BIR Micro Tax Amnesty Applications Reach 2,379, Abates ₱149.35 Million

 

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has granted relief on ₱149.35 million in tax liabilities and penalties under its one-time tax abatement program, as more micro taxpayers seek to resolve outstanding obligations before the December 31 deadline.

As of October 3, the agency had received 2,379 applications from micro taxpayers, with 1,027 applicants joining the program in the latest 15-day reporting period. The increase points to growing participation as the BIR steps up efforts to inform eligible taxpayers about the relief available to them.

Launched on July 7, the program covers qualified micro taxpayers with eligible delinquent accounts, tax assessments and open stop-filer cases. It provides a way to settle covered tax liabilities and address outstanding compliance issues under prescribed conditions.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza attributed the increase in applications to intensified outreach by the agency's Revenue Regions and Revenue District Offices. These offices have been working to reach eligible taxpayers and encourage them to regularize their tax records.

According to the BIR, the 2,379 taxpayers have filed a combined 10,229 applications, of which 8,464 have been approved.

The total amount abated comprises ₱28.24 million in basic taxes and ₱121.12 million in compromise penalties. Meanwhile, the agency reported collecting ₱42.32 million in abatement fees under the program.

To qualify, taxpayers must have covered basic taxes and penalties totaling no more than ₱80,000 for each taxable year, subject to BIR requirements. Approved applicants must pay an abatement fee of ₱5,000 for every tax type and taxable year covered by the relief.

The BIR has also updated its Offline eBIRForms Package to accommodate payments through BIR Form 0605, providing taxpayers with an additional way to complete the payment process.

With the program scheduled to close on December 31, eligible micro taxpayers have until the end of the year to apply. The initiative offers an opportunity to settle qualifying outstanding obligations, although applicants must still meet the agency's eligibility and payment requirements.