Tax 2
Tax 2
Tax 2
Reviewer
2nd Semester
A.Y. 2022 - 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Case Summary 3
ESTATE TAX 3
DONOR’S TAX 10
Case Digests 12
ESTATE TAX 12
Notes 12
Lorenzo v. Posadas 18
Elegado v. CTA 22
Dizon v. CTA 24
Aznar v. CTA 27
San Agustin v. CIR 29
CIR v. Reyes 32
Marcos v. CA 36
PNB v. Santos 38
Zapanta v. Posadas 42
Tuazon v. Posadas 43
Dizon v. Posadas 45
Vidal del Roces v. Posadas 48
Collector v. Fisher 51
Question & Answers: 55
DONOR’S TAX 57
Notes 57
Lladoc v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue 62
Abello, et al. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue 64
The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company v. The Secretary of
Finance and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue 67
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. B.F. Goodrich Phils., Inc. (now Sime Darby
International Tire Co., Inc. and the Court of Appeals 69
Question & Answers: 73
INCOME TAX 74
Notes 74
References
76
Disclaimer: Notes were copied from the books and jurisprudence. Let me know if there are
any corrections / mistakes. 76
Case Summary
ESTATE TAX
Lorenzo vs. Posadas Mr. Hanley died leaving a will Transmission by inheritance
which provided that the is taxable at the time of the
properties he left shall be predecessor’s death,
disposed of by his trustee notwithstanding the
only 10 years after his death. postponement of the actual
possession or enjoyment of
Nevertheless, CIR assessed the estate by the beneficiary,
the estate and inheritance tax and the tax measured by the
on the properties of Hanley value of the property
upon his death. transmitted at that time
Plaintiff-trustee paid under regardless of its appreciation
protest. CIR refused to refund or depreciation.
the taxes paid.
Inheritance Tax accrues at
the moment of the death.
Compensation of trustees
not subject to deductions.
But from this it does not
follow that the compensation
due him may lawfully be
deducted in arriving at the net
value of the estate subject to
tax. There is no statute in the
Philippines which requires
trustee’s commissions to be
deducted in determining the
net value of the estate
subject to inheritance tax.
Aznar vs. CTA Aznar filed his ITR during his Proceeding for collection of
lifetime for years 1946 - 1951. deficiency taxes based on
BIR Examiner found that the false return, fraudulent
taxpayer did not correctly return or failure to file a
reported his income in his return prescribes in 10
ITR for the aforesaid years. years.
Hence,the CIR issued a letter
in 1952 notifying the taxpayer In the three different cases of
of the deficiency income tax. (1) false return, (2) fraudulent
This deficiency income tax return with intent to evade
was reduced in 1955 until the tax, (3) failure to file a return,
lower court concluded the the tax may be assessed, or
final amount of his tax liability
a proceeding in court for the
in 1962. collection of such tax may be
begun without assessment, at
The issue is whether or not any time within 10 years after
the right of the CIR to assess the discovery of the the
deficiency income taxes of falsity, fraud, or omission.
late Aznar had already
prescribed at the time the
assessment was made on
1952.
San Agustin vs. CRA The estate tax return was Imposition of surcharge,
filed on behalf of the estate penalty and interest for
on Sept. 3, 1990 with a delay in payment of
request for the extension of deficiency tax - not illegal.
two years for the payment of
tax. The BIR however only The delay in the payment of
granted the heirs an the deficiency tax within the
extension of only six months. time prescribed for its
The executor paid the estate payment in the notice of
tax amount as reported in the assessment justifies the
tax return on Mach 8, 1991. imposition of 25% surcharge
Then on Sept. 23, 1991, the in consonance with Sec.
widow of the deceased 248A(3) of the Tax Code.
(petitioner in this case),
received a PAN from the BIR
showing a deficiency estate
tax which include surcharge,
interest and penalties.
Marcos vs. CA BIR issued the deficiency The approval of the court,
estate tax assessments sitting in probate, or as a
against the estate of late settlement tribunal over the
Ferdinand and Imelda
deceased is not a mandatory
Marcos which were all
personally and constructively requirement in the collection
served upon Imelda Marcos of estate taxes.
at her last known address.
The copies were likewise
issued against the petitioner
(son of Ferdinand Marcos).
These deficiency tax
assessments were not
protested and the other heirs
within 30 days from service.
Hence, BIR Commissioner
issued 22 notices of levy on
real property against certain
parcels of land owned by the
Marcoses to satisfy the
alleged estate tax and
deficiency income taxes of
the spouses.
PNB vs. Santos Respondents discovered that Estate tax may also serve as
their father had a premium guard against the release of
savings account and time deposits to persons who have
deposit with PNB. They went no sufficient and valid claim
to PNB and submitted the over the deposits.
documents necessary to
withdraw their father’s The standard of diligence
deposit. However, PNB required of banks is higher
Branch Manager informed than the degree of diligence
them that the deposit had of a good father of a family.
already been released to
certain Manimbo. Hence,
respondents filed a complaint
for sum of money and
damages against PNB, its
branch manager and a John
Doe.
Zapanta vs. Posadas Fr. Pineda, during his lifetime, Neither can these donations
donated some of his property be considered as an advance
to six plaintiffs (who are his on inheritance or legacy,
relatives), with the condition according to the terms of
that some of them would pay section 1536 of the
him certain amount of rice Administrative Code,
and others of money every because they are neither an
year, and with the express inheritance nor a legacy. And
provision that failure to fulfill it cannot be said that the
this condition would revoke plaintiffs received such
the donation ipso facto. advance on inheritance or
legacy, since they were not
The six plaintiffs filed their heirs or legatees of their
protests against the CIR for predessor in interest upon his
the sums they’ve paid as death (sec. 1540 of the
inheritance tax on the Administrative Code). Neither
property donated to them. can it be said that they
obtained this inheritance or
The question is whether the legacy by virtue of a
donated properties are document which does not
subject to inheritance tax; contain the requisites of a will
whether they are considered (sec. 618 of the Code of Civil
as advances. Pocedure).1a
DONOR’S TAX
Case Principle
Lladoc vs. CIR A gift tax is not a property tax, but an excise tax imposed on
the transfer of property by way of gift inter vivos, the
imposition of which on property used exclusively for religious
purposes, does not constitute an impairment of the
Constitution.
Abello vs. CIR Election contributions are subject to gift tax – they are not
exempt even if such transfers are with intentions, motives or
purpose.
Philam vs. The Secretary of The absence of donative intent does not exempt the sales of
Finance stock transaction from donor's tax since Sec. 100 of the NIRC
categorically states that the amount by which the fair market
value of the property exceeded the value of the consideration
shall be deemed a gift and even if there is no actual donation,
the difference in price is considered a donation by fiction of
law.
CIR vs. B.F. Goodrich Phils. It is possible that real property may be sold for less than
adequate consideration for a bona fide business purpose; in
such event, the sale remains an "arm's length" transaction. In
the present case, the private respondent was compelled to
sell the property even at a price less than its market value,
because it would have lost all ownership rights over it upon
the expiration of the parity amendment. In other words,
private respondent was attempting to minimize its losses; At
the same time, it was able to lease the property for 25 years,
renewable for another 25, which can be regarded as another
consideration on the price.
Case Digests
ESTATE TAX
Notes
Estate tax - levy on gratuitous transfer of property through testate or intestate succession,
including certain transfers in contemplation of death.
● Onerous transfer of property - generally subject to capital gains tax.
● Gratuitous transfer of property - either subject to an estate tax or a donor’s tax.
Estate tax - tax upon the right to transmit an inheritance (tax on the transferor)
Inheritance tax - tax upon the right to receive an inheritance (tax on the recipient)
Note: P.D. 69 repealed the inheritance tax. Only the estate tax remains to be the tax due on
gratuitous transfer of property mortis cause.
GE includes:
● Real and personal property
○ Tangible
○ Intangible
■ Franchise which must be exercised in the PH
■ Shares, obligations or bonds (SOB) issued by any corporation or
sociedad anonima organized or constituted in the PH in accordance with
its laws.
■ SOB issued by any foreign corporation 85% of the business of which is
located in the Philippines
■ SOB issued by any foreign corporations, if such shares obligations or
bonds have acquired a business situs in the PH, and
■ Shares or rights in any partnership, business or industry in the PH
○ Mixed
wherever situated.
● Any interest or right in the nature of property, but less than title, having value or capable
of having value, like:
○ Dividends declared, but paid after the death
○ Partnership profits
○ Right of usufruct
1
Non-Resident Alien - not Filipino (at the time of his death) and not resident of the Philippines, at the
same time.
Composition of Gross Estate
Citizen (Filipino, regardless Estate within and without the ❖ Real property
on whether he lives abroad or Philippines (All the properties; wherever situated.
not) or even properties abroad) ❖ Tangible personal
Resident (Filipino/Alien, property wherever
provided: living in the Ex: situated.
Philippines) Pedro, a Filipino now lives in ❖ Intangible personal
America, owns only two property wherever
properties in America. These situated.
two properties are subject to
tax in America, can it be
taxed too by the Philippine
Government? Will it be
subject to Double Taxation?
➔ Pedro’s estate is still
subject to tax in the
Philippines,
regardless of whether
it is also taxed in
America.
➔ However, it is subject
to tax credit.
Nonresident Alien (Is not a Estate within the Philippines ❖ Real property situated
Filipino, does not live in the only. in the Philippines.
Philippines, but owns ❖ Tangible personal
properties in the Philippines) property located in the
Note: in case of bona fide sale for an adequate and full consideration in money or money’s
worth, the value of the property transferred will not be considered in determining the gross
estate.
Revocable Transfers - transfer where the terms of the enjoyment of the property may be
altered, amended, revoked or terminated by the decedent.
● It is sufficient that the decedent had the power to revoke, though he did not exercise the
power to revoke.
● The same rule with bona fide sales applies.
Power of Appointment - refers to the right to designate the person or persons who will
succeed the property of a prior decedent.
Please note: In order that property passing under a power of appointment may be included in
the gross estate of the transferor, the power of appointment must be a GENERAL POWER OF
APPOINTMENT.
(G) Transfers of Insufficient Consideration – If any one of the transfers, trusts, interests,
rights or powers enumerated and described in Subsections (B), (C ) and (D) of this Section is
made, created or exercised or relinquished for a consideration in money or money’s worth, but
is not a bona fide sale for an adequate and full consideration in money or money’s worth,
there shall be included in the gross estate only the excess of the fair market value, at the time
of death, of the property otherwise to be included on account of such transaction, over the
value of the consideration received therefor by the decedent.
Case Was the Time between Was there a What did the
transferee a transfer and will? Supreme Court
voluntary or death say?
compulsory
heir?
Facts
On May 27, 1922, Thomas Hanley died, leaving a will and considerable amount
of real and personal properties to his nephew Matthew Hanley.
Court of First Instance of Zamboanga considered it proper for the best interests
of the estate to appoint a trustee to administer the real properties which, under
the will, were to pass to Matthew Hanley ten years after the testator's death.
On September 15, 1932, the plaintiff paid this amount under protest.
The defendant overruled the plaintiff's protest and refused to refund the said
amount.
Issue
1. When does the inheritance tax accrue and when must it be satisfied?
2. Should the inheritance tax be computed on the basis of the value of the
estate at the time of the testator's death, or on its value ten years later?
3. In determining the net value of the estate subject to tax, is it proper to
deduct the compensation due to trustees?
4. What law governs the case at bar? Should the provisions of Act No.
3606 favorable to the taxpayer be given retroactive effect?
5. Has there been delinquency in the payment of the inheritance tax? If so,
should the additional interest claimed by the defendant in his appeal be
paid by the estate?
Ruling
1. When does the inheritance tax accrue and when must it be satisfied?
According to article 657 of the Civil Code, "the rights to the succession of a
person are transmitted from the moment of his death." In other words, the heirs
succeed immediately to all of the property of the deceased ancestor. The
property belongs to the heirs at the moment of the death of the ancestor as
completely as if the ancestor had executed and delivered to them a deed for
the same before his death.
Thomas Hanley having died on May 27, 1922, the inheritance tax accrued as of
that date.
"SEC. 1544. When tax to be paid. — The Tax fixed in this article shall be
paid:…(b) In other cases, within the six months subsequent to the death of the
predecessor; but if judicial testamentary or intestate proceedings shall be
instituted prior to the expiration of said period, the payment shall be made by
the executor or administrator before delivering to each beneficiary his share.”
Tax should have been paid before the delivery of the properties in question to P.
J. M. Moore as trustee on March 10, 1924.
2. Should the inheritance tax be computed on the basis of the value of the
estate at the time of the testator's death, or on its value ten years later?
The right of the state to an inheritance tax accrues at the moment of death, and
hence is ordinarily measured as to any beneficiary by the value at that time of
such property as passes to him. Subsequent appreciation or depreciation is
immaterial.
3. In determining the net value of the estate subject to tax, is it proper to deduct
the compensation due to trustees?
A trustee is entitled to receive a fair compensation for his services. But from this
it does not follow that the compensation due him may lawfully be deducted in
arriving at the net value of the estate subject to tax.
Revenue laws, generally, which impose taxes collected by the means ordinarily
resorted to for the collection of taxes are not classed as penal laws, Article 22
of the Revised Penal Code is not applicable.
5. Has there been delinquency in the payment of the inheritance tax? If so,
should the additional interest claimed by the defendant in his appeal be paid by
the estate?
P. J. M. Moore became trustee on March 10, 1924. On that date the trust estate
vested in him. The mere fact that the estate of the deceased was placed in trust
did not remove it from the operation of our inheritance tax laws or exempt it
from the payment of the inheritance tax.
The corresponding inheritance tax should have been paid on or before March
10, 1924, to escape the penalties of the law.
The trustee was in esse delivery of the same estate to the cestui que trust, the
beneficiary in this case.
The delinquency in payment occurred on March 10, 1924, the date when Moore
became trustee. The interest due should be computed from that date and it is
error on the part of the defendant to compute it one month later.
2 Elegado v. CTA
[Yamamoto] G.R. No. L-68385
May 12, 1989
Principle In contesting assessment notices, the procedural rules as provided for by law
are to be strictly construed and failure to comply with the said rules will warrant
appropriate action.
The said assessment was protested on March 7, 1978, by the law firm of
Bump, Young and Walker on behalf of the estate . The protest was denied by
the Commissioner and no further action was taken by the estate in pursuit of
that protest. The decedent's will had been admitted to probate in the Circuit
Court of Oregon, Ildefonso Elegado, the herein petitioner was then appointed
as the attorney-in-fact for the allowance of the will in the Philippines.
During protest, the Commissioner filed in the probate proceedings a motion for
the allowance of the first assessment. The contention was that it had not yet
been paid, and that the assessment had long become final and executory.
The petitioner regarded this motion as an implied denial of the 2nd protest and
he filed on September 15, 1981, a petition for review with the Court of Tax
Appeals challenging the said assessment. No answer was filed during a delay
of 195 days and in the end canceled the protested assessment in a letter to the
decedent's estate dated March 31, 1982.
This cancellation was notified to the Court of Tax Appeals in a motion to dismiss
on the ground that the protest had become moot and academic.
The motion was granted and the petition dismissed on April 25, 1984.18 The
petitioner then came to this Court on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of
Court.
Issue Whether respondent Court of Tax Appeals erred in dismissing the petitioner's
appeal on grounds of jurisdiction and lack of a cause of action.
Ruling No. The court ruled that the first assessment had reached finality as the denial
of the protest on July 7,1978 the remedy was to appeal to the CTA within the
reglementary period of 30 days after receipt of denial. No further action was
taken by the decedent’s estate as such the same had lapsed into finality.
Also, the court explained that during the protest of the second assessment it
does not supersede an earlier assessment which had clearly become final and
executory.
3 Dizon v. CTA
[Mallari] G.R. No. 140944
April 30, 2008
Principle The claims existing at the time of death are significant to, and should be made
the basis of, the determination of allowable deductions. Where a lien claimed
against the estate was certain and enforceable on the date of the decedent's
death, the fact that the claimant subsequently settled for lesser amount did not
preclude the estate from deducting the entire amount of the claim for estate tax
purposes. This is called the date-of-death valuation rule.
Facts
Jose P. Fernandez died. Hence, a petition for the probate of his will was filed
with the RTC of Manila (probate court). Petitioner alleged that several requests
for extension of the period to file the required estate tax return were granted by
the BIR since the assets of the estate, as well as the claims against it, had yet
to be collated, determined and identified. Atty. Gonzales wrote a letter
addressed to the BIR Regional Director and filed the estate tax return with the
same BIR Regional Office, showing therein a NIL estate tax liability. The BIR
RD for San Pablo City,. Umali issued Certification Nos. 2052 and 2053 stating
that the taxes due on the transfer of real and personal properties of Jose had
been fully paid and said properties may be transferred to his heirs.
Atty. Gonzales moved for the reconsideration of the said estate tax
assessment. However, the BIR Commissioner denied. Petitioner received the
letter of denial and then filed a PFR before respondent CTA. CTA denied the
PFR and ordered the petitioner and/or the heirs Fernandez to pay to
respondent the amount of P37,419,493.71 plus 20% interest. Aggrieved,
petitioner went to the CA via a petition for review. CA affirmed the CTA's ruling.
Petitioner filed a MFR which the CA denied. Hence, the instant Petition.
Petitioner claims among others that in as much as the valid claims of creditors
against the Estate are in excess of the gross estate, no estate tax was due.
Issue
Whether the actual claims of the creditors may be fully allowed as deductions
from the gross estate of Jose despite the fact that the said claims were reduced
or condoned through compromise agreements entered into by the Estate with
its creditors - YES
Ruling
The claims existing at the time of death are significant to, and should be made
the basis of, the determination of allowable deductions. It is admitted that the
claims of the Estate's aforementioned creditors have been condoned.
Condonation is an act of liberality, by virtue of which, without receiving any
equivalent, the creditor renounces the enforcement of the obligation, which is
extinguished in its entirety or in that part or aspect of the same to which the
remission refers.
Verily, the second issue in this case involves the construction of Section 79 of
the NIRC which provides for the allowable deductions from the gross estate of
the decedent. "Claims against the estate," as allowable deductions from the
gross estate under Section 79 of the Tax Code, are basically a reproduction of
the deductions allowed under the NIRC of 1939. Philippine tax laws were, in
turn, based on the federal tax laws of the United States. Thus, pursuant to
established rules of statutory construction, the decisions of American courts
construing the federal tax code are entitled to great weight in the interpretation
of our own tax laws.
The U.S. court ruled that the appropriate deduction is the "value" that the claim
had at the date of the decedent's death. Also, as held in Propstra v. U.S.,
where a lien claimed against the estate was certain and enforceable on the
date of the decedent's death, the fact that the claimant subsequently settled for
lesser amount did not preclude the estate from deducting the entire amount of
the claim for estate tax purposes. These pronouncements essentially confirm
the general principle that post-death developments are not material in
determining the amount of the deduction.
On the other hand, the Internal Revenue Service (Service) opines that
post-death settlement should be taken into consideration and the claim should
be allowed as a deduction only to the extent of the amount actually paid.
Recognizing the dispute, the Service released Proposed Regulations in 2007
mandating that the deduction would be limited to the actual amount paid.
We express our agreement with the date-of-death valuation rule, made
pursuant to the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in Ithaca Trust Co. v. United
States.First. There is no law, nor do we discern any legislative intent in our tax
laws, which disregards the date-of-death valuation principle and particularly
provides that post-death developments must be considered in determining the
net value of the estate. It bears emphasis that tax burdens are not to be
imposed, nor presumed to be imposed, beyond what the statute expressly and
clearly imports, tax statutes being construed strictissimi juris against the
government. Any doubt on whether a person, article or activity is taxable is
generally resolved against taxation. Second. Such construction finds relevance
and consistency in our Rules on Special Proceedings wherein the term "claims"
required to be presented against a decedent's estate is generally construed to
mean debts or demands of a pecuniary nature which could have been enforced
against the deceased in his lifetime, or liability contracted by the deceased
before his death. Therefore, the claims existing at the time of death are
significant to, and should be made the basis of, the determination of allowable
deductions.
4 Aznar v. CTA
[Lat] G.R. No. L-20569
August 23, 1974
Principle ● The ordinary period of prescription of 5 years within which to assess tax
liabilities under Sec. 331 of the NIRC should be applicable to normal
circumstances, but whenever the government is placed at a
disadvantage so as to prevent its lawful agents from proper assessment
of tax liabilities due to false returns, fraudulent return intended to evade
payment of tax or failure to file returns, the period of ten years provided
for in Sec. 332 (a) NIRC, from the time of the discovery of falsity, fraud
or omission even seems to be inadequate and should be the one
enforced.
● The reconstruction of the property did not render it valueless during the
time it was being reconstructed and consequently it should be listed as
an asset as of January 1, 1946 (during the period of reconstruction)
Facts Matias Aznar filed his ITR for years 1946 - 1951. The CIR having doubts on the
veracity of the report, caused the BIR Examiner to investigate. It was found that
the net worth of Mr. Aznar increased every year hence, his networth was more
than the income he had declared. BIR Examiner notified the taxpayer of the
assessed tax deficiencies to the amount of 723,032.66 pesos on Nov. 28, 1952.
Moreover, the CIR through the City Treasurer of Cebu placed the properties of
Aznar under distraint and levy to secure the payment of deficiency income tax
in question. Aznar requested for reinvestigation, and as a result thereof, the tax
deficiency assessment was reduced to 381,096.07 on Feb. 16, 1955; which
such notice of the now reduced deficiency tax was received by Aznar on March
2, 1955. The lower concluded that the tax liability of Aznar for yrs 1946 - 1951
was 227, 788.64. Aznar, through his administrator, filed a petition contending
that the assessment of CIR had already lapsed (not the following the 5 year
prescriptive period under Sec. 331 of NIRC); and that the CIR erred in not
deducting the ff from his undeclared income:
1) Proceeds of jewelries valued at 30,000;
2) Schedules of assets of TP:
Including, accounts receivables, buildings (over valuation)
Issue WON CTA erred in:
a) Not deducting from the alleged undeclared income of the TP for yr 1946
the proceeds from the sale of jewelries valued at 30,000;
b) Not excluding from other schedules of assets of the taxpayer:
i) Accounts receivable from the customers, provision for doubtful
accounts;
ii) Over valuation of hospital and dental buildings;
iii) Investment in hollow block business;
iv) Over valuation of surplus goods
v) Variou lands and buildings included in the schedule of assets.
Whether or not the buildings that were destroyed by typhoon in 1949, should be
eliminated in petitioner’s inventory of assets beginning Dec. 31, 1949;
Whether or not the imposition of a 50% fraud penalty by the lower court is
proper.
Ruling From the above exposition of facts, we cannot but emphatically reiterate the
well established doctrine that fraud cannot be presumed but must be proven.
As a corollary thereto, we can also state that fraudulent intent could not be
deduced from mistakes however frequent they may be, especially if such
mistakes emanate from erroneous entries or erroneous classification of items in
accounting methods utilized for determination of tax liabilities The predecessor
of the petitioner undoubtedly filed his income tax returns for "the years 1946 to
1951 and those tax returns were prepared for him by his accountant and
employees. It also appears that petitioner in his lifetime and during the
investigation of his tax liabilities cooperated readily with the B.I.R. and there is
no indication in the record of any act of bad faith committed by him.
We conclude that the 50% surcharge as fraud penalty authorized under Section
72 of the Tax Code should not be imposed, but eliminated from the income tax
deficiency for each year from 1946 to 1951, inclusive.
5 San Agustin v. CIR
[del G.R. No. 138485
Rosario] September 10, 2011
Principle The delay in the payment of the deficiency tax within the time prescribed for its
payment in the notice of assessment justifies the imposition of 25% surcharge
in consonance with Sec. 248A(3) of the Tax Code.
Facts Atty. Jose San Agustin died on June 27, 1990 a holographic will executed on
April 21, 1980 giving all his estate to his widow, Dra. Felisa L. San Agustin.
In the probate proceedings, the RTC allowed the will and appointed Jose Feria
as Executor of the estate. The executor paid the estate tax in the amount of
P1,676,432 within the six (6) months extension period granted by the BIR.
In view thereof, the respondent estate paid the amount of the penalties under
protest. A Petition for Review was then filed by the executor with the CTA with
the prayer that the Commissioners letter/decision be reversed and that a refund
of the amount of the amount paid be ordered. The Commissioner opposed the
said petition, alleging that the CTAs jurisdiction was not properly invoked
inasmuch as no claim for a tax refund of the deficiency tax collected was filed
with the Bureau of Internal Revenue before the petition was filed, in violation of
Sections 204 and 230 of the National Internal Revenue Code.
Upholding its jurisdiction over the dispute, the CTA rendered its Decision
modifying the CIRs assessment for surcharge, interests and other penalties
from P438,040.38 to P13,462.74, representing interest on the deficiency estate
tax, for which reason the CTA ordered the reimbursement to the respondent
estate the balance excess payment.
Issue Whether the imposition by the respondent of surcharge, interest and penalties
on the deficiency estate tax is not in accord with the law and therefore illegal.
Ruling No. The delay in the payment of the deficiency tax within the time prescribed for
its payment in the notice of assessment justifies the imposition of a 25%
surcharge in consonance with Section 248A(3) of the Tax Code. The basic
deficiency tax in this case being P538,509.50, the twenty-five percent thereof
comes to P134,627.37. Section 249 of the Tax Code states that any deficiency
in the tax due would be subject to interest at the rate of twenty percent (20%)
per annum, which interest shall be assessed and collected from the date
prescribed for its payment until full payment is made.
Regrettably for petitioner, the need for an authority from the probate court in the
payment of the deficiency estate tax, over which respondent Commissioner has
hardly any control, is not one that can negate the application of the Tax Code
provisions aforequoted. Taxes, the lifeblood of the government, are meant to be
paid without delay and often oblivious to contingencies or conditions.
Principle Taxpayers must be informed in writing of the law and the facts upon which a tax
assessment is based; otherwise, the assessment is void. Being invalid, the
assessment cannot in turn be used as a basis for the perfection of a tax
compromise.
Facts Maria Tancino died leaving a residential lot and an old house located in Pasay
Road, Masmarinas Village, Makati City. On the basis of a
sworn-information-for-reward filed by Raymond Abad, RDO (South Makati)
conducted an investigation on the decedent’s estate. It issued a Return
Verification Order but without the required preliminary findings being submitted,
it issued a LOA for the regular investigation of the estate tax case. Azucena
Reyes, one of the decedents heirs, received the LOA.
On January 5, 1999, a Warrant of Distraint and/or Levy was served upon the
estate, followed on February 11, 1999 by Notices of Levy on Real Property and
Tax Lien against it.
On March 2, 1999, Reyes protested the notice of levy. However, on March 11,
1999, the heirs proposed a compromise settlement of P1M. Reyes proposed to
pay 50% of the basic tax due, citing the heirs’ inability to pay the tax
assessment. The CIR rejected Reyes’ offer. It demanded to pay P18M on or
before April 15, 2000 otherwise, the notice of sale of the subject property would
be published. Reyes again wrote the CIR proposing to pay 100% of the basic
tax due in the amount of P5.3M. The estate failed to pay its tax liability within
the April 15, 2000 deadline so the BIR notified Reyes on June 6, 2000 that the
subject property would be sold at public auction on August 8, 2000.
She filed a protest on June 13, 2000 with the BIR Appellate Division asserting
that the whole tax proceedings against the estate are void ab initio. She offered
to file the corresponding estate tax return and pay the correct amount of tax
without surcharge or interest. CIR instructed the Collection Enforcement
Division to proceed with the August 8, 2000 auction sale.
On June 28, 2000, Reyes filed a Petition for Review with the CTA. On July 17,
2000 she filed a Motion for the Issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Injunction or
Status Quo Order, which was granted by the CTA. Upon filing of a surety bond
in the amount of P27M, the CTA ordered the CIR to desist and refrain from
proceeding with the auction sale of the subject property or from issuing a
Warrant of Distraint or Garnishment of Bank Account, pending determination of
the case and/or unless a contrary order is issued.
The CIR filed a Motion to Dismiss the petition but was denied by the CTA.
During the pendency of the Petition for Review with the CTA, the BIR issued an
RR and RMO offering certain taxpayers with delinquent accounts and disputed
assessments an opportunity to compromise their tax liability. Reyes filed an
application for the compromise settlement.
On February 19, 2001, Reyes filed a Motion to Declare Application for the
Settlement of Disputed Assessment as a Perfected Compromise. She alleged
that the CIR had not yet signed the compromise because of procedural red
tape requiring the initials of 4 Deputy Commissioners on relevant documents
before the compromise is signed by the CIR. Reyes posited that the absence of
the requisite initials and signatures on said documents does not vitiate the
perfected compromise.
The CIR countered that without the approval of the National Evaluation Board,
her application cannot be considered a perfected compromise. Her Motion was
denied so she filed an MR but was also denied. She filed a Supplemental
Petition for Review with the CTA. The CIR averred that an application for
compromise of a tax liability under the said RR and RMO requires evaluation
and approval of either the NEB or the REB, as the case may be. She filed a
Motion for Judgement on the Pleadings which was granted. The CTA denied
the Petition for Review and ordered to pay deficiency tax of P19.5M.
The said law was already effective when the assessment notice and demand
letter were made. The act cannot be taken to mean that Reyes already knew
the law and the facts on which the assessment was based. The Letter of
Authority was for the sheer purpose of investigation and was not even the
requisite notice under the law.
The CIR should have required the assessment officers of the BIR to follow the
clear mandate of the new law. The old regulation governing the issuance of
estate tax assessment notices ran afoul of the rule that tax regulations should
be in harmony with and not supplant or modify the law. An administrative rule
interpretative of a statue and not declarative of certain rights and corresponding
obligations, is given retroactive effect as of the date of the effectivity of the
statute. Even if it was issued only on September 6, 1999, this regulation was to
retroact to January 1, 1998 a date prior to the issuance of the preliminary
assessment notice and demand letter. A void assessment bears no fruit.
It would be premature for this Court to declare that the compromise on the
estate tax liability has been perfected and consummated, considering the
earlier determination that the assessment against the estate was void. Nothing
has been settled or finalized.
Under Sec 204(A) of the Tax Code, where the basic tax involved exceeds P1M
or the settlement offered is less than the prescribed minimum rates, the
compromise shall be subject to the approval of the NEB composed of the
petitioner and 4 deputy commissioners.
Principle The approval of the court, sitting in probate, or as a settlement tribunal over the
deceased is not a mandatory requirement in the collection of estate taxes. It
cannot therefore be argued that the Tax Bureau erred in proceeding with the
levying and sale of the properties allegedly owned by the late President, on the
ground that it was required to seek first the probate court's sanction. There is
nothing in the Tax Code, and in the pertinent remedial laws that implies the
necessity of the probate or estate settlement court's approval of the state's
claim for estate taxes, before the same can be enforced and collected.
The nature of the process of estate tax collection has been described as
follows: "Strictly speaking, the assessment of a inheritance tax does not directly
involve the administration of a decedent's estate, although it may be viewed as
an incident to the complete settlement of an estate, and, under some statutes, it
is made the duty of the probate court to make the amount of the inheritance tax
a part of the final decree of distribution of the estate… In the Philippine
experience, the enforcement and collection of estate tax, is executive in
character, as the legislature has seen it fit to ascribe this task to the Bureau of
Internal Revenue.
Issue Whether the CA erred in ruling that the summary tax remedy resorted is not
affected and precluded by the pendency of the special proceeding for the
allowance of the late President’s will.
Ruling NO.
● It is discernible that the approval of the court, sitting in probate, or as a
settlement tribunal over the deceased is not a mandatory requirement in
the collection of estate taxes. It cannot therefore be argued that the Tax
Bureau erred in proceeding with the levying and sale of the properties
allegedly owned by the late President, on the ground that it was
required to seek first the probate court's sanction. There is nothing in
the Tax Code, and in the pertinent remedial laws that implies the
necessity of the probate or estate settlement court's approval of the
state's claim for estate taxes, before the same can be enforced and
collected.|||
● under Section 87 of the NIRC, it is the probate or settlement court which
is bidden not to authorize the executor or judicial administrator of the
decedent's estate to deliver any distributive share to any party
interested in the estate, unless it is shown a Certification by the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue that the estate taxes have been
paid. This provision disproves the petitioner's contention that it is the
probate court which approves the assessment and collection of the
estate tax.
8 PNB v. Santos
[Moico] G.R. No. 208293
December 10, 2014
Principle The standard of diligence required of banks is higher than the degree of
diligence of a good father of a family.|||
Facts Respondents are children of Angel C. Santos who died on March 21, 1991.
Sometime in May 1996, respondents discovered that their father maintained a
premium savings account with Philippine National Bank (PNB),Sta.
Elena-Marikina City Branch. As of July 14, 1996, the deposit amounted to
P1,759,082.63. Later; respondents would discover that their father also had a
time deposit of P1,000,000.00 with PNB.
Respondents went to PNB to withdraw their father's deposit.
Lina B. Aguilar, the Branch Manager of PNB-Sta. Elena-Marikina City Branch,
required them to submit the following:
(1) original or certified true copy of the Death Certificate of Angel C.
Santos;
(2) certificate of payment of, or exemption from, estate tax issued by the
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR);
(3) Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement;
(4) Publisher's Affidavit of publication of the Deed of Extrajudicial
Settlement; and
(5) Surety bond effective for two (2) years and in an amount equal to the
balance of the deposit to be withdrawn.
By April 26, 1998, respondents had already obtained the necessary
documents. They tried to withdraw the deposit. However, Aguilar informed
them that the deposit had already "been released to a certain Bernardito
Manimbo (Manimbo) on April 1, 1997." An amount of P1,882,002.05 was
released upon presentation of:
(a) an affidavit of self-adjudication purportedly executed by one of the
respondents, Reyme L. Santos;
(b) a certificate of time deposit dated December 14, 1989 amounting to
P1,000,000.00; and
(c) the death certificate of Angel C. Santos, among others.
A special power of attorney was purportedly executed by Reyme L. Santos in
favor of Manimbo and a certain Angel P. Santos for purposes of withdrawing
and receiving the proceeds of the certificate of time deposit.
On May 20, 1998, respondents filed before the Regional Trial Court of
Marikina City a complaint for sum of money and damages against PNB, Lina
B. Aguilar, and a John Doe. Respondents questioned the release of the
deposit amount to Manimbo who had no authority from them to withdraw their
father's deposit and who failed to present to PNB all the requirements for
such withdrawal.
PNB and Aguilar denied that Angel C. Santos had two separate accounts
(premium deposit account and time deposit account) with PNB. They alleged
that Angel C. Santos' deposit account was originally a time deposit account
that was subsequently converted into a premium savings account. They also
alleged that Aguilar did not know about Angel C. Santos' death in 1991
because she only assumed office in 1996. Manimbo was able to submit an
affidavit of self-adjudication and the required surety bond. He also submitted
a certificate of payment of estate tax dated March 31, 1997. All documents he
submitted appeared to be regular.
Issue Whether Philippine National Bank was negligent in releasing the deposit to
Bernardito Manimbo
Ruling Yes. Banking is a business that is impressed with public interest. the bank is
under obligation to treat the accounts of its depositors with meticulous care,
always having in mind the fiduciary nature of their relationship. The public
reposes its faith and confidence upon banks, such that "even the humble
wage-earner has not hesitated to entrust his life's savings to the bank of his
choice, knowing that they will be safe in its custody and will even earn some
interest for him." This is why we have recognized the fiduciary nature of the
banks' functions, and attached a special standard of diligence for the exercise
of their functions. Petitioners PNB and Aguilar's treatment of Angel C. Santos'
account is inconsistent with the high standard of diligence required of banks.
They accepted Manimbo's representations despite knowledge of the existence
of circumstances that should have raised doubts on such representations. As a
result, Angel C. Santos' deposit was given to a person stranger to him.
Petitioners PNB and Aguilar either have no fixed standards for the release of
their deceased clients' deposits or they have standards that they disregard for
convenience, favor, or upon exercise of discretion. Both are inconsistent with
the required diligence of banks. Petitioners PNB and Aguilar released Angel C.
Santos' deposit to Manimbo without having been presented the BIR-issued
certificate of payment of, or exception from, estate tax. This is a legal
requirement before the deposit of a decedent is released. Petitioners PNB and
Aguilar claimed that Manimbo presented a certificate of payment of estate tax.
During trial, however, it turned out that this certificate was instead an authority
to accept payment, which is not the certificate required for the release of bank
deposits. It appears that Manimbo was not even required to submit the BIR
certificate. He, thus, failed to present such a certificate. Petitioners PNB and
Aguilar provided no satisfactory explanation why Angel C. Santos' deposit was
released without it.
9 Zapanta v. Posadas
[Era] G.R. No. 29204
December 29, 1928
Facts Fr. Pineda died without any ascendant and descendant, whilst leaving a will in
which he instituted his sister Irene Pineda as his sole heiress.
During his lifetime, Fr. Pineda donated some of his properties to six plaintiffs
who are his relatives; some of them are his brothers. These six plaintiffs filed a
separate action against the CIR under protest for the inheritance tax they paid
on the property donated to them.
The trial court held that the donations made by Fr. Pineda are donations inter
vivos and therefore not subject to inheritance tax. Hence, it ordered the
defendants to return to each of the plaintiffs the sums paid by the latter.
Ruling NO.
10 Tuazon v. Posadas
[Maravilla] G.R. No. L-30885
January 23, 1930
Principle SEC. 1536. Conditions and rate of taxation. — Every transmission by virtue of
inheritance, devise, bequest, gift mortis causa, or advance in anticipation of
inheritance, devise, or bequest shall be subject to the following tax;
The plaintiffs brought this action against the Collector of Internal Revenue for
the recovery of the amounts of P3,809.76 and P6,653.64 collected from them
as inheritance tax.
The judgment appealed from ordered the defendant to return the amounts
claimed to the plaintiffs.
The appellant contends that the collection of these amounts as inheritance tax
is authorized by the law.
Issue Whether the donation inter vivos made to the plaintiffs shall be subjected to
inheritance tax (estate tax)
Ruling Yes, the donation inter vivos made to the plaintiffs shall be subjected to
inheritance tax (estate tax)
In this phrase “there shall be added to the resulting amount the value of all gifts
mortis causa . . . made by the predecessor to those who, after his death, shall
prove to be his . . . donees mortis causa.", the law presumes that such gifts
have been made in anticipation of inheritance, devise, bequest, or gift mortis
causa, when the donee, after the death of the donor proves to be his heir,
devisee or donee mortis causa, for the purpose of evading the tax, and it
is to prevent this that it provides that they shall be added to the resulting
amount.
In this case, it appearing that the appellees after the death of Esperanza
Tuason y Chuajap, were found to be legatees under her will, the donation inter
vivos she had made to them in 1922 and 1923, must be added to the net
amount that is to be taxed.
11 Dizon v. Posadas
[Pilar] G.R. No. L-36770
November 4, 1932
Principle Section 1540 of the Administrative Code subjects the plaintiff and appellant the
payment of the inheritance tax upon the gift inter vivos who received from his
father and which really was an advancement upon the inheritance he would be
entitled to receive upon the death of the donor
Section 1540 of the Administrative Code does not tax gifts per se but only when
those gifts are made to those who shall prove to be the heirs, devises, legatees
or donees mortis cause of the donor
Facts This is an appeal from the decision of the court of first instance of pampanga in
favor of the defendant Juan Posados, Jr., Collector of Internal Revenue in a suit
filed by the plaintiff Luis Dizon for the recovery of an inheritance tax in the sum
of 2,808.73 paid protest
According to Dizon, the tax is illegal because he received the property which is
the basis of the tax, from his father before his death by a deed of gift inter vivos
which was duly accepted and registered before the death of his father
However, Posadas Jr, denied with counterdemand for the sum of of 1,254.56.
Which it was alleged is a balance still due and unpaid on account of said tax
The court held that the cause of action in the counterdemand was not proven
hence it was dismissed
The only evidence introduced at the trial of this case was the proof of payment
of the tax under protest and the deed of gift executed by felix dizon in favor of
his son Luis Dison.
Issue Whether or not Sec 1540 of the Administrative Code subject the
plaintiff-appellant to the payment of an inheritance Tax?
Ruling Under the facts presented, as an advance made by Felix Dison to his only
child, it was held that Section 1540 to be applicable and the tax to have been
properly assessed by the collector of internal revenue
Neither the title of Act No. 2601 nor chapter 40 of the Administrative Code
makes any reference to a tax on gifts. Perhaps it is enough to say of this
contention that section 1540 plainly does not tax gifts per se but only when
those gifts are made to those who shall prove to be the heirs, devisees,
legatees or donees mortis cause of the donor
This court said in the case of Tuason and Tuason v. Posadas (54 Phil 289)
“When the law says all gifts, it doubtless refers to gifts inter vivos and not mortis
causa. Both the letter and spirit of the law leave no room for any other
interpretation. The tenor of the language which refers to donations took effect
before the donor’s death, and not to mortis causa donations, which can only be
made with the formalities of a will and can only take effect after the donor’s
death
12 Vidal del Roces v. Posadas
CRUZ, Sam G.R. No. L-34937
March 13, 1993
Facts On March 10 and 12, 1925, Esperanza Tuazon donated certain parcels of land
situated in Manila to the plaintiffs herein, who accepted them. On January 5,
1926, the donor died in the City of Manila without leaving any forced heir and
her will which was admitted to probate, she bequeathed to each of the donees
the sum of P5,000. After the estate had been distributed among the instituted
legatees and before delivery of their respective shares, the appellee herein, as
Collector of Internal Revenue, ruled that the appellants as donees and
legatees, should pay as inheritance tax the sums of P16,673 and P13,951.45,
respectively under Sec. 1540 of the Administrative Code. At first the appellants
refused to pay the aforementioned taxes but, at the insistence of the appellee
and in order not to delay the adjudication of the legacies, they agreed at last, to
pay them under protest. The appellee filed a demurrer to the complaint on the
ground that the facts alleged therein were not sufficient to constitute a cause of
action. The court sustained the demurrer and ordered the amendment of the
complaint which the appellants failed to do, causing the dismissal of the action
on the ground that the appellants did not really have a right of action. Plaintiffs
appealed on the ground that the demurrer interposed by the appellee was
sustained without sufficient ground.
Issue 1. Whether or not Sec. 1540 of the Administrative Code includes donations
inter vivos. - YES
2. If Sec. 1540 includes donations inter vivos, whether or not it is
unconstitutional on the basis of:
a. The title of the law should not embrace more than one subject,
and that the subject should be expressed in the title thereof
b. The Legislature has no authority to impose inheritance tax on
donations inter vivos
c. It contravences the fundamental rule of Uniformity of Taxation
Ruling The gifts referred to in section 1540 of the Revised Administration Code are,
obviously, those donations inter vivos that take effect immediately or during the
lifetime of the donor but are made in consideration or in contemplation of death.
Gifts inter vivos, the transmission of which is not made in contemplation of the
donor's death should not be understood as included within the said legal
provision for the reason that it would amount to imposing a
direct tax on property and not on the transmission thereof, which act does not
come within the scope of the provisions contained in Article XI of Chapter 40 of
the Administrative Code which deals expressly with the tax on inheritances,
legacies and other acquisitions mortis causa.
B. The tax collected by the appellee on the properties donated in 1925 really
constitutes an inheritance tax imposed on the transmission of said properties in
contemplation or in consideration of the donor's death and under the
circumstance that the donees were later instituted as the former's legatees. For
this reason, the law considers such transmissions in the form of gifts inter vivos,
as advances on inheritance and nothing therein violates any constitutional
provision, inasmuch as said legislation is within the power of the Legislature.
C. It equally subjects to the same tax all of those donees who later become
heirs, legatees or donees mortis causa by the will of the donor. There would be
a repugnant and arbitrary exception if the provisions of the law were not
applicable to all donees of the same kind. In the case cited above, it was said:
"At any rate the argument adduced against its constitutionality, which is the lack
of Uniformity, does not seem to be well founded. It was said that under such an
interpretation, while a donee inter vivos who, after the predecessor's death
proved to be an heir, a legatee, or a donee mortis causa, would have to pay the
tax, another donee inter vivos who did not prove to he an heir, a legatee, or a
donee mortis causa of the predecessor, would be exempt from such a tax. But
as these are two different cases, the principle of uniformity is inapplicable to
them."
VILLAREAL, dissent
Presumptions are of two kinds: One determined by law which is also called
presumption of law or of right; and another which is formed by the judge from
circumstances antecedent to, coincident with or subsequent to the principal fact
under investigation, which is also called presumption of man (presuncion de
hombre). The Civil Code as well as the code of Civil Procedure establishes
presumptions juris et de jure and juris tantum which the courts should take into
account in deciding questions of law submitted to them for decision. The
presumption which majority opinion wishes to draw from said section 1540 of
the Administrative Code can neither be found in this Code nor in any of the
aforementioned Civil Code and Code of Civil Procedure. Therefore, said
presumption cannot be called legal or of law. Neither can it be called a
presumption of man (presuncion de hombre) inasmuch as the majority opinion
did not infer it from circumstances antecedent to, coincident with or subsequent
to the principal fact with is the donation itself. In view of the nature, mode of
making and effects of donations inter vivos, the contrary presumption would be
more reasonable and logical; in other words, donations inter vivos made to
persons who are not forced heirs, but who are instituted legatees in the donor's
will, should be presumed as not made mortis
GROSS ESTATE - Rule for Imposition
13 Collector v. Fisher
[Lunar] 1 SCRA 9
The CIR then assessed all the taxes to be paid and it was paid. After 6
months, Statt filed an amended estate and inheritance tax return in
pursuance of his reservation of the right granted by Sec 91, National
Internal Revenue of Code or the Reciprocity Provision and wanted
to get a refund of what he initially paid.
a. The Mindanao Mother Lode Mines Inc was from P.38 to
P.20 per share based on the market quotation at the San
Francisco Stock Exchange
Meanwhile, Beatrice assigned all her rights and interests in the estate
to the spouses Fisher (the respondents) A second amended return
was filed
a. Deduction of P4,000 from the gross estate as provided for
by Sec 861(4), US Federal Internal Revenue Code
pursuant to the reciprocity provision of NIRC (Sec 122)
b. Exemption from the imposition of inheritance and estate tax
on Mine’s shares
CIR denied the claim. An action was commenced in the Court of First
Instance of Manila, and forwarded to the Court of Tax Appeals.
Both the parties appealed from the decision of the Court of Tax
Appeals, hence this petition
2. To prove the pertinent California law, Attorney Allison Gibbs, counsel for
herein respondents, testified that as an active member of the California Bar
since 1931, he is familiar with the revenue and taxation laws of the State of
California. When asked by the lower court to state the pertinent California law
as regards exemption of intangible personal properties, the witness cited article
4, sections 13851 (a) and (b) of the California Internal and Revenue Code as
published in Deerings's California Code, a publication of the Bancroft-Whitney
Company, Inc. And as part of his testimony, a full quotation of the cited section
was offered in evidence as Exhibit "V-2" by the respondents.
Prescriptive Period
Assessment & Collection
a. 3 years
b. 10 years from the date of discovery on the ground of FAME.
SEC. 203. Period of Limitation Upon Assessment and Collection. - Except as provided
in Section 222, internal revenue taxes shall be assessed within three (3) years after
the last day prescribed by law for the filing of the return, and no proceeding in court
without assessment for the collection of such taxes shall be begun after the expiration
of such period: Provided, That in a case where a return is filed beyond the period
prescribed by law, the three (3)-year period shall be counted from the day the return
was filed. For purposes of this Section, a return filed before the last day prescribed by
law for the filing thereof shall be considered as filed on such last day
SEC. 204. Authority of the Commissioner to Compromise, Abate and Refund or Credit
Taxes. - The Commissioner may -
The compromise settlement of any tax liability shall be subject to the following
minimum amounts:
For cases of financial incapacity, a minimum compromise rate equivalent to ten
percent (10%) of the basic assessed tax; and
For other cases, a minimum compromise rate equivalent to forty percent (40%) of the
basic assessed tax.
Where the basic tax involved exceeds One million pesos (P1,000.000) or where the
settlement offered is less than the prescribed minimum rates, the compromise shall be
subject to the approval of the Evaluation Board which shall be composed of the
Commissioner and the four (4) Deputy Commissioners.
All criminal violations may be compromised except: (a) those already filed in court, or
(b) those involving fraud.
2. Can the heirs ask that the payment be by installment? (under the TRAIN Law)
a. Can the Commissioner require payment of interest and penalty if it is payment by
installment?
b. If extension, can it be subject to interest and penalty?
c. Interest rate under the TRAIN Law?
3. If there is an extension of payment and the estate was not able to pay, can the BIR run
after the heirs for the full amount, regardless of the amount of inheritance?
4. What is the effect if you fail to file the protest?
5. Remedy against the assessment?
6. You file the protest before whom?
7. If there is no decision on the protest, what is the remedy of the TP/heir?
DONOR’S TAX
Notes
Donation - an act of liberality whereby a person disposes gratuitously of a thing or right in favor
of another who accepts it.
● The transferor must have the intent to do an act of liberality or animus donandi.
Donor’s Tax - a tax imposed on the gratuitous transfer of property during the transferor’s
lifetime.
● The tax shall only be due in case the transfer is not for a consideration or subject to any
condition, or there is a consideration but the same does not constitute a demandable
debt (i.e. remuneratory donation).
Remember:
● It is a tax on the transferor.
● The transferor however may transfer the tax burden to the transferee as a condition for
the effectivity of the transfer (See Art. 726 of the Civil Code)
Donor:
a. Natural or Juridical person
b. Citizen or non-citizen
c. Resident or nonresident of the pH
Q: Are donations made in a foreign country by a nonresident alien subject to donor’s tax in the
Philippines?
➔ NO.
Rate: uniform rate of 6% on the annual net gifts in excess of 250,000 pesos.
Formalities of donation:
a. Both the donation and the acceptance must be in writing;
b. If the property donated is real property - the donation must be made in a public
instrument specifying the property donated and the value of the charges which
the donee must satisfy;
c. The acceptance of the donation of real property is made in the same public
instrument, or in a separate instrument with notice to the donor in an authentic
form, which must be indicated in both instruments.
Legal Bases:
A. There shall be levied, assessed, collected and paid upon the transfer by any person,
resident or nonresident, of the property by gift, a tax, computed as provided in Section
99.
B. The tax shall apply whether the transfer is in trust or otherwise, whether the gift is
direct or indirect, and whether the property is real or personal, tangible or intangible.
A. In General. - The tax for each calendar year shall be six percent (6%) computed on
the basis of the total gifts in excess of Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000)
exempt gift made during the calendar year.
Note: The rate of donor’s tax is six percent (6%) regardless of whether the donee is considered
a relative or a stranger.
2
Article 734. The donation is perfected from the moment the donor knows of the acceptance by the
donee. (NCC)
SEC. 100. Transfer for Less Than Adequate and Full Consideration. - Where property,
other than real property referred to in Section 24(D)3, is transferred for less than an adequate
and full consideration in money or money's worth, then the amount by which the fair market
value of the property exceeded the value of the consideration shall, for the purpose of the tax
imposed by this Chapter, be deemed a gift, and shall be included in computing the amount of
gifts made during the calendar year. Provided, however, That a sale, exchange, or other
transfer of property made in the ordinary course of business (a transaction which is a bona
fide, at arm’s length, free from any donative intent), will be considered as made for an
adequate and full consideration in money or money’s worth4
Gifts made to or for the use of the National (1) In General. - The tax imposed by this Title
Government or any entity created by any of upon a donor who was a citizen or a resident
its agencies which is not conducted for profit, at the time of donation shall be credited with
or to any political subdivision of the said the amount of any donor's tax of any
Government character and description imposed by the
authority of a foreign country.
Gifts in favor of an educational and/or
charitable, religious, cultural or social welfare (2) Limitations on Credit. - The amount of the
corporation, institution, accredited credit taken under this Section shall be
nongovernment organization, trust or subject to each of the following limitations:
philanthropic organization or research
institution or organization. Provided, (a) The amount of the credit in respect to the
however, That not more than thirty percent tax paid to any country shall not exceed the
(30%) of said gifts shall be used by such same proportion of the tax against which
donee for administration purposes. such credit is taken, which the net gifts
situated within such country taxable under
this Title bears to his entire net gifts; and
SEC. 102. Valuation of Gifts Made in Property. - If the gift is made in property, the fair
3
Sec. 24 (D) Capital Gains from Sale of Real Property.
4
Introduced by Sec. 29 of the TRAIN.
market value thereof at the time of the gift shall be considered the amount of the gift. In case
of real property, the provisions of Section 88(B) shall apply to the valuation thereof
(A) Requirements. - any individual who makes any transfer by gift (except those which,
under Section 101, are exempt from the tax provided for in this Chapter) shall, for the purpose
of the said tax, make a return under oath in duplicate. The return shall set forth:
(1) Each gift made during the calendar year which is to be included in computing net gifts;
(3) Any previous net gifts made during the same calendar year;
(5) Such further information as may be required by rules and regulations made pursuant to
law.
(B)Time and Place of Filing and Payment -The return of the donor required in this Section
shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the date the gift is made and the tax due thereon
shall be paid at the time of filing. Except in cases where the Commissioner otherwise permits,
the return shall be filed and the tax paid to an authorized agent bank, the Revenue District
Officer, Revenue Collection Officer or duly authorized Treasurer of the city or municipality
where the donor was domiciled at the time of the transfer, or if there be no legal residence in
the Philippines, with the Office of the Commissioner. In the case of gifts made by a
nonresident, the return may be filed with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country
where he is domiciled at the time of the transfer, or directly with the Office of the Commission
Principle A gift tax is not a property tax, but an excise tax imposed on the transfer of
property by way of gift inter vivos, the imposition of which on property used
exclusively for religious purposes, does not constitute an impairment of the
Constitution.
Facts This is an appeal of the decision of the CTA affirming the assessment of the
CIR requiring petitioner Casimiro Lladoc to pay the donee’s gift tax. The action
came after then parish priest Rev. Crispin Ruiz received a P10,000 donation for
the construction of a new Catholic Church from M.B. Estate, Inc of Bacolod
City. The CIR then assessed the Catholic Parish of Victorias liable to pay said
tax. The petitioner now contends that the assessment should be withdrawn
because: (1) he was not the parish priest at the time the donation was received;
(2) that there is no juridical entity known as the Catholic Parish of Victorias; and
(3) that the assessment of gift tax against the Roman Catholic Church was in
clear violation of the tax exemption granted by the Constitution.
Issue Whether or not a parish priest may be liable for taxes incurred by his
predecessor (CTA ISSUE)
NO, the assessment of donee’s gift tax in this case is not violative of the
Constitution. It is a cardinal rule in taxation that exemptions from payment
thereof are highly disfavored by law, and the party claiming exemption must
justify his claim by a clear, positive, or express grant of such privilege by law.
Section 22 (3), Art. VI of the Constitution of the Philippines, exempts from
taxation cemeteries, churches and parsonages or convents, appurtenant
thereto, and all lands, buildings, and improvements used exclusively for
religious purposes. The exemption is only from the payment of taxes assessed
on such properties enumerated, as property taxes, as contra distinguished from
excise taxes.
In this case, what the Collector assessed was a donee's gift tax; the
assessment was not on the properties themselves. It did not rest upon general
ownership; it was an excise upon the use made of the properties, upon the
exercise of the privilege of receiving the properties. A gift tax is not a property
tax, but an excise tax imposed on the transfer of property by way of gift inter
vivos, the imposition of which on property used exclusively for religious
purposes, does not constitute an impairment of the Constitution. As well
observed by the learned respondent Court, the phrase "exempt from taxation,"
as employed in the Constitution (supra) should not be interpreted to mean
exemption from all kinds of taxes.
Thus, there being no clear, positive or express grant of such privilege by law, in
favor of petitioner, the exemption herein must be denied.
15 Abello, et al. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue
[Querubin, G.R. No. 120721
Queenie] February 23, 2005
Principle gift not defined in the Tax Code – Civil Code definition on donation applies;
election contributions are subject to gift tax – they are not exempt even if such
transfers are with intentions, motives or purpose.
Facts During the 1987 national elections, petitioners, who are partners in the Angara,
Abello, Concepcion, Regala and Cruz (ACCRA) law firm, contributed
P882,661.31 each to the campaign funds of Senator Edgardo Angara, then
running for the Senate. BIR assessed each of the petitioners P263,032.66 for
their contributions. Petitioners questioned the assessment to the BIR, claiming
that political or electoral contributions are not considered gifts under the NIRC
so they are bot liable for donor's tax. The claim for exemption was denied by
the Commisioner. The CTA rule in favor of the petitioners but such ruling was
overturned by the CA,, thus this petition for review.
Donation has the following elements: (a) the reduction of the patrimony of
the donor; (b) the increase in the patrimony of the donee; and, (c) the intent
to do an act of liberality or animus donandi.
Principle
The absence of donative intent does not exempt the sales of stock transaction
from donor's tax since Sec. 100 of the NIRC categorically states that the
amount by which the fair market value of the property exceeded the value of the
consideration shall be deemed a gift and even if there is no actual donation, the
difference in price is considered a donation by fiction of law.
Facts
The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philamlife)
used to own shares in PhilamCare Health Systems, Inc. (PhilamCare). In 2009,
Philamlife offered to sell its shareholdings in PhilamCare through competitive
bidding. Philamlife’s shares were sold to STI Investments, Inc., who emerged
as the highest bidder. After the sale, Philamlife filed an application for a
certificate authorizing registration/tax clearance with the Bureau of Internal
Revenue (BIR) Large Taxpayers Service Division to facilitate the transfer of the
shares. Months later, Philamlife was informed that it needed to secure a BIR
ruling in connection with its application due to potential donor's tax liability.
Philamlife requested a ruling to confirm that the sale was not subject to donor's
tax, pointing out that the transaction cannot attract donor's tax liability since
there was no donative intent and no taxable donation that the shares were sold
at their actual fair market value and at arm's length; that as long as the
transaction conducted is at arm's length — such that a bona fide business
arrangement of the dealings is done in the ordinary course of business — a
sale for less than an adequate consideration is not subject to donor's tax; and
that donor's tax does not apply to sale of shares sold in an open bidding
process. However, Commissioner on Internal Revenue (Commissioner) denied
Philamlife's request as he determined that the selling price of the shares thus
sold was lower than their book value based on the financial statements of
PhilamCare as of the end of 2008 and ruled that donor's tax became imposable
on the price difference pursuant to Sec. 100 of the National Internal Revenue
Code (NIRC). Philamlife requested the Secretary of Finance (Secretary) to
review the Commissioner’s ruling, but the Secretary affirmed the
Commissioner's ruling.
Issue
Whether or not the price difference in petitioner's adverted sale of shares in
PhilamCare attracts donor's tax.
Ruling
Yes. The Supreme Court ruled that the price difference is subject to donor's tax
and the absence of donative intent does not exempt the sales of stock
transaction from donor's tax since Sec. 100 of the NIRC categorically states
that the amount by which the fair market value of the property exceeded the
value of the consideration shall be deemed a gift and even if there is no actual
donation, the difference in price is considered a donation by fiction of law.
17 Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. B.F. Goodrich Phils., Inc. (now Sime
[Barbers] Darby International Tire Co., Inc. and the Court of Appeals
G.R. No. 104171
February 24, 1999
Issue W/N the BIR’s right to assess the deficiency donor’s tax has prescribed.
( or W/N the BIR, despite the expiration of the 5 year prescriptive period, may
still assess a taxpayer even after he has already paid the tax due on ground the
previous assessment was insufficient or based on a “false” return.) - Y E S.
Ruling - The 1980 and 1981 assessments were issued by the BIR beyond the
5-year statute of limitations, hence, the period for assessment has prescribed.
- Sec. 331, NIRC, provides, “Period of limitation upon assessment and
collection. — Except as provided in the succeeding section, internal-revenue
taxes shall be assessed within five years after the return was filed, and no
proceeding in court without assessment for the collection of such taxes shall be
begun after expiration of such period. For the purposes of this section, a return
filed before the last day prescribed by law for the filing thereof shall be
considered as filed on such last day: Provided, That this limitation shall not
apply to cases already investigated prior to the approval of this Code. "
- In this case, the 1980 assessment modified by the 1981 assessment,
violated the law. Involved in the petition was the income of BF Goodrich for the
year 1974, the returns of which were required to be filed in April 1975, which BF
Goodrich did file. Hence, the subsequent 1980 assessment, modified by the
1981 assessment, was made beyond the period expressly set in Sec. 331,
NIRC.
- Moreover, Sec. 15, NIRC, on the other hand, provides that "when a
report required by law as a basis for the assessment of any national internal
revenue tax shall not be forthcoming within the time fixed by law or regulation,
or when there is reason to believe that any such report is false, incomplete, or
erroneous, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall assess the proper tax
on the best evidence obtainable." Sec. 15 does NOT provide an exception to
the statute of limitations on the issuance of an assessment, by allowing the
initial assessment to be made on the basis of the best evidence available.
Having made its initial assessment in the manner prescribed, the commissioner
could not have been authorized to issue, beyond the five-year prescriptive
period, the second and the third assessments.
- Sec. 332, NIRC enumerates the exceptions to the period of prescription.
The BIR’s claim of falsity was NOT sufficient to take the subject assessments
out of the ambit of the statute of limitations.
- It is possible that real property may be sold for less than adequate
consideration for a bona fide business purpose; in such event, the sale remains
an "arm's length" transaction. In the present case, BF Goodrich was compelled
to sell the property even at a price less than its market value, because it would
have lost all ownership rights over it upon the expiration of the parity
amendment. In other words, BF Goodrich was attempting to minimize its
losses. At the same time, it was able to lease the property for 25 years,
renewable for another 25. This can be regarded as another consideration on
the price.
Further, the fact that BF Goodrich sold its real property for a price less
than its declared fair market value did not by itself justify a finding of false
return. Indeed, BF Goodrich declared the sale in its 1974 return submitted to
the BIR. Within the five-year prescriptive period, the BIR could have issued the
questioned assessment, because the declared fair market value of said
property was of public record. This it did not do, however, during all those five
years. Moreover, the BIR failed to prove that respondent's 1974 return had
been filed fraudulently. Equally significant was its failure to prove respondent's
intent to evade the payment of the correct amount of tax.
- Since the BIR failed to demonstrate clearly that BF Goodrich had filed a
fraudulent return with the intent to evade tax, or that it had failed to file a return
at all, the period for assessments has obviously prescribed. Such instances of
negligence or oversight on the part of the BIR cannot prejudice taxpayers.
NOTES:
-SECTION 332, NIRC. Exceptions as to period of limitation of assessment and
collection of taxes. — (a) In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to
evade a tax or of a failure to file a return, the tax may be assessed, or a
proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without
assessment, at any time within ten years after the discovery of the falsity, fraud,
or omission: . . . ."|||
Question & Answers:
INCOME TAX
Notes
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
I. Features of Philippine Income Taxation:
a. Tax situs
i. Nationality
ii. Residence
iii. Source
b. Progressive bs. Regressive System of Taxation
c. Global vs. Schedular System of Taxation
Sec. 23. General Principles of Income Taxation in the Philippines. - Except when
otherwise provided in this Code:
(A) A Citizen of the Philippines residing therein is taxable on all income derived from sources
within and without the Philippines;
(B) A Nonresident citizen is taxable only on income derived from sources within the
Philippines;
(C) An Individual citizen of the Philippines who is working and deriving income from abroad as
an overseas contract worker is taxable only on income from sources within the Philippines:
Provided, That a seaman who is a citizen of the Philippines and who receives compensation
for services rendered abroad as a member of the complement of a vessel engaged
exclusively in international trade shall be treated as an overseas contract worker;
(D) An Alien individual, whether a resident or not of the Philippines, is taxable only on income
derived from sources within the Philippines;
(E) A Domestic corporation is taxable on all income derived from sources within and without
the Philippines; and
(F) A Foreign corporation, whether engaged or not in trade or business in the Philippines, is
taxable only on income derived from sources within the Philippines.
Summary:
Who What are taxable
Alien individual (WON resident or not of the Income derived from sources within the
PH) Philippines.
Foreign Corporation (whether engaged or not Income derived from sources within the
in trade or business in the PH) Philippines.
Note: Only citizens of the Philippines and Domestic Corporation are subject to tax on ALL
income derived from sources within and without the Philippines (regardless where the income
was derived)
Youtube links:
● Principles of Estate Tax - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1Psls5UKnE
● Donor’s Tax - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JtbSviA8Og
● Principles of Income Tax - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A1LPX1K27w
Disclaimer: Notes were copied from the books and jurisprudence. Let me know if there are any
corrections / mistakes.