Lawmaker pushes 3-month extension of tax filing deadline

Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino has reiterated his appeal to Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Kim Henares to extend the deadline for filing of tax returns by another three months while taxpayers are still familiarizing themselves with the electronic filing and payment system (eFPS).

Aquino previously asked Henares to suspend the imposition of penalties to taxpayers for failure to use its new electronic filing system.

With no positive response from Henares, Aquino suggested that the deadline for the filing of tax returns be extended for three months.

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

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

Aquino noted that part of the problem is the BIR personnel’s inability to explain the new procedures to the taxpayers.

“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, lead to dissatisfaction. Kahit yata sila nalilito how to implement this new policy,” he said.

Aquino supports the policy being implemented by the BIR, but is asking more time for taxpayers to adjust to the new system.

“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.

To help facilitate the filing of returns under the new system, Aquino encouraged the BIR to establish online kiosks/ stations at local BIR offices with personnel to help input the returns of taxpayers and teach them the new procedures.

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