The Bureau of Internal Revenue-Northern Mindanao (BIR-10) inspected business hubs in Cagayan de Oro City to urge more establishments to comply with proper tax payment.

BIR-10 said the surprise visit was part of the agency’s National Simultaneous Counsel Help Assist Taxpayers or CHAT (Counsel Help Assist Taxpayers) Day.

BIR-10 officers visited various establishments to remind them of their obligations and guide them on proper procedures in paying taxes.

The campaign also highlighted new services and updated processes in tax payment.

“This is very important in order to for the BIR to expand our tax base because there are taxpayer that are not registered,” BIR-10 Director, Helen Abellanosa, said.

Abellanosa said tax compliance contributes to government programs and services.

She added that lack of awareness may be one of the reasons some businesses fail to comply.

“Maybe the education, the awareness is not that elaborate so that’s why we are doing this to give more information because if you are informed you are more compliant,” Abellanosa said.

A restaurant manager thanked BIR for the visit as it would help them better understand their responsibilities and avoid possible penalties.

“Actually, nagpasalamat sab mi nga miabot sila dinhi sa amoa at least ang mga penalties namo ma-avoid pud kay gatabang sila sa amoa og comply sa kung unsa ang mga sayop,” a restaurant manager, Febalyn Avanceña, said.

BIR-10 said another round of inspections will follow to assess whether establishments have penalties or violations related to their tax payments.