MANILA — Lawmakers are calling for a comprehensive review of the country’s 6% estate tax rate alongside a simplification of payment procedures to encourage more Filipino families to legally transfer inherited properties.
Senate President Win Gatchalian raised concerns over why many Filipinos continue to bypass the estate tax amnesty, which has been implemented three times since 2019.
He emphasized that evaluating the current tax rate and easing administrative hurdles would help pinpoint obstacles preventing heirs from settling obligations, especially for remote agricultural lands where beneficiaries struggle with documentary requirements.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, highlighted the critical role of tax amnesty in helping beneficiaries resolve long-overdue obligations during a committee hearing. Lacson underscored the ongoing challenge of balancing financial relief for heirs with fair taxation principles and the state’s revenue collection duties.
The proposed legislative push aims to provide families with a manageable framework to formalize property ownership, enabling them to legally manage or dispose of their assets.
By addressing compliance barriers, lawmakers hope to boost participation in future relief programs while maintaining a balanced revenue system.