BIR asks public to pay taxes online amid COVID-19 threat

The Bureau of Internal Revenue on Wednesday encouraged taxpayers to pay their dues online in light of the threat posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

BIR Head Revenue Executive Assistant Rosario Padilla gave the suggestion as she reminded taxpayers to file their income tax returns ahead of the April 15 deadline to avoid penalties.

“For now, we encourage people to make use of the online facilities. So we don’t see any need to extend as of the moment,” Padilla told reporters in Malacañang.

“But of course kung kinakailangan talaga, we are not in a position to say we are or we are not extending. If it’s necessary, then it will be considered.”

She also said the BIR will set up assistance desks starting March 28 to to help taxpayers regarding electronic filing and address payment inquiries.

Taxpayers may also settle their dues using online payment channels such as PayMaya, GCash, LBP LinkBiz and the DBP Tax Online.

“Hindi na po natin sila kinakailangan pang papuntahin ang ating mga taxpayers at pumila sa bangko or makipagsalamuha sa mga collection agents,” Padilla said.

“Whether it’s big or small, puwede na po tayong magbayad in the convenience of wherever you are convenient. So kung nasaan ka, doon ka magbayad using your app.”

Last month, the BIR reported that it collected around P1.2 billion in tax payments through electronic channels in 2019, up 92% from P626.35 million a year earlier.

Electronic tax payments reached 446,753 transactions last year, up 60% from 278,602 transactions done through e-channels in 2018, the bureau said.