ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has intensified its digitalization programs and public-facing initiatives across the Zamboanga Peninsula to promote improved accessibility for taxpayer compliance.
During the recent Kapihan na Zamboanga, BIR officials emphasized the agency’s expanded digital platforms and the establishment of e-Lounges in all regional and district offices.
These e-Lounges are equipped with internet access and computers where taxpayers can file returns online, with on-site personnel ready to assist, especially those who are not yet familiar with digital processes.
Attorney Lester Miñao, chief of the Assessment Section said “even those who are not so well-versed with online platforms can go to our district offices. We have e-Lounges specifically for that, manned by personnel who really know how to fill up the forms for them.”
He noted that filing of tax returns is now primarily done online, following recent policies.
“The filing of our income taxes should be made online. The only instance that we can file manually is if there is an advisory that the system is down, or if the return is not yet registered in the EFPS,” he clarified.
The BIR also highlighted the implementation of Republic Act 11976 or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, which allows taxpayers to file and pay taxes from any location in the country, removing previous restrictions that required all transactions to be done in their district of registration.
In support of this transition, the bureau has launched various digital initiatives such as the revamped BIR website and the REVI chatbot, which allows users to send tax-related questions and receive immediate assistance.
The agency is also working to change public perception about its role, shifting away from being seen as punitive and towards becoming a more service-oriented institution.
“We want to eradicate or remove the notion that the BIR is the house of penalties,” said Miñao. “Rather, we want to inculcate in the minds of our taxpayers that the BIR is a house of improved compliance.”
He emphasized that this rebranding involves direct engagement with the public through programs such as the friendly Tax Compliance Verification Drive (TCVD).
Meanwhile, Attorney Josephine Anne Ferrer, revenue officer under the Assessment Section, encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the assistance being offered both online and onsite.
She reminded taxpayers that BIR continues to provide channels for reporting fraud and violations. “The BIR has a complaint desk in the district where individuals can file complaints, and our website also has an e-complaint section,” she explained.
The bureau reported a strong revenue performance in 2024, with Revenue District Office 93A collecting Php4.2 billion—exceeding their assigned target by 1.72 percent. This, according to Miñao, was largely due to voluntary compliance.
“This feat cannot be made possible had it not been for the effort of our taxpayers,” he said. “The bulk of our tax collection comes from voluntary compliance, which means taxpayer behavior has really improved.” (EDT/JFT/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)
