CHAPTER V – EXCISE TAX ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

Section 148. Manufactured Oils and Other Fuels. – There shall be collected on refined and manufactured mineral oils and motor fuels, the following excise taxes which shall attach to the goods hereunder enumerated as soon as they are in existence as such:

(a) Lubricating oils and greases, including but not limited to, basestock for lube oils and greases, high vacuum distillates, aromatic extracts, and other similar preparations, and additives for lubricating oils and greases, whether such additives are petroleum based or not, per liter and kilogram respectively, of volume capacity or weight, Four pesos and fifty centavos (P4.50): Provided, however, That the excise taxes paid on the purchased feedstock (bunker) used in the manufacture of excisable articles and forming part thereof shall be credited against the excise tax due therefrom: Provided, further, That lubricating oils and greases produced from basestocks and additives on which the excise tax has already been paid shall no longer be subject to excise tax: Provided, finally, That locally produced or imported oils previously taxed as such but are subsequently reprocessed, rerefined or recycled shall likewise be subject to the tax imposed under this Section.

(b) Processed gas, per liter of volume capacity, Five centavos (P0.05);

(c) Waxes and petrolatum, per kilogram, Three pesos and fifty centavos (P3.50);

(d) On denatured alcohol to be used for motive power, per liter of volume capacity, Five centavos (P0.05): Provided, That unless otherwise provided by special laws, if the denatured alcohol is mixed with gasoline, the excise tax on which has already been paid, only the alcohol content shall be subject to the tax herein prescribed. For purposes of this Subsection, the removal of denatured alcohol of not less than one hundred eighty degrees (180o ) proof (ninety percent (90%) absolute alcohol) shall be deemed to have been removed for motive power, unless shown otherwise;

(e) Naphtha, regular gasoline and other similar products of distillation, per liter of volume capacity, Four pesos and eighty centavos (P4.80): Provided, however, That naphtha, when used as a raw material in the production of petrochemical products or as replacement fuel for natural-gas-fired-combined cycle power plant, in lieu of locally-extracted natural gas during the non-availability thereof, subject to the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Finance, per liter of volume capacity, Zero (P0.00): Provided, further, That the by-product including fuel oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, pyrolysis gasoline, liquefied petroleum gases and similar oils having more or less the same generating power, which are produced in the processing of naphtha into petrochemical products shall be subject to the applicable excise tax specified in this Section, except when such by-products are transferred to any of the local oil refineries through sale, barter or exchange, for the purpose of further processing or blending into finished products which are subject to excise tax under this Section;

(f) Leaded premium gasoline, per liter of volume capacity, Five pesos and thirty-five centavos (P5.35); unleaded premium gasoline, per liter of volume capacity, Four pesos and thirty-five centavos (P4.35);

(g) Aviation turbo jet fuel, per liter of volume capacity, Three pesos and sixty-seven centavos (P3.67);

(h) Kerosene, per liter of volume capacity, Sixty centavos (0.60): Provided, That kerosene, when used as aviation fuel, shall be subject to the same tax on aviation turbo jet fuel under the preceding paragraph (g), such tax to be assessed on the user thereof;

(i) Diesel fuel oil, an on similar fuel oils having more or less the same generating power, per liter of volume capacity, One peso and sixty-three centavos (P1.63);

(j) Liquefied petroleum gas, per liter, Zero (P0.00): Provided, That liquefied petroleum gas used for motive power shall be taxed at the equivalent rate as the excise tax on diesel fuel oil;

(k) Asphalts, per kilogram, Fifty-six centavos (P0.56); and

(l) Bunker fuel oil, and on similar fuel oils having more or less the same generating power, per liter of volume capacity, Thirty centavos (P0.30).

CHAPTER VI – EXCISE TAX ON MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES

Section 149. Automobiles. – There shall be levied, assessed and collected an ad valorem tax on automobiles based on the manufacturer’s or importer’s selling price, net of excise and value-added tax, in accordance with the following schedule:

Engine Displacement (in cc.)

Gasoline	Diesel	Tax Rate
Up to 1600	Up to 1800	15%
1601 to 2000	1801 to 2300	35%
2001 to 2700	2301 to 3000	50%
2701 or over	3001 to over	100%

Provided, That in the case of imported automobiles not for sale, the tax imposed herein shall be based on the total value used by the Bureau of Customs in determining tariff and customs duties, including customs duty and all other charges, plus ten percent (10%) of the total thereof.

Automobiles acquired for use by persons or entities operating within the freeport zone shall be exempt from excise tax: provided, That utility vehicles of registered zone enterprises, which are indispensable in the conduct and operations of their business, such as delivery trucks and cargo vans with gross vehicle weight above three (3) metric tons may be allowed unrestricted use outside the freeport zone: Provided, further, That vehicles owned by tourist-oriented enterprises, such as tourist buses and cars with yellow plates, color-coded, and utilized exclusively for the purpose of transporting tourists in tourism-related activities, and service vehicles of freeport registered enterprises and executives, such as company service cars and expatriates’ and investors’ automobiles brought in the name of such enterprises, may be used outside the freeport zone for such periods as may be prescribed by the Departments of Finance, and Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Customs and the Freeport authorities concerned, which in no case shall exceed fourteen (14) days per month.

In case such tourist buses and cars, service vehicles of registeredfreeportenterprises and company service cars are used for more than an aggregate period of fourteen (14) days per month outside of thefreeportzone, the owner or importer shall pay the corresponding customs duties, taxes and charges.

In the case of personally-owned vehicles of residents, including leaseholders of residences inside the freeport zone, the use of such vehicles outside of the freeport zone shall be deemed an introduction into the Philippine customs territory, and such introduction shall be deemed an importation into the Philippines and shall subject such vehicles to Customs duties taxes and charges, including excise tax due on such vehicle.

The Secretaries of Finance, and Trade and Industry, together with the Commissioner of Customs and the administrators of the freeports concerned, shall promulgate rules and regulations for the proper identification and control of said automobiles.

Section 150. Non-essential Goods. – There shall be levied, assessed and collected a tax equivalent to twenty-percent (20%) based on the wholesale price or the value of importation used by the Bureau of Customs in determining tariff and customs duties, net of excise tax and value-added tax, of the following goods:

(a) All goods commonly or commercially known as jewelry, whether real or imitation, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones and imitations thereof; goods made of, or ornamented, mounted or fitted with, precious metals or imitations thereof or ivory (not including surgical and dental instruments, silver-plated wares, frames or mountings for spectacles or eyeglasses, and dental gold or gold alloys and other precious metals used in filling, mounting or fitting the teeth); opera glasses and lorgnettes. The term ‘precious metals’ shall include platinum, gold, silver and other metals of similar or greater value. The term ‘imitations thereof shall include platings and alloys of such metals;

(b) Perfumes and toilet waters;

(c) Yachts and other vessels intended for pleasure or sports.

CHAPTER VII – EXCISE TAX ON MINERAL PRODUCTS

Section 151. Mineral Products. –

(A) Rates of Tax. – There shall be levied, assessed and collected on minerals, mineral products and quarry resources, excise tax as follows:

(1) On coal and coke, a tax of Ten pesos (P10.00) per metric ton;

(2) On all nonmetallic minerals and quarry resources, a tax of two percent (2%) based on the actual market value of the gross output thereof at the time of removal, in the case of those locally extracted or produced; or the value used by the Bureau of Customs in determining tariff and customs duties, net of excise tax and value-added tax, in the case of importation.

Notwithstanding the provision of paragraph (4) of Subsection (A) of Section 151, locally extracted natural gas and liquefied natural gas shall be taxed at the rate of two percent (2%);

(3) On all metallic minerals, a tax based on the actual market value of the gross output thereof at the time of removal, in the case of those locally extracted or produced; or the value used by the Bureau of Customs in determining tariff and customs duties, net of excise tax and value-added tax, in the case of importation, in accordance with the following schedule;

(a) Copper and other metallic minerals;

(i) On the first three (3) years upon the effectivity of Republic Act No. 7729, one percent (1%);

(ii) On the fourth and the fifth years, one and a half percent (1 ½%); and

(iii) On the sixth year and thereafter, two percent (2%);

(b) Gold and chromite, two percent (2%).

(4) On indigenous petroleum, a tax of three percent (3%) of the fair international market price thereof, on the first taxable sale, barter, exchange or such similar transaction, such tax to be paid by the buyer or purchaser before removal from the place of production. The phrase ‘first taxable sale, barter, exchange or similar transaction’ means the transfer of indigenous petroleum in its original state to a first taxable transferee. The fair international market price shall be determined in consultation with an appropriate government agency.

For the purpose of this Subsection, ‘indigenous petroleum’ shall include locally-extracted mineral oil, hydrocarbon gas, bitumen, crude asphalt, mineral gas and all other similar or naturally associated substances with the exception of coal, peat, bituminous shale and/or stratified mineral deposits.

(B) For purposes of this Section, the term –

(1) ‘Gross output’ shall be interpreted as the actual market value of minerals or mineral products or of bullion from each mine or mineral land operated as a separate entity, without any deduction from mining, milling, refining (including all expenses incurred to prepare the said minerals or mineral products in a marketable state), as well as transporting, handling, marketing or any other expenses: Provided, That if the minerals or mineral products are sold or consigned abroad by the lessee or owner of the mine under C.I.F. terms, the actual cost of ocean freight and insurance shall be deducted: provided, however, That in the case of mineral concentrate, not traded in commodity exchanges in the Philippines or abroad, such as copper concentrate, the actual market value shall be the world price quotations of the refined mineral products content thereof prevailing in the said commodity exchanges, after deducting the smelting, refining and other charges incurred in the process of converting the mineral concentrates into refined metal traded in those commodity exchanges.

(2) ‘Minerals’ shall mean all naturally occurring inorganic substances (found in nature) whether in solid, liquid, gaseous or any intermediate state.

(3) ‘Mineral products’ shall mean things produced and prepared in a marketable state by simple treatment processes such as washing or drying, but without undergoing any chemical change or process or manufacturing by the lessee, concessionaire or owner of mineral lands.

(4) ‘Quarry resources’ shall mean any common stone or other common mineral substances as the Director of the Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences may declare to be quarry resources such as, but not restricted to, marl, marble, granite, volcanic cinders, basalt, tuff and rock phosphate: Provided, That they contain no metal or other valuable minerals in economically workable quantities.

CHAPTER VIII – ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS REGULATING BUSINESS OF PERSONS DEALING IN ARTICLES SUBJECT TO EXCISE TAX

Section 152. Extent of Supervision Over Establishments Producing Taxable Output. – The Bureau of Internal Revenue has authority to supervise establishments where articles subject to excise tax are made or kept. The Secretary of Finance shall prescribe rules and regulations as to the mode in which the process of production shall be conducted insofar as may be necessary to secure a sanitary output and to safeguard the revenue.

Section 153. Records to be Kept by Manufacturers; Assessment Based Thereon. – Manufacturers of articles subject to excise tax shall keep such records as required by rules and regulations recommended by the Commissioner and approved by the Secretary of Finance, and such records, whether of raw materials received into the factory or of articles produced therein, shall be deemed public and official documents for all purposes.

The records of raw materials kept by such manufacturers may be used as evidence by which to determine the amount of excise taxes due from them, and whenever the amounts of raw material received into any factory exceeds the amount of manufactured or partially manufactured products on hand and lawfully removed from the factory, plus waste removed or destroyed, and a reasonable allowance for unavoidable loss in manufacture, the Commissioner may assess and collect the tax due on the products which should have been produced from the excess.

The excise tax due on the products as determined and assessed in accordance with this Section shall be payable upon demand or within the period specified therein.

Section 154. Premises Subject to Approval by Commissioner. – No person shall engage in business as a manufacturer of or dealer in articles subject to excise tax unless the premises upon which the business is to conducted shall have been approved by the Commissioner.

Section 155. Manufacturers to Provide Themselves with Counting or Metering Devices to Determine Production. – Manufacturers of cigarettes, alcoholic products, oil products and other articles subject to excise tax that can be similarly measured shall provide themselves with such necessary number of suitable counting or metering devices to determine as accurately as possible the volume, quantity or number of the articles produced by them under rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

This requirement shall be complied with before commencement of operations.

Section 156. Labels and Form of Packages. – All articles of domestic manufacture subject to excise tax and all leaf tobacco shall be put up and prepared by the manufacturer or producer, when removed for sale or consumption, in such packages only and bearing such marks or brand as shall be prescribed in the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Finance; and goods of similar character imported into the Philippines shall likewise be packed and marked in such a manner as may be required.

Section 157. Removal of Articles After the Payment of Tax. – When the tax has been paid on articles or products subject to excise tax, the same shall not thereafter be stored or permitted to remain in the distillery, distillery warehouse, bonded warehouse, or other factory or place where produced. However, upon prior permit from the Commissioner, oil refineries and/or companies may store or deposit tax-paid petroleum products and commingle the same with its own manufactured products not yet subjected to excise tax. Imported petroleum products may be allowed to be withdrawn from customs custody without the prepayment of excise tax, which products may be commingled with the tax-paid or bonded products of the importer himself after securing a prior permit from the Commissioner: Provided, That withdrawals shall be taxed and accounted for on a ‘first-in, first-out’ basis.

Section 158. Storage of Goods in Internal-revenue Bonded Warehouses. – An internal-revenue bonded warehouse may be maintained in any port of entry for the storing of imported or manufactured goods which are subject to excise tax. The taxes on such goods shall be payable only upon removal from such warehouse and a reasonable charge shall be made for their storage therein. The Commissioner, may, in his discretion, exact a bond to secure the payment of the tax on any goods so stored.

Section 159. Proof of Exportation; Exporter’s Bond. – Exporters of goods that would be subject to excise tax, if sold or removed for consumption in the Philippines, shall submit proof of exportation satisfactory to the Commissioner, and, when the same is deemed necessary, shall be required to give a bond prior to the removal of the goods for shipment, conditioned upon the exportation of the same in good faith.

Section 160. Manufacturers’ and Importers’ Bond. – Manufacturers and importers of articles subject to excise tax shall post a bond subject to the following conditions:

(A) Initial Bond. – In case of initial bond, the amount shall be equal to One Hundred thousand pesos (P100,000): Provided, That if after six (6) months of operation, the amount of initial bond is less than the amount of the total excise tax paid during the period, the amount of the bond shall be adjusted to twice the tax actually paid for the period.

(B) Bond for the Succeeding Years of Operation. – The bonds for the succeeding years of operation shall be based on the actual total excise tax paid during the period the year immediately preceding the year of operation.

Such bond shall be conditioned upon faithful compliance, during the time such business is followed, with laws and rules and regulations relating to such business and for the satisfaction of all fines and penalties imposed by this Code.

Section 161. Records to be Kept by Wholesale Dealers. – Wholesale dealers shall keep records of their purchases and sales or deliveries of articles subject to excise tax, in such form as shall be prescribed in the rules and regulations by the Secretary of Finance. These records and the entire stock of goods subject to tax shall be subject at all times to inspection of internal revenue officers.

Section 162. Records to be Kept by Dealers in Leaf Tobacco. – Dealers in leaf tobacco shall keep records of the products sold or delivered by them to other persons in such manner as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations by the Secretary of Finance, such records to be at all times subject to inspection of internal revenue officers.

Section 163. Preservation of Invoices and Stamps. – All dealers whosoever shall preserve, for the period prescribed in Section 235, all official invoices received by them from other dealers or from manufacturers, together with the fractional parts of stamps affixed thereto, if any, and upon demand, shall deliver or transmit the same to any interval revenue officer.

Section 164. Information to be Given by Manufacturers, Importers, Indentors, and Wholesalers of any Apparatus or Mechanical Contrivance Specially for the Manufacture of Articles Subject to Excise Tax and Importers, Indentors, Manufacturers or Sellers of Cigarette Paper in Bobbins, Cigarette Tipping Paper or Cigarette Filter Tips. – Manufacturers, indentors, wholesalers and importers of any apparatus or mechanical contrivance specially for the manufacture of articles subject to tax shall, before any such apparatus or mechanical contrivance is removed from the place of manufacture or from the customs house, give written information to the Commissioner as to the nature and capacity of the same, the time when it is to be removed, and the place for which it is destined, as well as the name of the person by whom it is to be used; and such apparatus or mechanical contrivance shall not be set up nor dismantled or transferred without a permit in writing from the Commissioner.

A written permit from the Commissioner for importing, manufacturing or selling of cigarette paper in bobbins or rolls, cigarette tipping paper or cigarette filter tips is required before any person shall engage in the importation, manufacture or sale of the said articles. No permit to sell said articles shall be granted unless the name and address of the prospective buyer is first submitted to the Commissioner and approved by him. Records, showing the stock of the said articles and the disposal thereof by sale of persons with their respective addresses as approved by the Commissioner, shall be kept by the seller, and records, showing stock of said articles and consumption thereof, shall be kept by the buyer, subject to inspection by internal revenue officers.

Section 165. Establishment of Distillery Warehouse. – Every distiller, when so required by the Commissioner, shall provide at his own expense a warehouse, and shall be situated in and constitute a part of his distillery premises and to be used only for the storage of distilled spirits of his own manufacture until the tax thereon shall have been paid; but no dwelling house shall be used for such purpose. Such warehouse, when approved by the Commissioner, is declared to be a bonded warehouse, and shall be known as a distillery warehouse.

Section 166. Custody of Distillery or Distillery Warehouse. – Every distillery or distillery warehouse shall be in the joint custody of the revenue inspector, if one is assigned thereto, and of the proprietor thereof. It shall be kept securely locked, and shall at no time be unlocked or opened or remain unlocked or opened unless in the presence of such revenue inspector or other person who may be designated to act for him as provided by law.

Section 167. Limitation on Quantity of Spirits Removed from Warehouse. – No distilled spirits shall be removed from any distillery, distillery warehouse, or bonded warehouse in quantities of less than fifteen (15) gauge liters at any one time, except bottled goods, which may be removed by the case of not less than twelve (12) bottles.

Section 168. Denaturing Within Premises. – For purposes of this Title, the process of denaturing alcohol shall be effected only within the distillery premises where the alcohol to be denatured is produced in accordance with formulas duly approved by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and only in the presence of duly designated representatives of said Bureau.

Section 169. Recovery of Alcohol for Use in Arts and Industries. – Manufacturers employing processes in which denatured alcohol used in arts and industries is expressed or evaporated from the articles manufactured may, under rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, be permitted to recover the alcohol so used and restore it again to a condition suitable solely for use in manufacturing processes.

Section 170. Requirements Governing Rectification and Compounding of Liquors. – Persons engaged in the rectification or compounding of liquors shall, as to the mode of conducting their business and supervision over the same, be subject to all the requirements of law applicable to distilleries: Provided, That where a rectifier makes use of spirits upon which the excise tax has been paid, no further tax shall be collected on any rectified spirits produced exclusively therefrom: Provided, further, That compounders in the manufacture of any intoxicating beverage whatever, shall not be allowed to make use of spirits upon which the excise tax has not been previously paid.

Section 171. Authority of Internal Revenue Officer in Searching for Taxable Articles. – Any internal revenue officer may, in the discharge of his official duties, enter any house, building or place where articles subject to tax under this Title are produced or kept, or are believed by him upon reasonable grounds to be produced or kept, so far as may be necessary to examine, discover or seize the same.

He may also stop and search any vehicle or other means of transportation when upon reasonable grounds he believes that the same carries any article on which the excise tax has not been paid.

Section 172. Detention of Package Containing Taxable Articles. – Any revenue officer may detain any package containing or supposed to contain articles subject to excise tax when he has good reason to believe that the lawful tax has not been paid or that the package has been or is being removed in violation of law, and every such package shall be held by such officer in a safe place until it shall be determined whether the property so detained is liable by law to be proceeded against for forfeiture; but such summary detention shall not continue in any case longer than seven (7) days without due process of law or intervention of the officer to whom such detention is to be reported.

TITLE VII

DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX

Section 173. Stamp Taxes Upon Documents, Loan Agreements, Instruments and Papers. – Upon documents, instruments, loan agreements and papers, and upon acceptances, assignments, sales and transfers of the obligation, right or property incident thereto, there shall be levied, collected and paid for, and in respect of the transaction so had or accomplished, the corresponding documentary stamp taxes prescribed in the following Sections of this Title, by the person making, signing, issuing, accepting, or transferring the same wherever the document is made, signed, issued, accepted or transferred when the obligation or right arises from Philippine sources or the property is situated in the Philippines, and the same time such act is done or transaction had: Provided, That whenever one party to the taxable document enjoys exemption from the tax herein imposed, the other party who is not exempt shall be the one directly liable for the tax.

Section 174. Stamp Tax on Debentures and Certificates of Indebtedness. – On all debentures and certificates of indebtedness issued by any association, company or corporation, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of One peso and fifty centavos (P1.50) on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of such documents.

Section 175. Stamp Tax on Original Issue of Shares of Stock. – On every original issue, whether on organization, reorganization or for any lawful purpose, of shares of stock by any association, company or corporation, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Two pesos (P2.00) on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the par value, of such shares of stock: Provided, That in the case of the original issue of shares of stock without par value the amount of the documentary stamp tax herein prescribed shall be based upon the actual consideration for the issuance of such shares of stock: provided, further, That in the case of stock dividends, on the actual value represented by each share.

Section 176. Stamp Tax on Sales, Agreements to Sell, Memoranda of Sales, Deliveries or Transfer of Due-bills, Certificates of Obligation, or Shares of Certificates of Stock. – On all sales, or agreements to sell, or memoranda of sale, or deliveries, or transfer of due-bills, certificates of obligation, or shares of certificates of stock in any association, company, or corporation, or transfer of such securities by assignment in blank, or by delivery, or by any paper or agreement, or memorandum or other evidences of transfer or sale whether entitling the holder in any manner to the benefit of such due-bills, certificates of obligation or stock, or to secure the future payment of money, or for the future transfer of any due-bill, certificate of obligation or stock, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of One peso and fifty centavos (P1.50) on each Two hundred pesos (P200) or fractional part thereof, of the par value of such due-bill, certificate of obligation or stock; Provided, That only one tax shall be collected on each sale or transfer of stock or securities from one person to another, regardless of whether or not a certificate of stock or obligation is issued, indorsed, or delivered in pursuance of such sale or transfer: and Provided, further, That in the case of stock without par value the amount of documentary stamp tax herein prescribed shall be equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the documentary stamp tax paid upon the original issue of said stock.

Section 177. Stamp Tax on Bonds, Debentures, Certificate of Stock or Indebtedness Issued in Foreign Countries. – On all bonds, debentures, certificates of stock, or certificates of indebtedness issued in any foreign country, there shall be collected from the person selling or transferring the same in the Philippines, such as tax as is required by law on similar instruments when issued, sold or transferred in the Philippines.

Section 178. Stamp Tax on Certificates of Profits or Interest in Property or Accumulations. – On all certificates of profits, or any certificate or memorandum showing interest in the property or accumulations of any association, company or corporation, and on all transfers of such certificates or memoranda, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifty centavos (P0.50) on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of such certificate or memorandum.

Section 179. Stamp Tax on Bank Checks, Drafts, Certificates of Deposit not Bearing Interest, and Other Instruments. – On each bank check, draft, or certificate of deposit not drawing interest, or order for the payment of any sum of money drawn upon or issued by any bank, trust company, or any person or persons, companies or corporations, at sight or on demand, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of One peso and fifty centavos (P1.50).

Section 180. Stamp Tax on All Bonds, Loan Agreements, promissory Notes, Bills of Exchange, Drafts, Instruments and Securities Issued by the Government or Any of its Instrumentalities, Deposit Substitute Debt Instruments, Certificates of Deposits Bearing Interest and Others Not Payable on Sight or Demand. – On all bonds, loan agreements, including those signed abroad, wherein the object of the contract is located or used in the Philippines, bills of exchange (between points within the Philippines), drafts, instruments and securities issued by the Government or any of its instrumentalities, deposit substitute debt instruments, certificates of deposits drawing interest, orders for the payment of any sum of money otherwise than at sight or on demand, on all promissory notes, whether negotiable or non-negotiable, except bank notes issued for circulation, and on each renewal of any such note, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Thirty centavos (P0.30) on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of any such agreement, bill of exchange, draft, certificate of deposit, or note: Provided, That only one documentary stamp tax shall be imposed on either loan agreement, or promissory notes issued to secure such loan, whichever will yield a higher tax: Provided, however, That loan agreements or promissory notes the aggregate of which does not exceed Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000) executed by an individual for his purchase on installment for his personal use or that of his family and not for business, resale, barter or hire of a house, lot, motor vehicle, appliance or furniture shall be exempt from the payment of the documentary stamp tax provided under this Section.

Section 181. Stamp Tax Upon Acceptance of Bills of Exchange and Others. – Upon any acceptance or payment of any bill of exchange or order for the payment of money purporting to be drawn in a foreign country but payable in the Philippines, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Thirty centavos (P0.30) on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of any such bill of exchange, or order, or the Philippine equivalent to such value, if expressed in foreign currency.

Section 182. Stamp Tax on Foreign Bills of Exchange and Letters of Credit. – On all foreign bills of exchange and letters of credit (including orders, by telegraph or otherwise, for the payment of money issued by express or steamship companies or by any person or persons) drawn in but payable out of the Philippines in a set of three (3) or more according to the custom of merchants and bankers, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Thirty centavos (P0.30) on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the face value of any such bill of exchange or letter of credit, or the Philippine equivalent of such face value, if expressed in foreign currency.

Section 183. Stamp Tax on Life Insurance Policies. – On all policies of insurance or other instruments by whatever name the same may be called, whereby any insurance shall be made or renewed upon any life or lives, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifty centavos (P0.50) on each Two hundred pesos (P200), or fractional part thereof, of the amount insured by any such policy.

Section 184. Stamp Tax on Policies of Insurance Upon Property. – On all policies of insurance or other instruments by whatever name the same may be called, by which insurance shall be made or renewed upon property of any description, including rents or profits, against peril by sea or on inland waters, or by fire or lightning, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifty centavos (P0.50) on each Four pesos (P4.00), or fractional part thereof, of the amount of premium charged: Provided, however, That no documentary stamp tax shall be collected on reinsurance contracts or on any instrument by which cession or acceptance of insurance risks under any reinsurance agreement is effected or recorded.

Section 185. Stamp Tax on Fidelity Bonds and Other Insurance Policies. – On all policies of insurance or bonds or obligations of the nature of indemnity for loss, damage or liability made or renewed by any person, association, company or corporation transacting the business of accident, fidelity, employer’s liability, plate, glass, steam, boiler, burglar, elevator, automatic sprinkler, or other branch of insurance (except life, marine, inland, and fire insurance), and all bonds, undertakings, or recognizances, conditioned for the performance of the duties of any office or position, for the doing or not doing of anything therein specified, and on all obligations guaranteeing the validity or legality of any bond or other obligations issued by any province, city, municipality, or other public body or organization, and on all obligations guaranteeing the title to any real estate, or guaranteeing any mercantile credits, which may be made or renewed by any such person, company or corporation, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifty centavos (P0.50) on each Four pesos (P4.00), or fractional part thereof, of the premium charged.

Section 186. Stamp Tax on Policies of Annuities and Pre-Need Plans. – On all policies of annuities, or other instruments by whatever name the same may be called, whereby an annuity may be made, transferred or redeemed, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of One peso and fifty centavos (P1.50) on each Two hundred pesos (P200) or fractional part thereof, of the capital of the annuity, or should this be unknown, then on each Two hundred (P200) pesos, or fractional part thereof, of thirty-three and one-third (33 1/3) times the annual income. On pre-need plans, the documentary stamp tax shall be Fifty centavos (P0.50) on each Five hundred pesos (P500), or fractional part thereof, of the value or amount of the plan.

Section 187. Stamp Tax on Indemnity Bonds. – On all bonds for indemnifying any person, firm or corporation who shall become bound or engaged as surety for the payment of any sum of money or for the due execution or performance of the duties of any office or position or to account for money received by virtue thereof, and on all other bonds of any description, except such as may be required in legal proceedings, or are otherwise provided for herein, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Thirty centavos (P0.30) on each Four pesos (P4.00), or fractional part thereof, of the premium charged.

Section 188. Stamp Tax on Certificates. – On each certificate of damages or otherwise, and on every certificate or document issued by any customs officer, marine surveyor, or other person acting as such, and on each certificate issued by a notary public, and on each certificate of any description required by law or by rules or regulations of a public office, or which is issued for the purpose of giving information, or establishing proof of a fact, and not otherwise specified herein, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifteen pesos (P15.00).

Section 189. Stamp Tax on Warehouse Receipts. – On each warehouse receipt for property held in storage in a public or private warehouse or yard for any person other than the proprietor of such warehouse or yard, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifteen pesos (P15.00): Provided, That no tax shall be collected on each warehouse receipt issued to any one person in any one calendar month covering property the value of which does not exceed Two hundred pesos (P200).

Section 190. Stamp Tax on Jai-Alai, Horse Racing Tickets, lotto or Other Authorized Numbers Games. – On each jai-alai, horse race ticket, lotto, or other authorized number games, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Ten centavos (P0.10): Provided, That if the cost of the ticket exceeds One peso (P1.00), an additional tax of Ten centavos (P0.10) on every One peso (P1.00, or fractional part thereof, shall be collected.

Section 191. Stamp Tax on Bills of Lading or Receipts. – On each set of bills of lading or receipts (except charter party) for any goods, merchandise or effects shipped from one port or place in the Philippines to another port or place in the Philippines (except on ferries across rivers), or to any foreign port, there shall be collected documentary stamp tax of One peso (P1.00), if the value of such goods exceeds One hundred pesos (P100) and does not exceed One Thousand pesos (P1,000); Ten pesos (P10), if the value exceeds One thousand pesos (P1,000): Provided, however, That freight tickets covering goods, merchandise or effects carried as accompanied baggage of passengers on land and water carriers primarily engaged in the transportation of passengers are hereby exempt.

Section 192. Stamp Tax on Proxies. – On each proxy for voting at any election for officers of any company or association, or for any other purpose, except proxies issued affecting the affairs of associations or corporations organized for religious, charitable or literary purposes, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Fifteen pesos (P15.00).

Section 193. Stamp Tax on Powers of Attorney. – On each power of attorney to perform any act whatsoever, except acts connected with the collection of claims due from or accruing to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, or the government of any province, city or municipality, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Five pesos (P5.00).

Section 194. Stamp tax on Leases and Other Hiring Agreements. – On each lease, agreement, memorandum, or contract for hire, use or rent of any lands or tenements, or portions thereof, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax of Three pesos (P3.00) for the first Two thousand pesos (P2,000), or fractional part thereof, and an additional One peso (P1.00) for every One Thousand pesos (P1,000) or fractional part thereof, in excess of the first Two thousand pesos (P2,000) for each year of the term of said contract or agreement.

Section 195. Stamp Tax on Mortgages, Pledges and Deeds of Trust. – On every mortgage or pledge of lands, estate, or property, real or personal, heritable or movable, whatsoever, where the same shall be made as a security for the payment of any definite and certain sum of money lent at the time or previously due and owing of forborne to be paid, being payable and on any conveyance of land, estate, or property whatsoever, in trust or to be sold, or otherwise converted into money which shall be and intended only as security, either by express stipulation or otherwise, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax at the following rates:

(a) When the amount secured does not exceed Five thousand pesos (P5,000), Twenty pesos (P20.00).

(b) On each Five thousand pesos (P5,000), or fractional part thereof in excess of Five thousand pesos (P5,000), an additional tax of Ten pesos (P10.00).

On any mortgage, pledge, or deed of trust, where the same shall be made as a security for the payment of a fluctuating account or future advances without fixed limit, the documentary stamp tax on such mortgage, pledge or deed of trust shall be computed on the amount actually loaned or given at the time of the execution of the mortgage, pledge or deed of trust, additional documentary stamp tax shall be paid which shall be computed on the basis of the amount advanced or loaned at the rates specified above: Provided, however, That if the full amount of the loan or credit, granted under the mortgage, pledge or deed of trust shall be computed on the amount actually loaned or given at the time of the execution of the mortgage, pledge or deed of trust. However, if subsequent advances are made on such mortgage, pledge or deed of trust, additional documentary stamp tax shall be paid which shall be computed on the basis of the amount advanced or loaned at the rates specified above: Provided, however, That if the full amount of the loan or credit, granted under the mortgage, pledge or deed of trust is specified in such mortgage, pledge or deed of trust, the documentary stamp tax prescribed in this Section shall be paid and computed on the full amount of the loan or credit granted.

Section 196. Stamp tax on Deeds of Sale and Conveyances of Real Property. – On all conveyances, deeds, instruments, or writings, other than grants, patents or original certificates of adjudication issued by the Government, whereby any land, tenement, or other realty sold shall be granted, assigned, transferred or otherwise conveyed to the purchaser, or purchasers, or to any other person or persons designated by such purchaser or purchasers, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax, at the rates herein below prescribed, based on the consideration contracted to be paid for such realty or on its fair market value determined in accordance with Section 6(E) of this Code, whichever is higher: Provided, That when one of the contracting parties is the Government the tax herein imposed shall be based on the actual consideration.

(a) When the consideration, or value received or contracted to be paid for such realty after making proper allowance of any encumbrance, does not exceed One thousand pesos (P1,000) fifteen pesos (P15.00).

(b) For each additional One thousand Pesos (P1,000), or fractional part thereof in excess of One thousand pesos (P1,000) of such consideration or value, Fifteen pesos (P15.00).

When it appears that the amount of the documentary stamp tax payable hereunder has been reduced by an incorrect statement of the consideration in any conveyance, deed, instrument or writing subject to such tax the Commissioner, provincial or city Treasurer, or other revenue officer shall, from the assessment rolls or other reliable source of information, assess the property of its true market value and collect the proper tax thereon.

Section 197. Stamp Tax on Charter Parties and Similar Instruments. – On every charter party, contract or agreement for the charter of any ship, vessel or steamer, or any letter or memorandum or other writing between the captain, master or owner, or other person acting as agent of any ship, vessel or steamer, and any other person or persons for or relating to the charter of any such ship, vessel or steamer, and on any renewal or transfer of such charter, contract, agreement, letter or memorandum, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax at the following rates:

(a) If the registered gross tonnage of the ship, vessel or steamer does not exceed one thousand (1,000) tons, and the duration of the charter or contract does not exceed six (6) months, Five hundred pesos (P500); and for each month or fraction of a month in excess of six (6) months, an additional tax of Fifty pesos (P50.00) shall be paid.

(b) If the registered gross tonnage exceeds one thousand (1,000) tons and does not exceed ten thousand (10,000) tons, and the duration of the charter or contract does not exceed six (6) months, One thousand pesos (P1,000); and for each month or fraction of a month in excess of six (6) months, an additional tax of One hundred pesos (P100) shall be paid.

(c) If the registered gross tonnage exceeds ten thousand (10,000) tons and the duration of the charter or contract does not exceed six (6) months, One thousand five hundred pesos (P1,500); and for each month or fraction of a month in excess of six (6) months, an additional tax of One hundred fifty pesos (P150) shall be paid.

Section 198. Stamp Tax on Assignments and Renewals of Certain Instruments. – Upon each and every assignment or transfer of any mortgage, lease or policy of insurance, or the renewal or continuance of any agreement, contract, charter, or any evidence of obligation or indebtedness by altering or otherwise, there shall be levied, collected and paid a documentary stamp tax, at the same rate as that imposed on the original instrument.

Section 199. Documents and Papers Not Subject to Stamp Tax. – The provisions of Section 173 to the contrary notwithstanding, the following instruments, documents and papers shall be exempt from the documentary stamp tax:

(a) Policies of insurance or annuities made or granted by a fraternal or beneficiary society, order, association or cooperative company, operated on the lodge system or local cooperation plan and organized and conducted solely by the members thereof for the exclusive benefit of each member and not for profit.

(b) Certificates of oaths administered to any government official in his official capacity or of acknowledgment by any government official in the performance of his official duties, written appearance in any court by any government official, in his official capacity; certificates of the administration of oaths to any person as to the authenticity of any paper required to be filed in court by any person or party thereto, whether the proceedings be civil or criminal; papers and documents filed in courts by or for the national, provincial, city or municipal governments; affidavits of poor persons for the purpose of proving poverty; statements and other compulsory information required of persons or corporations by the rules and regulations of the national, provincial, city or municipal governments exclusively for statistical purposes and which are wholly for the use of the bureau or office in which they are filed, and not at the instance or for the use or benefit of the person filing them; certified copies and other certificates placed upon documents, instruments and papers for the national, provincial, city, or municipal governments, made at the instance and for the sole use of some other branch of the national, provincial, city or municipal governments; and certificates of the assessed value of lands, not exceeding Two hundred pesos (P200) in value assessed, furnished by the provincial, city or municipal Treasurer to applicants for registration of title to land.

Section 200. Payment of Documentary Stamp Tax. –

(A) In General. – The provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1045 notwithstanding, any person liable to pay documentary stamp tax upon any document subject to tax under Title VII of this Code shall file a tax return and pay the tax in accordance with the rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

(B) Time for Filing and Payment of the Tax. – Except as provided by rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, the tax return prescribed in this Section shall be filed within ten (10) days after the close of the month when the taxable document was made, signed, issued, accepted, or transferred, and the tax thereon shall be paid at the same time the aforesaid return is filed.

(C) Where to File. – Except in cases where the Commissioner otherwise permits, the aforesaid tax return shall be filed with and the tax due shall be paid through the authorized agent bank within the territorial jurisdiction of the Revenue District Office which has jurisdiction over the residence or principal place of business of the taxpayer. In places where there is no authorized agent bank, the return shall be filed with the Revenue District Officer, collection agent, or duly authorized Treasurer of the city or municipality in which the taxpayer has his legal residence or principal place of business.

(D) Exception. – In lieu of the foregoing provisions of this Section, the tax may be paid either through purchase and actual affixture; or by imprinting the stamps through a documentary stamp metering machine, on the taxable document, in the manner as may be prescribed by rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.

Section 201. Effect of Failure to Stamp Taxable Document. – An instrument, document or paper which is required by law to be stamped and which has been signed, issued, accepted or transferred without being duly stamped, shall not be recorded, nor shall it or any copy thereof or any record of transfer of the same be admitted or used in evidence in any court until the requisite stamp or stamps are affixed thereto and cancelled.

TITLE VIII

REMEDIES

CHAPTER I – REMEDIES IN GENERAL

Section 202. Final Deed to Purchaser. – In case the taxpayer shall not redeem the property as herein provided the Revenue District Officer shall, as grantor, execute a deed conveying to the purchaser so much of the property as has been sold, free from all liens of any kind whatsoever, and the deed shall succintly recite all the proceedings upon which the validity of the sale depends.

Section 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.

Section 204. Authority of the Commissioner to Compromise, Abate and Refund or Credit Taxes. – The Commissioner may –

(A) Compromise the payment of any internal revenue tax, when:

(1) A reasonable doubt as to the validity of the claim against the taxpayer exists; or

(2) The financial position of the taxpayer demonstrates a clear inability to pay the assessed tax.

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.

(B) Abate or cancel a tax liability, when:

(1) The tax or any portion thereof appears to be unjustly or excessively assessed; or

(2) The administration and collection costs involved do not justify the collection of the amount due.

All criminal violations may be compromised except: (a) those already filed in court, or (b) those involving fraud.

(C) Credit or refund taxes erroneously or illegally received or penalties imposed without authority, refund the value of internal revenue stamps when they are returned in good condition by the purchaser, and, in his discretion, redeem or change unused stamps that have been rendered unfit for use and refund their value upon proof of destruction. No credit or refund of taxes or penalties shall be allowed unless the taxpayer files in writing with the Commissioner a claim for credit or refund within two (2) years after the payment of the tax or penalty: Provided, however, That a return filed showing an overpayment shall be considered as a written claim for credit or refund.

A Tax Credit Certificate validly issued under the provisions of this Code may be applied against any internal revenue tax, excluding withholding taxes, for which the taxpayer is directly liable. Any request for conversion into refund of unutilized tax credits may be allowed, subject to the provisions of Section 230 of this Code: Provided, That the original copy of the Tax Credit Certificate showing a creditable balance is surrendered to the appropriate revenue officer for verification and cancellation: Provided, further, That in no case shall a tax refund be given resulting from availment of incentives granted pursuant to special laws for which no actual payment was made.

The Commissioner shall submit to the Chairmen of the Committee on Ways and Means of both the Senate and House of Representatives, every six (6) months, a report on the exercise of his powers under this Section, stating therein the following facts and information, among others: names and addresses of taxpayers whose cases have been the subject of abatement or compromise; amount involved; amount compromised or abated; and reasons for the exercise of power: Provided, That the said report shall be presented to the Oversight Committee in Congress that shall be constituted to determine that said powers are reasonably exercised and that the government is not unduly deprived of revenues.

CHAPTER II – CIVIL REMEDIES FOR COLLECTION OF TAXES

Section 205. Remedies for the Collection of Delinquent Taxes. – The civil remedies for the collection of internal revenue taxes, fees or charges, and any increment thereto resulting from delinquency shall be:

(a) By distraint of goods, chattels, or effects, and other personal property of whatever character, including stocks and other securities, debts, credits, bank accounts and interest in and rights to personal property, and by levy upon real property and interest in rights to real property; and

(b) By civil or criminal action.

Either of these remedies or both simultaneously may be pursued in the discretion of the authorities charged with the collection of such taxes: Provided, however, That the remedies of distraint and levy shall not be availed of where the amount of tax involve is not more than One hundred pesos (P100).

The judgment in the criminal case shall not only impose the penalty but shall also order payment of the taxes subject of the criminal case as finally decided by the Commissioner.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue shall advance the amounts needed to defray costs of collection by means of civil or criminal action, including the preservation or transportation of personal property distrained and the advertisement and sale thereof, as well as of real property and improvements thereon.

Section 206. Constructive Distraint of the Property of A Taxpayer. – To safeguard the interest of the Government, the Commissioner may place under constructive distraint the property of a delinquent taxpayer or any taxpayer who, in his opinion, is retiring from any business subject to tax, or is intending to leave the Philippines or to remove his property therefrom or to hide or conceal his property or to perform any act tending to obstruct the proceedings for collecting the tax due or which may be due from him.

The constructive distraint of personal property shall be affected by requiring the taxpayer or any person having possession or control of such property to sign a receipt covering the property distrained and obligate himself to preserve the same intact and unaltered and not to dispose of the same ;in any manner whatever, without the express authority of the Commissioner.

In case the taxpayer or the person having the possession and control of the property sought to be placed under constructive distraint refuses or fails to sign the receipt herein referred to, the revenue officer effecting the constructive distraint shall proceed to prepare a list of such property and, in the presence of two (2) witnessed, leave a copy thereof in the premises where the property distrained is located, after which the said property shall be deemed to have been placed under constructive distraint.

Section 207. Summary Remedies. –

(A) Distraint of Personal Property. – Upon the failure of the person owing any delinquent tax or delinquent revenue to pay the same at the time required, the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative, if the amount involved is in excess of One million pesos (P1,000,000), or the Revenue District Officer, if the amount involved is One million pesos (P1,000,000) or less, shall seize and distraint any goods, chattels or effects, and the personal property, including stocks and other securities, debts, credits, bank accounts, and interests in and rights to personal property of such persons ;in sufficient quantity to satisfy the tax, or charge, together with any increment thereto incident to delinquency, and the expenses of the distraint and the cost of the subsequent sale.

A report on the distraint shall, within ten (10) days from receipt of the warrant, be submitted by the distraining officer to the Revenue District Officer, and to the Revenue Regional Director: Provided, That the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative shall, subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, have the power to lift such order of distraint: Provided, further, That a consolidated report by the Revenue Regional Director may be required by the Commissioner as often as necessary.

(B) Levy on Real Property. – After the expiration of the time required to pay the delinquent tax or delinquent revenue as prescribed in this Section, real property may be levied upon, before simultaneously or after the distraint of personal property belonging to the delinquent. To this end, any internal revenue officer designated by the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative shall prepare a duly authenticated certificate showing the name of the taxpayer and the amounts of the tax and penalty due from him. Said certificate shall operate with the force of a legal execution throughout the Philippines.

Levy shall be affected by writing upon said certificate a description of the property upon which levy is made. At the same time, written notice of the levy shall be mailed to or served upon the Register of Deeds for the province or city where the property is located and upon the delinquent taxpayer, or if he be absent from the Philippines, to his agent or the manager of the business in respect to which the liability arose, or if there be none, to the