The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducted a nationwide inspection of malls and retail outlets where thousands of untaxed perfumes, colognes, and toiletries were seized.
Metro Manila had the highest number of confiscated items. The largest seizure occurred at Ian Darcy Enterprises' facilities in Sto. Cristo, Sampaloc, Manila, and its store in SM North, Quezon City.
Ian Darcy Enterprises owed the BIR over P580 million for a two-year period, excluding income and value-added taxes. The company was registered as an enterprise but neglected to identify itself as a manufacturer.
Perfumes, colognes, and toiletries are subject to a 20 percent excise tax based on wholesale prices.
The BIR chief ordered the immediate assessment and collection of outstanding tax obligations. Failure to settle tax liabilities will result in legal prosecution.
Lumagui is committed to enforcing tax regulations and ensuring proper registration and tax fulfillment by business operators.
Untaxed perfumes seized in BIR operation
At a glance
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) seized thousands of cartons of untaxed perfumes, colognes, and toiletries during a nationwide inspection of malls and retail outlets.
The majority of these confiscated items were found in Metro Manila, with the largest seizure occurring at the facilities of perfume manufacturer Ian Darcy Enterprises, located in Sto. Cristo, Sampaloc, Manila, and its store within SM North in Quezon City.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. spearheaded the operation together with Revenue Assistant Commissioner Jethro M. Sabariaga of the Large Taxpayers Service.
According to Sabariaga, Ian Darcy Enterprises had initially been assessed to owe the BIR over P580 million for a two-year period, not including income and value-added taxes.
The firm had been registered solely as an enterprise, neglecting to identify itself as a manufacturer.
Perfumes, colognes, and toiletries are subject to a 20 percent excise tax based on their wholesale prices.
In response to this discovery, the BIR chief has ordered the immediate assessment and collection of any outstanding tax obligations.
Furthermore, individuals or entities who refuse to settle their tax liabilities will face legal prosecution.
Lumagui has vowed to persist in enforcing tax regulations until all business operators properly register their operations and fulfill their tax obligations.