BIR opens 2026 tax drive after PHP 3.105T haul, digital push

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) kicked off its 2026 National Tax Campaign on Feb. 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center, riding on a PHP 3.105 trillion revenue haul in 2025 while unveiling new digital tools – including its first interactive 2026 tax calendar – to make compliance easier and more transparent.

The National Tax Campaign Kickoff is the BIR’s annual activity that marks the official start of its tax campaign efforts for the year.

The event drew leaders and representatives from government agencies, business and professional organizations, multi-sectoral partners, and private institutions, signaling broad support for the BIR’s reform and revenue mobilization agenda.

This year’s campaign theme, “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis Mo,” emphasizes the Bureau’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and responsive public service commensurate to every peso of taxes paid.

The campaign also reiterates the BIR’s message that paying the correct taxes on time is both a civic duty and a concrete contribution to nation-building.

In 2025, the BIR collected PHP 3.105 trillion in revenues, surpassing its collection target and sustaining its upward trajectory.

The BIR attributed the 2025 performance to improved voluntary compliance, more focused enforcement, and continued modernization of systems and processes.

The agency also reported gains under the Estate Tax Amnesty program following the passage of Republic Act No. 11956 in 2023.

The law extended the availment period for the Estate Tax Amnesty under Republic Act No. 11213 until June 14, 2025.

The expanded coverage included the settlement of estate taxes of decedents who died on or before May 31, 2022.

From January to June 2025 alone, the BIR collected PHP 4.603 billion from 100,786 availers of the Estate Tax Amnesty.

The BIR said the amnesty collections supported revenue generation while allowing taxpayers to settle long-standing estate tax liabilities under simplified terms.

Digital transformation remained central to the BIR’s reform agenda, with the agency citing significant moves in 2025 toward a more transparent, secure, and taxpayer-centered tax administration.

One major rollout was the first-ever BIR Interactive Digital Tax Calendar for 2026, which the BIR said is accessible through its website.

The BIR said the online platform is designed to help taxpayers and tax practitioners track, manage, and comply with tax return filing and payment deadlines to minimize errors and encourage timely compliance.

Another milestone was the rollout of the BIR Registration Seal Badge and the inclusion of a Quick Response (QR) Code in the Certificate of Registration (COR), Electronic COR, and Authority to Print (ATP).

The BIR said the Registration Seal Badge and QR Code features aim to safeguard against fraud and fake registrations through instant online verification of a taxpayer’s identity and business legitimacy.

Taxpayers engaged in e-commerce or online business activities are required to display the BIR Registration Seal Badge on their websites or e-commerce platforms as proof of valid registration.

The BIR also introduced the Letter of Authority (LOA) Verifier through ChatBot REVIE to allow taxpayers to check the authenticity of issued LOAs using basic taxpayer information.

The agency said the LOA Verifier strengthens transparency, protects taxpayers from unauthorized audit activities, improves accountability, and provides a single official channel of communication.

Reflecting the push toward digital payments, the BIR said the percentage share of e-payment collection to total BIR tax collection reached 85% in 2025.

During the kickoff program, dedicated booths provided live demonstrations of the BIR’s digital tools and guided stakeholders on how to use the platforms.

Department of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go attended the event and conveyed the department’s continued support for the BIR’s reform initiatives.

In an audio-visual message played during the program, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offered greetings and congratulations to the BIR for leading the 2026 National Tax Campaign Kickoff.

“I send my warmest greetings and congratulations to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as you lead this year’s National Tax Campaign Kickoff. Ang inyong tema, “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis mo” ay malinaw na paalala ng pangako ng ating administrasyon sa pagpapaigting ng reporma at pag-aayos ng mga polisiya tungo sa hinahangad nating bagong Pilipinas para sa bawat Pilipino.

The BIR is in the business of revenue generation and its reform program must remain anchored on that singular goal—generating the resources needed to fund vital public services. So, I remind the BIR that revenue collection rests on public trust and therefore ensure that our reforms are geared towards making our tax system more transparent and more predictable. Make tax compliance easier and implementation fair and firm.

Binabati ko rin ang ating mga taxpayer na patuloy na nag-cocomply at nagbabayad ng wastong buwis. Kayo ang kaagapay ng pamahalaan sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at sa pagsusulong ng pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Sa pagtutulungan ng pamahalaan at mamamayan, mas marami pa tayong magagawa.”

In his keynote message, Mendoza said the Bureau will keep balancing firm and fair enforcement with improved service delivery.

“We are not here today to solely give instruction to our tax collectors. We are here mainly to offer assurance to our taxpayers. We are assembled here to make a collective vow to extend great, faster and honest service to you, our taxpayers. Because BIR goals should not be expressed in BESF numbers alone. It should also be paired with client satisfaction. No matter how high the target or how hard the work, we should not lose sight of the fact that how we treat the public is as important as the bottom line—as the money we remit to the Treasury. Because when the government serves well, compliance becomes easier,” Commissioner Mendoza stated.

The BIR also presented the official 2026 Tax Campaign logo during the program.

The Bureau said the heart-shaped logo, rendered in the colors of the Philippine National Flag, symbolizes sincerity and dedication to the Filipino people and a commitment to serve with care, integrity, and professionalism.

Within the heart, the BIR and Bagong Pilipinas logos were presented as united to link the Bureau’s mandate with the administration’s broader vision for progress.

The BIR said the logo’s elements, including a pillar, eagle, three stars, united figures, and coin, represent institutional strength, nationwide reach, and collective effort in taxation.

The BIR said the hands at the tip of the heart symbolize partnership between the Bureau and taxpayers through shared responsibility and mutual commitment, where predictable public service is matched by voluntary compliance.

The BIR said the launch signals its readiness to sustain revenue growth, deepen digital transformation, strengthen enforcement, and uphold service excellence throughout 2026.