Bureau of Internal Revenue Issuances
REVENUE MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
REVENUE MEMORANDUM ORDER
REVENUE DELEGATION AUTHORITY ORDERS
RDAO No. 53-2025
September 8, 2025
Designates the Deputy Commissioner of the Legal Group as Officer-in-Charge in view of the official travel of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue
RDAO No. 54-2025
September 8, 2025
Designates the OIC-Head Revenue Executive Assistant of Finance Service as Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Finance Service in view of the approved leave of absence of the Assistant Commissioner
TAX ADVISORY
Public Advisory: The BIR does not accredit EIS providers. Only taxpayers mandated/notified by the BIR to use the EIS shall apply at the BIR for EIS Certification and Permit to Transmit (PTT) sales data, and not the software/system providers.
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https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/Public%20Advisory%20-%20EIS%20Accredited%20Providers.pdf
Advisory on Unavailability/Inaccessibility of ONETT Tracking System (OTS).
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https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/Advisory Unavailablity OTS (0031).pdf
Advisory on Unavailability/Inaccessibility of Electronic Sales Reporting (eSales) System and Electronic Accreditation and Registration (eAccReg) System.
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https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/Advisory Unavailability eSales & eAccreg (0030).pdf
TAX LAW
REPUBLIC ACT No. 12214 – Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA)
BIR Website / signed May 29, 2025
AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 42, 51, 52, 56, 57, 127, 149, 174, 176, 179, 190, 199, AND 258 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8424, ОТHERWISE KNOWN AS 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
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. 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
TAX AND BUSINESS RELATED NEWS
BIR WEEKENDER BRIEFS
Volume No. 16 Issue No. 37 Week ending September 12, 2025 – BIR Website
Enforcement Operations against illicit cigarettes circulation – On September 6, Group Supervisor Ma. Cecilia Lim, Revenue Officers Zinette Dene Daliva, Ruthchen Mirasol, and Mary Janelle Lontoc of RD 72-Roxas City, under the leadership of RDO Nelia Demalata, conducted a strategic law enforcement operation targeting the circulation of illicit cigarettes throughout Capiz province. This initiative was executed through the collaborative efforts of a specialized team comprising of RR 11-Iloilo City’s Regional Investigation Division OIC-Asst. Chief Michael Alparaque and Justhel Marie Ellarina, and Atty. Ian John Ballarta of the Legal Division. The team worked in close coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office 6.
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https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/v16n37%20web.pdf
CTA rules for BSP in documentary tax stamp refund claim
Philippine News Agency / Benjamin Pulta / September 5, 2025 – MANILA
The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has granted a petition filed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) seeking a refund for documentary stamp taxes (DST) for PHP24,684 it paid in connection with the foreclosure of mortgaged properties of the Rural Bank of San Miguel. In a nine-page decision made public Friday, the CTA Special First Division explained under its charter, BSP is authorized to grant emergency loans and advances to banks secured by real estate mortgage. “In the instant case, the consolidation of title of real properties acquired by petitioner is part of the conduct of its business. Hence, it is without a doubt that the assessment and collection of the subject DST is erroneous considering the clear and categorical language of the law that all contracts, deeds, documents and transactions related to the conduct of business of the BSP are exempt from DST.” The BSP had foreclosed mortgaged properties of the Rural Bank of San Miguel after it failed to pay its emergency loan with the central bank.
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https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1258115
BIR exceeds excise tax target in first 7 months
Business World / Aubrey Rose A. Inosante / September 7, 2025
EXCISE TAX collections exceeded the target for the first seven months, driven by tobacco products, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said. Excise tax collections amounted to P193.65 billion during the period, beating the target by 2.19%, the BIR said. The seven-month total was also 15.10% higher than the year-earlier tally. Miscellaneous excise taxes — covering automobiles, sweetened beverages, cosmetic procedures, and other non-essential goods — were also below target at P25.03 billion, missing the goal by 11.62% and 4.99% lower than the year-earlier total.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/09/07/696708/bir-exceeds-excise-tax-target-in-first-7-months/
The General Tax Amnesty bill: Opportunities for compliance and growth ‘Suits The C-Suite’
Business World / Michael A. Madlangbayan / September 7, 2025
IN BRIEF:
• The General Tax Amnesty Bill, formally known as Senate Bill No. 60, presents a significant opportunity for taxpayers to address their tax obligations while alleviating penalties and interest on unpaid taxes.
• This initiative aims to foster a culture of compliance among taxpayers, encouraging them to fulfill their obligations through transparent policies and processes.
• Understanding the provisions of the General Tax Amnesty can empower businesses to strategically manage their tax responsibilities and enhance their operational efficiency.
The introduction of the General Tax Amnesty Bill marks a pivotal moment for taxpayers. This bill seeks to provide relief to individuals and businesses by addressing the challenges posed by the previously vetoed 2018 Tax Amnesty Act. By offering a reprieve from penalties and interest on unpaid taxes, the General Tax Amnesty aims to promote compliance and encourage taxpayers to settle their obligations. The General Tax Amnesty covers a wide range of taxes, including income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, donor’s tax, value-added tax (VAT), and excise tax. This coverage extends to the taxable year 2024 and prior years, regardless of whether assessments have been issued for unpaid taxes.
ENTITLEMENT UNDER THE GENERAL TAX AMNESTY
The amnesty is applicable to both natural and juridical persons, providing flexibility in how taxpayers can settle their obligations. Taxpayers have two options for paying the amnesty tax, the first being 2% of total assets as of Dec. 31, 2024, as declared in the Statement of Total Assets. The second option is based on total net worth as of Dec. 31, 2024, as declared in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, with specific rates and minimum payments for various categories. The rate for individuals (including trusts and estates) is 5% or P100,000, whichever is higher. For corporations, the rate depends on subscribed capital: 1) Over P50 million subscribed capital: 5% or P1,300,000, whichever is higher, 2) P20 million to P50 million subscribed capital: 5% or P650,000, whichever is higher, 3) P5 million to P20 million subscribed capital: 5% or P350,000, whichever is higher, 4) Below P5 million subscribed capital: 5% or P150,000, whichever is higher. For other juridical entities (e.g., taxable cooperatives and foundations), the rate is 5% or P100,000, whichever is higher. Taxpayers with negative net worth can still avail of the amnesty by paying the minimum tax, ensuring inclusivity.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/09/07/696705/the-general-tax-amnesty-bill-opportunities-for-compliance-and-growth/
BIR clarifies which business expenses are tax-deductible ‘Let’s Talk Tax’
Business World / Guillermo Benito G. Soliven / September 8, 2025
Can a taxpayer deduct business expenses related to passive income? Under the BIR’s latest issuance, taxpayers need to identify and segregate their expenses more carefully. Business expenses inevitably arise, regardless of the nature of operations. Few truths in business are as enduring as the adage: it takes money to make money. With this in mind, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 81-2025, providing a clearer compliance framework for taxpayers to determine which business expenses qualify for tax deduction. While RMC No. 81-2025 focuses on expounding on the deductibility of both ordinary and necessary expenses in relation to Section 34(A)(1)(a) of the Tax Code, this update is crucial to taxpayers as it draws a sharper line between expenses tied to active income and those related to passive income. Through the RMC, the BIR has made it explicitly clear that only expenses directly tied to the generation of active income — that is, income derived from the conduct of trade, business, or profession — may be considered deductible. The RMC provides a comprehensive framework for how taxpayers must approach expense deductibility. It provided a detailed description of when an expense can be considered ordinary and necessary.
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/09/08/697099/bir-clarifies-which-business-expenses-are-tax-deductible/
Reduced inheritance tax deters big firms from going public
Manila Bulletin/ James A. Loyola / September 8, 2025
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) are working together to encourage even small companies to go public, as large, family-owned conglomerates are no longer too keen to list their shares as part of estate-planning because inheritance tax has recently been slashed by 70 percent. “The big companies have no need for capital. A lot of big companies were listing before for succession issues—so that it’s easy for them to transfer their shares to their heirs,” said PSE President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramon S. Monzon.
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https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/08/reduced-inheritance-tax-deters-big-firms-from-going-public
SSS rolls out pension increase and new benefit cards under Recto’s directive to better serve members
Department of Finance / September 8, 2025
Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission (SSC) ex-officio Chair Ralph G. Recto has directed the Social Security System (SSS) to roll out the pension increase and new benefit cards aimed at providing greater benefits and faster services to SSS pensioners and members. “Ang mga programang ito ang patunay ng totoong serbisyong publiko: Hindi dagdag abala, kundi dagdag ginhawa. Hindi lumang sistema, kundi makabagong solusyon. Hindi mabagal na proseso, kundi mabilis na aksyon,” Secretary Recto said in his message. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s commitment to protect Filipino workers’ welfare and under Secretary Recto’s directive, the SSS is implementing the Pension Reform of 2025 starting this month—its first-ever annual pension increase rolled out over a three-year period. It was announced by the President last month and approved by the SSS Board, chaired by Secretary Recto.
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https://www.dof.gov.ph/sss-rolls-out-pension-increase-and-new-benefit-cards-under-rectos-directive-to-better-serve-members/
Recto orders local treasurers to ensure the faithful execution of local budgets to protect taxpayers’ money
Department of Finance / September 9, 2025
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto gave his marching orders to newly appointed local treasurers in Visayas and Mindanao to act as the nation’s first line of defense for fiscal governance, ensuring that local budgets are faithfully executed in order to protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money. “As our first line of defense of fiscal governance at the local level, we are counting on you not only to guard and manage our resources well. But to ensure the faithful execution of our local budgets,” he said in his message. Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Supervising Assistant Secretary Danielle Marie S. Rieza-Culangen and Department of Finance (DOF) Legal Services and Local Finance Group Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin facilitated the Ceremonial Oath Taking of 195 newly appointed local treasurers and assistant local treasurers from Regions VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on September 8, 2025. Local treasurers are the backbone of local government units (LGUs), serving as financial advisors and protectors of local finances by ensuring proper fund management.
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https://www.dof.gov.ph/recto-orders-local-treasurers-to-ensure-the-faithful-execution-of-local-budgets-to-protect-taxpayers-money/
P12 million taxes collected from Manila flood control projects
The Philippine Star / Ghio Ong / September 9, 2025 – MANILA, Philippines
The Manila government has collected P12 million in taxes from the contractors of completed and ongoing flood control projects in the city. “As of this morning, an additional P4 million has been collected,” Mayor Isko Moreno said yesterday following his Sept. 4 announcement of collecting P8 million in taxes. City officials would be going after the contractors of over 300 flood control projects in Manila, Moreno said.
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https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/09/09/2471434/p12-million-taxes-collected-manila-flood-control-projects
But wait, there’s more for exporters under CREATE MORE ‘Taxwise Or Otherwise’
Business World / Anika Mae Fierro / September 10, 2025
Export-oriented enterprises (EEs) are vital contributors to the economy, driving industrial growth, attracting foreign investment, and generating employment across various sectors. To support these businesses, the government has historically offered tax incentives, including Value-Added Tax (VAT) zero-rating and exemptions on purchases and importations. Under previous rules, VAT zero-rating and exemptions were limited to Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) during their designated incentive period. Once this period ends, these benefits can no longer be availed of. Republic Act No. 12066, also known as the CREATE MORE Act, not only retained these incentives, but also expanded their coverage. Under Sections 6, 7 and 8 of CREATE MORE, EEs may continue to avail of VAT zero-rating on local purchases and VAT exemptions on imports even after the lapse of their incentive periods, the cancellation of their Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) registration. Even if they were never registered with an IPA, they could be eligible provided they meet certain conditions and obtain certification from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB). Clearly, this shift makes fiscal incentives more inclusive and performance-based, rather than being strictly tied to IPA registration status. Under CREATE MORE, once the incentive period ends, EEs do not automatically lose access to VAT-related benefits. To implement these provisions, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 32-2025. To be eligible for VAT zero-rating and exemptions under CREATE MORE, EEs must meet two primary conditions.First, a minimum of 70% of the EE’s total annual production from the preceding taxable year must be export sales. Second, the goods and services for which VAT incentives are claimed must be “directly attributable” to export activities, including not only production inputs but also support services such as janitorial, security, financial, consultancy, marketing, as well as administrative services like HR, legal, and accounting. These services need to be incidental to or reasonably necessary for the export activity of an EE. Thus, for EEs engaged in both export and domestic sales, it would appear that the corresponding purchases would need to be allocated between the two, unless the expense is clearly in relation to the export sales.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/09/10/697730/but-wait-theres-more-for-exporters-under-create-more/
New mining tax law seen to generate P6-B in annual revenues
Philippine News Agency / Wilnard Bacelonia / September 9, 2025-MANILA
The Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act or Republic Act (RA) 12253 is expected to generate an additional PHP6 billion annually for the government, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said Tuesday. Ejercito, the principal author and sponsor of the measure, witnessed the ceremonial signing of the law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang Manila on Sept. 4. He said the reform establishes a fair and uniform tax regime for the mining industry.
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https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1258306
SSS, GSIS told to protect funds, modernize systems
Business World / Chloe Mari A. Hufana / September 10, 2025
PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday directed the country’s two main pension funds to protect members’ contributions and modernize their systems. Speaking at the 68th anniversary of the Social Security System (SSS) and the launch of its 2025 pension reform program in Quezon City, Mr. Marcos reminded officials of SSS and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) that they are custodians of workers’ savings built through “sacrifice and hard work.” “To my fellow public servants in SSS and GSIS, let us not forget that every contribution from our members is the product of their effort and sacrifice,” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino, according to a transcript from his office. He added that the government must be ready to extend relief to members when they need it.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2025/09/10/697668/sss-gsis-told-to-protect-funds-modernize-systems/
BoC: Discaya’s unpaid tax at P72M
Business World / Aubrey Rose A. Inosante / September 11, 2025
THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has uncovered P71.66 million in unpaid duties and taxes linked to luxury vehicles imported by the Discaya family. In a statement on Wednesday, the BoC said an investigation revealed that Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” F. Discaya II declared only P33.06 million in duties and taxes for vehicles brought in through various ports, far below the assessed total of P104.72 million. “The investigation revealed that eight motor vehicles were imported without any corresponding entry, classifying them as smuggled and subject to the issuance of Warrants of Seizure and Detention,” the BoC said. The seven other vehicles, while covered by import entries, lacked Certificates of Payment and showed deficiencies in declared duties and taxes. Meanwhile, only 14 vehicles have filed import entries and supported by Certificates of Payment will also undergo verification under Post Clearance Audit Group’s transaction audit. Another vehicle will undergo verification. The BoC said it has now seized 30 vehicles linked to the Discayas, up from the initial 12 confiscated.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2025/09/11/697967/boc-discayas-unpaid-tax-at-p72m/
SEC allows one-day registration for foreign companies
Business World / Alexandria Grace C. Magno / September 11, 2025
COMPANIES with foreign equity seeking to incorporate in the Philippines may now register their businesses with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in just one day. In a statement on Wednesday, the SEC said it has expanded the coverage of the One Day Submission and Electronic Registration of Companies (OneSEC) Zuper Easy Registration Online facility to include corporations with foreign equity as part of efforts to further streamline the registration process. “Streamlining the company registration process for foreign entities is a crucial component of our thrust to improve the ease of doing business in the country,” SEC Chairperson Francisco Ed. Lim said.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2025/09/11/697651/sec-allows-one-day-registration-for-foreign-companies/#google_vignette
Regulator sets Sept. 30 deadline for SEC RENT securities registration
Business World / Alexandria Grace C. Magno / September 11, 2025
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set a Sept. 30 deadline for real estate developers and companies engaged in rental pool agreements to complete the registration of their securities. In a notice dated Sept. 8, the corporate regulator reminded firms to comply with the requirements under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 12, Series of 2024, or the Securing and Expanding Capital in Real Estate Non-Traditional Securities (SEC RENT). The rules, issued in July, aim to streamline capital raising for developers offering investment returns through rental properties. Rental pool agreements are investment contracts in which a developer sells or offers units in projects such as condominiums, hotels, resorts, or dormitories, with the condition that these units are placed in a rental pool managed by the developer or a third-party operator. Under SEC RENT, the developer or manager must secure approvals from the SEC’s Company Registration and Monitoring Department, Corporate Governance and Finance Department, Enforcement and Investor Protection Department, Office of the General Counsel, and Office of the General Accountant before filing its registration statement with the Markets and Securities Regulation Department (MSRD).
Click the link below to read the full news from the source:
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2025/09/11/697641/regulator-sets-sept-30-deadline-for-sec-rent-securities-registration/
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