Landbank account holders can now pay taxes online

MANILA, Philippines — State-run Land Bank of the Philippines launched yesterday an electronic payment system which allows its account holders to pay their taxes with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) online.

Landbank president and chief executive officer Alex Buenaventura said the ePayment platform aims to provide Filipinos with a more convenient way to pay their taxes instead of queuing inside Landbank branches.

“This is a welcome addition to our array of services that support the government’s thrust toward providing more convenient and accessible channels of paying government fees. We are pleased to expand our partnership with the BIR and contribute to building a stronger platform for tax collection,” Buenaventura said.

According to Buenaventura, about 4.5 million small taxpayers, with total transaction amount of P43 billion, have used Landbank’s over-the-counter tax payment service in the first nine months.

Buenaventura also said its online payment facility for BIR payments is initially available for individual and non-individual taxpayers who maintain an account with Landbank.

Eventually, he said the platform would also be available for Bancnet-member banks and internationally branded cards. He said the service is also free of charge.

Internal revenue commissioner Caesar Dulay is encouraging taxpayers to make use of the facility and take advantage of the faster and more convenient transactions it can provide.

“We encourage (taxpayers) to make use of this facility so they can avoid penalties (for late payments). This is for them, and eventually, for the country if we collect enough taxes,” Dulay said.

Dulay also expressed confidence the new facility would help the BIR improve its tax collections.