Manila: With the April 15 income tax deadline approaching, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has intensified its efforts to digitalize services, aiming to simplify the tax filing process for taxpayers. BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. announced this initiative on Monday through a public advisory on his official Facebook page, urging taxpayers to utilize the agency's electronic facilities and tax payment channels for a hassle-free experience.
According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Lumagui emphasized the BIR's commitment to making tax compliance easier and more convenient. He highlighted the availability of the e-Filing Center and the Regional District Offices' (RDOs) eLounges, which are designed to assist taxpayers throughout the filing process. Lumagui also encouraged taxpayers to file their annual income tax returns (AITR) early and to pay the full income tax on the day of filing using the BIR's electronic services and available payment channels.
The BIR offers several electronic platforms for tax payments, including Maya, GCash, and MYEG, as well as authorized agent banks and revenue collection officers. Taxpayers can also use the electronic BIR Forms (eBIRForms) and the electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) available on the BIR website for online filing. For those without internet access, eLounges at RDOs are available to provide in-person filing support.
Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) have extended their banking hours until 5 p.m. and will remain open on April 12 to accommodate tax payments. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the BIR's tax collection efforts during the agency's 2025 National Tax Campaign Kickoff, noting that the BIR met its collection target for the first time in 20 years.
In 2024, the BIR collected over PHP2.85 trillion, surpassing the PHP2.52 trillion collected in 2023. Commissioner Lumagui attributed this success to improved taxpayer services and stronger enforcement measures. In collaboration with the Department of Justice, the BIR filed criminal complaints against high-profile violators, such as Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc. and Hillmarc's Construction Corporation, for alleged tax deficiencies.
Additionally, the BIR conducted compliance checks on over 307,000 establishments in 2024, recovering HP257 million. The Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) program led to the filing of cases against ghost receipt sellers and buyers, resulting in collections exceeding PHP4.3 billion, a significant increase from PHP600 million in 2023. Crackdowns on illicit trade in cigarettes, vapes, and other excisable goods yielded over PHP110 million last year.