BIR beats 7-month target with ₱2-T collections

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected more than ₱2 trillion in taxes during the first seven months of 2026, exceeding its revenue target as stronger taxpayer compliance and intensified enforcement boosted government collections.

The BIR reported total collections of ₱2.003 trillion from January to July, surpassing its ₱1.990-trillion goal by ₱13.53 billion. The amount was also 5.4 percent higher than collections during the same period last year.

July provided another strong showing, with the bureau collecting ₱358.44 billion, or ₱22.37 billion above its monthly target. The July collection was also ₱19.41 billion higher than the amount raised in the same month last year.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza said the bureau has already collected about 60 percent of its full-year target for 2026, crediting improved compliance and sustained collection efforts by Revenue Regions, Revenue District Offices and the Large Taxpayers Service.

Mendoza said the agency is working to make tax administration more accessible and efficient while ensuring that businesses and investors are treated fairly.

He said the latest collection figures demonstrate that improved taxpayer services, clearer tax rules and stronger enforcement can work together to encourage compliance and increase government revenues.

The BIR is pursuing these reforms under its five-point BIR DARES agenda, which covers digital and data transformation, audit reform and accountability, revenue collection and revenue-base protection, employee empowerment and welfare protection, and service excellence and stakeholder engagement.

Among the reforms are efforts to simplify tax rules and procedures, expand digital services, improve taxpayer assistance and strengthen safeguards in tax audits.

Mendoza said the bureau would continue helping taxpayers comply accurately and on time while ensuring that taxes legally due to the government are collected fairly and efficiently.

The latest figures put the BIR on a stronger footing as it works toward its full-year 2026 collection goal, with the agency banking on continued compliance improvements and enforcement efforts for the remaining months of the year.