BIR, DOF to extend tax filing deadline due to COVID-19, says Senator Bong Go

The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) have agreed to extend the deadline for the filing of Income Tax Returns amid the threat of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), says Senator Bong Go.

"Recognizing the primordial importance of safeguarding the health and lives of our people, I earlier appealed to the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to extend the deadline for the filing of the Income Tax Returns," said Senator Go in a statement.

He discussed the issue with colleagues in the Senate, particularly Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri, Senators Imee Marcos, Francis Tolentino, Pia Cayetano, Joel Villanueva, Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, Nancy Binay, Ramong "Bong" Revilla and Panfilo Lacson.

Go added that the same senators raised their concern on the impact of the COVID-19 situation on Filipinos trying to meet the tax deadline.

Senator Go added that he discussed the issue with President Rodrigo Duterte and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

The DOF and the BIR, said Go, have agreed in principle to extend the deadline by one month to May 15, 2020.

The guidelines on the extension shall be released soon by the concerned agency.

"This will give our people a chance to focus on their safety and the welfare of their family at this crucial time. After we overcome this health situation, we trust that they will faithfully fulfill their tax obligations," the senator said.

"Sa panahong katulad nito, dapat nagtutulungan tayo na mapagaan ang pasakit ng taumbayan. Magmalasakit po tayo sa bawat Pilipinong apektado at magbayanihan tayo para malampasan natin ang pagsubok na ito bilang isang nagkakaisang bansa," he added. -- BAP, GMA News