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Topic 1-Income Taxation With Explanation
Topic 1-Income Taxation With Explanation
Topic 1-Income Taxation With Explanation
Principles
Income Taxation by Enrico D. Tabag and Earl Jimson R. Garcia
Taxation Defined
• Is the process or means by which the sovereign (independent state),
through its law-making body (legislature), imposes burdens upon subjects
and objects within its jurisdiction for the purpose of raising revenues to
carry out the legitimate objects of government.
• It is the act of levying a tax to apportion the cost of government among
those who, in some measure, are privileged to enjoy its benefits and must
therefore bear its burdens.
• It is a power inherent in every sovereign state being essential to the
existence of every government.
Taxes Defined
• Are the enforced proportional contributions or charges from persons
and property levied by the law-making body of the state by virtue of
its sovereignty for the support of the government and all public
needs.
The Three (3) Inherent Powers of the State
• 1. Police Power – it is the power of the state for promoting public
welfare by restraining and regulating the use of liberty and property.
• 2. Power of Taxation – It is the power by which the State raises
revenue to defray the necessary expenses of the government.
• 3. Power of Eminent Domain – it is the power of the State to acquire
private property for public purpose upon payment of just
compensation.
Similarities Among the Three (3) Inherent
Powers of the State
• 1. They are inherent in the state.
• 2. They exist independently of the constitution although the
conditions for their exercise may be prescribed by the constitution.
• 3. Ways by which the State interfere with private rights and property.
• 4. Legislative in nature and character.
• 5. Presuppose an equivalent compensation received, directly or
indirectly, by the persons affected.
Purposes of Taxation
• 1. Primary: Revenue or Fiscal Purpose
The power of taxation proceeds upon the theory that the existence of
government is a necessity (“Necessity Theory”).
• 2. It is legislative in character.
• The power to tax (levying or imposition) is peculiarly and exclusively legislative in
nature. It cannot be exercised by the executive or judicial branches of the government.
• A. Personal, poll or capitation – tax of a fixed amount imposed upon individual, whether
citizens or not, residing within a specified territory without regard to their property or the
occupation in which he may be engaged. (e.g. community tax).
• B. Property – tax imposed on property, whether real or personal, in proportion either to its
value, or in accordance with some other reasonable method of apportionment (e.g. real
estate tax).
• C. Excise – any tax which does not fall within the classification of a poll tax or a property tax.
This is a tax on the exercise of certain rights and privileges (income tax, estate tax, donor’s
tax). Excise tax may also refer to the tax levied or imposed on sin products and non-
essential goods such as cigars and liquors. Excise taxes of this nature are taxes applicable to
certain specified articles or products manufactured in the Philippines for domestic sale or
consumption or any other disposition and to specified things or goods imported into the
Philippines. It may be specific or ad valorem.
Classification of Taxes cont.
• As to who bears the burden:
• A. Direct – tax which is demanded from the person who also shoulders the
burden of tax or tax which the taxpayer cannot shift to another. Bothe the
incidence (liability for the payment of the tax) as well as the impact or burden
of the tax falls on the same person (e.g. income tax, estate tax, donor’s tax).
• B. Indirect – tax which is demanded from one person in the expectation and
intention that he shall indemnify himself at the expense of another. These are
taxes wherein the incidence of or the liability for the payment of the tax falls
on one person but the burden thereof can be shifted or passed on to another
person (e.g. VAT, percentage tax, excise tax on exciseable articles).
Classification of Taxes cont.
• As to determination of amount:
• C. Regressive – tax the rate of which decreases as the tax base or bracket
increases.
Classification of Taxes cont.
• As to taxing authority:
• A. Purpose must be public in nature – A tax must always be imposed for a public
purpose, otherwise, it will be declared as invalid.
• C. Territorial limitation
Limitations on the State’s Power to Tax cont.
• 2. Constitutional Limitations
• A. Due process of law – The power to tax should not be harsh, oppressive or
confiscatory. This limitation is also known as the right to notice and hearing.
• B. Equal protection of laws – All persons subject to legislation shall be treated alike
under similar circumstances and conditions both in the privileges conferred and
liabilities imposed. The doctrine does not require that persons or properties different
in fact be treated as though they were the same. What it prohibits is class legislation
which discriminates against some and favors others.
• C. Rule of uniformity and equity in taxation – “The rule of taxation shall be uniform
and equitable”. It requires the uniform application and operation, without
discrimination, of the tax in every place where the subject of the tax is found.
Limitations on the State’s Power to Tax cont.
• 2. Constitutional Limitations cont.
•
Limitations on the State’s Power to Tax cont.
• 2. Constitutional Limitations cont.
• J. Others
• 1. Grant of tax exemption – no law granting any tax exemption (i.e.,
amnesties, condonations and refunds) shall be passed without the
concurrence of a majority of all Members of Congress (voting separately).
• 2. Veto of appropriation, revenue, tariff bill by the President – the President
shall have the power to veto any particular item or items in an appropriation,
revenue, or tariff bill, but the veto shall not affect the item or items to which
he does not object.
Limitations on the State’s Power to Tax cont.
• Others cont.
3. Evasion – Tax evasion is the use by the taxpayer of illegal or fraudulent means to
defeat or lessen the payment of a tax. It is also known as “tax dodging”. Example:
Deliberate failure to report a taxable income or property; deliberate reduction.
Means of Avoiding or Minimizing the Burden of
Taxation cont.
• 4. Tax Avoidance – is the exploitation by the taxpayer of legally permissible
alternative tax rates of methods of assessing taxable property or income in
order to avoid or reduce tax liability. It is politely called “tax minimization” and
is not punishable by law.
• Exception:
• While it is not favored, a statute may nevertheless operate retroactively
provided it is expressly declared or is clearly the legislative intent. But a tax law
should not be given retroactive application when it would be harsh and
oppressive which violate the taxpayer’s constitutional rights regarding equity
and due process.
Taxpayer’s Suit
• It is one brought or filed by a taxpayer arguing the validity of a tax
statute and its enactment or the constitutionality of its alleged public
purpose.
• It is a case where the act complained of directly involves the illegal
disbursement of public funds derived from taxation.
End of Topic 1