The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Monday suspended all field audits and related operations, including the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs), in response to taxpayer concerns and as part of a broader reform of audit procedures.
“We hear the people. We hear your concerns and are immediately acting on them. The people deserve better,” said Finance Secretary Frederick Go.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza explained that the suspension is part of efforts to strengthen discipline and improve audit operations.
“In my first week in office, I have convened key units of the BIR to gain a thorough understanding of existing audit operations and to identify long-standing issues that have affected taxpayer experience and internal discipline,” Mendoza said.
The suspension covers all audit units, including the Large Taxpayers Service, Revenue Regions and District Offices, Assessment Divisions, VAT Audit Units, and Intelligence and Special Audit Units. Exceptions apply only to urgent or legally mandated cases.
Mendoza also established a Technical Working Group on LOA and MO Integrity and Audit Reforms to review procedures, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend digital safeguards and uniform standards.
“Our goal is to create processes that are predictable, evidence-based, technology-driven, and fair. These systems are meant to protect taxpayers while helping the Bureau perform its mandate efficiently,” he said.
Go emphasized professionalism in taxpayer dealings: “All taxpayers shall be treated with the highest degree of professionalism, courtesy, and adherence to the rule of law.”