Taxpayers can now file returns, pay ‘anywhere’
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Taxpayers are now allowed to file their tax returns and pay the corresponding dues “anywhere,” as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) aims for a full-year intake of P2.6 trillion in 2023.
The BIR made the file-and-pay anywhere scheme, doing away with penalties imposed on filing in the wrong venue, through Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 32-2023 dated March 3.
This means that the filing of the annual income tax returns (AITRs) may be done through any BIR-authorized banks or revenue collection officers, even in BIR district offices other than the one where the taxpayer is registered.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said this policy was part of efforts to provide optimal services to taxpayers.
“I wanted to improve the services that we offer to the taxpaying public,” Lumagui said. “My ultimate goal here is to provide each one of us the luxury of filing and paying our correct taxes at our most convenient time and place without any penalties involved.”
Avoid the rush
The BIR chief called on taxpayers to avoid the rush and not wait until the April 17 deadline.
Also, the circular states that taxpayers who are mandated to use the BIR’s Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) shall file their AITRs electronically and pay the correct taxes due through the banks where they are enrolled.
However, these taxpayers may use the eBIRForms in filing their AITR but only for the following reasons: if they are still enrolling for eFPS and the bank, the eFPS forms are not yet available, or the eFPS service is not available.
E-payment
The payment of the taxes using eBIRForms may be made through any authorized bank, revenue collection officers in each revenue district office or through the different electronic payment channels of the BIR.
These e-payment channels accept tax payments through the use of online, credit or debit, or prepaid cards as well as mobile payments such as GCash, Maya, and MyEG.
Lumagui asked for the support of taxpayers to help the BIR raise about P2.6 trillion this year.
“This amount will be used for nation-building through the projects of our government, so let us consider helping [to achieve the BIR’s collection goal] as the obligation of all of us taxpayers.”
