From Cans to Cash: Exposing the Inequalities of VAT
The Hidden Burden of VAT on Basic Necessities Taxation is the lifeblood of government, sustaining public services and ensuring the welfare of its citizens. Yet, for many low- and middle-income earners, taxes — particularly Value-Added Tax (VAT), one of the government’s primary revenue sources — can become a heavy burden, limiting their ability to live […]
The Hidden Challenge to CREATE MORE: LGU Tax Policies and the BPO Sector
The Philippine outsourcing industry is asking a pointed question: If a company is already paying a 5% Special Corporate Income Tax “in lieu of all national and local taxes,” can a local government unit still impose local business tax? The issue has moved from technical debate to industry-wide concern, with the Information Technology and Business […]
RMC 53-2026: Thing You Need to Know About the Large Taxpayers Service Portal
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has announced the availability of the Taxpayer Portal and its pilot implementation for taxpayers registered under the Large Taxpayers Service (LTS). The portal is a secure digital platform designed to modernize tax administration, streamline compliance, and enhance taxpayer convenience. Key Functionalities Available View Registration Information – Access current taxpayer […]
How to Recover Excess Creditable Withholding Taxes in Corporate Dissolution
Have you ever purchased something and later realized you paid too much, only to be told by the retailer that no refund would be given? It’s a frustrating experience—being stuck with the extra cost. Thankfully, taxpayers in the Philippines are not left in such a situation when it comes to excess creditable withholding taxes (CWT). […]
RMC 57-2026: Final Tax on Casino and Gambling Jackpot Prizes
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 57-2026 to clarify that jackpot prizes from casino and other gambling activities are considered “winnings” under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended. These winnings are subject to final withholding tax: 20% for citizens and resident aliens under Section 24(B)(1). […]
CREATE MORE Invest Smarter: Navigating the 2026 SIPP
With the recent issuance and approval by the President of the Philippines through Memorandum Order No. 47, effective 17 June 2026, the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) introduces additional priority sectors that reflect the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in an increasingly digital and innovation-driven global economy. By recognizing emerging and […]
EOPTA: Key Provisions that the Power Industry Should Know
Republic Act “(RA)” No. 11976, known as the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act, introduces comprehensive reforms to modernize and simplify tax compliance in the Philippines. This law significantly impacts the power industry, including Generation Companies (GenCos), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Distribution Utilities (DUs), and Electric Cooperatives (ECs), which handle high […]
Tax Audit & Due Process: When Does it Become Unfair?
The room was tense. The last words reverberating in the air were those of the revenue officers: “I‑CTA na natin ’to” (Let’s take this to the CTA). Time seemed to stop, as I calculated in a few seconds our next steps. Should I take the statement, uttered so lightly, as a threat or as an […]
Reasons Why Your VAT Refund Was Denied
The numbers made sense. Excess input VAT from prior periods. Capital goods purchases. Transactions subject to withholding. Or zero-rated sales that never translated into recoverable credits. The taxpayer had carefully tracked everything and, at some point, reached the same conclusion that there is VAT to be recovered. The claim was filed. Documents were submitted. The […]
Received an FDDA from the BIR? Here’s What Happens Next
In the lifecycle of a tax audit in the Philippines, few documents carry as much psychological weight as the Final Decision on Disputed Assessment, more commonly known as the FDDA. By the time it arrives, the taxpayer has already gone through the grind, from responding to a Letter of Authority, to replying to a Notice […]
