The Senate on Monday approved a measure that would introduce administrative reforms in the country's taxation, including easier processing of tax payments.

Senate Bill 2224, or the Ease of Paying Tax Act authored by Senator Win Gatchalian, made it to the upper chamber's third and final reading during the plenary session, with 20 senators voting in favor of its passage.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee, said the bill targets to establish a tax administration system that will not only encourage taxpayers to pay their taxes truthfully and promptly but also facilitate a more efficient tax collection to fund various government programs.

"Mahalaga na maisabatas kung paano natin mapapagaan ang proseso para sa ating mga taxpayers dahil sa kanila nanggagaling ang pondo na kailangan natin para magpatupad ng mga programa para sa ikauunlad ng bansa," he said.

Once enacted into law, SB 2224 will introduce administrative reforms that would simplify tax compliance and strengthen taxpayer rights by amending certain provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

The proposed measure also aims to revolutionize the current process of filing tax returns and paying taxes by allowing taxpayers to have the flexibility to file their returns and make payments at any Revenue District Office, or any authorized agent bank, regardless of whether it's located within the jurisdiction of the RDO where they are registered.

Gatchalian noted the need for the taxpayers to be allowed to settle estate tax and donor's tax in any RDO.

"This would alleviate the burden placed on taxpayers who have to travel long distances or encounter logistical challenges to fulfill their tax obligations," he said.

In addition, the measure also seeks to institutionalize the use of digital filing and payment through any accredited payment channels or platforms.

Gatchalian said the digitalization of filing tax returns and payment of taxes is expected to enhance the compliance of taxpayers.

It would make it easier and more convenient for taxpayers to fulfill their obligations, he added.