BIR waives annual registration fee for business taxpayers

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced on Tuesday that it has scrapped its annual registration fee (ARF) paid by business taxpayers.

According to an advisory signed by BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui on January 8, business taxpayers are no longer required to pay the P500 ARF starting January 22.

The BIR said the change complies with the Republic Act No. 11976 or the "Ease of Paying Taxes Act,” signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on January 5.

The Ease of Paying Taxes Act has simplified the tax payment process, enabling taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically or manually, streamlining procedures for greater convenience.

Businesses with a current BIR certificate of registration (COR) that covers the registration fee will maintain the validity of their COR, according to the tax bureau.

“These taxpayers may choose to update/replace their COR at their convenience,” the BIR said. 

The tax bureau said that businesses are encouraged to visit the revenue district office where they are registered on or before Dec. 31, 2024, and surrender their old COR for the needed updates to facilitate the procedure.