QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) formally launched its 2014 nationwide tax campaign to raise at least P1.46 trillion before the end of the year yesterday at this city.
Top government officials, professionals, media top honchos and businessmen led by Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Cesar V. Purisima attended the national tax kickoff at the Luxent Hotel along Timog Avenue.
The BIR’s tax awareness advocacy this year is reflected in its tax campaign theme: “I love the Philippines, I pay my taxes right. It’s as easy as register, file & pay.”
Tasked to share their thoughts on the said national launch aside from Sec. Purisima are Sec. Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and John A. Polk, Deputy Resident Country Director, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Likewise expected to attend in the said gathering are Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte, MCC and MCAP (Millennium Challenge Account Philippines) officials, Chief Executive Officers of Television and Print Media, and Presidents and officials of prominent professional, government and business organizations.
As part of its Public Awareness Campaign (PAC) reform program under the auspices of MCC/MCAP, Commissioner of Internal Revenue (CIR) Kim S. Jacinto-Henares formally unveiled the official tax campaign theme and logo of the BIR for 2014 in line with her advocacy of paying taxes right for nationbuilding. Likewise launched was www.knowyourtaxes.ph, an informative website that will help BIR inform taxpayers, including the general public, on how easy it is to register, file and pay taxes with the tax agency.
The campaign included a massive media blitz which includes television, radio, print media, outdoor billboards, outdoor and building LEDs and LCDs, airports, seaports and major cinemas in the country.
As always, CIR Henares reiterated her yearly April 15 income tax filing deadline appeal for taxpayers to file their tax returns early and avoid penalties, not to mention inconvenience, for late filing. She likewise reminded taxpayers to deal only with BIR Accredited Tax Practitioners and pay their taxes though checks to avoid being fleeced by unscrupulous and scheming people.
