BIR: E-facilities to make tax return filing, payment ‘hassle-free’
The Bureau of Internal Revenue headquarters on Agham Road in Quezon City. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Friday reminded taxpayers to file and pay their 2024 annual income tax returns simultaneously on or before April 15 to avoid penalties.
The BIR, under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., said taxpayers can “pay as you file” electronically using their e-filing facilities for a hassle-free tax filing experience.
These e-facilities include the electronic BIR Forms (eBIRForms), or the electronic filing and payment system (eFPS), for those mandated to use it.
Taxpayers without internet access may use the eLounge facility of the revenue district office where they will be assisted in e-filing their 2024 tax return.
The agency said that its national office will also establish an electronic filing and tax assistance center at the BIR Compound on Senator Miriam Santiago Avenue in Quezon City to cater all taxpayers.
This center will be open from March 24 to April 15, excluding Sundays and holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The BIR is committed to making tax filing and payment more convenient by ensuring that our e-filing center and revenue district office eLounges are available to assist taxpayers every step of the way,” Lumagui said in a statement.
“We encourage the early filing of [tax returns], and the payment of the full income tax due on the same day of filing using the BIR’s electronic services and available tax payment channels for a smooth and hassle-free experience,” he said.
READ: Court orders BIR to return P66.3-M tax to liquor firm
READ: BIR confident it surpassed P2.85-T 2024 collection target
Payment channels
These channels, according to Lumagui, include authorized agent banks, revenue collection officers, and various electronic platforms like Maya, GCash and MYEG, among others.
To support the BIR this tax filing season, authorized agent banks will open on April 5 and April 12, both Saturdays, and extend banking hours until 5 p.m. from April 1 to April 15 to accommodate tax payments.
“Our goal is to make tax compliance easier and hassle-free for our taxpayers. We will continue to enhance our services and exert more efforts to achieve that,” he said.
According to the BIR, its official website, www.bir.gov.ph, recorded 50 million visits as of March.
This milestone comes just eight months after its launch in August 2024, with the agency touting it as a testament to the public’s growing reliance on the BIR’s digital services and information hub.
The enhanced BIR website offers a more comprehensive and user-friendly interface, giving taxpayers easy access to essential resources and services.
