MANILA, Philippines--The Bureau of Internal Revenue is set to tap ?industry champions? of emerging business sectors in an attempt to increase tax collection this year, according to Revenue Commissioner Joel L. Tan-Torres.
Tan-Torres said that a champion will help BIR audit officers understand and expand issues on tax assessment, increase collections and strengthen enforcement in identified industries and sectors.
?There is a need to develop deep expertise on certain industries in order to get a full understanding of tax issues affecting them,? the BIR chief said. ?We still target industries where there is a substantial tax potential.?
He said that initially, the agency has listed for the new program the industries of mining, shipping, telecommunications, banks and insurance, power, petroleum, utilities, tourism, firms enjoying tax incentives, business process outsourcing, show business and entertainment, cement as well as health maintenance organizations.
The designated industry champions have yet to be named, while additional industries for inclusion in the program will be identified ?as needed,? Tan-Torres said.
He explained that industry champions and specialists in the BIR will reach out to experts and insiders in the particular industries as well as coordinate with government regulatory offices whose databanks the BIR can tap through cooperation agreements.
Also, the champions will monitor transactions reported in major newspapers or other media, link with industry associations, and take steps to develop knowledge databases.
?The industry champions shall also ensure that the taxpayer in the various sectors shall have a ready forum where they can discuss their concerns,? Tan-Torres said.
The BIR is hard-pressed to find more ways to increase tax collection to meet a target revenue of P830 billion this year.
Similar ?innovative measures? that the BIR has adopted include Project SanTAX Clause, which monitored bazaars during the Christmas season, as well as the ongoing Project Rest in Peace (monitoring compliance to laws on the estate tax) and the 5-percent tax on election campaign expenses.
