BIR reminds taxpayers: No extension of April 16 ITR filing deadline

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday reminded all taxpayers that the deadline for the filing of 2017 Annual Income Tax Returns (ITR) and the payment of the taxes due, if any, is on Monday, April 16.

"There will be no extension of the said deadline," the BIR said in an emailed advisory.

The BIR emphasized that tax returns filed and taxes paid after the deadline will be slapped with the corresponding penalties as provided for in the Tax Code.

Penalties include 25 percent surcharge, 12 percent interest per annum, and compromise penalty, according to schedule of penalties.

Under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended or the Tax Code, the deadline is April 15 following the close of the taxable year.

Since April 15, 2018 falls on a Sunday, the said deadline is moved to the next working day, the BIR said.

"Taxpayers are encouraged to file as early as now to avoid the usual issues and inconvenience experienced during the last day of filing," the taxman said. 

Absence of long lines

Meanwhile, taxpayers at North Quezon City said they noticed improvement in the absence of long lines at the district office.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday reminded all taxpayers that the deadline for the filing of 2017 Annual Income Tax Returns (ITR) and the payment of the taxes due, if any, is on Monday, April 16. Bernadette Reyes

Monette Geronimo said she remembers seeing lines go all the way up to the fourth floor. "Mas maluwag po at saka smooth yun pila."

For her part, Rosa Manlangit said it took her only five minutes waiting in line before she got her turn.  "Misnan isang araw [nakapila] noong dati hindi pa naayos sysytem nila. Ngayon mas ok na."

BIR Regional Director Marina de Guzman said she expects lesser crowd at district offices with e-filing now in place for large taxpayers.

She said taxpayers also have other options. "The filing itself is a different venue. last year we did that at the old regional office. Now we have at the Fisher Mall fourth floor expo hall and we have at the national office and all district offices have their filing centers."

Even with more options available, De Guzman encourages taxpayers to file their ITR sooner than later.

"Do not wait for April 16 kasi last day na yan. Traffic na and those availing of electronic filing and payment system baka pag nagkasabay sabay sabihin mahina ang system 'di sila makapasok sa system alam mo naman Filipino style last minute," she said. — RSJ, GMA News