Tax abatement deadline set February 29
By Rose B. Palacio
Davao City (21 February) -- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Regional Director Atty. Marcelinda Omila-Yap urged delinquent taxpayers to avail of the Abatement of Penalties and Interest under the Abatement program of the BIR which will end on February 29, 2008 unless the deadline would be extended by the Commissioner.
The filing of the application and payment of an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Basic Tax assessed shall be made not later than February 29, 2008 with the accredited agent banks of the Revenue District office under RDO Jose Eric C. Furia (for Davao City); Atty, Franklin C. Ladores (for Tagum City); Eddie A. Castillo (for Digos City); Abilia S. Bentulan (for Mati City); with contact persons: Susan D. Tusoy, chief of the Assessment Section RDO 113; and Maritess A. Nartatez, Asst. Chief, Assessment division, BIR RR 19.
Under this Abatement program, as amended, the Commissioner is authorized to abate or cancel tax liability or the penalties thereon when the tax or any portion thereof appears to be unjustly or excessively assessed, or the administration and collection costs involved do not justify the collection of the amount due.
The program of BIR Abatement of penalties would encourage taxpayers to pay the basic tax assessed as soon as possible to avoid the rigors of a protracted protest or litigation process.
Those taxpayers duly issued Assessment Notice as of November 29, 2007, involving taxable year ending December 31, 2005 and prior years, are covered in this Abatement program.
Also included in the Abatement program are: cases under administrative protest pending in the regional office, Revenue District office, Legal Service, Large Taxpayer's Service, Collection Service, Enforcement Service and other Offices in the National Office.
Also included are those civil tax cases being disputed before the Department of Justice and the courts including cases with decision which are not yet final and executory.
Excluded in the Abatement program are those cases involving issues decided by the Supreme Court with finality unless the issues involved difficult question of law or issues without established precedent ruling or Supreme Court decision at the time of the transaction; cases where the Presidential Commission on Good Government has an interest and there is a need to coordinate with the PCGG; and withholding tax cases. (PIA) [top]