BIR chief orders non-stop tax audits, even during holidays

Bureau of Internal Revenue building. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA — Unlike his predecessor Kim S. Jacinto-Henares, Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay has ordered Bureau of Internal Revenue personnel to conduct audits non-stop, even amid the holidays.

“In line with the thrust of the BIR to intensify taxpayer compliance and increase revenue collections. all field audit and other field operations including all enforcement activities shall continue during this holiday season,” Dulay said in Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 109-2016 issued on Nov. 7.

“It is reminded that all efforts should be directed to ensure maximum revenue collection throughout the year,” Dulay added.

The country’s biggest tax-collection agency, the BIR has been tasked to collect P1.62 trillion in taxes by yearend.

The latest government data showed that from January to September, the BIR collected P1.17 trillion, up 9 percent year-on-year.

During the term of Henares, she implemented temporary suspension of tax audit activities from the middle of December until early January.  SFM