Bam Aquino asks BIR to extend deadline for e-filing of tax returns

Sen. Bam Aquino called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday to postpone for another three months the deadline for the filing of tax returns using the mandatory electronic form, citing confusion on how it would be implemented.

The deadline for the filing of tax returns using the electronic filing and payment system (eFPS) and the electronic BIR forms (eBIRForms) is on April 15. Noncompliant taxpayers will be slapped a P1,000 fine per return as mandated under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997.

READ: BIR to strictly implement e-filing system

But Aquino pointed out that there still seemed to be confusions even among BIR personnel on how the new system would be implemented.

“The BIR local offices have conflicting statements on how to proceed, who are covered, determination of penalties, etc.  This creates uncertainty in our taxpayers which in turn leads to dissatisfaction.  Even they themselves are confused on how to implement this new policy,” he said in a statement.

The senator then suggested that the BIR stick to the policy but extend the deadline for filing for another three months.

“The BIR also needs to ensure that their online system can handle the volume of downloads that will only increase in the next few days,” he said.

Aquino also encouraged the BIR to establish online kiosks or stations at its local offices with personnel who will help input the returns of the taxpayers and teach them with new procedures.

“In this way, the BIR can fulfill its objective of migrating our taxpayers online, while dispelling any possible doubts and fears from our taxpayers on the new system,” he said.

Aquino also pressed the BIR to suspend the imposition of penalties on taxpayers who would fail to comply with the new electronic filing system.

“We should make things easier for our taxpayers, not make things difficult for them,” he said.

“The fines are not commensurate to the ‘offense’ of manual filing.  Saan ka nakakita, gusto na ngang magbayad, bibigyan mo pa ng multa?” the senator added. RC