Bureau of Internal Revenue Issuances
REVENUE MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
RMC No. 28-2025
April 4, 2025
Amending further RMC No. 48-2018, as amended by RMC No. 23-2023, on the classification and processing time of One-Time Transactions (ONETTs).
RMC No. 29-2025
April 7, 2025
Circularizing the RA No. 12079, titled (An Act Creating a VAT Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists, Adding a New Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as Amended, for the Purpose).
RMC No. 30-2025
April 7, 2025
Circularizing the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 12001, titled “An Act Instituting Reforms in Real Property Valuation and Assessment in the Philippines, Reorganizing the Bureau of Local Government Finance, Granting Tax Amnesty on Real Property and Special Levies on Real Property, and Appropriating Funds Therefor”.
RMC No. 31-2025
April 7, 2025
Clarification on the provisions on the applicable taxes due on sale of property considered as ordinary assets of the seller and other relevant matters.
RMC No. 32-2025
April 7, 2025
Circularizing Joint Administrative Order No. 002-2025, Series of 2025, titled “Guidelines to Implement Sections 6, 7, and 8 of Republic Act No. 12066, on the Certification of Export-Oriented Enterprise with Export Sales of at least Seventy Percent (70%) of the Total Annual Production of the Preceding Taxable Year”.
RMC No. 33-2025
April 7, 2025
Circularizing the 2025 National Priority Plan as prepared by the National Economic and Development Authority.
RMC No. 35-2025
April 10, 2025
Lost one (1) set of previously cancelled BIR Form No. 2313-R – Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration for Transaction Involving Transfer of Real Properties.
RMC No. 36-2025
April 10, 2025
Lost one (1) set of used/filled-up but unissued BIR Form No. 0422 – Mission Order.
REVENUE MEMORANDUM ORDERS
RMO No. 18-2025
April 10, 2025
Modification, Dropping and Creation of Alphanumeric Tax Code of selected revenue source under RA No. 12066 (CREATE MORE) Act.
REVENUE DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY ORDERS
RDAO No. 19-2025
April 7, 2025
Delegates to the CONED and FMD Chiefs the authority to sign documents specified in the Order in view of the approved leave of the National Office Data Center Head.
ADVISORIES
BIR reminds taxpayers to “Pay as you File” your 2024 Annual Income Tax Return on or before April 15, 2025.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/PR14MAR2825.pdf
Reminders
Payment Channels
These channels, according to Lumagui, include authorized agent banks, revenue collection officers, and various electronics platforms like Maya, GCash and MYEG, among others. To support the BIR this tax filling season, authorized agent banks will open on April 5 and April 12, both Saturday, and extend banking hours until 5pm form April 1 to April 15 to accommodate tax payments.
Advisory on the schedule of Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) availability.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/ORUS%20ADVISORY%20-%20MARCH%2021%202025%20(1).pdf
Tax Advisory: The software patch and the corresponding Job Aid for Alphalist Data Entry Module version 7.4 are now available in the BIR Website.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/Tax%20Advisory%2003-27-25.pdf
TAX LAW
REPUBLIC ACT No. 12023 – VAT on Digital Services
Official Gazette / October 2, 2024
AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 105, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114, 115, 128, 236, AND 288 AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS 108-A AND 108-B OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED
REPUBLIC ACT No. 12066 – CREATE MORE
Official Gazette / November 13, 2024
AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 27, 28, 32, 34, 57, 106, 108, 109, 112, 135, 237, 237-A, 269, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 300, 301, 308, 309, 310, AND 311, AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS 135-A, 295-A, 296-A, AND 297-A OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
REPUBLIC ACT No. 12079 – A VAT Refund for Non- Resident Tourists
Official Gazette / December 9, 2024
AN ACT CREATING A VAT REFUND MECHANISM FOR NON-RESIDENT TOURISTS, ADDING A NEW SECTION 112-A TO THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1997, AS AMENDED, FOR THE PURPOSE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SEC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR No. 01 series of 2025
2025 FILING OF ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:https://www.sec.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025MC_mc-no-1-series-2025.pdf
DRAFT IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) | Department of Finance
The Department of Finance invites stakeholders to a Public Consultation on the Draft Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 12079, otherwise known as “An Act Creating a VAT Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists, Adding a New Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, As Amended, For The Purpose.”, on 17 March 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM via Zoom.
Interested participants may register via this link:
https://bir-gov-ph.zoom.us/meeting/register/j5Rtidr5S4y1qStWCBSDHw
The Draft Implementing Rules and Regulations may be accessed at:
Stakeholders may submit their official position papers via e-mail at esiriban@dof.gov.ph as the e-mail subject, please use:
“[COMMENT ON DRAFT VAT REFUND FOR TOURIST IRR]”
NOTE:
* Only registered attendees will be accommodated.
* Meeting link to be sent to confirmed attendees.
Proposed Revenue Regulations to Implement Republic Act 12066, Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act. - Implementing the Amendments to Sections 27, 28, and 34 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as Amended by Republic Act No. 12066 or the “Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy”
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https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/CREATEMORE%20Draft%20RR.pdf
FIRB ISSUANCE
FISCAL INCENTIVES REVIEW BOARD
Official website: https://firb.gov.ph/
FIRB Advisory 001-2025
February 20, 2025
Circularizing the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Title XIII of Republic Act No. 8424 otherwise known as the “National Internal Revenue Code of 1997”, as Amended by Republic Act No. 12066
FOR: All Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), Other Government Agencies Administering Tax Incentives, Revenue Collecting Agencies, Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) and Other Registered Entities, and All Other Key Stakeholders
This Advisory circularizes the IRR of Title XII of RA No. 8424 (NIRC of 1997), as amended by RA No. 12066 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.
The IRR is issued in accordance with Section 32 of RA No. 12066, which mandates the Secretary of Finance and the Secretary of Trade and Industry to jointly promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for Title XII of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997 within ninety (90) days form law’s effectivity
The CREATE MORE IRR was signed on February 17, 2025. Pursuant to Rule 25, Section 4 thereof, the IRR took effect on 20 February 2025 upon its publication in the Philippine STAR.
https://firb.gov.ph/download/firb-advisory-001-2025/
wpdmdl=4338&refresh=67b817f0c55c71740118000
FIRB Advisory No. 007-2024 – December 17, 2024
Interim Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on the Availment of Incentives and Transfer of Registration as Provided Under Republic Act No. 12066
https://firb.gov.ph/download/firb-advisory-no-007-2024/?wpdmdl=4135&refresh=6776528c473f11735807628
The Fiscal Incentives Review Board, or FIRB, is the interagency government body given the authority by the Philippine law to grant tax incentives to registered business enterprises. The FIRB has delegated to the country’s investment promotion agencies the grant of tax incentives for registered projects or activities with investment capital of one billion pesos (P1,000,000,000) and below. The FIRB also grants tax subsidies to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs).
WHAT ARE THE TAX INCENTIVES AVAILABLE?
WHAT ARE THE TAX INCENTIVES AVAILABLE?
- 4 to 7 years of income tax holiday (ITH)
- 10 years of special corporate income tax (SCIT) for export enterprises
- Enhanced deductions
- Customs duty exemption on importation
- Value-added tax (VAT) exemption on importation and VAT zero-rating on local purchases
TAX AND BUSINESS RELATED NEWS
BIR WEEKENDER BRIEFS
Volume No. 16 Issue No 14 Week ending April 4, 2025 – (BIR Website)
A total of 5 tax cases were filed by BIR district offices against erring taxpayers last March 27 and 31.
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https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/v16n14_higres.pdf
CTA junks P10.4-M tax refund sought by FMC Switzerland for 2019
Manila Bulletin / Czarina Nicole Ong Ki / April 5, 2025
The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has denied for lack of jurisdiction the petition of FMC Switzerland II GMBH which sought P10.49 million tax refund from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for 2019. FMC Switzerland filed before the BIR an administrative claim for valued-added tax (VAT) refund of P10,497,680.23 for its alleged unutilized input taxes that are allocable and directly attributable to its VAT zero-rated transactions from April 1 to Dec. 31, 2019. However, the claim was denied by the BIR in a letter dated Oct. 20, 2021. The company subsequently filed a petition for review before the CTA on Feb. 2, 2022. It argued that the recipient of its services is a foreign corporation doing business outside the Philippines when the services were performed. It also claimed that it was able to satisfy all of the elements in claiming excess input VAT by submitting the necessary documents such as the official receipts and sales invoice to the BIR. In its decision, the CTA pointed out that there was an “obvious inaction” on the part of the BIR to act on the refund claim of FMC Switzerland, which should have been done until Oct. 15, 2021.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/5/cta-junks-p10-4-m-tax-refund-sought-by-fmc-switzerland-for-2019
Philippines eyes expanded international roadshow for CREATE MORE Act
Philippine Daily Inquirer / Alden M. Monzon / April 5, 2025 – MANILA, Philippines
The Philippines’ economic czar said on Thursday said the government will push through with their roadshows overseas to raise awareness about the recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act. Secretary Frederick Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs said at least seven overseas destinations are scheduled for the initiative.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://business.inquirer.net/517454/philippines-eyes-expanded-international-roadshow-for-create-more-act
BIR VAT collections up over 35% in 2024
Business World / Aubrey Rose A. Inosante / April 6, 2025
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it collected P643.85 billion in value-added tax (VAT) revenue last year, up 35.48%. VAT is a 12% levy on the sale, barter, exchange or lease of goods or properties and services and on goods imported into the Philippines. In addition, the BIR has said it is now expecting to collect additional revenue from new tax measures such as the VAT on digital service providers (DSPs). President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on October signed Republic Act No. 12023, which imposes a 12% VAT on DSPs, both resident and nonresident. The implementing rules and regulations were signed in January, with DSPs immediately subject to VAT on digital services on June 1.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/04/06/664252/bir-vat-collections-up-over-35-in-2024/
BIR CV sets target for 2025 at P55B
The Freeman / Jonnavie Villa / April 6, 2025 – CEBU, Philippines
The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Central Visayas (BIR-13) has set a tax collection target amounting to P55.14 billion for the region in 2025, aiming to sustain its strong performance over the past two years. BIR-13 Officer-in-charge regional director Antonio Ilagan said they are positive about exceeding the collection once again following the good stance from 2023 and 2024 tax collection. An AITR is a document that taxpayers submit to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to report their income, deductions, and tax liabilities for a specific taxable year. Ilagan noted that timely compliance is very vital to avoid penalties, surcharges, and legal consequences associated with late or non-filing. To facilitate the filing process, the BIR-13 offers several electronic platforms, including the Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) and the Electronic Bureau of Internal Revenue Forms (eBIRForms), accessible through the BIR website. Taxpayers can also make payments through authorized agent banks and revenue collection officers at respective Revenue District Offices (RDO).
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2025/04/06/2433944/bir-cv-sets-target-2025-p55b
BIR steps up high-tech services to make tax filing easier
Philippine News Agency/ April 7, 2025 – MANILA
With the April 15 income tax deadline nearing, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has stepped up its digitalized services to make tax filing easer. “The BIR is committed to making tax filing and payment more convenient by ensuring that our e-Filing Center and RDOs’ (Regional District Offices) eLounges are available to assist taxpayers every step of the way,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said Monday in a public advisory on his official Facebook page as he encouraged taxpayers to use the agency’s electronic facilities and tax payment channels for a hassle-free tax filing experience. “Our goal is to make tax compliance easier and hassle-free for our taxpayers. We will continue to enhance our services and exert more efforts to achieve that.” Lumagui also encouraged the early filing of annual income tax returns (AITR) and the payment of the full income tax due on the same day of filing using the BIR’s electronic services and available tax payment channels for a smooth and hassle-free experience These include authorized agent banks, revenue collection officers, and various electronic platforms like Maya, GCash and MYEG, among others. Taxpayers may use the electronic BIR Forms (eBIRForms) and the electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) available on the BIR website to file returns online. The BIR is also opening its doors for those without internet access, with eLounges at RDOs available for in-person filing support. Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) have likewise extended their banking hours until 5 p.m. and will remain open on April 12 to accommodate tax payments
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247665
BIR adds more medicines to VAT-exempt list
The Philippine Star / Louise Maureen Simeon / April 7, 2025- MANILA, Philippines
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued the updated list of value-added tax (VAT)-exempt medicines for various diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In its latest revenue memorandum circular, BIR has approved the list of the 12 percent VAT-exempt products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act. This comes after the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health endorsed the updated list. The circular covered the inclusion of certain medicines for hypertension, mental illness, diabetes and high cholesterol. A total of eight drugs were added to the list, four of which are for the treatment of diabetes. Some two kinds of medicines are meant for high cholesterol. The BIR also approved one drug each for hypertension and mental illness.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/04/07/2433986/bir-adds-more-medicines-vat-exempt-list
Tourist VAT refund seen generating increased visitor revenue in 2025
Business World / Justine Irish D. Tabile/ April 7, 2025
THE Department of Tourism (DoT) said tourism revenue is expected to rise this year, aided by the new tax refund for tourists. “2024 was a banner year for Philippine tourism, with international spending reaching around P760 billion, a 126% recovery rate (from pre-pandemic levels). Our goal was always to exceed that, which we achieved the previous year,” Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco said on Monday. She said that the value-added tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists and DoT’s collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will encourage more visitor spending.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/04/07/664545/tourist-vat-refund-seen-generating-increased-visitor-revenue-in-2025/
Adopt-a-school program: A path to tax savings and educational impact ‘Let’s Talk Tax’
Business World / Felipe L. Juban, Jr. / April 7, 2025
My research has turned up various programs encouraging private entities to help or assist in upgrading and modernizing of educational institutions. In 1998, Republic Act (RA) No. 8525, otherwise known as the “Adopt-a-School Program,” was signed. This piece of legislation encouraged private entities to assist all public schools, preferably located in any of the 20 poorest provinces identified by the Presidential Council for Countryside Development. The assistance focuses on the staff and faculty development for training and further education; construction of facilities; upgrading of existing facilities; provision of books, publications and other instructional materials; and modernization of instructional technology. In return, a qualified Adopting Private Entity which enters into an agreement with a public school will be entitled to tax incentives as laid down in BIR Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 10-2003, dated Jan. 27, 2003. However, due to the ever-changing tax rules, RR No. 13-2025 was recently issued, simplifying and streamlining the procedures and requirements relative to the availment of the tax exemptions and incentives granted.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/04/07/664539/adopt-a-school-program-a-path-to-tax-savings-and-educational-impact/
2025 International Tax and Investment Conference showcases visionary insights from global leaders
Business World / April 7, 2025
The 2025 International Tax and Investment Conference, held on March 26 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, convened global leaders, policy makers, and industry experts to explore ESG investing, economic resilience, and emerging investment trends. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino was honored with the first ACG Global Award for his outstanding leadership in promoting investor protection, corporate governance, and a resilient capital market ecosystem. One of the most anticipated announcements was the launch of the International Tax and Investment Roadshow, a global initiative spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, the United States, Canada, and Europe. This initiative aims to connect investors, policy makers, and businesses in fostering tax-efficient, responsible, and sustainable investments worldwide.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/spotlight/2025/04/07/664322/2025-international-tax-and-investment-conference-showcases-visionary-insights-from-global-leaders/
No more paperwork: SEC shifts company registration entirely online
Manila Bulletin / James A. Loyola / April 8, 2025
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it has moved to a fully online and paperless company registration process so that applicants will no longer have to submit hard copies of physically signed or notarized documents. The Commission on April 4 issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2024, which provides for the Mandatory Use of the SEC Zuper Easy Registration Online (ZERO) in the Registration of Corporations Using the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company (eSPARC) and One Day Submission and E-registration of Companies (OneSEC) as Portals. SEC ZERO is an application under eSPARC that eliminates the need for physical signatures and notarization, as well as the submission of hard copies of registration documents. The system is integrated with the Electronic SEC User Registration Environment (eSECURE), which credentials users before they can access online services of the SEC, and the Electronic Submission Authentication Portal (eSAP), which makes use of one-time passwords (OTPs) to electronically authenticate SEC- required documents, in lieu of conventional paper-based signatures. Under the guidelines, all domestic stock corporations, excluding lending and financing companies, shall be processed through SEC ZERO starting on April 7, 2025. This includes corporations fully owned by Filipinos or those with foreign equity. Meanwhile, all Filipino domestic stock corporations may be processed using OneSEC. Lending companies, financing companies, and foreign corporations shall use the regular processing under eSPARC for three months after the effectivity of MC 3. Thereafter, the mandatory use of SEC ZERO shall apply to all types of corporations. To register a company, applicants must first create an eSECURE account through https://esecure.sec.gov.ph/. The account must undergo the credentialing process to ensure that the one applying for registration is a real person. The system will also be able to validate the Tax Identification Numbers of applicants by cross matching records with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Once the applicant has an eSECURE account, he will be directed to the eSPARC portal at https://esparc.sec.gov.ph.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/8/sec-company-registration-process-now-purely-digital-no-more-paper-documents
House bill eyes higher taxes on pre-mixed alcoholic drinks to limit use
Business World / Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio / April 9, 2025
A BILL that seeks to curb the Philippines’ alcohol consumption by increasing the taxes on pre-mixed alcoholic beverages was filed at the House of Representatives last week. House Bill No. 11493, filed by Party-list Rep. Percival V. Cendaña on April 2, seeks to reclassify pre-mixed alcohols as fermented liquors instead of distilled spirits under the Philippine Tax Code. That means a P252 tax per liter of alcoholic content by 2031, according to a copy of the bill obtained by BusinessWorld. The Philippines ranked fifth in alcohol consumption compared with its regional peers, with Filipinos drinking at least six liters of alcoholic drinks in 2023, according to a Southeast Asia Stats report last year. Pre-mixed alcoholic beverages in the Philippines are subject to a 22% ad valorem tax on top of a P69.60 specific tax per proof liter, according to excise tax rates on the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) website.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2025/04/09/665107/house-bill-eyes-higher-taxes-on-pre-mixed-alcoholic-drinks-to-limit-use/
Tax-free foreign currency deposits for heirs ‘Taxwise Or Otherwise’
Business World / Maryjane Almira Kau Chong / April 9, 2025
In its counterargument, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) asserted that estate tax should apply to these foreign currency deposits, claiming that the exemption granted under RA No. 6426 was implicitly repealed by the 1997 National Internal Revenue Code. This is because it is neither listed as an allowable deduction for estate taxes nor included among the acquisitions and transfers exempt from estate taxes under the Tax Code. The Supreme Court, however, upheld that foreign currency deposit accounts are exempt from all taxes, including estate tax, under RA No. 6426. This ruling underscored the principle that as a special law regulating the foreign currency deposit system and detailing exemptions and incentives, the specific provisions of the Foreign Currency Deposit Act take precedence over the broader provisions of the 1997 Tax Code concerning national internal revenue taxes. The Court determined that the 1997 Tax Code, as a general tax law, cannot nullify or alter the specific exemptions provided by RA No. 6426 without a clear and explicit provision stating its repeal.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/04/09/665048/tax-free-foreign-currency-deposits-for-heirs/
BIR widens net vs. vape, cigarette smugglers
Philippine News Agency / April 10, 2025 – MANILA
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is intensifying enforcement operations against both emerging and long-standing sources of tax evasion, particularly in the vape and tobacco industries. In a news release on Thursday, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said this is part of the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government effort to address not just illicit trade and revenue loss, but also the public health dangers posed by unregulated and often toxic products that enter the market without inspection or permits. He said the BIR has been carrying out sustained enforcement operations against illicit trade, including the destruction of counterfeit and untaxed cigarettes and the filing of criminal complaints against violators
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247899
BIR optimistic on attaining 2025 collection target
Philippine News Agency / Anna Leah Gonzales / April 10, 2025 – MANILA
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is optimistic that it will achieve its revenue collection target this year. During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Thursday, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said that through the agency’s programs, employees’ hard work, and with the help of the taxpayers, the revenue collection target this year will be attained.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247880
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