BIR allows Lando-affected taxpayers leeway in filing returns

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has allowed taxpayers affected by Typhoon Lando to temporarily file their tax returns manually.

The BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular 67-2015 which allows taxpayers in Region 2 and the Cordillera Administrative Region to temporarily file their tax returns manually in view of the devastation caused by Typhoon Lando.

Hence, taxpayers may conduct over-the-counter transactions with any authorized agent banks in their areas to pay their dues. In case such banks are not available, taxpayers may pay before revenue collection officers (RCOs).

RCOs, in turn, are required to “observe the prescribed procedural requirements” of manual tax filing and to deposit the tax payments at the nearest authorized government depository bank in their area.

The BIR has batted for the use of its electronic filing and payments system (e-FPS) in a bid to enhance efficiency and accuracy in filing tax returns and ensure timely tax return data capture.

Under Revenue Regulations 6-2014, e-FPS filing covers a package of 36 forms covering a wide range of taxes such as income tax, value-added tax, excise tax, capital gains tax and percentage taxes.

Those required to file tax returns electronically include government offices, large taxpayers such as the top 20,000 private corporations by income payments, top 5,000 individual taxpayers, corporations with a paid-up capital of at least P10 million, government bidders, and special economic zone locators.

While no period has been specified as to how long manual payments will be allowed, the BIR memo reminded the covered regional district offices to inform taxpayers under their jurisdiction to re-file their returns electronically “upon restoration” of power or Internet connectivity.

This is “to avoid the imposition of penalties and sanctions attendant to manual filing of their tax returns,” the bureau said.

As of Oct. 23, Typhoon Lando, which battered Northern Luzon last week, affected a total of 359,844 families and killed 46, while injuring 82 others.

Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that as of Oct. 23, Typhoon Lando, affected a total of 359,844 families and killed 46, while injuring 82 others.