Tax Incentives in the Philippines

October 4, 2024
Icon depicting scissors cutting a tax label, symbolizing tax cuts or reductions.

Tax Incentives for Businesses in the Philippines

Tax incentives are government-offered benefits that reduce a business’s tax liability and encourage economic activity, investments, and development in specific sectors or regions. In the Philippines, several tax incentives are available to businesses, particularly those registered under government authorities such as the Board of Investments (BOI), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and other regional economic zones. These incentives vary based on the type of business, location, and industry, but they generally provide substantial financial benefits by reducing operating costs, encouraging expansion, and boosting competitiveness.

Key Tax Incentives for Businesses in the Philippines

Income Tax Holiday (ITH)

The Income Tax Holiday allows a company to enjoy full or partial exemption from corporate income taxes for a limited period. This incentive is typically granted to businesses in specific sectors, such as manufacturing, agribusiness, and export-oriented industries.

  • Eligibility: Businesses eligible for ITH include those registered with the BOI, PEZA, and other investment promotion agencies (IPAs), focusing on activities deemed priorities in the government’s investment program.
  • Tax Deduction and Duration: Typically, businesses are exempt from paying income taxes for 4-6 years. For BOI-registered enterprises located in less-developed areas, the ITH can be extended by two years. Depending on the product type and industry, export enterprises may qualify for additional benefits

Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT)

The Special Corporate Income Tax is an alternative to the regular income tax and is typically granted to enterprises operating within special economic zones.

  • Eligibility: Businesses in PEZA-accredited zones or other special economic zones may opt for the SCIT instead of the regular income tax rate.
  • Tax Deduction and Duration: Eligible businesses are taxed at a reduced rate of 5% of gross income instead of all other taxes. This preferential rate is often available for a 10-year period, after which the business may revert to the regular corporate income tax rate.

Enhanced Deductions

Enhanced deductions refer to additional tax deductions that allow businesses to claim higher expenses against their income, effectively reducing taxable income.

  • Eligibility: Companies engaged in activities promoting innovation, job creation, and technology adoption are often eligible for enhanced deductions.
  • Tax Deduction: These deductions cover expenses like labor, training, research and development, and power consumption, allowing businesses to claim higher deductions than the actual costs, potentially up to 150% of the cost.

Reduction of the Rates of Duty on Capital Equipment, Spare-Parts, and Accessories

To encourage capital investments, the Philippines offers a reduced duty rate for importing capital equipment, spare parts, and accessories.

  • Eligibility: Businesses registered with BOI, PEZA, and other IPAs are eligible for this incentive when importing essential equipment for their operations.
  • Tax Deduction: The reduction can range from partial exemption to full exemption of the duties, depending on the equipment’s role in enhancing production efficiency or innovation.

Exemption from Wharf Dues and Export Tax, Duty, Impost, and Fees

This incentive provides relief from duties and taxes related to the exportation of goods, making it more cost-effective for businesses to engage in international trade.

  • Eligibility: Export-oriented enterprises registered with BOI, PEZA, or other special economic zones can benefit from these exemptions.
  • Tax Deduction: Eligible businesses enjoy exemption from export duties and related fees, which can help reduce logistics costs and increase export profitability.

Exemption from Taxes and Duties on Imported Spare Parts

This exemption may benefit businesses that rely on the importation of specialized spare parts, allowing them to reduce operational costs related to maintenance and production.

  • Eligibility: BOI- and PEZA-registered enterprises and businesses in specific economic zones are eligible.
  • Tax Deduction: The exemption can range from partial to total exemption of taxes and duties on imported spare parts.

Additional Deductions from Taxable Income

Businesses can avail of extra deductions for specific expenses, reducing their taxable income.

  • Eligibility: BOI-registered businesses in priority sectors like export-oriented enterprises, as well as those in less-developed regions, are generally eligible.
  • Tax Deduction: Additional deductions may include employee training, raw materials sourcing, and R&D costs. Deductions can range from 50% to 100% of actual costs.

VAT Zero-Rating

VAT zero-rating allows businesses to sell goods and services without imposing value-added tax (VAT) on their customers, improving their competitive pricing.

  • Eligibility: Export-oriented businesses, those in special economic zones, and BOI-registered enterprises can qualify for a VAT zero rating.
  • Tax Deduction: Eligible companies do not collect VAT on their sales but can still claim VAT input credits on their purchases, significantly improving cash flow.

Philippine Tax Incentive Programs

Board of Investments (BOI)

The BOI offers a variety of tax incentives to businesses in priority sectors. These incentives include the Income Tax Holiday, exemption from import duties on capital equipment and additional deductions for labor expenses.

  • BOI Tax Incentives:
    • Income Tax Holiday (ITH)
    • Additional Deductions for Labor Expenses
    • Import Duty Exemption on Capital Equipment
    • VAT Zero Rating for BOI-registered projects

BOI vs Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Tax Incentives

The BOI and PEZA offer similar tax incentives, but PEZA’s incentives are more tailored to businesses within specific economic zones and primarily export-oriented activities. PEZA’s incentives include the 5% special corporate income tax, VAT zero-rating, and exemptions from import duties, while BOI incentives are broader and apply nationwide.

Regional Board of Investments – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM)

Businesses investing in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao can enjoy unique tax incentives from the RBOI-ARMM, including enhanced deductions, tax holidays, and reduced import duties. The RBOI-ARMM targets investments that promote regional development and socio-economic growth.

Regional Headquarters/Regional Operating Headquarters (RHQ/ROHQ)

RHQs and ROHQs in the Philippines benefit from preferential tax treatment, including a reduced 10% tax rate on their taxable income, tax exemptions for expatriates, and duty-free importation of supplies.

Philippine Tax Incentive Zones

Several zones across the Philippines offer specialized tax incentives:

  • Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA): Provides tax holidays, VAT zero-rating, and the 5% special corporate income tax for businesses in export-oriented industries.
  • Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) & Clark Development Corporation (CDC): Businesses located in Subic and Clark benefit from tax exemptions, including import duties and VAT zero-rating.
  • Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA): CEZA is focused on financial and technology firms and offers a special 4% tax on gross income.
  • Zamboanga Economic Zone Authority (ZEZA): This authority offers ITH, VAT zero-rating, and duty-free importation for businesses located within the zone.
  • PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA): PIA offers tax holidays and reduced import duties for manufacturing and industrial activities.
  • Aurora Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA): In Aurora province, ASEZA provides full exemptions from local and national taxes for businesses promoting agricultural and industrial growth.

These incentives create a favorable investment climate for businesses in the Philippines, offering opportunities for local and foreign enterprises to thrive in a competitive market.

Do You Tax Incentive Assistance?

We can help. Our team of tax experts and accountants specializes in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of tax incentives in the Philippines. With our in-depth knowledge of various incentive programs, such as those offered by the BOI, PEZA, and regional authorities like SBMA and CDC, we can help identify the best tax deductions and savings opportunities. Contact us through any of the channels below to schedule an initial consultation:

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