BIR collects PHP 279.1B in May

MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue collected PHP 279.135 billion in gross revenues in May 2026, posting a double-digit increase as tax payments rose during the extended filing season.

The May collection was 14.15% higher year on year, equivalent to PHP 34.610 billion in additional collections compared with the same month last year.

The BIR also surpassed its PHP 279.056-billion goal for May by PHP 78.22 million.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said the strong May performance reflected the positive impact of the extended filing season and the continued cooperation of taxpayers in meeting their obligations.

“The extension granted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. helped taxpayers manage their finances and comply with their tax obligations in a more orderly manner during this energy crisis. It gave taxpayers additional time to file and pay correctly while easing compliance pressures during a difficult period,” Commissioner Mendoza said.

Mendoza also credited BIR personnel across the country for sustaining operations during the extended filing period.

“I commend our Revenue Regions, Revenue District Offices, Large Taxpayers Service, and National Office for the work they put in during the extended filing season. From our frontline personnel assisting taxpayers in our offices and eLounges, to our back-end teams ensuring continuity of operations, everyone had a part in this result. This was especially important as some areas had to continue serving taxpayers despite power and internet interruptions,” Commissioner Mendoza said.

From January to May 2026, the BIR collected PHP 1.434 trillion in gross revenues.

The five-month collection was up 5.49%, or PHP 74.582 billion, from the same period in 2025.

It also exceeded the bureau’s PHP 1.424-trillion target by PHP 9.709 billion.

Mendoza said the revenue growth came alongside continuing reforms under the BIR DARES agenda.

In May, the BIR launched the Taxpayer Portal for the Large Taxpayers Service.

The bureau also rolled out the Registration Seal Badge and QR-enabled Certificate of Registration for online businesses.

It also implemented the Ease of Closing Business reform, which simplified the closure and cancellation of BIR registrations.

The BIR also issued measures to implement the new mining royalty regime under Republic Act No. 12253.

RA 12253, also known as the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, updates the government’s tax and royalty framework for large-scale metallic mining operations.

“The May results show that revenue growth and BIR DARES reforms can move together. We will continue to support taxpayers through clearer rules, simpler processes, and better digital services, while protecting the revenue base through stronger enforcement and compliance monitoring,” Commissioner Mendoza said.

The BIR is the national government’s main tax collection agency and accounts for the bulk of state revenues used to fund public services, infrastructure and social programs.