The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has formally launched the nationwide observance of Tax Awareness Month this February, in line with Proclamation No. 486, series of 2024, which designates February of every year for promoting tax education and compliance.

Through Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 9-2026, the BIR outlined guidelines to strengthen the month-long campaign aimed at improving public understanding of taxpayer registration, proper filing of tax returns, and the timely payment of taxes.

The campaign is anchored on the BIR’s theme, “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis Mo,” which emphasizes the agency’s commitment to providing efficient and transparent service to taxpayers.

Under the circular, government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and private sector groups are encouraged to participate in activities that promote tax awareness. External partners are also urged to organize programs that will help taxpayers better understand their obligations, particularly the accurate and timely filing and payment of taxes.

Taxation accounts for about 14 percent of Philippine gross domestic product, according to the World Bank, while the Bureau of the Treasury reported that taxation accounts for 86.01 percent of all government revenues as of end-2024.

The Philippines ranks among the highest in the ASEAN region in terms of personal income tax rates, which can reach about 35 percent.

The country is also the only nation in ASEAN with a mandatory travel tax, wherein Filipinos must pay the government an additional fee to leave the country — on top of plane tickets, accommodations, and day-to-day expenses while abroad.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has been instrumental in pushing for alternative methods to increase government revenue collection. During his time as senator, he served as co-author of the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) law, which increased VAT from 10 to 12 percent — a change still in effect today.

In the mid-2000s, Recto also became associated with proposals to tax SMS text messaging and later discussions on taxing social media or digital communication platforms.

Recto was likewise involved in crafting and defending portions of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which increased excise taxes on petroleum products, coal, and sugary drinks. He also backed higher adjustments of “sin taxes” on alcohol and tobacco products, while during his tenure as finance secretary, he supported the taxation of online services such as Netflix and Spotify subscriptions.

Despite the higher prices shouldered by every Filipino consumer, taxation remains a necessary burden, as the government relies on it to fund various projects and initiatives. 

To commemorate Tax Awareness Month 2026, the BIR is directing its regional and district offices, as well as partner institutions, to distribute official tax awareness materials through physical displays and digital platforms. 

These include reposting official tax advisories, conducting tax seminars and briefings, organizing information campaigns, and participating in media engagements. BIR officials and personnel are also encouraged to serve as resource speakers in partner-led initiatives.

The observance also supports the BIR’s recent DARES reform agenda, which focuses on digital transformation, audit reform and accountability, revenue base protection, employee welfare, and service excellence.

According to the agency, the campaign aims to make tax information more accessible and responsive to taxpayers’ needs while reinforcing the government’s push for improved compliance and stronger revenue generation.