Last-minute taxpayers line up at BIR offices

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipinos' habit of doing things at the last minute was manifested again Tuesday, as taxpayers lined up at Bureau of Internal Revenue offices on the last day of filing of income tax returns. Radio dzBB reported that taxpayers lined up at revenue district offices in various parts of Metro Manila as early as before 7 a.m. The BIR will accept filing of income tax payments only until 5 p.m. of April 15, after which late filers will face penalties. At the BIR revenue office in Caloocan City, BIR personnel set up tents to accommodate the taxpayers expected to line up and endure the summer heat – or rains from depression "Ambo." Last Saturday, Marina de Guzman, head of the BIR Revenue Region 7 in Quezon City, told government-run dzRB radio they remained open Saturday while sending personnel to the field to assist taxpayers in filing tax returns. She said accredited banks were also open to accept payments. Some 40 "Tax Tulungan" centers were now all over the Quezon City region to offer assistance, she added. But she admitted the long queues were still expected on Tuesday, April 15, the deadline for the filing of income tax returns. "Ang Pilipino last minute magfa-file at magbabayad (We Filipinos have a habit of filing and paying at the last minute)," she said. - GMANews.TV