THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has warned taxpayers against a fraudulent website impersonating its online registration portal, stressing that accessing the site could expose personal and tax information to cybercriminals.
In an advisory issued Friday, the BIR identified orus.ph as a suspicious website mimicking its Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), which taxpayers use to register with the agency and update their tax records.
The bureau warned that the website could expose visitors to suspicious pop-ups, unfamiliar prompts and potentially harmful content that could compromise their personal information.
The BIR stressed that its legitimate ORUS portal was accessible only through https://orus.bir.gov.ph/ and urged the public to carefully verify website addresses before using online tax services.
It also encouraged taxpayers to report suspicious online activities involving websites or platforms claiming to represent the agency.
The ORUS platform allows taxpayers to register and update their information online, making it an important channel for individuals and businesses dealing with the tax agency.
The agency also reported growing participation in its One-Time Abatement Program, which allows qualified micro taxpayers to settle covered outstanding tax obligations at reduced costs.
As of Oct. 3, a total of 2,379 taxpayers had availed themselves of the program, 1,027 in particular in the preceding 15 days.
The BIR received 10,229 applications, approved 8,464 and granted a total of P149.35 million in tax and penalty relief. Collections from abatement fees reached P42.32 million.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza attributed the increase in participation to intensified information campaigns conducted by revenue offices nationwide.
Under the program, qualified micro taxpayers with covered liabilities not exceeding P80,000 per taxable year may obtain relief by paying P5,000 per tax type for each taxable year approved.
