BIR: No extension of April 15 deadline to file tax returns

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MANILA, Philippines — Taxpayers have only until today, April 15, to file their 2024 annual income tax returns (AITR) to avoid penalties.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. had said there will be no extension of the deadline, arguing that they have been urging the public to pay their income taxes on time since February.

Banks have also adjusted their operations to accommodate the anticipated wave of taxpayers, Lumagui added.

READ: BIR: E-facilities to make tax return filing, payment ‘hassle-free’

To support the tax filing season, authorized banks remained open on two Saturdays in April (April 5 and April 12). Banking hours, meanwhile, were also extended until 5 p.m. from April 1 to April 15 to accept tax payments.

Electronic filing

To make the tax filing process easier, the BIR requires taxpayers to file their 2024 AITR electronically using its e-Filing facilities, namely Electronic BIR Forms or Electronic Filing and Payment System for those mandated to use it.

Taxpayers without internet access may use the eLounge facility of the BIR revenue district offices, where they will be assisted in e-Filing their 2024 AITR.

The BIR likewise established an e-filing center inside the bureau’s compound on Senator Miriam P. Defensor-Santiago Avenue in Quezon City. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until April 15.

For this year, the BIR is expecting to collect P845.9 billion from individual income tax filers, accounting for 26 percent of its total projected revenues of P3.2 trillion, budget documents showed.

Late filers of income tax returns may face a penalty equivalent to 25 percent of the amount due, in addition to the tax required to be paid.