Manila: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui on Tuesday expressed confidence that the agency would reach its PHP3.23-trillion collection target this year amid the strengthened drive to encourage taxpayers to pay their dues.

According to Philippine News Agency, preliminary figures for the first quarter of the year show that revenues as of end-March reached PHP668.79 billion, which is PHP3.2 million short of the PHP671.99-billion goal for the quarter. This indicates an improvement over the PHP593-billion revenue from the same period last year.

Commissioner Lumagui noted that for 2025, the target remains PHP3.23 trillion. He expressed optimism that the agency's current programs and the progress made from January to March bode well for achieving this goal. The BIR aims to leverage income tax collections significantly to meet its targets.

For April 2025, the BIR has set a collection target of PHP208 billion. Lumagui anticipates around 1.4 million filers, including both individuals and businesses, will fulfill their tax obligations. He highlighted the agency's efforts towards digitalization and the introduction of online payment options as advantageous developments.

Despite some taxpayers still preferring manual filing, Lumagui pointed out a growing trend of taxpayers opting for technology to streamline their tasks. Taxpayers who miss the deadline will face penalties, including a 12-percent interest, a 25-percent surcharge, and a compromise charge.