BIR chief remains firm on no-extension policy for late tax filers

Not this time. Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares on Monday evening stood firm on her policy not to accommodate taxpayers filing their income tax returns after the 5 p.m. deadline. In a radio interview, Henares did not accommodate last-minute calls for an extension of the deadline where taxpayers could file their ITRs without incurring penalties. "Bukas ho, lahat na tao kung di nakapag-file today, hinihikayat ko kayo mag-file at magbayad sa madaling panahon. Pero may penalty na yan," she said in an interview on dzBB radio. She said these penalties include a 25-percent surcharge and interest of 20 percent per annum, as well as a compromise penalty of P1,000. Henares said this is meant to instill discipline among taxpayers, many of whom wait until the last minute to file their ITRs. Last-minute extension On Monday evening, many taxpayers still stood outside the BIR offices, hoping for a last-minute extension, but did not get it. At the BIR's Quezon City office, many waited until at least 7 p.m. for a possible extension but waited in vain, radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported. Security personnel closed the gates after 5 p.m., with those still inside the compound being attended to, the report added. Many of the late taxpayers insisted they had done everything possible to get there in time. — BM, GMA News