Bontoc, Mountain Province – The Bureau of Internal Revenue District Office (BIR-DO) collected a total of P83,263,246.42 in taxes as of the first quarter of 2017, an increase of P13,826,825.54 or 19.91 percent (%) against their actual collection of P69,436,420.88 for the same period last year.
OIC-Revenue District Officer Jimmy D. Tangonan said that the significant increase in their tax collection is attributed to their aggressive tax information education campaign (IEC).
The month of February was the kick-off of their campaign to inform the taxpayers of their civic obligation, the importance of taxes, and the deadline for filing and paying taxes, especially the Income Tax Return (ITR).
He urged taxpayers, who were not able to beat the deadline, to still file and pay their income tax even after the deadline. The deadline for filing of ITR is on or before April 15 of each year covering taxable income for the preceding taxable year. But since April 15 falls on a Black Saturday, the deadline was moved to the next Monday, April 17.
The revenue district officer is also encouraging taxpayers to use the BIR’s Electronic Filing and Payment System (EFPS) where filing and payment of tax are done on-line. The system, according to him, makes transactions easier and more convenient to taxpayers provided they are properly registered with BIR system.
Individual taxpayers can just remit their payments using their bank accounts through on-line fund transfer.
To motivate and encourage taxpayers for prompt and honest payment of taxes, the bureau is giving yearly plaque of recognition to deserving taxpayers.
Mr. Tangonan said that their agency awarded the top ten individual taxpayers for the taxable year 2016.
Among the awardees are: Joseph T. Kalangeg of Sadlan Construction; Joel B. Awilan of JBA Construction and Builders; Crisanto P. Sagayo Jr. – CPS Engineering Construction; Brent K. Amrangeb- BKA Construction; Reynaldo P. Isican – RKKI Construction, Reynaldo Del Amor Sr. – Tadian General Construction, Lito A. Banito – Lab General Engineering; Charito F. Bacullo – CFB Marketing & General Merchandise; John T. Marques – Miligan Construction; and Brigitta K. Ayochok – Kawi Construction &Akne General Merchandise.
Meanwhile, the provincial government headed by Mr. Cawed A. Gamonnac including the municipal governments of the province will conduct tax caravans and tax information campaign in the municipalities, especially where collection in local taxes was low. Door-to-door collections by tax collectors will also be instituted.
Both heads of the tax agencies appeal to taxpayers to cooperate and help their respective offices in achieving their collection target for this year.
By Alfred F. Macalling
