Tax Incentives in the Philippines | Options for Foreign Enterprises (2024)

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)

Foreign enterprises engaged in tourism-related activities (such as travel and tour agencies, restaurants, spas, theme parks, and galleries) within the Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) can register their business withTIEZA. To be eligible, the main purpose of their business must be to attract local and foreign tourists to travel to and in the Philippines. Other tourism enterprises can also avail of TIEZA incentives provided that their tourism activities are included in the IPP.

Tax Incentives Offered by TIEZA

TIEZA-registered enterprises will be eligible for the same incentives granted by PEZA, including:

  • Tax deduction equivalent to a reasonable percentage (not exceeding 50% of the cost of environmental protection or cultural heritage preservation activities, sustainable livelihood programs for local communities, and other similar services)
  • Protection from requisition of property in cases of war or national emergency
  • Repatriation of investment (in the currency in which the investment was originally made)
  • Entitlement to avail a work visa or a Special Investor’s Resident Visa

TIEZA Registration Requirements

To be eligible, foreign-owned tourism enterprises must submit the following:

  • SEC Certificate of Registration
  • Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
  • Company Profile (containing basic data/information on its technical, financial, marketing, and management capability to undertake the proposed project)
  • Board resolution of a duly authorized company representative/signatory
  • Vicinity map
  • Proof of land ownership and/or long-term lease agreement/s for a period of not less than 25 years in the area of the proposed TEZ
  • Endorsem*nt letter from the National Historical Institute (NHI) in the case of Cultural and Heritage Tourism Zone, from the Department of Health (DOH) in the case of Health and Wellness Tourism Zone; or from Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) in the case of retirement villages/communities

Enjoy Numerous Tax Incentives for Your Next Business in the Philippines

The Philippine government continuously pushes for economic development by providing numerous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract foreign investment into the country. With our large pool of business experts and legal consultants, we can help you identify and maximize applicable tax incentives for your business in the Philippines.

Tax Incentives in the Philippines | Options for Foreign Enterprises (2024)

FAQs

What is the tax incentive program in the Philippines? ›

PEZA offers numerous tax incentives, and these include the following: Income tax holiday (ITH) of three to six years. A preferential final tax of 5% of gross income in lieu of all national and local taxes (after the ITH period) Tax and duty-free importation of capital equipment, spare parts, and accessories.

Are company incentives taxable in the Philippines? ›

The total amount of mandatory 13th month pay and other additional benefits granted by employers, such as 14th month pay, performance bonus, health bonus, perfect attendance bonus, and all other types of bonuses, may be considered non-taxable compensation but only up to an amount of ninety thousand pesos (P90,000).

How are foreign corporations taxed in the Philippines? ›

Nonresident foreign corporations, or those which are organized under the laws of a foreign country and not doing business with the Philippines, are generally subject to a tax equivalent to 25% of gross income (not taxable income) received from all sources within the Philippines.

What is the incentive law in the Philippines? ›

Republic Act No. 5186 (September 16, 1967), otherwise known as the Investments Incentives Act, created the Board of Investments (BOI), delineating the areas where investments are encouraged as well as the terms within which these investments will be allowed.

What is the foreign tax credit in the Philippines? ›

In Philippines, foreign tax credits are determined on a country-by-country basis limited to the tax against which the tax credit is taken calculated based on the taxpayer's income from the country bears to its total taxable income.

Are incentives and bonuses taxable in the Philippines? ›

If your basic salary is less than P250,000 per year, then you are exempt from income tax. But since you are receiving bonuses, you need to keep in mind that there is a P90,000 threshold for bonuses. This means that if you receive more than P90,000 in bonuses, the excess will be subject to tax.

Who is exempted from tax in the Philippines? ›

Individuals with no income, minimum wage earners, and those whose taxable income does not exceed PHP 250,000. Non-stock, nonprofit educational institutions. Non-stock, nonprofit corporations that fall under Section 30 of the National Internal Revenue Code.

How do tax incentives work? ›

A tax incentive is an aspect of a government's taxation policy designed to incentivize or encourage a particular economic activity by reducing tax payments. Tax incentives can have both positive and negative impacts on an economy.

What are tax exempt corporations in the Philippines? ›

Corporate Tax Exemptions

Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs): Most GOCCs are exempt from corporate income tax, but not all. Educational Institutions: Educational institutions which are non-profit are exempted from tax on income used for educational purposes.

Can foreign corporations do business in the Philippines? ›

Foreign corporations intending to operate in the Philippines through the modes allowed by law, should register with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC]. Such registration is necessary to give legal personality thereto.

Do foreign companies pay VAT in the Philippines? ›

No, if an overseas company is subject to VAT in the Philippines, the Philippine payee is required to withhold the applicable VAT. The VAT paid by the Philippine payee can be claimed as input tax by the Philippine payee subject to certain conditions.

Do foreigners pay taxes in the Philippines? ›

A person who is not a citizen of the Philippines (that is, someone who is defined as an alien), regardless of whether the person is a resident or a non-resident, is taxed only on the individual's income from Philippines sources. Likewise, non-resident citizens are taxed only on their income from Philippines sources.

What are the investment incentives in the Philippines? ›

The Philippine investment incentives package includes income tax holidays (ITH), special income tax rates, exemptions from customs duties and value-added tax (VAT), and other non-fiscal incentives (i.e. employment of foreign nationals, simplification of customs procedures, unrestricted use of consigned equipment and ...

What is 5 days incentive in the Philippines? ›

Service Incentive Leave is a government-mandated leave benefit granted to employees who have worked for at least 12 months, whether continuously or staggered. Each employee is entitled to 5 days of SIL, which can be used for vacation or sick leave. SIL is provided when a company does not offer vacation and sick leave.

How can I get tax free in the Philippines? ›

Tax Exemption Qualifications in the Philippines

The Tax Code of the Philippines lists the following individuals or organizations that are qualified for tax exemption: Individuals with no income, minimum wage earners, and those whose taxable income does not exceed PHP 250,000.

What is the meaning of tax incentive? ›

A tax incentive is a government measure that is intended to encourage individuals and businesses to spend money or to save money by reducing the amount of tax that they have to pay.

What do tax incentives do? ›

A tax expenditure is a tax incentive only when it's meant to prompt people or businesses to do something that they otherwise would not have done. The goals of tax incentives vary. Some are meant to grow the economy and jobs, while others aim to inspire charitable giving or environmental protection.

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