the Government of the Philippines.
 
5.) 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 the account of such
injuries or sickness.
 
   Example of damages recovered from personal injuries: Moral damages for personal injuries.
   If the award of damages is to compensate loss of property or an award of damages to compensate loss of
income / profits, such is subject to tax.
 
6.) 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 Subdivision – 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 Award - Prizes and award to be excluded, the following conditions must concur;
(1)      Prizes and award made primarily in recognition of religious, charitable, scientific, educational,
artistic, literary, or civic achievement.
(2)      The recipient was selected without any action on his part to enter the contest or proceeding.
(3)      The recipient is not required to render substantial future services as a condition in receiving the
award.
 
d.)                  Prizes and Award in Sports Competition - All prizes and award granted to athletes in local and international
sports competitions and tournaments whether held in the Phils. Or abroad and sanctioned by sports associations.
 
e.)                  13th Month Pay and Other Benefits -        The total exclusion shall not exceed P30k.
 
f.)                    GSIS, SSS, Medicare and Other Contributions
 
7.) Retirement Benefits, Pension, Gratuities, etc.
 
The following items are exempt from taxation:
(a). Retirements benefits received under RA 7641 and those received by officials and employees of private firms in accordance
with reasonable PRIVATE BENEFIT PLAN.
 
Requisites:
(1.)        The retiring official or employees has been in service of the same employer for at least ten years.
(2.)        Is not less than 50 yrs. of age at the time of his retirement.
(3.)        And is available to official or employee only once.
 
         Private retirement benefit plan
       A “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 employees –
a.)      wherein contributions are made by such employer or employees, or both, for the purpose of distributing to such
employer the earnings and principal of the fund thus accumulated; and
b.)      wherein said plan provides that at no time shall any part of the principal or income of the fund be used for, or be
diverted to, any purpose other than for the exclusive benefit of said employee
 
(b). Any amount received by an official or employees or by his heirs from the employer as a “ consequence  of separation from
service due to death, sickness or other physical disability beyond the control of the said official or employer.
 
(c). Terminal leave and other social security benefits.     
The terminal leave pay of government employees whose employment is co-terminous is exempt since it falls within the
meaning of the phrase “for any cause beyond the control of the said official oremployees” (BIR Ruling 143-98)
 
(d). Benefits received under the US veterans Administration.
 
(e). Benefits received from SSS
 
(f) Benefits received from GSIS
 
  
8.) Gains from the Sale of Bonds, Debentures or other Certificates of Indebtedness with maturity  of more than five (5) years.
 
9.) Gains from Redemption of Shares in Mutual Fund.
 
 
C. Exclusion from income under Special Laws
 
1.        Prizes received by winners in charity horse race sweepstakes from PCSO.
 
2.        Back pay benefits
 
3.        Income of cooperative marketing association
 
4.         Salaries and stipends in dollars received by non – Filipino citizens on the technical staff of IRRI (International Rice
Research Institutes).
 
5.        Supplemental allowances per diem, benefits received by officer or employees of the Foreign Service.
 
6.        Income from bonds and securities for sale in the international market.
 
 
 
IV.                 FRINGE BENEFITS
 
A. FRINGE BENEFITS – mean any good, service or other benefit furnished or granted in cash or in kind by an employer to an
individual employee, except rank and file employee.
 
         Pursuant to Revenue Regulations No. 3 – 98 (dated May 21, 1998)  implementing section 33 of the Tax Code,
the special treatment of fringe benefits shall be applied to fringe benefits given or furnished to managerial or
supervising employees and not to the rank and file.
 
         Rank and file – means all employees who are holding neither managerial nor
 
         Managerial Employee – is one who is vested with powers or prerogatives to lay down and execute
management policies and/or to hire, transfer, lay – off, recall, discharge, assign, or discipline employees.
 
         Supervisory Employees – are those who, in the interest of the employer, effectively recommend such
managerial actions if the exercise of such authority is not merely routinely or clerical in nature but requires the
use of independent judgment.
 
         The regulation does not cover those benefits properly forming part of compensation income subject to
withholding tax.
 
         Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) – refers to monetary burden imposed on any good, services or other benefits
furnished or granted by an employer, in cash or in kind, in addition to basic salaries, to an individual employee,
except rank and file employee.
 
Formula:
GMV = MV divided 68% (as of Jan. 1, 2000)
 
FBT = (fb) GMV x 32% (as of Jan 1, 2000)
 
B. VALUATION OF THE FRINGE BENEFITS
    
Fringe Benefit (forms) Value of Fringe Benefits
1). Money   The value is the amount received
2). Property with owner ship transferred to the employee. Fair market value of the property
3). Property w/o transfer of ownership Depreciation value of the property
 
C. ITEMS WHICH ARE CONSIDERED AS FRINGE BENEFITS
(H2 IT – FIV2E2)
 
1). Housing
Housing Privilege FB tax base
(a) Lease of residential property for the MV = 50% x rental
use of the employee as his usual place payments
of residence.
(b) Residential Property owned by ER MV = [5% (FMV or Zonal
and Assigned to employee as his Value whichever is
usual place of residence. higher)] x 50%
      
(c) Residential property purchased by MV = [5% x AC
ER on installment basis for the use of (Acquisition)] x 50%
ER as his usual place of residence.
(d) Residential property purchased by MV = FMV or 2V W/ever
ER and ownership is transferred to EE is increase
as his usual place of residence.
(e) Residential property transferred to MV = FMV or Zonal Value
employee at less than employer’s (whichever is higher) –
acquisition cost. Acquisition Cost
 
         Non – taxable Housing Fringe Benefits
(a)                                  Housing privilege of military officials of AFP
(b)                                  Housing unit, which is situated inside or adjacent to the premise of a business or factory. A housing unit is
considered adjacent if it is located within the maximum  50 meters  from the perimeter of the business premises.
(c)                                  Housing benefit granted to employees on a temporary basis not exceeding three (3) months.
 
2). Household Expenses – Refer to expenses of the employee paid by the employer for household personnel or other personal
expenses.  Household expenses shall include:
(a)     salaries of household helper