BIR-13 to step up collection efforts to meet 2015 target

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Internal Revenue 13 wants to maximize collection efforts as its revenue target for 2015 has increased by 25 percent compared to last year’s goal.

BIR-13 is set to collect P25.9 billion this year, P5 million higher than last year’s revenue target of P20.9 billion. The revenue region covers north and south Cebu, cities of Mandaue and Talisay and Bohol.

BIR-13 Director Hermeno Palamine is confident the 2014 tax goal has been met. He, however, declined to disclose official collection figures yet, saying his office has waited some payments to reflect in its system.

“Meeting the goal last year was a challenge,” he told The FREEMAN in an interview.

Last year, the local bureau reported that from January to November, it had collected more than P19 billion, already close to its revenue goal.

He said Cebu’s tax agency is ranked sixth in terms of having a high collection target only after Pampanga, Manila, San Pablo, Laguna, Quezon City and Makati City. This suggests, he explained, that Cebu has a big revenue potential, thanks to its growing economic activity.

While hitting the yearly income tax goal is always a challenge, Palamine said the tax agency — which collects around 70 percent of total government revenues — is bent on mapping more potential tax targets.

Its campaign against tax evaders and crooked bureaucrats would also help pull in more taxes.

Every revenue district office has also its goal to meet. Of the five RDOs under BIR-13, north Cebu has the biggest tax goal followed by Mandaue City, south Cebu, Talisay City and Bohol province. Revenue targets for district offices have increased by 20 percent every year.

Filing season

Moreover, the local agency has also advised taxpayers the filing season for income taxes has already started but it would officially kick off its filing campaign on March 19 yet.

Palamine told taxpayers to file as early as now or else, they would have to join the surge in payers as the April 15 deadline approaches. 

He said: “This year, akong plano i-recognize nato ang professionals. Although di pa substantial ang compliance, we want to recognize them during the kick-off ceremony.”

Taxpayers can also now submit tax returns online through the agency’s Electronic Filing and Payment System. However, a new BIR issuance said the availability of online submission of the tax forms would be announced as soon as possible. (FREEMAN)