BIR gets nationwide ISO certification, unveils new logo, portal

MANILA: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently received a 100-percent nationwide International Organization for Standardization or ISO certification on several of its services, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said on Thursday. Lumagui, during the 120th-anniversary celebration held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, said the ISO Certification covers both the Operations Group (Revenue Regions, Revenue District Offices) and the Large Taxpayer Service (LTS). The ISO Certification for the Revenue Regions and Revenue District Offices covered the business registration process; process of retrieval and verification of batch control sheet reports and tax returns from authorized agent banks; and processing and issuance of tax clearance and certificates. The certification also covered the standards on the processing of one-time transactions and processing of tax returns in the document processing division particularly on document control and data capture processes. The ISO Cer tification for the LTS, meanwhile, covered its most important taxpayer service-related processes such as the registration process; collection process; and ONETT Process or the onerous transfer of shares of stock not traded through the local stock exchange, and the donation of real and personal properties. New logo, portal The BIR also unveiled its new logo and web portal. Lumagui said the new BIR logo was created through the contributions of both taxpayers and revenuers and symbolizes the inclusive approach of the BIR in dealing with taxpayers. The new logo features the Philippine Eagle, three stars, a sun wreath, and the colors of the Philippine flag. Lumagui said the Philippine Eagle shows the BIR's tenacity and resilience in overcoming the odds to achieve its goals while the eagle's eye symbolizes the BIR's vigilance and attention to detail in the enforcement of tax laws and collection of taxes. "The three stars, the Philippine archipelago's three principal islands, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, affi rms BIR's dedication to serving the entire nation," he said. "We also have the sun wreath, which represents the BIR's role in guiding the nation towards prosperity through fair and transparent enforcement of tax laws. We also have here people with joined hands which shows the unity and cooperation of BIR personnel and external stakeholders in propelling the nation's progress," he added. Lumagui said the Philippine flag colors, blue, yellow, red, and white, represent the Bureau's love for the country. The new BIR web portal, meanwhile, was developed with the help of the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Lumagui said the new portal aims to create a balance between convenience in accessing tax information, BIR updates, eServices, and an impression of professionalism and modernity in the 21st century. "The BIR marks its 120th anniversary with achievements worthy of 'Bagong Pilipinas'. Our 100% Nationwide ISO Certification marks the shift of BIR into a more service-oriented agency. Our new BIR logo marks our adaptation to the 21st century. Our new BIR web portal marks our commitment to the digitalization of our services," said Lumagui. Source: Philippines News agency