TRAIN Law windfall: Half-month salary 'bonus' awaits Pinoys in January


Here's some good news to start the year 2023.

(MANILA BULLETIN)

Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda reminded Filipinos on Saturday, Dec. 31 that half a month's worth of salary awaits them as part of the windfall from the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN Law.

“A 13.5th month bonus” was how Salceda described this additional income, which will stem from the cuts to personal income tax (PIT) rates in 2023 via TRAIN.

“The TRAIN Law PIT cut will be equivalent to around 5 percent in gross income in added take home pay. That’s around half a month’s worth of additional disposable income,” said the solon, who chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Salceda principally authored and sponsored the law, which is also known as Republic Act (RA) No.10963. It took effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

The new annual income tax rates will reduce taxes by around 5 percent for those earning between over P250,000 and P2 million.

Individuals with taxable income above P2 million but not greater than P8 million will see a 2 percent decrease in personal income tax. Income below P250,000 will still be exempt from PIT.

“It will increase disposable income for Filipino families by around P32 billion by our emerging estimates.That will boost consumer spending and also leave some room for savings for homeownership,” noted Salceda.

Salceda says that the cut will also cushion workers from the impact of the 1 percentage point increase in SSS contributions and the 0.5 percentage point increase in PhilHealth premiums.

“Take home is still up 3.5 percentage points more or less,” the Bicolano said.