DOF backs estate tax amnesty bill to 2028

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December 12, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF) has backed a bill extending the estate tax amnesty until 2028, stating that the measure would enable more families to settle inherited property obligations and put idle assets to work, thereby enhancing broader economic productivity.

In a statement, the DOF said that the tax amnesty is designed to ease the burden on families that have been unable to formalize their inheritances due to financial or administrative constraints, enabling them to settle long-pending obligations.

“This will maximize the use of idle assets and boost productivity,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said.

Under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), the estate tax is a one-time levy required for the lawful transfer of a deceased person’s assets to heirs and beneficiaries, ensuring proper documentation and settlement of ownership after death in accordance with law.

House Bill 6614, which the DOF supports, was filed on Dec. 3 with the House’s Committee on Ways and Means and seeks to extend the period of the estate tax amnesty. The measure has 55 principal authors.

“The new estate tax amnesty proposal covers estates of descendants who passed on or before May 31, 2022, and includes safeguards to prevent potential misuse of the measure,” the finance department said.

The executor or administrator of the estate who wishes to avail themselves will have until Dec. 31, 2028, to file either electronically or manually.

Key provisions of the bill, as outlined in the committee report, include requiring a minimum installment payment of at least 25 percent of the total amount due. This aimed to grant relief to heirs by waiving accumulated penalties, including those incurred during the pandemic.

The DOF said that the proposal likewise permits taxpayers to settle the amnesty tax on an installment basis, allowing the total amount due to be paid gradually over the course of one year from the date the acceptance payment form is issued.

Failure to comply with the specified requirements will result in the estate being subjected to the corresponding penalties, surcharges and other consequences prescribed under the NIRC, according to the DOF.