BIR-CAR POSTS POSITIVE TAX COLLECTION

BAGUIO CITY

Regional revenue collection, covering the period from January to mid-June 2024 recorded a positive growth, according Bureau of Internal Revenue-Cordillera Administrative Region (BIR CAR). In an interview, Corazon
Balinas, BIR-CAR Officer-in charge, said to date, actual collection posted at P4.735 billion, a slight increase from
P4.692 billion in the same period last year. Actually, BIR-CAR’s tax collection goal for 2024 set at P12.729 billion.
Balinas thanked the taxpayers who are compliant and encouraged everyone that the Bureau is willing to serve and educate people.

OIC Balinas emphasized the need to sustain momentum and continue meeting performance target to support the national budgetary needs and sustain economic growth. Assistant Regional Director Emila C. Combes said, for June (2024) alone, revenue total collection at P700 million almost meeting its goal for the said month at P750.681 million. ’So far so good, BIR-CAR ranked No. 7 among the 22 regions and one large taxpayer. An increase of 3.8 percent from previous year collection, Combes said.  Combes added that Cordillera is very much depedent on Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) which stands at 80 percent.

Baguio City Revenue District Oficer , Merlyn Vicente likewise reported a positive growth with an initial P2.199-B (Jan-June) revenue collection versus the P2.180-B in the same period last year. The diverse sources of revenue in Baguio City include income tax, value-added tax (VAT), percentage tax, excise tax, and others, with real property
transactions showed significant growth. “Our efforts in tax collection have been comprehensive, targeting various sectors to maximize revenue,” Balinas added, highlighting the city’s dynamic real estate market as a key contributor.

Irene Goze, Collection Division Chief, said 42 cases of delinquent tax payers were recorded by their agency, with an estimated P100 million in tax levy. Among the actions taken against delinquent tax payers include summary remedies— issuance of warrant of district levy, garnish bank accounts and seize properties. ‘Pero pag natanggap ng taxpayer yung warrant, marami naman na sa kanila nagbabayad. Kasi natatakot sila na makuha…ma-freeze lahat ng accounts nila sa bank,’ Goze explained. However, the number of delinquent taxpayers actually decreased and mostly old cases, Goze added.

Lawyer Jesusa B. Rebudal-Jamon, Legal Division Chief reported that for the first semester , 13 tax cases were filed in court mostly in Abra, Baguio, La Trinidad (Benguet) and Bontoc (Mt. Province). These cases include tax evasion, delinquent accounts and non-registration of businesses. However, cases filed decreased compared to previous years, the BIR official said. In an effort to further improve tax compliance, BIR-CAR is set to launch a roadshow aimed at educating taxpayers about various payment methods and processes. It’s part of the agency’s initiatives to inform
taxpayers and make tax compliance more accessible.

Additionally, the “Ease of Paying Taxes” aims to streamline the tax payment process, providing taxpayers with more convenient options. This program is designed to reduce the complexities of tax payments, making it easier for
individuals and businesses to comply with tax regulations.

Ma. Christina C. Pendre / Jasmin Alaia Legpit, UC-Interns/ABN

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