In 2020, BIR in Central Luzon files 16 cases vs tax evaders

A total of 16 cases were filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Central Luzon under its Revenue Region 4 (RR4) in 2020, some of which were due to possession of cigarettes that did not have internal revenue stamps.

In a statement, RR4 officials said these tax evaders were charged with the violation of Tax Code as part of the agency’s Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program.

Meanwhile, the BIR RR4 reported “strong collection performance” – despite the pandemic – due to strict tax enforcement activities, voluntary compliance, a tax campaign, and “simplified processes.”

This was also reflected in RR4 exceeding its 2020 collection target by as much as 16.9%.

According to BIR data, its 11 districts in Central Luzon recorded a combined revenue collection of P29.4 billion, higher than its target of P25.3 billion for 2020. However, this was still 10.5% lower than the collection in 2019, amounting to P32.9 billion.

The growth rate of the RR4 in 2020 was pegged at 22.98%, based on its target goal vs actual collection in 2019.

“We are determined to perform our jobs especially during this time of pandemic where the government badly needs funds,” RR4 officials said. – Rappler.com