Taxpayers are now a step closer to an easier process of paying taxes as the Senate approved on third and final reading a proposed measure that would simplify the process of paying taxes and strengthen taxpayers’ rights, Senator Win Gatchalian said.
Authored by Gatchalian, Senate Bill 2224, or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, aims to establish a tax administration system that will not only encourage taxpayers to pay their taxes truthfully and promptly but also facilitate a more efficient tax collection to fund various government programs.
“Mahalaga na maisabatas kung paano natin mapapagaan ang proseso para sa ating mga taxpayers dahil sa kanila nanggagaling ang pondo na kailangan natin para magpatupad ng mga programa para sa ikauunlad ng bansa,” Gatchalian said.
The proposed measure, once enacted into law, will introduce administrative reforms that would simplify tax compliance and strengthen taxpayer rights by amending certain provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.
Also, the proposed measure aims to revolutionize the current process of filing tax returns and paying taxes by allowing taxpayers to have the flexibility to file their returns and make payments at any Revenue District Office (RDO), or any authorized agent bank, regardless of whether it’s located within the jurisdiction of the RDO where they are registered.
According to Gatchalian, taxpayers must be allowed to settle estate tax and donor’s tax in any RDO as this would alleviate the burden placed on taxpayers who have to travel long distances or encounter logistical challenges to fulfill their tax obligations.
In addition, the measure will also pave the way to institutionalize the use of digital filing and payment through any accredited payment channels or platforms. Gatchalian emphasized that the digitalization of filing tax returns and payment of taxes is expected to enhance compliance as it would make it easier and more convenient for taxpayers to fulfill their obligations.
