BIR reports 22.5% rise in tax filings, no extension

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reported a 22.5 percent increase in annual income tax return filings this year, attributed to its early tax awareness campaign and digitalization efforts.

During an interview on PTV-4's Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. noted that fewer taxpayers physically visited revenue offices this season as more individuals used digital platforms for submission.

Lumagui confirmed there was no extension granted for the April 15 filing deadline and warned of penalties for late filers, including interest charges and surcharges.

To sustain compliance, the BIR plans to continue its digital transformation, strengthen enforcement efforts, boost information campaigns, and intensify crackdowns on tax evasion.

The agency expects to collect PHP431.95 billion in April, with a full-year target of PHP3.23 trillion, reflecting a 14 percent increase from last year's collections.