Manila: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday reported a 22.5 percent increase in annual income tax return (ITR) filings this year, attributing it to its early tax awareness campaign and digitalization efforts. During an interview on PTV-4's Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the increase was seen from January through the April 15 deadline, with fewer people physically visiting revenue offices.
According to Philippines News Agency, the increase was due to the early kickoff of the tax awareness campaign in February, now officially designated as 'Tax Awareness Month," as well as the improved implementation of online filing systems. Lumagui noted a visible drop in the number of taxpayers physically visiting BIR offices and filing centers this season, indicating that more individuals are now using digital platforms to submit and pay their taxes.
The BIR chief confirmed that no extension was granted for this year's filing deadline of April 15. Late filers will face interest charges of 12 percent, a 25 percent surcharge, and additional compromise charges. To sustain and improve compliance, Lumagui said the BIR would continue its digital transformation, as well as the strengthening of its enforcement efforts. To complement these, the bureau will also boost its information campaign and intensify the crackdown on tax evasion and illicit trade.
The BIR expects to collect about PHP431.95 billion this April, with PHP207.63 billion projected from net income and profit taxes. The rest of the revenue will be sourced from value-added taxes (VAT), excise taxes, percentage taxes, and other channels. The target represents a 14 percent increase from last April's PHP379 billion collection. For the full year, the BIR is aiming to collect PHP3.23 trillion.
Lumagui earlier said the agency is confident in hitting this goal, citing strong program implementation and improved first-quarter performance. He said first-quarter results support the outlook with revenues from January to March reaching PHP668.79 billion, just below the PHP671.99 billion target, but still higher than the PHP593 billion recorded in the same period last year.
