BIR extends validity of Compliance Certificates for Cooperative Tax Exemption applications

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 71-2026, clarifying the extended validity of Certificates of Compliance (COC) for cooperatives applying for a Certificate of Tax Exemption (CTE) in line with the extension granted by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) under Memorandum Circular No. 2026-07, Series of 2026.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 110, Series of 2026, the CDA extended the period of validity of all COCs issued for Calendar Year 2025 from 30 April 2026 to 31 May 2026. This 30-day extension is intended to provide cooperatives with additional time to comply with reportorial requirements without the imposition of penalties.

The BIR also emphasised that a valid COC issued by the CDA remains a mandatory documentary requirement in applications for CTE. Accordingly, COCs issued for Calendar Year 2025 bearing an original expiry date of 30 April 2026 shall continue to be recognised as valid and effective until 31 May 2026 for purposes of evaluating and processing CTE applications filed within the extended validity period. Such recognition remains subject to verification and existing audit procedures of the Bureau.

The Circular takes effect on 21 June 2026. Please be guided accordingly.

Source:  

P&A Grant Thornton  

Certified Public Accountants  

P&A Grant Thornton is the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

As published in SunStar Cebu, dated 08 July 2026