Section 149National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8424), Sec. 149

Automobiles. - There shall be levied, assessed and collected an ad valorem tax on automobiles based on the manufacturer's or importer's selling price, net of excise and value-added tax, in accordance with the following schedule:

Engine Displacement (in cc.)

GasolineDieselTax Rate

Up to 1600Up to 180015%

1601 to 20001801 to 230035%

2001 to 27002301 to 300050%

2701 or over3001 to over100%

Provided, That in the case of imported automobiles not for sale, the tax imposed herein shall be based on the total value used by the Bureau of Customs in determining tariff and customs duties, including customs duty and all other charges, plus ten percent (10%) of the total thereof.

Automobiles acquired for use by persons or entities operating within the freeport zone shall be exempt from excise tax: provided, That utility vehicles of registered zone enterprises, which are indispensable in the conduct and operations of their business, such as delivery trucks and cargo vans with gross vehicle weight above three (3) metric tons may be allowed unrestricted use outside the freeport zone: Provided, further, That vehicles owned by tourist-oriented enterprises, such as tourist buses and cars with yellow plates, color-coded, and utilized exclusively for the purpose of transporting tourists in tourism-related activities, and service vehicles of freeport registered enterprises and executives, such as company service cars and expatriates' and investors' automobiles brought in the name of such enterprises, may be used outside the freeport zone for such periods as may be prescribed by the Departments of Finance, and Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Customs and the Freeport authorities concerned, which in no case shall exceed fourteen (14) days per month.

In case such tourist buses and cars, service vehicles of registered freeport enterprises and company service cars are used for more than an aggregate period of fourteen (14) days per month outside of the freeport zone, the owner or importer shall pay the corresponding customs duties, taxes and charges.

In the case of personally-owned vehicles of residents, including leaseholders of residences inside the freeport zone, the use of such vehicles outside of the freeport zone shall be deemed an introduction into the Philippine customs territory, and such introduction shall be deemed an importation into the Philippines and shall subject such vehicles to Customs duties taxes and charges, including excise tax due on such vehicle.

The Secretaries of Finance, and Trade and Industry, together with the Commissioner of Customs and the administrators of the freeports concerned, shall promulgate rules and regulations for the proper identification and control of said automobiles.