MANILA — More taxpayers are utilizing the online filing system for their 2024 income tax returns (ITRs), according to Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.

During the last day for filing ITRs on April 15,  Lumagui noted that only a few taxpayers were present at the BIR Revenue District Office in Intramuros, Manila.

Only individuals classified as micro or small taxpayers are allowed to file manually. BIR personnel were tasked to assist taxpayers in online filing and payment upon arrival at RDOs.

“‘Yung data natin last year nasa around—lampas 1.63 million. Ngayon nalampasan na natin ‘yan by 2.2 percent. So maganda ang turnout. Madadagdagan pa ‘yan dahil ang data natin ay online filers pa lang,” Lumagui said at a Quezon City Revenue District Office. 

The BIR however also received reports of issues in filing, as some did not receive their email confirmation. Lumagui advised taxpayers to take a screenshot to prove their filing was successful. He added, people may opt to refile if they did not get a confirmation.

“Siguro ang importante tingnan natin ang ating mga emails, at dahil minsan napupunta ‘yun sa spam. At minsan naman, nasa configuration ng email ng mga kumpanya at email natin na ‘yung security feature ng email ay hindi tumatanggap,” Lumagui said.

The Philippine tax chief said he is confident the agency will hit its P3.23 trillion revenue target this year. Lumagui said the BIR had has already exceeded its target for January to March, and that he expects the same performance for April onwards. 

“Sa lahat ng paghihirap at pagsisipag na ginagawa ng ating mga empleyado at sa tulong ng nga taxpayers na nagco-comply at tumutupad sa kanilang tungkulin na magbayad, tingin naman natin ay makakakamit natin itong P3.23 trillion,” Lumagui said.

In 2024, the BIR surpassed its target, collecting P2.85 trillion.