Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. has ordered all BIR Revenue District Offices (RDOs) to upgrade their eLounges and assign a dedicated revenue personnel to assist taxpayers availing of the facility.

“I will personally monitor the eLounge of RDOs to check if the same has been upgraded, and if revenuers have been deployed to help taxpayers availing of the eLounge facility,” Lumagui said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The BIR commits to making tax compliance easier for taxpayers, whether they access our services onsite or online,” he added.

The use of BIR’s eLounge facility is for free.

The eLounge is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but may be used beyond office hours depending on the needs of taxpayers and approval of the Revenue District Officer.

Taxpayers can use the eLounge to access the different BIR eServices in the filing of application for registration, update of registration, filing of tax returns, submission of required reports or attachments, and other tax related transactions.

For filing of One-Time Transaction applications via the electronic ONETT system, however, a PHP150 convenience fee will be charged per transaction.

The RDO shall deploy at least three personnel who are trained and knowledgeable on the use of all BIR eServices at the eLounge to assist taxpayers in accessing and using the BIR eServices. (PNA)