BIR reminds public to pay correct taxes

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue have urged the public to pay their correct taxes as the agency aims to achieve its revenue target this year.

Marivic Galban, taxpayers service program chief of the national BIR, said the agency's annual tax campaign wants to remind taxpayers of their tax obligations to the country.

"Ayaw po ng BIR na mangolekta ng sobra, ayaw din namin ng kulang ang gusto lang namin ang tamang buwis galing sa mga taxpayer," Galban told The FREEMAN at the sidelines of BIR 13 Cebu City's tax campaign kick-off yesterday, attended by taxpayers from various districts in Cebu and Bohol.

The theme of its campaign is "Angat pa, Pinas!", reminding taxpayers of their important role in achieving the country's development and economic goals.

As the April 15 deadline nears, she advised taxpayers to use the bureau's electronic system of tax filing for their advantage.

"The filing season has started in January but it usually picks up at the near end of April 15," she said.

In his speech, BIR 13 Director Hermeno Palamine recognized the professionals who heeded to the call of the revenue agency to pay their correct taxes.

"Help us achieve the target in order sustain the country's economic growth and maintain its status as one of the world's fastest growing economies," Palamine said.

The director made mention of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Cebu Medical Society, business groups in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Tagbilaran and other civic groups that have helped in its tax campaign.

BIR region 13 Cebu City's new tax goal is P25.4 billion, slightly down from P25.9 billion, BIR data showed.

In 2014, BIR 13 exceeded its goal by 1.05%, hitting its P20.9-billion target. It collected P21.1 billion in revenues last year, preliminary data showed. — Carlo S. Lorenciana (FREEMAN)