The message from Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza is loud and clear: modernize tax administration, educate taxpayers, strengthen voluntary compliance, and make the tax system work better for every Filipino!

In a decisive push to advance tax reform and digital transformation, Mendoza met with representatives of P&A Grant Thornton on October 8, 2026, to discuss stronger cooperation on taxpayer education, digital tax platforms, and compliance initiatives.

This was more than a courtesy meeting. It put the spotlight on a critical challenge facing the country: how to make tax compliance more accessible, efficient, and transparent while strengthening the government’s ability to collect the revenues needed to fund public services.

Under Mendoza’s leadership, the BIR is advancing initiatives designed to bring taxpayers closer to a more streamlined, technology-driven tax administration system.

TAXPAYER PORTAL: DIGITAL PUSH GOES FULL THROTTLE!

One major focus was the BIR’s Taxpayer Portal (TP Portal), which has expanded its coverage to Large Taxpayers under the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Law.

The BIR encouraged P&A Grant Thornton to help educate its clients about the platform and promote enrollment and use.

The objective is clear: improve access to tax services, simplify taxpayer transactions, and encourage compliance through more efficient digital channels.

For Mendoza, stronger digital engagement is a key part of building a tax administration system that responds to the needs of businesses while upholding their obligations to the government.

E-INVOICING SYSTEM: CLARITY BEFORE FULL IMPLEMENTATION!

The discussions also covered the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), including forthcoming BIR issuances intended to clarify implementation concerns and the targeted launch of the Permit to Issue Electronic Invoice (PTI) Portal.

These developments are crucial as businesses navigate the transition toward electronic invoicing and more technology-based tax processes.

Clear rules and accessible guidance can help taxpayers understand their responsibilities, reduce confusion, and prepare for implementation.

The challenge for the BIR is to ensure that digitalization does not merely introduce new systems—but delivers practical improvements in compliance, efficiency, and taxpayer service.

TRANSFER PRICING UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT!

Mendoza and the P&A Grant Thornton delegation also tackled developments in transfer pricing, including draft regulations on Advance Pricing Agreements and the planned issuance of a new BIR Form No. 1709.

These are significant matters for businesses engaged in related-party transactions and international operations, where clear guidance is essential to tax compliance and the proper application of transfer-pricing rules.

By engaging tax professionals and industry representatives, the BIR can address implementation concerns while pursuing more consistent and transparent tax administration.

PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT: A KEY WEAPON FOR COMPLIANCE!

P&A Grant Thornton expressed support for the BIR’s initiatives on taxpayer education, tax reform, and stronger voluntary compliance.

The meeting underscored the importance of cooperation between government and the private sector in helping taxpayers understand evolving regulations and meet their legal obligations.

The BIR delegation included officials and representatives from its Assessment Service, Client Support Service, Assessment Programs Division, Tax Audit Review Division, Legal and Legislative Division, Accounts Receivable Monitoring Division, and International Tax Affairs Division.

P&A Grant Thornton was represented by Atty. Vier Aznar, Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing Partner, together with partners and senior representatives from its advisory, tax compliance, transfer-pricing, and business development teams.

Both sides agreed to continue coordinating on the matters discussed.

MENDOZA’S CHALLENGE: TURN TAX REFORM INTO RESULTS!

The real test of tax reform is not simply the announcement of new portals, regulations, or digital platforms. It is whether these initiatives make compliance easier, improve service delivery, provide clearer rules, and strengthen public confidence in the tax system.

With taxpayer education, digitalization, and regulatory clarity on the agenda, Mendoza’s engagement with P&A Grant Thornton signals the importance of working with the private sector to turn these priorities into practical results.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A stronger BIR requires more than enforcement. It needs informed taxpayers, effective digital systems, clear regulations, and a culture of voluntary compliance.

And with Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza steering the discussion, the push is on to make tax administration more modern, more accessible, and more responsive to the country’s taxpayers—while protecting the government’s vital revenue base.

Spread the news