BIR drums up campaign for filing of income tax

by PS Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique (3 March) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue District No. 73 is doubling its efforts in its advocacy of increasing revenue and tax collection through the Filing of Income Tax Return.

Ursula V. Equiña, Revenue District Officer, BIR Antique said that there will be a Tax Caravan on March 4 around the major thoroughfares of San Jose, Antique’s business center to drum up campaign for filing of income tax which will be due on April 15.

The theme of the campaign is ” Making the Public Know” reflects the thrust of the Commissioner in pursuing a highly visible communication to all stakeholders of BIR tax administration activities. This also highlights the transparency policy of BIR which will eventually help in the improvement of voluntary compliance of the taxpayers.

Equiña enjoined businessmen/entrepreneurs to file their income tax early to avoid long queues in banks and BIR offices towards the deadline of the filing season.

BIR has issued a directive to all Authorized Agent Banks and Revenue District Offices to facilitate without delay the receipt of Income Tax Return and its attachment for convenience of taxpayers.

All BIR Authorized Agent Banks have also been requested to open on two consecutive Saturdays March 27 (in lieu of April 3 which is Black Saturday) and April 10 and to extend their banking hours up to 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon, for the period April 5-15,2010, to accept tax returns and payments.

According to Equiña, corresponding fines and penalties will be charged to tax filers in case they cannot meet the deadline on April 15. (PIA)