BIR tax campaign to decrease number of tax evaders

By Venus G. Villanueva

Tuesday 28th of February 2012

KALIBO, Aklan, February 26 (PIA6) -- I love Philippines, I pay taxes.

With this campaign theme, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) hopes to reduce the number of tax evaders, according to Regional Director Romulo Aguila Jr of BIR-RO 6.

Aguila issued this statement during the recent press conference held here in Kalibo as one of BIR-Aklan’s tax launching activities of its tax campaign for 2012.

In the press conference, Aguila appealed to Aklanons through the local media to help the BIR collect taxes.

“The taxes you pay will help a long way for a better Philippines,” Aguila said.

Aguila also said that the BIR will be intensifying its tax collection campaign on professionals.

In the same activity, Aguila reminded Aklanons to pay their income taxes on or before the deadline on April 15.

Stressing that there will be no extensions, people could pay early before the deadline to avoid big crowds, and to avoid paying penalties.

Penalties, according to Aguila, include 20 percent interest, 25 percent surcharge and compromised penalties.

Non-filers and those who underdeclare their income by 30 percent will also face tax evasion charges.

This year, BIR 6 is targeting to collect some P6.2 billion taxes in Western Visayas through its 5 revenue district offices.

In Aklan, BIR will be aiming to collect some P841 million, its target goal this year. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)