Ghost receipts will come back to haunt businesses that use them to evade taxes.
This was the warning issued by Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., following the filing of criminal charges against cosmetics firm Ever Bilena for its alleged use of fake or “ghost” receipts to reduce its tax liabilities.
“Ito po ay malinaw na tax evasion. Kaya’t paalala po natin sa ating mga negosyante… tigilin po natin ito.”
In a post on his official Facebook page, Lumagui confirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had found probable cause in the case and had already filed charges in court.
According to the BIR chief, “kinasuhan po natin sila dahil sa kanilang paggamit ng mga ghost receipts o yung mga tinatawag nating mga pekeng resibo dahil nag-iimbento sila ng mga transaksyon upang pababain ang taxes nila.”
“Ito po ay malinaw na tax evasion. Kaya’t paalala po natin sa ating mga negosyante… tigilin po natin ito. Wag po tayong gumamit ng ghost receipts, magbayad po tayo ng tamang taxes para makatulong po sa ating bayan.”
Lumagui cautioned business owners against attempting to evade taxes, as he stressed that the BIR would not hesitate to file criminal charges against erring parties.
“Hindi magaatubili ang BIR, katuwang ang DOJ, na magsampa ng kasong kriminal na tax evasion laban sa mga gumagamit ng mga ghost receipts,” warned the lawyer.
Lumagui also thanked DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and the agency for backing the BIR’s campaign against tax evaders.
The charges against Ever Bilena are part of the BIR’s Fearless and Aggressive Enforcement Activities program, which targets tax evasion and fraud.
In the same post Lumagui also thanked DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and the agency for backing the BIR’s campaign against tax evaders.
“Pinapasalamatan din po natin si Sec. Remulla at ang buong Department of Justice na tumutulong po sa atin na tugisin ang mga tax evaders,” said Lumagui.
Under Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, any person found guilty of tax evasion may be punished by a fine of not less than ₱500,000 but not more than ₱10 million. Guilty parties also face imprisonment of not less than six years but not more than 10 years. When the offender is a corporation, the penalty is imposed on the responsible officers.
