BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue-Cordillera (BIR-CAR) appealed to taxpayers to pay their correct taxes as taxes are the primary source of revenue for funding public works and services.
The agency encouraged the taxpayers to look at the bigger picture, and pay their correct taxes, be it income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) or other types of taxes, stressing that it is the public’s contribution to help others in need and it is everyone’s responsibility.
“We have to give and take. Ibig sabihin, ito kasing taxes na babayaran ng mga taxpayers, na winiwithhold sa sahod ko, na dapat sana magbayad din ‘yung mga nagbebenta sakin ng mga goods and services. Dapat magbayad sila ng tax para ‘yung services na dini-demand ko at kailangan ko para mapaayos din ‘yung business ko at ang buhay ko ay maibigay din,” BIR CAR or Revenue Region 2 Assessment Division Chief Atty. Jinky Fianza said.
Fianza explained that road constructions and assistance or aids from different government agencies are sourced out from taxes.
Merlyn Vicente of Revenue District Office 8 added that there is fairness in paying taxes.
“Lahat dapat sumabay, kasi tax is equitable naman. Kung maliit lang naman ‘yung kita mo, maliit lang naman ang share mo sa tax. Ngayon kung lumalaki na ‘yung kita mo, syempre sasabay din na lalaki din [yung tax mo].”
Meanwhile, Vicente emphasized the importance of issuing receipts or invoices even if not demanded by the buyer.
“Pag hindi ka nag-comply sa pag-issue ng resibo, meaning hindi ka talaga magco-comply sa pagbayad ng tamang buwis. So, in issuing the receipts, you pay the correct taxes,” Vicente said.
Paying of taxes is now made easy and convenient with digitalization. BIR is now utilizing electronic filing and payment system. Visit the BIR website for its eServices. [JDP/DEG with Betha Servito, PIA CAR- SLU Intern]
