Addressing a large crowd of businessmen and professionals at the Paskuhan Village in San Fernando City, Pampanga, BIR Commissioner Lilian B. Hefti reminded taxpayers of the approaching April 15 deadline for the filing of their 2007 Income Tax Returns (ITRs).

With still almost two weeks left for taxpayers to file their ITRs, Hefti said taxpayers should now proceed to the nearest accredited agent banks (ABB) of the BIR to file and pay taxes in order to avoid long queues during the deadline rush.

Hefti ordered all revenue regional directors and revenue district officers (RDOs) nationwide to set up special tax filing centers in bank premises to assist taxpayers.

The BIR chief expressed optimism that the agency will hit its huge collection target based on the agency’s good collection performance in the first two months of the year which totaled more than R98 billion.

BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson M. Aspe said he hopes that the recent Holy Week celebration will make people listen to their conscience and become more honest in declaring their income.

The well-attended forum was arranged by Pampanga Revenue Regional Director Zenaida Garcia, her assistant Pepito Aranas, and eight RDOs.

National and local government officials, including Rep. Aurelio Gonzales and Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr., were also present as well as prominent business and professional taxpayers in the region.