RMC 33-2026: Clarifications on Estate Tax Amnesty Compliance
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 033-2026[1] to provide clarificatory guidelines on the filing and payment of estate tax under the Estate Tax Amnesty program. The Circular addresses several practical concerns encountered by taxpayers, heirs, executors, administrators, and practitioners in relation to the availment of estate tax amnesty and […]
Understanding Real Property Tax in the Philippines
Real Property Tax (“RPT”) is a local tax imposed on land, buildings, and other real properties located in the Philippines. For many businesses, RPT is a regular expense that is often overlooked until assessment notices, penalties, or disputes arise. Companies that own offices, warehouses, factories, commercial spaces, or machinery should therefore understand their RPT obligations […]
Taxing the Instrument: How Documentary Stamp Tax Is Computed and Who Pays It
After identifying transactions that may trigger Documentary Stamp Tax (DST), the next critical step is understanding how DST is computed and which party is legally liable to pay it. In practice, many taxpayers recognize that a transaction is subject to DST but still incur deficiencies due to incorrect tax base selection, misapplication of rates, failure […]
CTA Decision Sheds Light on Key Pitfalls in VAT Refund Claims
Recent developments in tax jurisprudence highlight important considerations for taxpayers seeking refunds or tax credits of excess and unutilized input VAT attributable to zero-rated sales. These developments are consistent with established jurisprudence recognizing the evidentiary and procedural requirements governing VAT refund claims, including Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (G.R. […]
Where Should You Pay? Navigating the Proper Situs of Local Business Taxes
For businesses operating across multiple locations in the Philippines, one of the most frequently misunderstood, and often contested, issue in local taxation is the proper situs of local business taxes (LBT). While national taxes are generally governed by uniform rules, LBT is imposed and administered by local government units (LGUs), each with its own tax […]
Choosing the Right Remedy: Strategic Use of Tax Compromise and Abatement
In the Philippines, tax assessment issues between taxpayers and the government are an inevitable reality. Assessments issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) may arise from differences in interpretation, factual discrepancies, or compliance gaps. When such situations arise, taxpayers are not left without recourse. The National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (NIRC), as amended, […]
Dividing Property After Death: How Families Can Do It Right
Losing a loved one is never easy, but what comes after can be just as challenging. Dividing property, settling obligations, and deciding “who gets what” can quickly become sources of tension if not handled properly. In many families, disagreements arise not out of ill intent, but from uncertainty and differing expectations. In the case such […]
From Deed to Duty: Understanding Taxes in Philippine Property Transfers
Transferring real property ownership in the Philippines is more than just signing a deed. Every transfer triggers a set of national and local tax obligations, and failure to comply can result in interest, surcharges, penalties, or delays in registration. Whether the transfer arises from a sale, donation, inheritance, or corporate restructuring, understanding the tax implications […]
E-Invoicing in the Philippines: What Every Business Should Know Before the December 2026 Deadline
What Exactly Is E-Invoicing? In simple terms: instead of handing a customer a printed or PDF invoice and calling it done, the BIR wants invoice data submitted directly to its systems — structured, machine-readable, and automatically validated. Two Terms, Not One Electronic Invoicing — issuing the invoice itself in a structured, digitally signed format (JSON) […]
Simplifying the Accreditation of Donee Institutions
Donations help social welfare groups provide food, shelter, education, health assistance, disaster relief, and other services to people in need. Article II, Section 23 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution supports this by encouraging non-governmental and community-based organizations that promote national welfare. The law encourages giving through tax incentives. Under Section 34(H) of the National Internal […]
