DAVAO CITY (February 5) – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is urging all government agencies and state-run institutions to join a whole-of-government push to improve tax compliance, saying higher collections must be matched by better service delivery and stronger accountability.
The call comes as the BIR marks Tax Awareness Month, a month-long campaign declared in 2024 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through Proclamation No. 486, aimed at strengthening public understanding of tax laws, filing requirements, and timely payment.
For taxpayers, the BIR said the campaign should mean clearer rules, easier compliance, and fewer penalties, as it promotes proper registration, accurate filing, and on-time payment of correct taxes.
Under the theme “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis Mo (Efficient Service, Equivalent to Your Taxes),” the agency said it is committing to integrity, professionalism, and efficiency—longstanding pain points for many taxpayers.
Revenue Regions and District Offices have been directed to roll out activities encouraging voluntary compliance, especially timely filing and payment.
The 2026 observance, the BIR said, aligns with its DARES reform agenda, which focuses on digital and data transformation, audit reform and accountability, revenue base protection, and service excellence and stakeholder engagement.
However, tax experts and taxpayer groups say trust—not just enforcement—will determine compliance.
“Taxpayers are more willing to comply when rules are consistent and enforcement is fair,” a former revenue official and tax policy analyst said. “Digitalization helps, but accountability in audits and assessments is just as critical.”
Business groups echoed the call for reform, saying efficiency must be felt on the ground.
“What taxpayers want is predictability—clear guidance, fewer discretionary decisions, and faster processing,” a representative of a small and medium enterprise (SME) group said. “If compliance is easier, voluntary compliance improves.”
Consumer and taxpayer advocates also stressed that accountability should extend beyond collection.
“The message shouldn’t stop at ‘pay your taxes,’” a taxpayer watchdog group said. “People want to see where their taxes go and whether services actually improve.”
The BIR said Tax Awareness Month is also meant to make tax information more accessible, consistent, and responsive, as the agency seeks to rebuild public trust and reinforce the link between tax compliance, transparency, and public service delivery.
