BIR expands digital systems for tax compliance
Mobile-first services aim to improve compliance and efficiency.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is accelerating digital reforms to future-proof governance, focusing on mobile-first systems to improve tax compliance, reduce enforcement pressure and strengthen the Philippines’ competitiveness.
Ma. Rosario Charo Enriquez-Curiba, Deputy Commissioner of the BIR said at an interview during the GovMedia Summit 2026 that the agency is redesigning systems to match the expectations of younger taxpayers. She noted that the shift towards millennials and Gen Z users who demand faster, more accessible services.
The agency has expanded digital channels to meet these demands, including online registration, electronic filing and multiple payment options. “You can apply for a tax identification number wherever they are and anytime, anywhere,” Enriquez-Curiba said. The BIR has also introduced chatbot support and online information portals to reduce the need for in-person transactions.
The reforms aim to create public value by improving taxpayer understanding and compliance. “If you want people or taxpayers to comply, we have to educate them first for them to really understand what their obligations are,” she said. Enhanced communication and digital outreach are expected to lower penalties and reduce enforcement actions by fostering a more transparent relationship between taxpayers and authorities.
“Using this technology to reach out to them… would really give value,” Enriquez-Curiba added, emphasising that informed taxpayers are more likely to comply voluntarily.
However, she said the effectiveness of these efforts depends on broader government integration. “If other agencies will not support us, we won't be as effective as having unified support from the other government agencies,” she said, highlighting coordination gaps that limit efficiency.
Digitalisation and inter-agency integration are seen as critical to improving competitiveness, particularly in strengthening revenue collection to fund national priorities. “Digitalization and integration with other government agencies, this will really make our country competitive,” Enriquez-Curiba said.
The BIR’s push reflects a wider shift towards data-driven governance, where accessibility, system integration and user experience play a central role in delivering outcomes.
As digital adoption deepens, the challenge will be ensuring systems remain interoperable across agencies, whilst maintaining accuracy and accountability in tax collection.
