June 24, 2024 – In a move to further ease the burden of taxpayers and enhance taxpayer service, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has removed the five-year validity period for Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCAR). This means that eCARs will now remain valid until they are presented to the Registry of Deeds (RD) for real property transfer registration.
The announcement was made by BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., who emphasized the agency's commitment to becoming a service-oriented institution under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative. "We have removed the five-year validity period for the benefit of taxpayers," Lumagui stated. "Whatever we can do to help ease the burden of our taxpayers in paying their taxes, we will implement."
Prior to the issuance of Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 12-2024, eCARs were only valid for five years. However, it was observed that many taxpayers were unable to use their eCARs within this timeframe, necessitating the need to acquire a new one. This added administrative burden has now been eliminated under RR No. 12-2024.
Lumagui also highlighted the timeliness of these changes, coinciding with the implementation of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act (EoPT). "These reforms demonstrate our dedication to providing Excellent Taxpayers Service," he said. "The BIR is open to suggestions on how we can further improve our tax system in the Philippines."
The removal of the eCAR validity period is a welcome development for taxpayers, as it eliminates the need to worry about their eCARs expiring and having to reacquire new ones. This simplification of the real property transfer process is aligned with the BIR's commitment to making tax compliance easier and more convenient for all Filipinos.
About the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is the primary revenue-collecting agency of the Philippine government. It is responsible for the assessment and collection of internal revenue taxes, including income, value-added, excise, and documentary stamps taxes. The BIR also enforces tax laws and regulations, and conducts investigations and prosecutions for tax evasion.