Indeed, the Bureau of Internal Revenue is so powerful that it can even suspend business operations and close down business establishments of non-compliant taxpayers.
As provided under Revenue Memorandum Order 3-2009, these are the only grounds for suspension or temporary closure of business. Other infractions therefore not falling under any of the above-mentioned circumstances would not be a sufficient ground for the suspension or temporary closure of a business.
Under RMO 3-2009, a non-compliant taxpayer is defined as a taxpayer, who, as a result of surveillance/stocktaking activities, has been found to have committed the above violations, and who, notwithstanding the issuance of several notices of violations, continues to refuse to comply with the requirements provided under existing rules and regulations.
Upon the taxpayer’s submission of the explanation or failure to submit his explanation on or before the deadline, the BIR shall decide whether or not to terminate the case or to pursue administrative/criminal action against the taxpayer. If the BIR deems it necessary to pursue administrative or criminal action, it shall then cause the preparation of a five-day VAT Compliance Notice .