SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Ilocos Region is ramping up its campaign against tax evasion.
This effort particularly targets businesses and individuals involved in illicit activities, such as selling cigarettes without proper tax stamps.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on October 8, BIR Ilocos Regional Director Josephine Virtucio announced their “Run After Tax Evaders” initiative.
This campaign focuses on unregistered businesses and individuals who violate tax laws.
Lawyer Ted Teodulo Paragas Jr., chief of the Regional Investigation Division, stated, “So far, we’ve filed cases against 33 individuals who failed to pay excise taxes.”
Paragas emphasized that the government’s loss of revenue from illegal cigarette sales negatively impacts public services, especially healthcare.
BIR’s inspections have been extensive, covering Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte.
Of the 161 establishments checked, 98 were found violating tax regulations.
These operations are part of a broader effort led by BIR Commissioner Romeo John Lumagui to curb illegal trade and improve tax collection.
Paragas also highlighted the importance of compliance with tax laws.
He urged business owners to register with the BIR and pay the correct taxes.
“We encourage businesses to follow the law. While we aim to be fair, those who evade taxes will face penalties,” he said.
In addition to tackling illegal cigarette sales, BIR Region 1 is monitoring cold storage warehouses suspected of hoarding agricultural products.
This hoarding can lead to inflated prices for consumers.
The BIR encourages the public to report tax violations, including businesses that fail to issue receipts.
Taxpayers can access the eComplaint service through https://www.bir.gov.ph/eComplaint, providing a convenient platform for submitting tax-related complaints with immediate responses and secure processing.
With a target collection of P22.407 billion for 2024, BIR Region 1 remains focused on enhancing taxpayer services.
BIR Region 1 is dedicated to strictly enforcing tax laws to foster a fair and effective tax system for all. (AMB/AIHR/PIA Region 1)
