The Philippine Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) issued a decision on Jan. 7 clarifying that a VAT deficiency assessment is void if the preliminary assessment notice (PAN) and formal letter of demand (FLD) lack the required annexes detailing the factual basis of the findings. The ruling applies to a domestic corporation’s assessment covering July 1 2013‑June 30 2014, underscoring the importance of proper documentation in BIR assessments.
The VATfaqs digest
Global VAT news, delivered Tuesday and Thursday. Free, curated from 50+ official sources, no spam.
No spam · Unsubscribe any time
BusinessWorld · 3 days ago
The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) En Banc denied FMC Switzerland II GMBH’s petition for review of a P10.5‑million VAT refund claim, upholding the earlier dismissal for lack of jurisdiction. The decision hinged on the BIR’s failure to act within the 90‑day period required by Section 112(C) of the National Internal Revenue Code, and FMC’s late filing of its petition beyond the November 26, 2021 appeal deadline.
1stopVAT · 11 days ago
The BIR issued a circular on June 2, 2026, tightening VAT enforcement for overseas digital service providers in the Philippines. The circular mandates that providers collect 12% VAT on payments received before the regime’s June 2025 effective date, and requires non‑resident providers to register and file returns even for VAT‑exempt B2C supplies. It also clarifies VAT treatment for platform operators and digital advertising services.
Manila Bulletin · 20 days ago
Manila Bulletin reports that the Philippine BIR has clarified that bilateral tax treaties do not exempt foreign digital service providers from the country's 12% VAT. The new guidance, issued in RMC No. 59‑2026 on June 2, 2026, requires non‑resident providers to register and file VAT returns, and outlines reverse‑charge rules for cross‑border B2B services. It also details how online booking platforms and pre‑existing subscriptions are taxed.
The Manila Times · 22 days ago
The BIR expanded the VAT exemption list for essential medicines in April 2026, increasing the number of exempt chronic‑condition drugs to 2,263 from 2,242 in December 2025. This move aims to reduce out‑of‑pocket healthcare costs and boost demand for locally produced generic medicines. The commentary notes potential benefits for domestic manufacturers but highlights ongoing challenges such as high out‑of‑pocket spending and supply‑chain constraints.
Rappler · 2 months ago
The Philippine Tax Whiz outlines the VAT exemptions available to natural gas stakeholders under Revenue Regulation No. 2‑2026. The guide explains that indigenous natural gas purchases and sales, as well as electricity generation using indigenous gas, are fully VAT‑exempt, and details the documentary requirements and eligible parties. It also highlights the need to indicate the exemption in the Quarterly VAT Declaration.
Manila Times · 3 months ago
Philippine lawmakers have introduced House Bill No. 8827 to cap the value‑added tax on petroleum products during a national energy emergency. The bill would limit the VAT base to the Pre‑Emergency Reference Price, excluding any incremental emergency increase, and amend Sections 106(A) and 107(A) of the National Internal Revenue Code.
Reach finance leaders who read VAT news.
Put your brand alongside trusted tax-tech intelligence across 150+ countries.
Key Takeaways
The CTA ruled that such assessments are void if the preliminary assessment notice and formal letter of demand lack required annexes detailing the factual basis of the findings.
The decision concerns a domestic corporation’s VAT deficiency assessment for the period July 1 2013 to June 30 2014.
The decision was issued on Jan. 7, 2026.
They must include annexes specifying the factual bases of the findings.
Primary source
Read the full article at Bloomberg TaxThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 21 January 2026. It relates to VAT developments in Philippines. The original source is Bloomberg Tax.
