BIR files 74 tax evasion raps worth P3.58B vs firms, other delinquents

Bureau of Internal Revenue

MANILA, Philippines–The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed 74 tax evasion complaints with an estimated amount of P3.58 billion against delinquent individuals and corporate taxpayers.

Ten revenue regions and the national office’s Collection Enforcement Division filed 53 complaints at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 21 complaints filed at the local prosecutors’ office.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. explaining the over P3-billion worth of tax evasion complaints filed against delinquent individuals and companies.

“Ginawa natin yan dahil gusto natin mai-convey sa ating publiko, sa ating mamamayan na lalo na sa darating na tax filing season, siguraduhin natin na kapag nagfa-file tayo ng returns, bayaran natin ng tama ang karampatang buwis natin kung hindi ay sasampahan tayo ng kaso,” BIR Commissioner Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. told reporters.

(We filed these complaints to send a message to the public that they should be more honest and prompt in filing their taxes. As tax-filing season is approaching, let this serve as a warning to taxpayers to file and pay the correct taxes.)

The filing of the complaints was made through its Run After Tax Evader program (RATE), which was established in 2005 for the purpose of conducting investigations into possible violations of provisions under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

Under the RATE program, revenue officials are not only conducting investigations but also assisting in the prosecution of erring taxpayers.

“Enforcement of tax laws is needed to enhance the voluntary compliance of taxpayers,” the BIR said.

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