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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]
  • Excise Tax on Fuel. The law imposes specific excise taxes on refined and manufactured mineral oils and motor fuels, with scheduled increases over several years. [Sec. 43]
  • Excise Tax on Sweetened Beverages. An excise tax is levied on sweetened beverages based on the type of sweetener used, such as caloric sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup. [Sec. 47]
  • Excise Tax on Automobiles. An ad valorem tax is imposed on automobiles based on the manufacturer's or importer's selling price, with exemptions for pick-ups and purely electric vehicles. [Sec. 45]
  • VAT Threshold. The gross annual sales or receipts threshold for VAT registration and exemption is set at ₱3,000,000. [Sec. 34]
  • 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 minimum wage earners pay income tax?
No, minimum wage earners are exempt from paying income tax on their taxable income, including holiday pay and other benefits. [Sec. 5]
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 is the standard deduction for estate tax?
The standard deduction for the estate of a citizen or resident is ₱5,000,000. [Sec. 23]
Are there exemptions for the sweetened beverage tax?
Yes, products such as milk, 100% natural fruit and vegetable juices, meal replacements, and coffee products are excluded. [Sec. 47]
What happens if I fail to issue receipts?
Failure to issue receipts or invoices is punishable by a fine of ₱500,000 to ₱10,000,000 and imprisonment of 6 to 10 years. [Sec. 77]
How are the incremental revenues from TRAIN used?
Revenues are earmarked for infrastructure projects and social mitigating measures, including unconditional cash transfers and fuel vouchers. [Sec. 82]

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.