Taxes · 🇵🇭 Philippines
Crypto and tokenized asset taxes in the Philippines
There is no crypto-specific tax rule; gains fall under general income tax, usually at graduated rates of up to 35%, and the BIR has issued no regulation on crypto.
Crypto
Gains
No specific rule; general income tax, graduated rates up to 35%
Holding period
Under general rules, only 50% of a capital gain on a capital asset held over 12 months is taxed; no official confirmation that this applies to crypto.
Tax-free allowance
First PHP 250,000 of annual taxable income is taxed at 0% (general rate table).
Losses
Under general rules, capital losses offset only capital gains; no crypto-specific guidance.
Also
The 2025 capital markets law (CMEPA, RA 12214, from 1 July 2025) cut taxes on stocks and funds but does not cover crypto. The Philippines has pledged to adopt CARF by 2028.
Income and tokenized assets
Staking, lending, yield
No specific guidance. Staking, lending and DeFi yield are generally treated as income at graduated rates when received; airdrops have no official treatment.
Tokenized stocks, bonds, funds
No specific guidance. CMEPA sets a stock transaction tax on listed shares and a 15% capital gains tax on unlisted shares, but nothing says whether a tokenized share or tracker certificate held on a crypto platform is treated as a share or as a crypto asset.
Filing
Tax year
Calendar year; annual income tax return due 15 April
Reporting
Individuals declare taxable gains and income in the annual return. No platform reporting to the BIR for crypto yet; CARF is planned by 2028 but no implementing rule was found.
Tax authority
Watch out
- Many online guides quote a flat 15% crypto rate; no BIR regulation supports this.
- Keep records of cost and sale value in PHP; the BIR may still assess gains under general rules.
- Rules may change if a crypto tax bill passes or CARF is implemented.
Sources
- PwC Philippines: crypto accounting and taxation · pwc.com
- PwC Philippines: CMEPA Tax Alert 14 · pwc.com
- First Metro Securities: CMEPA FAQ · help.firstmetrosec.com.ph
- BitPinas: CARF pledge by 2028 · bitpinas.com
Not confirmed
- No BIR revenue regulation or ruling on crypto found; treatment of staking, airdrops and tokenized securities is open.
- Whether the 50% holding-period rule for capital assets is applied to crypto in practice.
- Existing summary (29 Oct) is consistent; nothing to correct.
Researched 2026-11-01 for private individuals resident in the Philippines. Information, not tax advice — rules change; check the tax authority before you file.