BIR urges taxpayers to file ITR on Saturday before April 15 deadline

The Bureau of Internal Revenue on Saturday urged taxpayers to file their income tax returns within the day to avoid the rush on Monday, April 15, the set deadline for filing.

"Huwag nang hintayin ang Lunes. Kung puwede, mag-file na po ng return," said Atty. Marissa Cabreros, deputy commissioner for legal service of the BIR, in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

Cabreros: Huwag nang hintayin pa ang lunes, kung pwede mag-file na po ng return.

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 13, 2019

Cabreros said BIR offices are open until 5 p.m. on Saturday.

"Bukas po (ngayong araw) ang lahat ng opisina ng BIR, handang tanggapin ang kanilang ipa-file at handang i-assist ang ating taxpayers," she said.

Cabreros: Bukas po (ngayong araw) ang lahat ng opisina ng BIR, handang tanggapin ang kanilang ipa-file at handang i-assist ang ating taxpayers.

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 13, 2019

Cabreros added that banks are also open on Saturday to accept payments for income tax.

"Nakipag-usap din tayo sa mga bangko na magbukas po sila at i-assist ang ating taxpayers sa pagbabayad ngayong araw ng Sabado," she said.

Cabreros: Nakipag-usap din tayo sa mga bangko na magbukas po sila at i-assist ang ating taxpayers sa pagbabayad ngayong araw ng Sabado.

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 13, 2019

Cabreros clarified however that BIR offices are closed on Sunday.

She added that in accordance with the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, the income tax return has been simplified. Whereas before, the ITR may be from four to 12 pages, the form is now up to four pages at the most.

This is to ensure that ITRs will be easier to compile and file, Cabreros said.

The BIR official also said taxpayers may pay at banks over the counter, or via online channels.

Cabreros also said ITR forms are downloadable on the BIR website.

She added that only BIR Form 1700 which is for pure compensation earners will be allowed for manual filing of ITRs. The rest will be submitted online.

The BIR has been tasked to collect P2.27 trillion in 2019, she added.

"We are hopeful na maa-achieve natin 'yan. At marami namang programang ginagawa ang Bureau para ma-achieve natin ang goal na 'yan," Cabreros said.

No extension will be given for the filing of ITRs, she said.

Those who will fail to meet the deadline to file their ITRs on or before April 15 will face hefty penalties, Cabreros added. —KG, GMA News