BIR files rap vs trading firm personnel for using fake receipts

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed criminal charges against the personnel of a trading company that allegedly used fake receipts amounting to over P200 million.

According to BIR Commissioner Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr., the amount was also said to be from fake businesses of one of the company personnel’s relatives.

“Nagsampa po ng kasong kriminal sa Department of Justice (DOJ) ang BIR laban sa corporate officers at accountant ng isang trading company na gumamit ng mga pekeng resibo na nagkakahalaga ng P200,557,697.25. Ang mga resibong ito ay dineklarang bahagi ng cost of sales noong 2021 at nagmula ito sa mga pekeng negosyo ng mga kamag-anak ng accountant,” Lumagui said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

(The BIR filed a criminal case with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the corporate officers and accountants of a trading company who used fake receipts worth P200,557,697.25. These receipts were declared part of the cost of sales in 2021, and they came from the fake businesses of the accountant’s relatives.)

READ: BIR commissioner leads seizure of thousands of falsified receipts, invoices, business documents 

Lumagui stressed that using fake receipts is considered tax evasion and is punishable by law.

“Matagal na pong pinapaalala ng BIR na huwag makipag-ugnayan sa mga mapanlinlang na mga accountant,” he reminded.

(For a long time, the BIR has been reminding the public not to contact fraudulent accountants.)

Aside from the corporate officers and the accountant, the owners of the fake businesses will also face sanctions.

“Hindi palalagpasin ng BIR ang mga negosyante na nakikipagsabwatan sa kanilang accountant upang iwasan ang pagbayad ng tamang buwis. Magsasama kayo sa kulungan. Walang lugar sa Bagong Pilipinas ang mga ganitong negosyante at accountant,” said Lumagui.

(The BIR won’t turn a blind eye to businessmen who conspire with their accountants to avoid paying the correct tax. You will go to jail together. Such businessmen and accountants have no place in the New Philippines.)