THE closure of some large scale mining companies in the country may affect the country’s tax collection.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officials and employees allayed their fear during their tax campaign kickoff in the city which may deplete the collection of the government.
BIR Commissioner Ceasar Dulay said mining industries are paying high taxes and with the pending closure and suspension, a decrease of tax collection is seen this year and the coming years.
"Maaapektuhan ang BIR dahil kung maliit ang bilang ng mga mining companies ay maliit din ang excise tax na makokolekta, so it will reduce our excise tax collection," Dulay said.
Aside from excise tax, mining companies also employs thousands who are also paying income tax.
But despite the possible effects of lowered tax collection due to the impending closure of mining firms, the Department of Finance and the BIR is also taking a look at the tax reform bill pending in Congress which is expected to be passed within the year.
Meanwhile, Dulay said they will need to continue to work harder in the government to increase and achieve the desired tax collection and closely monitor delinquent tax payers.
"We have to be confident and just keep on working for the good of the country," Dulay said.
He also reminded the employees and officials of BIR to stop corruption.
"It’s a work in progress. Hindi masasabi na at one time okey na, but I am assuring you we will carry out the mandate of the President to go against corruption," Dulay added.
According to reports, around 90 percent of BIR’s collection comes from voluntary payment as Dulay called on every tax payer to be a partner for change, in bringing in true and meaningful change to the country and all the Filipino people.
BIR’s collection target for 2017 is P1.829 trillion with the Cordillera region eyeing P6.64 billion. BIR’s tax campaign of “Tunay na Pagbabago, Para Sa Bayan “will be focused on the attainment of collection target, improvement of taxpayers’ satisfaction and protection of revenues and recapturing of public thrust.