The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has warned newly certified public accountants (CPAs) about the dangers of becoming entangled in the ghost receipts syndicate.
Addressing the successful candidates of the May 2023 Licensure for CPAs, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. emphasized the potential pitfalls that CPAs may face if they choose to utilize these fraudulent receipts in their professional endeavors.
“As the Filipino community welcomes you into the practice of your profession, remember the values and ethical standards befitting your stature in our society,” he said.
Lumagui recently lodged before the Department of Justice a tax evasion complaint case for tax evasion against a CPA implicated in the ghost receipts syndicate.
The BIR has also revoked the accreditation of the said CPA, effectively barring her from engaging in any tax-related activities.
“The CPA involved in the fake/ghost receipts syndicate is now facing a criminal case with the DOJ and a revocation of her license with the PRC. The BIR also removed her accreditation,” he added.
In his efforts to combat the longstanding practice of taxpayers evading taxes through the purchase of fake receipts, the BIR chief established the National Task Force – Run After Fake Transactions.
Not limited to targeting CPAs alone, Lumagui has initiated criminal and administrative proceedings against the sellers involved in this illicit scheme.
“Buyers of fake/ghost receipts have to explain their transactions with the sellers who are part of this syndicate. All concerns should be raised to the BIR. Failure to explain these transactions will result into the filing of criminal cases for tax evasion against all corporate officers. Pay your deficiency taxes,” Lumagui said.