BIR in Central Luzon files 16 cases vs tax evaders; surpasses 2020 collection target

A total of 16 cases against tax evaders were filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Central Luzon (revenue region 4) last year. The agency also said it surpassed its revenue collection target by 16.9 percent. CONTRIBUTED

OLONGAPO CITY –– The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Central Luzon (Revenue Region 4) on Thursday said it passed by 16.9 percent its target collection goal for 2020.

Records showed that the 11 districts posted a combined revenue collection of P29.4 billion compared to its target of P25.3 billion for this year.

The revenue collection, however, was still 10.5-percent lower than the collection last year, which was P32.9 billion.

The RR4 also posted a 22.98 growth rate reflected from its target goal vis-à-vis its actual collection in 2019.

BIR said its strong collection performance was due to its strict tax enforcement activities, voluntary compliance, tax campaign, and simplified processes.

Last year, RR4 had filed 16 tax cases under its Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program. Seven of these were for violation of Sec. 263 of the Tax Code, filed against individuals caught in possession of cigarettes without internal revenue stamps.

“We are determined to perform our jobs, especially during this time of the pandemic, where the government badly needs funds,” said RR4 Officials.

LZB