BIR, BoC

partment underscored.

“The BIR’s ongoing digital transformation program, which has expanded the range of electronic payment channels that allow taxpayers to file and pay their taxes online, enabled it to continue collecting taxes even amid the mobility restrictions resulting from the pandemic,” it said.

The Internal Revenue Integrated System, which serves as the bureau’s central tool and repository for processing taxpayer information; and the Enhanced Internal Revenue Stamps Integrated System, which is an application that manages the ordering, production, distribution, affixing and tracking of revenue stamps to monitor the proper payment of excise taxes on tobacco products, are among the BIR’s digitalization initiatives, the DoF highlighted.

The BIR has also introduced its taxpayer identification number mobile application, as well as a single hotline number and chatbot “REVIE” on its website to assist taxpayers with general questions, as well as the ability to contact the bureau with concerns.

The bureau’s Electronic Filing and Payment System, Electronic Fund Transfer Instructions System, and other e-payment channels have also been implemented to allow taxpayers to pay their taxes online, the Finance department added.

BIR also projected that in 2021, nearly 100 percent of annual income tax returns were filed online as a result of the shift to contactless transactions.

The DoF further said the BoC is moving ahead with its World Bank-funded Customs Modernization Program, which includes the implementation of existing digitalization programs, such as the Electronic Advance Ruling System for Valuation and Rules of Origin, as well as the use of the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Single Window platform for exchanging customs declaration documents with other Asean-member economies.

In addition, the BoC has launched its Customer Care Portal System, which allows stakeholders to electronically submit and track the status of their inquiries, requests or concerns; and the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo System, which uses a GPS-enabled tracking device to ensure that shipments are transported to their intended destinations in real time.

The BIR is expected to collect P2.43 trillion this year, according to the Department of Budget and Management’s Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing, while the BoC is seen to raise P671.65 billion.