BIR to collect taxes better with new data system

CEBU – With the implementation of the automated Human Resource Information System, the Bureau of Internal Revenue hopes it can now increase its tax collections, improve revenue administration and catch tax evaders the easier way.

This after the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over a complete IT Support Package to BIR in a ceremony held January 30 at the BIR Central Office in Quezon City. USAID mission director John Lindborg turned over the package to BIR Commissioner Sixto Esquivias IV.

The turnover marked the completion of the USAID Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Program’s technical assistance to BIR.

The threshold program of the US government provided 500 desktop computers, network cabling, office refurbishment and other civil works necessary to link 71 district offices and 12 regional offices to the integrated system.

It has also trained 1,500 BIR staff on how to operate and manage the new system where they have also encoded over 2.2 million tax forms.

With the new automated system, 97 percent of BIR offices nationwide are expected to be connected to the computerized integrated tax system by the end of February 2009.

Lindborg said that aside from the increase in tax collection and improvement in revenue management, the IT support package will standardize the procedures for tax assessment and collection across BIR offices and make tax transactions more efficient, transparent and speedy.

It will also enable BIR to manage performance, to match staffing needs with expertise and human resources as well as to monitor personnel decisions and staff performance.

Esquivias said that the assistance provided by the USAID is invaluable to the present and future operations of the BIR for it will help in making transactions more efficient and transparent.

Other support programs for the BIR include training of investigators and prosecutors of the Run After Tax Evaders program and establishment of training centers in Manila, Baguio, Davao and Cebu.

There are also study tours in US for senior officials to observe the practices of the US Internal Revenue Service.

The Threshold program is a two-year bilateral agreement between the Philippines and US government for improving revenue administration and reducing corruption. —Jessica Ann R. Pareja/WAB (THE FREEMAN)