- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected ₱2.47 trillion in gross revenues from January to September 2026, putting the agency about three months away from its ₱3.39-trillion target for the year.
- Preliminary data as of October 13 showed collections rose by ₱130.37 billion, or 5.6%, from the ₱2.33 trillion recorded during the same period last year.
- September collections reached ₱203.58 billion, up 10.9% from ₱183.53 billion in September 2025.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected ₱2.47 trillion in gross revenues from January to September 2026, putting the agency about three months away from its ₱3.39-trillion target for the year.
Preliminary data as of October 13 showed collections rose by ₱130.37 billion, or 5.6%, from the ₱2.33 trillion recorded during the same period last year.
September collections reached ₱203.58 billion, up 10.9% from ₱183.53 billion in September 2025.
The BIR attributed the increase to efforts encouraging voluntary tax compliance and helping taxpayers meet their obligations. These included taxpayer assistance activities conducted by regional offices, the Large Taxpayers Service, and other support units.
BIR pushes digital services and taxpayer assistance
The agency has been implementing reforms under its DARES agenda, including a taxpayer portal intended to make tax compliance more convenient.
It has also conducted nationwide Counsel, Help, Assist Taxpayers (CHAT) activities to provide direct assistance to businesses and communities.
The initiatives form part of the government's push to improve public service delivery and create a more business-friendly environment. The BIR said its reforms would continue to focus on making tax compliance more accessible and efficient.
With ₱2.47 trillion collected by the end of September, the agency needs to raise another ₱920 billion to meet its full-year target of ₱3.39 trillion.
BIR clarifies tax deductions for shared senior citizen discounts
Separately, the BIR has updated rules governing tax deductions for senior citizen discounts shared among pharmaceutical retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers.
Under Revenue Regulations No. 07-2026, these businesses may enter into burden-sharing agreements in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Department of Health.
The rules clarify how businesses should account for senior citizen discounts when claiming them as deductible expenses from gross income.
Under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, establishments must provide senior citizens with a 20% discount on qualified goods and services for their exclusive use and enjoyment.
When businesses share the cost of these discounts under an agreement, the total deductible expense cannot exceed the portion corresponding to each claimant’s agreed share.
The clarification sets out how participating businesses should handle the tax treatment of shared discounts while maintaining the statutory benefit for senior citizens.