The Department of Finance (DoF) announced the immediate and temporary suspension of all field audits and related operations conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). This decisive action is in direct response to mounting concerns raised by the taxpaying public regarding the issuance and execution of Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs).
The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place pending a comprehensive, internal review of existing policies and procedures governing all BIR field operations.
“We hear the voices of our people. We hear your concerns, and we are acting immediately to address them,” stated Finance Secretary Frederick Go. “This temporary suspension is a necessary measure to uphold the integrity of our tax system and protect our taxpayers from any potential abuse in the audit process. The people deserve better.”
The order mandates the immediate cessation of all field operations, including:
-
The issuance of new Letters of Authority (LOAs).
-
The service of new Mission Orders (MOs).
-
All ongoing field examinations, except those nearing the statute of limitations or those deemed essential by the BIR Commissioner for time-sensitive legal reasons.
BIR officials and personnel are strictly prohibited from conducting any field audit, surveillance, or tax investigation until the DoF formally lifts the suspension.
BIR Commissioner Charlie Mendoza emphasized that the internal review will be rigorous and aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the agency.
“Effective immediately, all field audit operations are halted until further notice. We are utilizing this temporary period to rigorously evaluate and recalibrate our protocols for issuing LOAs and MOs,” said BIR Commissioner Charlie Mendoza. “Our goal is not just to collect revenue, but to do so fairly. This comprehensive review will ensure that every interaction between the BIR and the taxpayer is professional, legitimate, and based strictly on published policies.”
The Department of Finance is committed to concluding the review swiftly and will provide a timeline for the resumption of field audit operations once new, enhanced guidelines are approved and implemented across all BIR offices nationwide.
