Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
When Do Employees Become Regular in the Philippines? The 6-Month Rule Explained
Learn the 6-month regularization rule under the Labor Code of the Philippines, how probationary employment works, and when an employee becomes a regular employee.
BIR Registration for New Businesses in the Philippines: Steps and Requirements
Complete guide to BIR registration for new businesses in the Philippines: forms, documentary requirements, and step-by-step process to register and comply.
Percentage Tax vs. VAT in the Philippines: Which Applies to Your Business?
Learn the difference between percentage tax and VAT in the Philippines, which businesses pay which, and how to comply.
8% Income Tax for Self-Employed Filipinos: Who Qualifies and How It Works
Learn how the 8% income tax option works for self-employed Filipinos, who qualifies, and how to compute tax under the TRAIN law.
Annual Income Tax Return in the Philippines: Who Files and When
Learn who must file the annual income tax return in the Philippines, the filing deadlines, and key compliance rules under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Capital Gains Tax on Real Property in the Philippines: Rates and Filing
Learn the capital gains tax rate on real property in the Philippines, how it is computed, and when to file.
Inter-Company Loans and VAT: When Interest Income Is Not Taxable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when interest on inter-company loans is exempt from VAT and how prescription periods apply.
Condominium Dues and VAT: Supreme Court Clarifies Taxability of Association Fees
The Supreme Court confirms that condominium association dues are not subject to VAT, income tax, or withholding tax.
Navigating Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Clubs: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Membership Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies that membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are not subject to income tax and VAT.
Are Membership Fees of Recreational Clubs Taxable Income? SC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are subject to income tax and VAT.
Regular Employment vs Consultancy: Defining the Line in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A consultant labeled regular employee: how control and supervision define employment status in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Off-Line International Carriers Taxed at 32% on Philippine Income, SC Rules
SC clarifies off-line carriers selling tickets in PH pay 32% income tax, not 2.5% GPB rate; refund claim remanded.
VAT on Sale of Assets: When Is It "In the Course of Trade or Business"?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale of company assets is subject to VAT, requiring that the sale occur in the course of trade or business.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from CIR v. General Foods
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when large advertising expenses are deductible business costs or capital outlays for goodwill.
Advertising Expenses and Tax Deductions: Ordinary vs. Capital Outlay in the Philippines
Philippine tax law on advertising deductions: when a colossal ad spend becomes a capital outlay, not an ordinary expense.
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure in Sugarcane Farming
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal sugarcane workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.