The Philippines Resumes Tax Audits Following Internal Review

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By: Dezan Shira & Associates

The Philippines has announced the implementation of Circular 91-2016 resuming field audits and other field operations of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). With effect from September 1st, the circular overrules a previous suspension of BIR field capabilities issued on July 1st under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 70-2016.

Understanding the Previous Suspension

The suspension has been touted as a means of fine tuning the BIRs capabilities and increasing government revenue. Outlined under RMC No. 70-2016 the suspension has by all accounts been used to address lengthy processing times for audits and investigations, as well as a chance to investigate claims that authorities within the BIR were abusing their positions for financial gain. While suspension of audits and investigations were rolled out as part of this internal review, administration officials have constantly maintained that they have not been canceled outright.

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Field Capabilities of the BIR

With the ban lifted, companies operating in the Philippines should assess their current state of compliance with Philippine taxation and understand that the capabilities of the BIR, which will once again be permitted. Key capabilities to be aware of include: 

  • Issuance of Letters of Authority (LOA): the official document which empowers a Revenue Officer to examine and scrutinize a Taxpayer’s books of accounts and other accounting records. LOAs may be delivered in person or via electronic means. 
  • Issuances of Letters of Notice: prior to the issuance of an LOA, the BIR utilizes letters of notice to inform companies of an impending investigation. Following the receipt of a letter of notice, companies are prohibited from amending previous filings and returns. 
  • Issuances of Mission Orders: allow regional tax offices to assign personnel to specific localities for the purpose of conducting spot checks on corporate tax compliance. 
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Implications for Tax Compliance

From the perspective of investment, resumption of tax audits should be viewed with cautious optimisim. While the tactics of the Duterte adminsitration have been critized as overhanded, the administration’s commitment to reform has thus far proven genuine. Those conducting business in accordance with Philippine law will likely find the BIR to be more responsive following the internal review.

For those with open and pending BIR investigations, or otherwise unsure of the legality of their current state of compliance, it is highly recommended that a review of operations be conducted, and relevant government bodies be consulted with pertinent questions. Given the Duterte administration’s propensity for shock and awe tactics and commitment to cracking down on tax evasion, it is likely that resumption of auditing could create serious liabilities for a select few. 

For more information on the lifting of the BIRs audit ban or for assistance regarding taxation within the Philippines, please email asean@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com.


About Us

Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email asean@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com.

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