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RA 10963 - TRAIN Law (2017)

Philippine lawLegal status not independently verified

In brief

AI summary. Verify against the source below.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law amends the National Internal Revenue Code to adjust income tax rates, simplify tax administration, and introduce new excise taxes. It aims to create a more progressive tax system while funding government infrastructure and social programs.

Who it affects: This law applies to individual taxpayers, corporations, and businesses operating within the Philippines.

Key provisions

  • Personal Income Tax Rates. The law establishes new graduated income tax rates for individuals, with a 0% tax rate for annual taxable income not exceeding ₱250,000. [Sec. 5]
  • Estate Tax Rate. A flat estate tax rate of 6% is imposed on the value of the net estate of every decedent. [Sec. 22]
  • Donor's Tax Rate. A flat donor's tax rate of 6% is imposed on gifts exceeding ₱250,000 made during the calendar year. [Sec. 28]
  • VAT Threshold. The gross annual sales or receipts threshold for VAT exemption is set at ₱3,000,000. [Sec. 34]
  • Excise Tax on Fuel. The law imposes specific excise taxes on various petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, with scheduled increases over three years. [Sec. 43]
  • Sweetened Beverage Tax. An excise tax is imposed on sweetened beverages based on the type of sweetener used, such as caloric sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup. [Sec. 47]
  • Automobile Excise Tax. An ad valorem tax is levied on automobiles based on the manufacturer's or importer's selling price, with exemptions for purely electric vehicles and pick-ups. [Sec. 45]
  • Substituted Filing. Employees receiving purely compensation income from a single employer where the tax due equals the tax withheld are not required to file an annual income tax return. [Sec. 14]

Common questions

Do I have to pay income tax if I earn ₱250,000 or less per year?
No, individuals with taxable income not exceeding ₱250,000 are subject to a 0% income tax rate. [Sec. 5]
Are minimum wage earners exempt from income tax?
Yes, minimum wage earners are exempt from income tax on their taxable income, including holiday pay and other benefits. [Sec. 5]
What is the estate tax rate under TRAIN?
The estate tax is a flat rate of 6% based on the value of the net estate. [Sec. 22]
Are electric vehicles subject to excise tax?
No, purely electric vehicles are exempt from the excise tax on automobiles. [Sec. 45]
Can I pay my income tax in installments?
Yes, if the tax due exceeds ₱2,000, non-corporate taxpayers may pay in two equal installments. [Sec. 16]
What happens if I fail to file an income tax return?
Failure to file does not prevent the Commissioner from authorizing an examination of the taxpayer, and willful attempts to evade tax are punishable by fines and imprisonment. [Sec. 4, Sec. 76]

Legal information, not legal advice

Tatsulok checks that this text faithfully reproduces its published source, but Tatsulok is not an official publisher and does not independently verify whether the text is currently in force, amended, or repealed. Always confirm against an official source, such as the Official Gazette or the issuing government authority, before relying on it. This is legal information for study, not legal advice. For your situation, consult a lawyer or Philippine legal aid.