Regulatory updates - Philippines

The launch of the portal is part of the BIR’s broader efforts to modernize tax administration and promote ease of doing business in the Philippines.

Currently available through a pilot implementation to taxpayers under the LTS, the portal enables taxpayers to access their tax information through a single online view, reducing the need for manual follow-ups and in-person visits to BIR offices.

Taxpayers may enroll to access the following functionality through the platform:

• Viewing of taxpayer registration information
• Monitoring of status of filed tax returns per Tax Type/Form Type
• Tracking of tax payments
• Viewing of Account Ledger per Tax Type/Form Type
• Receiving of system-generated notifications and tax reminders

The pilot implementation is intended to support the gradual rollout of the system to other taxpayer categories by ensuring operational readiness before wider deployment.

The updated audit procedures entail key changes, including:

• Audit notices must now prominently display their scope by disclosing if it refers to a full or limited examination.
• The BIR is prohibited from issuing multiple electronic letters of authority (eLAs) for the same taxable year but will instead conduct a single audit.
• Taxpayers wishing to separate their VAT audits may file a request no later than February 16, 2026.

Taxpayers may consult the updated control procedures in detail here.

The resumption of tax audits with the updated control procedures took effect immediately on January 27, 2026.

The RMC states the suspension aims to protect taxpayers from irregular, untimely or intrusive audits by limiting the field operations conducted by the authority.

The issuance of the circular stems from complaints from taxpayers, stakeholders and internal units reporting on irregularities and inconsistencies in audit operations.

During the suspension, the BIR will conduct a review of existing policies and procedures. Issuance of written orders to audit or investigate taxpayer liabilities is suspended during this period, except for in the following cases:

• Investigation of cases prescribing within six (6) months from the date of this Order
• Processing and verification of estate tax returns, donor's tax returns, capital gains tax returns, and withholding tax returns on the sale of real properties or shares of stocks, together with the documentary stamp tax returns related thereto
• Examination or verification of internal revenue tax liabilities of taxpayers retiring from business
• Letters of Authority (LOA)/ Mission Orders (Mo) necessary for active criminal probes conducted by duly authorized enforcement units through verified intelligence reports, inter-agency referrals, third-party data validation, or risk-scoring anomalies that require immediate audit action where delay would prejudice the government's case
• Claims for refund where the issuance of an LOA is statutorily required
• Other matters/concerns where deadlines have been imposed or under the orders of the Commissioner

The suspension took immediate effect on November 24, 2025, and will remain in force until lifted by the Commissioner.