BIR holds tax awareness drive in Laguna

 BIR holds tax awareness drive in Laguna

Santa Rosa City, Laguna (PIA) — Days after the national tax campaign kicked off, the Bureau of Internal Revenue brought its regional leg of the tax awareness drive to Santa Rosa City in Laguna on Feb 20 to strengthen tax collection and compliance.

Organized by the BIR Region 4A LaQueMar (Laguna-Quezon-Marinduque), the regional tax awareness drive highlighted the bureau’s achievements and innovation in tax collection and client coordination.

In his message, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. emphasized the importance of tax compliance in contributing to national development by funding essential public services such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

“As we celebrate Tax Awareness Month, let us all be reminded of the importance of taxation in building a better society for ourselves and future generations,” the commissioner said.

The BIR said it met its collection target for the first time in 20 years, with a total collection of P2.86 trillion in 2024, the highest in the bureau’s history.

“Taxes are often seen as a burden (but also) a life blood of our society. They fund our school, support our healthcare system, and maintain our roads and infrastructure,” Lumagui explained.

During the panel discussion, lawyer Dante Tan, BIR LaQueMar regional director, said that the region contributed to the national target through its digitization efforts, including the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), Digital TIN IDs, and eONETT (electronic one-time transactions), which are designed to streamline services for taxpayers.

“In 2024, Region 4A collected over P44.8 billion. Although it fell slightly short of our target, it was still higher than the collection in 2023, with an increase of nearly 12 percent,” Tan explained.

With a renewed push for tax transparency, digitization, and taxpayer education, BIR Laquemar’s 2024 tax campaign aims to foster voluntary compliance and strengthen public trust in the tax system—ensuring that every peso collected contributes to the country’s progress.

The BIR also recognized top taxpayers who were consistent in complying with their tax obligations in each district office. It said the recognition seeks to encourage other business owners and individuals to follow their example.

This year, the BIR targets a tax collection of approximately P3.23 trillion, reinforcing its commitment to improving revenue generation for national development. (AM/PIA 4A)