PCCI welcomes simplified BIR business closure rules
The country’s largest business group has expressed support for the streamlining of guidelines for closing businesses and canceling tax registrations with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), as part of efforts to strengthen the ease of doing business in the country.
In a statement on Friday, May 22, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said the new process is a significant measure toward reducing compliance burdens and improving the taxpayer experience.
“A clear, simplified, and timely process for closing business registration gives taxpayers a fair opportunity to properly settle their records and move forward without the unnecessary accumulation of penalties,” PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer said.
The BIR recently issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 47-2026 to streamline documentary requirements for business closures, including the non-accrual of penalties for non-filing upon submission of complete closure requirements and the faster release of tax clearances for qualified taxpayers.
Businesses, especially those in the small and micro sectors, have long raised concerns over the BIR’s closure process, as it often leads to the continued accumulation of penalties, unresolved open cases, and administrative difficulties that may affect future business activity.
With this reform, PCCI said the government reinforces the importance of supporting enterprises throughout the entire business life cycle—from business registration and operation to proper closure.
“By simplifying the closure process and preventing the further accumulation of penalties upon complete submission of requirements, the BIR is helping taxpayers regularize their records while encouraging greater voluntary compliance,” said PCCI director for taxation Alfredo Yao.
In addition, the business group also welcomed the circular for allowing micro taxpayers to be exempt from mandatory audits for the closure or cancellation of business registrations.
PCCI said this will make the closure process faster and more accessible for taxpayers that have already ceased operations, while preserving the BIR’s authority to determine any outstanding tax liabilities. - Dexter Barro II