BIR suspends field audits amid complaints and probe

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has ordered the immediate suspension of all field audits and related operations, including the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs), following complaints from businessmen and taxpayers.

Newly-appointed BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza stated that the suspension is necessary to protect taxpayer rights, strengthen internal discipline, and ensure the integrity of audit processes, taking all complaints seriously.

The suspension excludes urgent or legally mandated cases, such as active criminal investigations, audits prescribing within six months, refund claims requiring audits, or immediate action on taxpayers flagged by verified intelligence.

Mendoza ordered the creation of a technical working group to identify weaknesses and craft updated LOA procedures, incorporating digital safeguards and uniform audit standards.

The directive came after Senator Erwin Tulfo filed a resolution urging the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate an alleged money-making scheme in the BIR involving LOAs.