The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) launched a sweeping nationwide enforcement action on July 13 and 14, 2023, conducting raids on 747 businesses across the country.
This comprehensive effort covered all revenue regions and involved the Large Taxpayers Service, targeting a range of establishments, including stores and warehouses.
In the wake of these enforcement operations, the BIR is diligently assessing the total tax liability incurred by the businesses subject to the raids.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. highlighted their focus on ensuring compliance with excise taxes applied to various products, such as cigarettes, vape, alcohol, sweetened beverages, petroleum products, mineral products, and automobiles.
Lumagui issued a stern warning to businesses, urging them to strictly adhere to the regulations governing excisable products and promptly fulfill their excise tax obligations. Noncompliant entities will face serious repercussions, with the BIR prepared to undertake further raids and enforce the closure of noncompliant operations.
Moreover, the BIR is preparing to file criminal cases against the traders and owners of the businesses targeted in the raids.
An inventory of the confiscated goods is currently underway, and Lumagui stated that the seized items will be promptly disposed of in accordance with the enforcement activity.
