Marcos cites BIR’s digital initiatives

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)’s digital transformation initiatives are crucial modernization efforts to make tax compliance easier and more accessible for Filipino taxpayers.

This is how President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. views the ongoing modernization of the tax system under BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr.

President Marcos expressed this during the BIR 2025 National Tax Campaign Kickoff, where he emphasized that digital transformation benefits both businesses and the overall economy.

“The digital transformation program has revolutionized taxpayer services… tax compliance is now more convenient for businesses, allowing them to focus on their growth and productivity. That is the modernization we aim for in a tax system that truly serves the people,” the Chief Executive said.

Under Lumagui, the BIR has rolled out several key initiatives to simplify tax compliance.

The Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) allows taxpayers to seamlessly register and update their information. Digital TIN IDs provide instant access to valid tax identification, reducing the need for physical visits.

Electronic One-Time Transactions (eONETT) speed up tax document approvals and registrations. The expansion of eLounges offers taxpayer assistance within BIR offices for navigating digital services.

An upcoming Contact Center will allow taxpayers to resolve concerns via phone or online, eliminating unnecessary trips to BIR offices.

During the event’s panel discussion, Lumagui emphasized that the BIR is prioritizing the digitalization of tax services to create a faster, hassle-free system that promotes voluntary compliance and trust in government processes.

According to the BIR chief, “We ensure that whatever the ultimate result of our digital transformation is, taxpayers will feel it. They will see it because all the processes in the BIR will become easier and more streamlined.”

“We’re focused on this initiative because ultimately, we want to improve and speed up BIR services. And as a result, compliance will rise,” he added.

Business leaders during the event also acknowledged the positive impact of the BIR’s modernization efforts. George Barcelon, Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of involving businesses in tax reforms and digitalization.

“The BIR, under Commissioner Lumagui, has been very receptive to feedback. We have a multi-sectoral group that meets regularly with BIR to discuss prevailing issues, and digital transformation is key to addressing many concerns,” Barcelon said.

“Most of our entrepreneurs are micro and small businesses. In that regard, we have to guide them through the technical aspects. We’re bringing forward all the issues raised to BIR so they can review and adjust what’s fair and feasible,” he added.