BIR collections climb 11.87% in March

The Bureau of Internal Revenue posted a gross collection of PHP 198.755 billion in March 2026, up by PHP 21.086 billion, or 11.87%, from the same month last year, based on preliminary data as of April 13, 2026.

The BIR also released PHP 11.368 billion in tax refunds in March 2026, or more than five times the amount released in March last year.

That brought net collection for the month to PHP 187.387 billion, up by PHP 11.727 billion, or 6.68%, year on year.

The higher level of refunds tempered net collection growth, but it also meant more funds were returned to taxpayers and businesses during the ongoing energy crisis. The Philippines has been under a state of national energy emergency since March 24, and the government on April 13 announced the suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene as part of its response to rising fuel costs.

“Our March 2026 collection performance is encouraging, especially at this time of economic strain. We at the BIR heed the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go to help ensure that the government has steady revenues to fund essential services and provide timely support, especially to those who need it most,” Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said.

The March collections matter for the broader fiscal picture because the BIR is the national government’s chief revenue agency. In its 2024 annual report, the bureau said it accounted for 75.03% of national government tax revenues that year.

The latest figures suggest revenue collection remained firm even as the government moved to cushion households and businesses from the effects of higher energy prices. That gives the state more room to finance public services while sustaining refund releases to taxpayers.