Did you know that the Philippines imposes estate tax on the transfer of a deceased person’s property to his or her heirs? This means that if an individual dies and leaves behind properties or assets worth more than a certain amount, the government will take a cut from the sale or transfer of these assets. While this may not be a huge issue for those who die with few possessions, it can be a major financial burden for those who leave behind large estates. In this article, we’ll explore five ways to help reduce or avoid paying estate tax in the Philippines.
Related: Donor’s Tax Train Tax Law 2019 in the Philippines
Let us assume that you’ve understood the basic concept of this tax. Well, understanding is not enough to fully understand this. Make sure you know how to compute and file estate tax in the Philippines. Everyone knows that the estate tax computation is sometimes not easy, and it takes a long process.
Let me give little tips on what you should know first before solving problems. Make sure you know what gross estate, estate tax rate, fundamental properties, and exclusions from the estate is — after learning those things, still trying to compute and no knowledge how and where to start? Let’s start with these easy steps.
Related: Estate Tax Amnesty Extension 2022 in the Philippines
Effective Five (5) Tips in Solving Comprehensive Estate Tax Train Law 2019
1. Know Your Decedent
The decedent is the person who dies with properties left. Decedents might be classified as residents and citizens or non-resident aliens.
Although the estate tax rate is similar regarding your citizenship, your estate or properties are subject to tax differently. Aside from the composition of the gross estate, deductions or exclusions might be different because some special laws might protect some of that estate.
The law also protects the interest of others like the surviving spouse and heirs. Before you move to the following steps, make sure you know the status of the decedent. If married, identify the property relations between husband and wife. According to the family code (Art. 109), the properties of the husband is the husband’s capital, while the properties of the wife are the wife’s paraphernalia. In the absence of any contract or marriage settlement executed before the celebration of a marriage, either the conjugal or absolute community of properties shall govern the property owner of the husband and wife.
Conjugal Partnership Gains
According to the family code, all properties acquired during the marriage , whether the acquisition is either constructed or registered in the name of one or both spouses are considered as conjugal unless:Brought into marriage by his/her, Acquired during the marriage by donations or gratuitous transfer, Acquired by the right of redemption or by exchange with other property belonging to only one spouse and, they are purchased with exclusive money from the spouse.
Absolute Community Property
During the marriage, there is no marriage settlement of properties; the absolute community will be presumed. Therefore, all properties owned by the spouses at the time of marriage or acquired after that shall form part of the husband and wife, except the following:
- Property and fruits acquired during marriage by gratuitous title, unless it is clearly stated by the donor that shall form part of the husband and wife.
- Property for personal and exclusive use; however, jewelry shall form part of the community.
- Any property acquired before marriage by either spouse who has legitimate descendants by a form of marriage, including fruits and pertaining income.
- All properties acquired with exclusive money or by an exchange.
2. Accumulate the Estate of the Decedent
What are the properties of the decedent you should accumulate? In general, all properties of the decedent, either tangible, real, or intangible properties. For more information about the list of the composition of the gross estate, you may click this article Estate Taxation in the Philippines.
3. Identify Properties Excluded or Exempted from Estate Tax
Not all properties of the decedent are subject to tax. Some of those properties are covered by special laws in the Philippines. Section 87 of the NIRC provides the following exclusions from the gross estate exempted from the estate tax.
4. Accumulate the Expenses Incurred
After the decedent’s death, there are some expenses incurred you should deduct that from the gross estate of the decedent. Make sure you read these updates about estate tax before solving any estate tax problem. Here are some ordinary expenses that you should know:
Regular Deductions
- ELITE: Expenses, Losses, Indebtedness, Taxes, etc.
- Transfer for Public Use
- Vanishing Deductions
Special Deductions
- Standard Deductions
- Family Home
- Medical Expenses
- Amount Received by heirs under R.A. 4917
- ½ Share of the surviving spouse in the net conjugal/community estate
5. Put into Practice
There are many problems in a book or on the internet where you can practice solving the estate tax under this new tax reform. In solving any problem, make sure to follow these steps. No matter how long the problem is, make it shorter by grouping or finding first what you need.
Related: Six Tips to Study Taxation
Conclusions
So, if you’re one of the many people in the Philippines looking to reduce or avoid estate tax, keep these five tips in mind. And remember, if you need help, TAXGRUO is here to help. Contact us today, and let us show you how we can assist you.
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