BIR launches 'I-text and Resibo' promo

The Bureau of Internal Revenue is once again giving an option for taxpayers to become millionaires through the "Bayan I-Text ang Resibo" promo, this time increasing the slots to 15. According to BIR regional information officer Zorohaida de la Cruz, those who are interested to join the promotion will just have to ask for an official receipt for any goods and services availed of and have this registered and sent to designated SMART number 9777. "This promo was conceptualized in our aim to increase collection, since through this we are also directing businesses and establishments to declare the right income, and also to be of help in the country's fiscal sustainability," De la Cruz said. She also said this year's total prizes at stake is P15 million, which is a hundred percent more than the previous "Bayan I-Text ang Resibo" promo with P7.6 million. "Five millionaires will be produced weekly this August, the only duration of the contest," De la Cruz said. In 2004, there were two monthly draws and one Christmas grand draw with P25,000 as weekly consolation prize in each of the 19 revenue regions. De la Cruz also said that the texting charge was also lessened from P2.50 for every entry to only P1.50. However, unlike the previous contest, each entry will consist only of P100 denomination. De la Cruz said that if a single purchase reaches P500, it means that the taxpayer will have to key in five times the amount, the business name and address, the tax identification number and the name of printer (BIR permit number) with inclusive serial number of booklets and date of issuance of receipts to SMART number 9777. A sample text message will look like this:PSRTINReceipt NumberReceipt amount. There is also no first time registration required. She said BIR is initially using SMART network as they are still finalizing the mechanics with Globe and Sun Cellular. She however said they will just announce once other networks are already available. Receipts that qualify include Sales Invoice (SI), Cash Invoice (CI) and Cash Register Machine/Point Sales (CRM/POS) Receipt. All entries sent from June 1 to July 31 will qualify for the August 1 draw. Those receipts registered from August 1 to August 7 will qualify for the August 8 draw while those keyed in from August 8 to August 14 will be drawn on August 15. -Ferliza C. Contratista