BIR launches tax compliance verification campaign

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) launched a campaign that aims to help taxpayers understand their tax obligations to encourage voluntary compliance, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

In a statement Tuesday, the BIR said the Friendly Tax Compliance Verification Drive (TCVD) which runs from Feb. 10 to 14, focuses on helping taxpayers understand their tax obligations, identify common issues, and guide them in correcting these to ensure proper compliance with tax laws.

The BIR said the initiative aims to build lasting awareness and improve cooperation between the BIR and the business community.

"The BIR will conduct a tax education campaign, through a nationwide TCVD. The purpose of this TCVD is solely to educate businesses on their tax obligations. No penalties will be imposed," BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.

The BIR said that on the first day alone, more than 24,000 establishments across the Philippines were visited as part of the drive.

Some of the most common issues found include businesses not being officially registered, not keeping their books of accounts at their place of business, and not displaying their certificate of registration.

The BIR said some taxpayers were also not able to convert their official receipts into the required sales or service invoices under the Ease of Paying Taxes Act.

"We are here to educate our taxpayers, not to penalize them. Education leads to compliance. Improved services lead to compliance. Our revenuers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be visiting businesses to explain the fundamentals of taxation to everyone," Lumagui said.

The friendly TCVD reflects the BIR’s commitment to foster a culture of voluntary compliance through education and direct engagement with taxpayers.

Through education and continuous guidance, the BIR is committed to helping taxpayers comply with ease and confidence.

Aside from tax education, this friendly enforcement activity also provides revenuers with the opportunity to engage directly with business owners on how to make compliance easier.

The data gathered from common violations also offer valuable insights into how tax regulations can be made clearer and more accessible to the public.

This aligns with the government’s broader objective of improving the business environment, allowing MSMEs to thrive, and ultimately increasing tax collection through enhanced voluntary compliance.

Driven by enhanced enforcement measures, digital transformation initiatives, and improved taxpayer services, the agency collected PHP2.852 trillion in 2024, exceeding its target of PHP2.848 trillion, and a 13 percent increase from the previous year’s revenues.