BIR extends tax filing, payment deadline for taxpayers under ECQ, MECQ

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Friday announced it has extended the deadline for the filing of returns and payment of taxes, as well as the submission of reports and attachments, that fall within the period from August 6 to August 20, 2021 for taxpayers under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ.

In a statement, the BIR said the extension has been issued in response to the possible surge of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, which triggered the placing the National Capital Region and other areas in the country under ECQ and MECQ.

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 91-2021, the deadline falling within the said dates are extended for 15 calendar days from August 20, 2021.

In case the ECQ and/or MECQ will be further extended, then the said deadline will likewise be extended by 15 calendar days from the lifting of such community quarantine, according to the BIR.

“By providing them with this extension, taxpayers affected by quarantine restrictions need not worry much of complying with their tax obligations while helping the country take precautions to prevent the further spread of the deadly variant,” said BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay.

During the said extended 15-day period, taxpayers are also given three options to pay internal revenue taxes.

One is at the nearest Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) notwithstanding RDO jurisdiction, the taxman said.

Another option is through the concerned Revenue Collection Officers (RCOs) of the nearest Revenue District Office (RDO), even in areas where there are AABs, it added.

“And the safest and most convenient option, the online tax payment facilities, namely Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Link.Biz Portal, DBP Pay Tax Online, Unionbank, GCash and PayMaya,” the BIR said. -MDM, GMA News