The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducted a simultaneous nationwide Tax Compliance Verification Drive (TCVD) on July 20, 2026, inspecting 3,590 establishments engaged in the sale and distribution of cigarettes, vapor products, and heated tobacco products as part of its intensified campaign against illicit trade and excise tax violations.
Operations conducted by all 22 BIR Revenue Regions resulted in 1,793 apprehensions for various tax compliance violations. BIR teams also seized 8,634 vape products and 22,251 packs of cigarettes with an estimated tax liability of P16.54 million.
The violations included failure to register with the BIR, issue receipts or invoices, maintain registered books of accounts, and display Certificates of Registration, as well as possession of excisable products without the required BIR tax stamps and other violations of registration, invoicing, bookkeeping, and excise tax laws.
βThe Bureau will continue to enforce our tax laws firmly and fairly. Businesses that comply with the law deserve a level playing field, while those who deliberately evade taxes and sell illicit products should expect consistent enforcement. Protecting our revenue base protects every honest taxpayer and supports nation-building,β Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said.
The nationwide operation forms part of the Bureauβs Revenue Collection and Revenue Base Protection agenda under BIR DARES. Guided by the principle βAssistance First to Comply. Enforcement Only When Necessary,β the BIR will continue to prioritize taxpayer education and voluntary compliance while taking firm and consistent action against those who deliberately violate tax laws and engage in illicit trade.###
Kindly refer to the BIR Official Facebook page for the event photos to accompany the press release. Thank you.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BUYVJkiwZ/
