No extension on income tax payment – BIR

MANILA, Philippines — Taxpayers still have four days to file their annual income tax return as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) maintains that the April 17 deadline will not be extended.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui clarified that the filing and payment of the annual income tax return, which summarizes a taxpayer’s transactions last year, can be done up to next Monday.

“The timely payment of taxes results in immediate funding of priority government programs. There will be no extension,” Lumagui said.

The BIR chief emphasized that the revenue agency has made the payment process simpler and more convenient for taxpayers.

“There is no reason for an extension because any delay in the filing and payment of taxes will result in inadequate funding of government programs,” Lumagui said.

“Filing and payment beyond the set deadline will be grounds for charging taxpayers with corresponding interests, surcharges and compromise penalties,” he said.

Since the BIR kicked off its national tax campaign in February, the agency implemented several programs to provide taxpayers convenience in filing and paying their tax obligations.

Lumagui said this is in line with BIR’s goal of transforming the revenue agency into a service-oriented one.

For one, BIR has set up tax assistance centers nationwide since March 20 to cater to more taxpayers.

Authorized agent banks that will accept tax filing have also extended their operating hours to accommodate payments.