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The COVID-19 vaccine is just around the corner but the challenges of the first quarter must still hold our attention. The news is full of headlines on the Philippines’ budget deficit growing to a record P1.37 trillion and the debt-to-GDP ratio rising to 54.5% at the end of 2020. The increased need to address the burgeoning deficit and debt leaves the government scrambling to raise revenue.

Tax authorities and firms are now anticipating a more accessible and convenient mode of filing and payment of taxes in the new normal. This comes on the heels of an announcement made by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) that it is planning to offer 24/7 online tax services in a bid to ramp up its digital transformation initiatives.

According to Japanese mythology, earthquakes are caused by the giant Namazu (otherwise known as Onamazu) catfish, a mischievous animal that hides beneath the earth’s surface. When the Namazu waggles its caudal fin, the ground shakes violently, endangering the unwitting inhabitants above ground.

Every year, the January to April period marks the busy season for auditors and accountants alike. This is due to mandatory compliance requirements such as business permit renewal, audit of financial statements, and filing of the annual income tax return (ITR).

More than three years have passed since Republic Act No. 10963 (the TRAIN Law) or the first package of the government’s comprehensive tax reform program was enacted. Now, the second package of the comprehensive tax reform program is a step closer to becoming law.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way businesses conduct their day-to-day activities. With the continued threat of the virus and community quarantines in force across the country, most companies have been operating with skeleton workforces, to the extent that often only receptionists and security guards are the only warm bodies present. Such situations could lead to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) notices or letters not being properly served to taxpayers.

Earlier this month, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 4-2021, which lays down the guidelines for the filing of tax returns and attachments, as well as the payment of the taxes due. The RMC did not, essentially, introduce any changes to the prescribed manner of filing and payment of tax returns, but it is nevertheless important to refresh ourselves on these guidelines to ensure proper compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties and inconvenience.

Last night, I had a heated discussion with my friend, which turned in part on open-mindedness to my arguments. Even though I laid out my case, it fell on deaf ears. I believed that the altercation could have been settled if only my friend was willing to listen to my explanations.