The Supreme Court clarified that non-profit hospitals in the Philippines are not entirely exempt from income tax. While these institutions enjoy certain tax privileges due to their charitable nature, revenues earned from paying patients are subject to a preferential tax rate. This decision highlights the distinction between purely charitable activities and commercial operations within non-profit entities, ensuring that income-generating activities contribute to the country’s tax revenues. This ruling balances the government’s need for funds with the social welfare objectives of non-profit hospitals.

St. Luke’s Dilemma: Charity or Commerce?

This case, Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. St. Luke’s Medical Center, Inc., revolves around the tax liabilities of St. Luke’s Medical Center, Inc. (SLMC), a non-stock, non-profit hospital. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue (CIR) assessed SLMC deficiency income tax for taxable years 2005 and 2006, arguing that it was not exempt under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC). SLMC countered that its status as a charitable institution granted it full tax exemption. The core legal question is whether SLMC’s revenues from paying patients should be considered tax-exempt income or income from activities conducted for profit.

The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) initially ruled in favor of SLMC, but the CIR appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had previously ruled on a similar issue involving SLMC in G.R. Nos. 195909 and 195960, holding that while SLMC is a non-profit hospital, its revenues from paying patients are subject to a preferential income tax rate. This earlier ruling became a crucial point of reference in the present case, invoking the principle of stare decisis, which mandates that similar cases should be decided alike.

In analyzing SLMC’s claim for tax exemption, the Court examined relevant provisions of the NIRC. Section 30(E) and (G) of the NIRC provides exemptions for:

(E) Nonstock corporation or association organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, athletic, or cultural purposes, or for the rehabilitation of veterans, no part of its net income or asset shall belong to or inure to the benefit of any member, organizer, officer or any specific person; xxxx

(G) Civic league or organization not organized for profit but operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare;

However, the last paragraph of Section 30 states:

Notwithstanding the provisions in the preceding paragraphs, the income of whatever kind and character of the foregoing organizations from any of their properties, real or personal, or from any of their activities conducted for profit regardless of the disposition made of such income, shall be subject to tax imposed under this Code.

Building on this legal framework, the Court emphasized that the phrase “operated exclusively” in Section 30(E) and (G) does not preclude non-profit organizations from engaging in activities that generate income. However, any income derived from such for-profit activities is taxable. The Court clarified that the introduction of Section 27(B) of the NIRC subjects the taxable income of proprietary non-profit educational institutions and hospitals to a 10% preferential rate, instead of the ordinary corporate rate.

To qualify for the preferential tax rate, the hospital must be both proprietary (private) and non-profit (no net income benefits any member). The Court distinguished between being “non-profit” and “charitable,” stating that while a non-profit organization may not distribute income to members, a charitable institution must also provide benefits to an indefinite number of people, lessening the burden of government. Furthermore, the Court referenced the case of Lung Center of the Philippines v. Quezon City, which defines charity as a gift to an indefinite number of persons that lessens the burden of government, emphasizing that charitable institutions provide free goods and services that would otherwise fall on the government’s responsibility. However, charitable institutions are not automatically entitled to a tax exemption; the requirements for exemption are strictly construed against the taxpayer, as exemptions restrict the collection of taxes necessary for government operations.

The Supreme Court relied on its previous ruling in G.R. Nos. 195909 and 195960, which established that SLMC, while organized as a non-stock, non-profit charitable institution, is not “operated exclusively” for charitable purposes due to its substantial revenues from paying patients. The Court stated that services to paying patients are activities conducted for profit and cannot be considered otherwise. Earning a significant amount from paying patients indicates that the institution is not operating solely for charitable purposes. The Supreme Court in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. St. Luke’s Medical Center, Inc. stated:

There is a ‘purpose to make profit over and above the cost’ of services. The P1.73 billion total revenues from paying patients is not even incidental to St. Luke’s charity expenditure of P218,187,498 for non-paying patients.

The Supreme Court acknowledged that while SLMC failed to meet the requirements for complete tax exemption under Section 30(E) and (G) of the NIRC, it remained a proprietary non-profit hospital under Section 27(B) of the NIRC, entitled to the preferential tax rate of 10% on its net income from for-profit activities.

Regarding penalties, the Court acknowledged SLMC’s good faith reliance on a previous BIR opinion that it was exempt from income tax. Thus, it was not liable for surcharges and interest on the deficiency income tax, in line with the ruling in Michael J. Lhuillier, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, which stated that good faith and honest belief based on previous interpretations by government agencies justify the deletion of surcharges and interest.

Finally, the Court addressed the issue of mootness. SLMC argued that the case was moot because it had paid the basic taxes due for the relevant taxable years. The CIR contested the proof of payment. Despite initial issues with the payment confirmation submitted by SLMC, the Court accepted the Certification issued by the Large Taxpayers Service of the BIR and a letter from the BIR with attached Certification of Payment and application for abatement as sufficient proof of payment. These documents, especially since their authenticity was not questioned by the CIR, demonstrated that SLMC had indeed settled its basic tax liabilities for the taxable years 2005 and 2006.

Because SLMC had already paid the taxes due, the Court ultimately dismissed the petition as moot. While affirming the principle that non-profit hospitals are subject to income tax on revenues from paying patients, the Court recognized SLMC’s compliance with its tax obligations, resolving the specific case at hand.

FAQs

What was the key issue in this case?	The central issue was whether St. Luke’s Medical Center, a non-profit hospital, was exempt from income tax on revenues earned from paying patients or whether these revenues were subject to tax as income from activities conducted for profit.
What is the meaning of “stare decisis”?	“Stare decisis” is a legal principle that means “to stand by things decided.” It dictates that courts should follow precedents set in prior similar cases, ensuring consistency and stability in the application of the law.
What is the preferential tax rate for proprietary non-profit hospitals?	Proprietary non-profit hospitals are subject to a preferential income tax rate of 10% on their net income from for-profit activities, as provided under Section 27(B) of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).
Did St. Luke’s have to pay penalties in addition to the tax?	No, the Court ruled that St. Luke’s was not liable for compromise penalties, surcharges, or interest due to their good faith belief that they were exempt from income tax based on a previous BIR opinion.
What documents did St. Luke’s provide to prove payment?	SLMC presented a Certification issued by the Large Taxpayers Service of the BIR and a letter from the BIR with attached Certification of Payment and application for abatement to prove they had paid their basic tax liabilities.
What happens to the income derived by non-profit hospitals from for-profit activities?	The income derived by non-profit hospitals from activities conducted for profit is subject to income tax, as stated in the last paragraph of Section 30 of the NIRC, regardless of how that income is used.
What constitutes a charitable institution under the law?	A charitable institution is defined as an organization that provides benefits to an indefinite number of people, effectively lessening the burden of government by offering free goods and services that the government would otherwise have to provide.
What was the final decision of the Supreme Court in this case?	The Supreme Court dismissed the petition because St. Luke’s had already paid the basic taxes due for the taxable years in question, rendering the case moot.

In conclusion, this case serves as an important reminder that non-profit status does not automatically grant complete tax exemption. Non-profit hospitals must carefully manage their operations to ensure compliance with tax laws, particularly regarding income generated from for-profit activities. While these institutions play a vital role in society, their commercial activities are subject to taxation to support government functions.

For inquiries regarding the application of this ruling to specific circumstances, please contact ASG Law through contact or via email at frontdesk@asglawpartners.com.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Source: COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE VS. ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER, INC., G.R. No. 203514, February 13, 2017