The illicit vape and cigarette products seized by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) so far this year are estimated to have tax liabilities totaling to over P7 billion.
In a televised interview yesterday, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. disclosed the actual figures of these illicit items confiscated by the BIR so far for 2024.
“This year, we have already seized quite a lot, with over 500,000 packs of cigarettes confiscated, and as for vape products, we have seized over 170,000 products. The estimated tax liability for all of these is around P7.2 billion,” Lumagui said.
Lumagui also identified the enforcement activities implemented by the BIR in its fight against illicit cigarette and vape products.
“First of all, we are conducting nationwide raids on those involved in the illicit trade of cigarettes and vapes. We have also issued regulations to better monitor the manufacturers, importers and sellers of vape and cigarette products,” Lumagui said.
“We have also recently released regulations on the implementation of stamps on vape products. Additionally, we continue our dialogues with businesses or those who wish to manufacture, import and sell cigarettes and vape products to help them comply with their registration requirements and pay the correct taxes,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a statement yesterday, the BIR said it will allow the use of the remaining official receipts until they are fully consumed, instead of only until the initial deadline of December 31, 2024.
Further, the submission of inventory reports and/or notice required in compliance with the transitory provisions of Revenue Regulation No. 7-2024 can now be done through email.
These pronouncements were issued for the purpose of making the transition to the system under the Ease of Paying Taxes Act (EOPT) more accommodating to taxpayers, the BIR said.
“The BIR is committed to making the transition to EOPT as convenient to taxpayers as possible. Comments and suggestions on the different services provided by the BIR and its implementation of the EOPT are welcome,” Lumagui said.
