Last Call for Estate Tax Amnesty: Settle Your Family’s Estate and Save Big Before June 14, 2025!
If you have lost a loved one and are now facing the challenge of settling their estate, there is good news for Filipino families: the government has extended the Estate Tax Amnesty until June 14, 2025. This is a rare chance to settle unpaid estate taxes with less hassle, lower costs, and even immunity from penalties and legal cases.
What is Estate Tax and Why Does It Matter?
Estate tax is a government fee paid when a person passes away and leaves behind properties, money, or other assets. Before heirs can legally transfer these assets to their names, the estate tax must be paid. Failing to do so can lead to penalties, interest, and even legal trouble.
What is the Estate Tax Amnesty?
The Estate Tax Amnesty is a special program by the government that allows families to pay their estate taxes at a much lower rate, without penalties or interest. It also protects them from civil, criminal, and administrative cases related to unpaid estate taxes for deaths that happened on or before May 31, 2022.
This amnesty is made possible by Republic Act No. 11956 (2023), which further amends the Tax Amnesty Act and extends the deadline for availing of this benefit.
Who Can Avail?
- Heirs, executors, or administrators of estates of people who died on or before May 31, 2022
- Estates with unpaid or accrued estate taxes as of that date
How to Avail: Simple Steps
Gather Documents
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) of the deceased and heirs
- IDs of heirs or representatives
- Property titles, tax declarations, and other proof of assets
File the Estate Tax Amnesty Return
- Submit the required forms and documents to any authorized bank, Revenue District Office, or through an authorized tax software provider.
Pay the Amnesty Tax
- Payment can be made in full or by installment (within two years, no penalties or interest).
Get Immunity and Clearance
- Once paid, the estate is free from all estate tax liabilities, penalties, and related legal cases.
Why Act Now?
- Deadline is June 14, 2025 – After this, regular estate tax rates, penalties, and legal risks apply.
- Installment Option – Pay over two years, interest-free.
- Legal Peace of Mind – Immunity from estate tax-related cases.
Real-Life Example
Imagine a family in Bulacan whose father passed away in 2020, leaving a house and lot. The heirs want to transfer the title but cannot because estate taxes remain unpaid. By availing of the amnesty, they can pay a lower tax, avoid penalties, and finally transfer the property to their names—without fear of legal trouble.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you do not avail of the amnesty by June 14, 2025, you will have to pay the full estate tax, plus penalties and interest. The government may also file cases to collect what is due.
Final Tips
- Consult a lawyer or tax professional to guide you through the process.
- Prepare your documents early to avoid last-minute problems.
- Act now—this is a limited-time offer that may not come again.
In Simple Words
The government is giving families a chance to fix old estate tax problems easily and cheaply, but only until June 14, 2025. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
For more information, visit the Bureau of Internal Revenue or consult your trusted legal adviser.
This article is based on Republic Act No. 11956 (2023) and aims to help Filipino families understand and benefit from the Estate Tax Amnesty program.
By Atty. Phil Juris
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