KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- As the upcoming deadline for filing annual income tax returns approaches, officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminded taxpayers to pay correct taxes on time.

“We call on the taxpayers of South Cotabato to support us in achieving our shared goals. By fulfilling your duties to register, file, and pay your taxes, you contribute to building roads, providing health care services, ensuring security, advancing education, fair compensation, and securing a brighter future for generations,” revenue officer Evelyn Mallilin of BIR Revenue District Office No. 111 said, urging taxpayers to pay the correct amount of taxes on time.

The BIR District No. 111, based in Koronadal City, kicked off the 2024 tax campaign on April 2, which aimed at seeking “support from taxpayers in generating funds for the country's economic recovery and development through timely payment of correct taxes.”

This year’s tax campaign is anchored on the theme “Sa Tamang Buwis, Pag-aasenso’y Mabilis.”

“Your consistent efforts will give sustainable results for our nation. Together, let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our communities, boost our economy, and pave the way for a lustrous future for all Filipinos,” she added.

BIR RDO No. 111 straddles the city of Koronadal and the municipalities of Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Polomolok, Sto Niño, Surallah, Tampakan, Tantangan, Tboli, and Tupi in South Cotabato.

Mallilin revealed that in 2024, the tax collection target of the revenue district has been set at P4,004,686,000, which is 20 percent over its revenue collection in 2023.

Also, in 2023, the district collected P3.25 billion, contributing 1.3 percent to the BIR’s nationwide tax collection. Fifty-five percent of the collection was derived from income taxes and 33 percent from value-added taxes.

She noted that the 2023 tax collection was more than double the tax collection in 2018, which was only P1.52 billion.

“Beyond collection targets, we are committed to delivering the quality service that our nation deserves. We pledge to provide efficient services aligned with taxpayer needs and national priorities,” Mallilin emphasized.

Speaking to the local press, Mallilin expressed confidence that the revenue district can attain the tax collection goal.

“I think makakaya, kasi nag-go-grow ang economy ng South Cotabato. Tapos kung mas maging tax conscious ang mga South Cotabateños ma-a-achieve natin ‘yan. Booming ang economy ng South Cotabato, so maraming possible na collection,” she said.

[I think it is possible because the economy of South Cotabato is growing. Then, if the South Cotabateños become more tax-conscious, we will achieve that. The economy of South Cotabato is booming, so there would be many possible sources of collections.]

Mallilin said they are grateful for the support of local government units in promoting tax consciousness, even at the barangay level, where a lot of requests for tax briefings have come from village officials.

During the tax campaign kickoff, the revenue district also recognized its top taxpayers as well as partners in the government and private sectors.

In response to the BIR call for support, Janine Sio, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry—South Cotabato Chapter, said: “We strive to enjoin our members and other taxpayers to comply with the rules and regulations of the government in the spirit of fairness and justice. To the BIR Revenue District No. 111, we will always work with you closely, hand-in-hand.”

The deadline for filing the 2023 income tax return is set for April 15. (DED - PIA Region 12)