Title
BIR Rules on Tax-Free Stock-Property Exchange
Law
Bir Revenue Memorandum Order No. 26-92
Decision Date
May 28, 1992
BIR Revenue Memorandum Order No. 26-92 outlines the requirements and procedures for non-recognition of gain in property transfers for shares of stock, detailing necessary documentation and compliance monitoring to ensure tax-free exchanges under the National Internal Revenue Code.
A

Documentation Requirements

  • For BIR adjudication or ruling requests, specific documents must be submitted depending on transaction type:
    • Merger or Consolidation:
      • Plan of Corporate Merger or Consolidation
      • Statement of liabilities assumed and encumbrances on property
      • SEC-registered Articles of Incorporation for merging entities
      • Other relevant documents
    • Transfer to Controlled Corporation:
      • Deed of Transfer/Assignment/Exchange
      • SEC-registered Articles of Incorporation of both entities
      • Transfer Certificate of Titles and Tax Declarations
      • Certifications of original cost, fair market value, authorized capitalization, ownership percentages
      • Other pertinent documents

Records to be Kept and Information to be Filed

  • Merger or Consolidation:
    • Adoption of reorganization plan by responsible officers recorded officially.
    • Filing with tax return of:
      • Copy of plan and detailed statements of transactions under penalty of perjury
      • Cost basis details of transferred property and securities
      • Description of stocks, securities, property or money received with fair market values
      • Liabilities assumed or attaching to acquired property
    • Non-corporate taxpayers involved must submit similar detailed statements in tax returns.
    • Permanent records showing cost basis and transaction details must be maintained.
    • Merged or consolidated corporations are subject to investigation; proof of such BIR investigations must be submitted.
  • Transfer to Controlled Corporation:
    • Transferor to file with income tax return:
      • Sworn statement of how property was acquired
      • Description of properties and cost bases
      • Details of stock shares received, including fair market values
    • Transferee to file with income tax return:
      • Description and basis of properties acquired
      • Capital stock details before and after exchange
    • Both parties must keep permanent records for future gain/loss determination.
    • Annotations must be made on titles or stock certificates reflecting the exchange date, acquisition cost, and tax-free exchange status.

Conditions for Issuance of Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR)

  • CAR for real property involved in exchange only issued upon Commissioner’s ruling that the transaction qualifies as tax-free under Section 34(c)(2).
  • CAR must specify transaction as tax-free exchange, date of exchange, and verified original cost basis.
  • Documentary stamp tax imposed based on stock value received or shares issued.

Registration of Properties

  • Register of Deeds requires presentation of CAR to transfer titles to transferee corporation.
  • Annotation on Transfer Certificate of Title that exchange is tax-free, with acquisition cost and deed date.
  • Corporate Secretary records share ownership corresponding to properties transferred.
  • Documentary stamp tax on original issues of new shares must be paid.

Monitoring and Investigation of Tax-Free Exchanges

  • Legislative, Ruling, and Research Division forwards rulings to relevant Revenue District Officers for compliance verification.
  • Since Section 34(c)(2) provides deferral of gain recognition, subsequent disposition of properties triggers tax liability.
  • Income and documentary stamp taxes on subsequent sales computed based on difference between original/adjusted cost and sale consideration or fair market value, whichever is higher.
  • Cost basis of newly received shares is same as original/adjusted cost basis of properties exchanged.

Repealing Clause

  • All existing regulations or orders contrary or inconsistent with these provisions are modified or repealed.

Effectivity

  • The order takes immediate effect upon adoption on 28 May 1992.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.