BIR, Swiss chamber sign cooperation agreement

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham) to collaborate on tax policy and administration.

In a statement on Tuesday, the BIR said the MoU establishes a framework for cooperation through regular dialogue, knowledge sharing, technical exchanges, assistance in enhancing BIR systems, and discussions on tax administration and revenue-related developments.

“We have made significant gains, but digital transformation remains one of the Bureau’s biggest priorities moving forward,” BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said.

“Through the MoU we signed today, we hope to sustain that cooperation through regular dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration,” he added.

The agreement follows a June 24 roundtable discussion, in which SwissCham raised concerns over  audit selection criteria, e-invoicing implementation, taxpayer communication, system integration, and data privacy.

Mr. Mendoza said the BIR aims to become a stronger partner in improving the ease of doing business by adopting a more taxpayer-centric approach.

“We need two things… if we have a new issuance, help us cascade it to your members and help us explain it to them; and if there are revenue issuances that need revisiting, let us know and help us to be more attuned to the needs of the present times,” he added.

Swiss Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Hans-Christian Baumann said continued engagement between the government and the private sector is critical as the BIR rolls out its reform agenda.

“Effective reform is not only about introducing new systems and procedures, it is also about ensuring that these measures are practical, predictable, and responsive to the realities faced by taxpayers, especially businesses,” he said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile