Real estate prospects clouded by new US tax on remittances

The US decision to impose a 1% remittance tax could serve to dampen property investing activity by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), industry analysts said.

The remittance tax, a component of the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” will crowd out any OFW funds earmarked for investing and shift priorities towards essentials, they said.

“While the percentage of remittances being allocated for real estate requirements is increasing, that additional tax will likely affect the inflow of remittances from Filipinos working abroad,” Colliers Philippines Director and Head of Research Joey Roi H. Bondoc said in an interview.

“This might affect the money being set aside for real estate purchases. The lower the remittances, the less will be spent for these discretionary purchases, especially in the luxury segment.”

Remittances could dip between $19.1 million and $148.4 million as a result of the tax, the Department of Finance estimated, describing these movements as having a “minimal” effect on the economy.

OFWs are a key segment of the property market, with many turning to real estate for investment income or to upgrade the living conditions of their families back home.

The decline in money sent home by OFWs would affect demand for the industry’s residential and retail offerings, Santos Knight Frank Associate Director Toby Miranda said.

“OFWs are major demand drivers of residential products, and if they were to send less money, there may be a higher risk of canceled purchases,” he said.

“Remittances from OFWs also impact the purchasing power of their families so retail demand may be impacted,” Mr. Miranda added.

Mr. Bondoc noted that Europe-based OFWs are a strong market for upscale and upper middle-income residential units, while luxury residential units are attractive to Filipinos working in Abu Dhabi.

US President Donald J. Trump on July 4 signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill, essentially a tax bill that overhauls tax rates and spending. The 1% excise tax on all remittances represents a softening of the bill’s initial proposal to charge remittances by foreign workers 3.5%.

“Given the uncertainties in the global and domestic market, they (OFWs) might have to put these big-ticket purchases on hold, and perhaps wait a little longer before they finally acquire these residential units that they’ve been aspiring for,” Mr. Bondoc said.

Source: Business World

Makati City lowers real property tax rates

Makati City has taken a bold step to provide economic relief and boost investment growth as Mayor Abby Binay signed a landmark ordinance significantly reducing real property tax (RPT) rates in all property classes.

Binay approved City Ordinance No. 2025-047 on March 24, 2025, amending key provisions of the Revised Makati Revenue Code.

The ordinance lowers the RPT rates for residential, commercial, industrial, and special properties, marking one of the most progressive tax reforms in the city's history.

Under the new ordinance, residential properties will now be taxed at 1.0 percent, down from 1.5 percent; tax for commercial properties will be reduced from 2.0 percent to 1.5 percent, while industrial properties will remain at 1.5 percent. Special properties get the most significant cut, dropping from 1.5 percent to 0.5 percent. Moreover, the additional tax rate for residential and commercial properties has been halved from 0.25 percent to 0.125 percent, making property ownership and business operations more affordable.

The ordinance also slashes assessment levels, the basis for computing assessed property values. Residential property assessment levels have seen significant reductions. R-1 properties have been adjusted from 12 percent to 0.65 percent, R-2 properties from 12 percent to 0.30 percent, and R-3 properties from 12 percent to 0.25 percent.

For commercial and industrial properties, assessment levels have also been reduced from 40 percent to more competitive rates. Commercial classifications C-1, C-2, and C-3 now range between 2.0 percent and 0.60 percent, while industrial classifications I-1, I-2, and I-3 follow the same range. Special class properties remain at 0.70 percent in commercial and industrial zones and 0.30 percent in residential areas.

The mayor assured stakeholders that despite the anticipated short-term revenue dip, Makati's financial health remains robust.

The city's budgetary flexibility has been bolstered by an estimated P7.9 billion annual savings following the transfer of 10 Embo villages to Taguig, which previously required significant subsidies. She emphasized that the long-term benefits far outweigh the expected short-term revenue adjustments. This move reinforces Makati's commitment to a fair, efficient, and transparent tax system that benefits both businesses and residents.

To further incentivize compliance, the ordinance allows property owners who have already paid their RPT for 2025 to receive a tax credit equivalent to any excess payments, which can be applied to future tax dues.

Binay said Makati's latest tax reform is more than just a fiscal policy shift. It is a strategic move to attract more investments, encourage property development, and sustain economic momentum.

She said that by prioritizing equitable taxation and financial prudence, the city cements its reputation as a premier business hub and a model for smart governance.

Source: Manila Times

Tax and market reforms are transforming the economy

Over the past decade, the Philippine government has implemented pivotal tax and market reforms to drive economic growth, ensure fiscal sustainability, and enhance business competitiveness. Landmark legislation — including the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Act, Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (Create) Act, Ease of Paying Taxes Act (Eopta) — all played a transformative role in modernizing the country's tax system and strengthening its financial markets.

Enacted in 2017 and implemented in 2018, the Train Act (Republic Act [RA] 10963) was the first package under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program. The groundbreaking reform aimed to simplify taxation, promote equity, and generate revenues to fund infrastructure and social programs.

It led to higher disposable income for low- and middle-income earners by reducing personal income tax rates and exempting individuals earning P250,000 or less annually. Adjusted tax brackets lowered the burden on middle-income earners, resulting in higher take-home pay, increased consumer spending, and economic growth.

It also increased government revenue for development programs.

To offset lower income tax collections, Train imposed higher excise taxes on fuel, automobiles, sugary beverages, and cigarettes. The additional revenue funded major government initiatives such as the Build Build Build program, free college tuition, and universal health care.

Greater consumer spending and improved government infrastructure investments contributed to business expansion, enhancing logistics, connectivity, and overall economic activity. The introduction of a flat 6-percent tax rate on estate and donor's taxes, meanwhile, replaced the complex tiered system, making wealth transfers more efficient and equitable.

While Train improved revenues, however, higher excise taxes contributed to inflation, particularly in fuel and food prices. The government mitigated this through safety nets like the unconditional cash transfer program.

The law played a transformative role by balancing tax relief for low- and middle-income earners with enhanced government revenue. While inflationary concerns arose, the long-term benefits of fiscal sustainability, economic growth, and investment confidence positioned the country for further development.

To counteract the economic downturn from the Covid-19 pandemic, meanwhile, the Create Act (RA 11534) was enacted in 2021. The law provided tax relief to businesses while modernizing investment incentives.

Among others, it reduced the corporate income tax for large corporations to 25 percent from 30 percent, while that for micro, small, and medium enterprises with net taxable income of P5 million or less and total assets below P100 million was lowered to 20 percent.

Fiscal incentives were rationalized and modernized to be performance-based, time-bound, and targeted incentives. Also included in the law is an income tax holiday of four to seven years, a five-percent special corporate income tax for export enterprises, enhanced deductions for domestic and export enterprises and sunset provisions for existing incentives.

VAT exemptions and incentives, meanwhile, cover sales of medicines for cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease and a VAT zero-rating for exporters to maintain global competitiveness.

The minimum corporate income tax was reduced to 1 percent from 2 percent until July 1, 2023, easing the burden on struggling businesses, while the percentage tax for non-VAT registered businesses was lowered 1 percent from 3 percent, effective until July 1, 2023. Incentives were also provided for investments in less-developed regions and priority industries.

Create lowered corporate tax rates, bolstered business recovery, and improved the Philippines' attractiveness to investors. The restructured tax incentives encouraged strategic investments, fostering economic revival and job creation.

The Eopta Act (RA 11976), signed into law in 2024, modernized tax compliance by reducing administrative burdens and aligning tax processes with global best practices. Among others, taxpayers were categorized into small, medium, and large, streamlining compliance processes, and tax filing and payment were simplified via fewer forms, improved e-filing/e-payment systems and nationwide payment options.

It also streamlined the VAT system, ensuring refunds within 90 days, and VAT-exempt transactions were made clearer to reduce compliance complexities. Greater use of technology in tax processes was also mandated, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

The Eopta has made tax compliance more accessible, particularly for small and medium enterprises. By integrating digital solutions, it enhances efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the anticipated Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (Cmepa) seeks to modernize Philippine capital markets by reducing tax barriers, encouraging investment, and enhancing market liquidity.

Among others, it aims to lower the stock transaction tax to 0.1 percent from 0.6 percent in line with regional markets. The documentary stamp tax for original issuances will also be lowered to 0.75 percent from 1 percent and unit investment trust funds and mutual funds will be exempted from the tax, making them more attractive. The tax treatment of long-term deposits and investments will also be standardized, broadening the tax base.

Approval of the Cmepa law is expected to enhance market liquidity, encourage investment, and strengthen the Philippines' competitiveness in global financial markets. The coming years will reveal its effectiveness in expanding investor participation and deepening capital markets.

Train, Create, Eopta and Cmepa demonstrate the government's commitment to tax modernization, investment promotion, and ease of doing business. While each law addresses distinct aspects of economic development, together they create a comprehensive strategy for long-term growth.

As these reforms continue to evolve, businesses, investors, and taxpayers must stay informed and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Ultimately, these policy changes aim to build a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient Philippine economy that can navigate global challenges and sustain prosperity.

Source: Business World