BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is actively strengthening its ties with the private sector and implementing sweeping reforms to ensure a more transparent, fair, and convenient tax system for the public.
BIR Cordillera Regional Director Joseph M. Catapia announced the formation of the Cordillera Association of Bookkeepers and Accountants (CABA), a unified group of tax practitioners composed of Certified Public Accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers from the region.
“These tax practitioners are our partners in collection. They are the ones who prepare returns and pay taxes on behalf of their clients,” Catapia said.
He emphasized that the BIR has shifted to a more consultative approach, listening to the actual experiences and concerns of the sector.
“Because of their feedback, we were able to elevate issues to the national office. Just recently, issuances were released to clarify concerns especially in time for the April 15 deadline,” Catapia added.
Alongside partnership building, the BIR is aggressively implementing the DARES Program under Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza to improve ease of doing business.
Key measures are Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform and Accountability, Revenue Collection and Base Protection, Employee Empowerment and Welfare Promotion, Service Excellence, and Stakeholder Engagement.
Under audit reform, BIR moves for the strict implementation of “one Letter of Authority per taxpayer per year” to prevent harassment, and the abolition of overlapping audit units.
In synch with the rapid technological advancement, it is shifting to paperless transactions through Electronic Filing and Payment Systems (EFPS) and system-generated audit assignments to minimize human intervention.
Taxpayers can now verify the authenticity of audit letters online via the BIR website and CHOTBOT for security.
To further assist taxpayers especially in far-flung areas, the BIR continues its “Rangtay ti Serbisyo” program and installation of eBIZ Lounges in municipal halls, allowing businesses to file and pay taxes without traveling to district offices.
“Our goal is to align everything with the Ease of Paying Taxes Law, making compliance simpler, faster, and fairer for everyone,” Catapia stated. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
