BIR: Deadline for filing of 2016 ITR today

Commissioner Caesar Dulay of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminded individual and business taxpayers that they have until today, April 17, 2017 to file their 2016 income tax returns (ITRs).

The BIR chief said the deadline will not be extended and late filers will be assessed a 25 percent surcharge and 20 percent interest per annum on the tax due, plus compromise penalty.

The BIR will start collecting the fines after 5 p.m., or at the end of the office hours today.

Revenue officials do not expect significant overcrowding at tax filings centers as most taxpayers are now required to file their returns via the eBIRForms which can be downloaded and filled up by accessing the BIR website at www.bir.gov.ph.

Nevertheless, special tax filing centers have been installed outside the BIR regional and district offices nationwide to make it easier to file returns.

Such are located inside major shopping malls, city and municipal halls and national government buildings such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency in Mandaluyong City.

Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Information System Lanee David assured tax filers using the eBIRForms of smooth transmission as the electronic system has been upgraded.

Meanwhile, Dulay is bullish on hitting this year's P1.8 trillion revenue collection target.

He said he based his optimistic projection on the many programs designed to promote taxpayers' satisfaction and enforcement activities to enhance voluntary compliance.

The collection growth rate of 14 percent for the first two months of the year was also cited, compared to the previous year's average growth of 10.9 percent.

"We are ready to respond to taxpayers' recommendations and suggestions on how to improve our services. We will revisit policy decisions and change rules if this would mean better service delivery and satisfaction of taxpayers," Dulay added.