SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Ilocos Region collected P17.41 billion from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2024, significantly contributing to the country’s national development through revenue generation from taxes.
In an episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Oct. 8, BIR Ilocos Regional Director Josephine Virtucio said the collection surpassed the office’s target by P751.76 million, marking a 4.5 percent increase above the goal.
On a national scale, BIR Region 1 ranked third out of 22 regional revenue offices in total collections from January to August 2024, underscoring the region’s efficient enforcement of tax laws and its crucial role in supporting national fiscal goals.
These taxes support the government’s initiatives to provide essential public services, including social welfare, education through schools, and healthcare.
The BIR’s tax campaign is anchored on four key pillars: delivering exceptional taxpayer service, advancing digitalization, upholding integrity within the revenue system, and strengthening audit and enforcement measures.
“BIR is committed to delivering prompt, efficient, and competent service, ensuring that taxpayers receive value for their contribution,” Virtucio said.
She highlighted that the BIR’s digitalization initiatives are streamlining tax administration, reducing the need for physical visits to BIR offices across the region.
This modernization effort is supported by Republic Act No. 11976, or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, which came into effect on Jan. 22, 2024, further simplifying tax processes for both businesses and individuals.
“We are in the process of customizing repetitive tasks and streamlining processes. There is a need for us to use computers and the internet because the physical presence of the taxpayers will be lessened, and this will contribute to enhanced efficiency and transparency,” Virtucio added.
The BIR has also been improving the responsiveness, efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of its revenue personnel to boost taxpayer compliance with their obligations.
Meanwhile, the audit and enforcement pillar targets unregistered taxpayers, ensuring fairness by protecting registered taxpayers who fulfill their tax responsibilities.
“We need to emphasize collaboration between the public and the private sector, the taxpayers who are paying the correct taxes and who are supporting the government through their correct tax contributions,” Virtucio said.
Taxpayers can conveniently file their tax returns and settle their obligations online through the BIR’s Electronic Filing and Payment System (EFPS), streamlining the entire process for faster and more efficient transactions.
Taxpayers can access the EFPS through https://efps.bir.gov.ph, offering immediate, secure, and cost-effective online services that validate information, provide quick responses, and are available 24/7 for tax-related transactions. (MJTAB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
