To provide a more taxpayer convenient manner of filing and payment of tax liabilities, electronic filing and payment system (EFPS) in the Philippines was introduced early in 2001 under Revenue Regulations No. 9-2001. The online tax payment system also fast tracked the availability of tax revenue for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as payment is directly credited to the account of the government.
How does online system works?
Taxpayers intending to use online facility are required to enrol with the EFPS facility of the BIR. They are likewise required to maintain an online banking facility where the EFPS facility is integrated. Upon successful enrolment with both EFPS and online banking, the EFPS taxpayer will simply access the online facility, fill-out the tax return fields with required details and have it filed online. It is a two-step process and for control purposes, two persons normally operate – a staff for online filing, and an executive for online payment with access over online bank facility. Of course, it might be a bit risky to entrust online banking access to the staff so the superior ones does the online payment authorization. Upon successful online filing and payment, the system will generate a filing reference and payment confirmation as proof of successful tax payment. The system will likewise store EFPS files of tax returns files for future reference.
Benefits of online tax payment system
The online tax filing system is actually convenient for EFPS taxpayers. Here are some notable advantages:
- No need for personal bank appearance to pay and file tax returns;
- No need for manual stamping with the BIR office;
- Beating the red light is not tight because final hour is until 10:00PM of the filing date as compared to the banking hours for payment (e.g. 3:00PM or 4:00PM for some banks);
- Preparation of managers/cashiers checks for payment (or company check in some instances) is no longer needed as payment is attached to an online facility;
- Tax returns are automated and no need for manual computation as some fields with mathematical computations automatically operates;
- Filing can be done at your own pace and time based on an internet connection;
- Drop downs for applicable fields such us on alphanumeric tax codes (ATC) are available and no deed to search for them manually; and,
- Printing may be dispensed with because the system will store your filed returns that you may print later, although printing every after filing and payment is recommended;
As you can see above, filing and payment of tax return online is made easier, simplified, and convenient. We would expect that someday, online payment would open up for more facilities like paypal, credit card, and other modes for online merchants.
Who can avail of the online tax payment system in the Philippines?
The EFPS initially kicked off for large taxpayers with respect to some tax returns in the past but later developed. It has been made open to all taxpayers wishing to avail of the EFPS at their option, and almost all tax returns are now available for EFPS filing. However, certain taxpayers are mandated to file their tax returns via EFPS such as the following:
- Large Tax Payers duly notified by the BIR
- Top 20,000 Private Corporations duly notified by the BIR
- Top 5,000 Individual Taxpayer duly notified by the BIR
- Taxpayers who wishes to enter into a contract with government offices
- Corporations with a paid- up Capital stock of Ten million pesos (₱ 10,000,000.00)
- PEZA registered entities and those located within the special economic zones, and,
- Government offices in so far as the remittance of withheld VAT and business tax is concerned (under Revenue Regulations No. 1-2013)
Private entities included above who are not registered in eFPS shall enroll following the procedures set forth in RMC 24-2001. Before enrollment the RDOs concerned shall conduct briefing on the use of eFPS which all enrollees are required to attend as a pre-requisite to enrollment.
For more details and information, please refer to the link for frequently asked questions on electronic filing and payment (https://efps.bir.gov.ph/eFPSFAQ.html). We suggest you visit the BIR revenue district office of registration for your intended electronic filing and payment system in the Philippines. You can also visit the BIR link on how the EFPS facility developed based on the number of BIR issuances – https://efps.bir.gov.ph/eFPSIssuancesAndRulingsPage.html.
Disclaimer: This article is for general conceptual guidance only and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. Please consult your preferred tax and/or legal consultant for the specific details applicable to your circumstances. For comments, you may please send mail at info@taxacctgcenter.org.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.