Sen. Bam Aquino called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday to postpone for another three months聽the deadline for the filing of tax returns using the mandatory electronic form, citing confusion on how it would be implemented.
The deadline for the filing of tax returns using the electronic filing and payment system (eFPS) and the electronic BIR forms (eBIRForms) is on April 15. Noncompliant taxpayers聽will be slapped a P1,000 fine per return as mandated under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997.
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But Aquino pointed out that there still seemed to be confusions聽even among BIR personnel on how the new system would be implemented.
鈥淭he BIR local offices have conflicting statements on how to proceed, who are covered, determination of penalties, etc.聽 This creates uncertainty in our taxpayers which in turn leads to dissatisfaction.聽 Even they themselves are confused on how to implement this new policy,鈥� he said in a statement.
The senator then suggested that the BIR stick to the policy but extend the deadline for filing for another three months.
鈥淭he BIR also needs to ensure that their online system can handle the volume of downloads that will only increase in the next few days,鈥� he said.
Aquino聽also encouraged the BIR to establish online kiosks or stations at its local offices with personnel who will help input the returns of the taxpayers and teach them with new procedures.
鈥淚n this way, the BIR can fulfill its objective of migrating our taxpayers online, while dispelling any possible doubts and fears from our taxpayers on the new system,鈥� he said.
Aquino also pressed the BIR聽to suspend the imposition of penalties on taxpayers who would fail to comply with the new electronic filing system.
鈥淲e should make things easier for our taxpayers, not make things difficult for them,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he fines are not commensurate to the 鈥榦ffense鈥� of manual filing.聽 Saan ka nakakita, gusto na ngang magbayad, bibigyan mo pa ng multa?鈥澛爐he senator added. RC