WITH the April 15 income tax deadline nearing, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has stepped up its digitalized services to make tax filing easer.
“The BIR is committed to making tax filing and payment more convenient by ensuring that our e-Filing Center and RDOs’ (Regional District Offices) eLounges are available to assist taxpayers every step of the way,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said Monday in a public advisory on his official Facebook page as he encouraged taxpayers to use the agency’s electronic facilities and tax payment channels for a hassle-free tax filing experience.
“Our goal is to make tax compliance easier and hassle-free for our taxpayers. We will continue to enhance our services and exert more efforts to achieve that,” he said.
Lumagui also encouraged the early filing of annual income tax returns (AITR) and the payment of the full income tax due on the same day of filing using the BIR’s electronic services and available tax payment channels for a smooth and hassle-free experience
These include authorized agent banks, revenue collection officers, and various electronic platforms like Maya, GCash and MYEG, among others.
Taxpayers may use the electronic BIR Forms (eBIRForms) and the electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) available on the BIR website to file returns online.
The BIR is also opening its doors for those without internet access, with eLounges at RDOs available for in-person filing support.
Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) have likewise extended their banking hours until 5 p.m. and will remain open on April 12 to accommodate tax payments.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier commended the BIR’s tax collection efforts during the agency’s 2025 National Tax Campaign Kickoff for meeting its collection target for the first time in 20 years.
In 2024, the BIR collected more than P2.85 trillion, which is higher than the P2.52 trillion collected in 2023.
Lumagui said the BIR’s success is the result of both improved taxpayer services and stronger enforcement.
In coordination with the Department of Justice, the BIR recently filed criminal complaints against several high-profile violators, including Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc. for alleged tax deficiencies amounting to over P1 billion, and Hillmarc’s Construction Corporation, which is facing a P176-million tax evasion case.
The agency also visited and verified more than 307,000 establishments in 2024, recovering P257 million from compliance checks.
Meanwhile, the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) program led to the filing of cases against ghost receipt sellers and buyers, and collected more than P4.3 billion – up sharply from the P600 million in 2023.
Crackdowns on illicit trade in cigarettes, vapes, and other excisable goods yielded over P110 million last year. (PNA/PR)
