Ramo 1-00

March 17, 2000
REVENUE AUDIT MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 01-00
SUBJECT : Updated Handbook on Audit Procedures and Techniques

Volume I (Revision Year 2000)
TO : All Internal Revenue Officers and Others Concerned
I. Objective
This Order prescribes the use of the Updated Handbook on Audit Procedures
and Techniques (Volume I) in the audit of tax returns. The Handbook is intended to
provide revenue officers with minimum standard procedures and a uniform guideline
for the proper examination and/or investigation of tax liabilities. This updated version
was prepared in order to conform with the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of
1997".
II. Quality Audit
The purpose of auditing a tax return is to determine the taxpayer's substantially

correct tax liability. A quality audit is the examination of the taxpayer's books and
records in sufficient depth for the purpose of ascertaining the correctness and validity
of entries and the propriety of application of tax laws. To ensure quality audit of tax
returns, revenue officers are enjoined to utilize their technical skill, training and
experience, and follow the minimum audit procedures prescribed in the Handbook
under Annex "A" hereof.
III. Reporting Requirements
Revenue Officers are required to make a report after the audit has been
conducted. All reports should contain the minimum documentary requirements
specified under Chapter XVII of the Handbook.
Copyright 2017 CD Technologies Asia, Inc. and Accesslaw, Inc. Philippine Taxation Encyclopedia (2017.1) 1
IV. Repealing Clause
This Order supersedes Revenue Audit Memorandum Order No. 2-95, all
revenue issuances and portions thereof inconsistent herewith.
V. Effectivity
All revenue officers and other employees concerned are hereby directed to
refer to the aforesaid Handbook in the audit/investigation of tax returns immediately
after the approval of this Order. CTSHDI
(SGD.) DAKILA B. FONACIER

Commissioner
Bureau of Internal Revenue
HANDBOOK ON AUDIT PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES
VOLUME I
(Revision - Year 2000)
PREFACE
The enactment of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 and its implementation
effective January 1, 1998 marked significant changes in Philippine taxation and the BIR's tax
administration policies. Hence, it is necessary to revise and update the existing revenue
issuances and assessment manuals in accordance with the new provisions of the Tax Code.
In order to utilize audit as an effective tool in the enhancement of voluntary

compliance, the first volume of the Handbook on Audit Procedures and Techniques has been
revised and updated to conform with the new Tax Code. This volume discusses general
procedures and techniques designed to assist the Revenue Officer in the investigation of tax
liabilities of taxpayers. The audit procedures and techniques for the investigation of
Value-Added Tax liabilities are prescribed in a separate manual.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The updating of this Handbook on Audit Procedures and Techniques Volume I was
completed under the leadership of Commissioner Dakila B. Fonacier and Deputy
Commissioners Romeo S. Panganiban, Estelita C. Aguirre, Sixto S. Esquivias IV and Lilia C.
Guillermo.
This Handbook is a project of the Assessment Service with the Assessment Programs
Division as the lead division which spearheaded the project. Acknowledgment is also
extended to Atty. Arnulfo B. Romero, Mr. Rodolfo Mendoza and Mr. Manny B. Jimenez for
their comments and invaluable contribution to the project.
ASSESSMENT SERVICE
Nars P. Tamayo Acting Assistant Commissioner
Elvira R. Vera Acting Head Revenue Executive Assistant
ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS DIVISION
Leticia C. Batausa Officer-In-Charge
Ione S. Alejo Section Chief
Elenita V. Balonzo Section Chief
Cristina T. Billones Section Chief
Urania C. Salvacion Section Chief
Gladys M. Aquino Revenue Officer III
Dessie V. Garcia Revenue Officer II
Elmira C. Viray Revenue Officer I
Gean M. Dienzo Computer Operator I
Cristina V. Pangan Computer Operator I
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
Revenue Tax Administration
Purpose
Contents of the Handbook
II. Accounting Methods
Cash Basis
Accrual Basis
Completion of Contract Basis
Percentage of Completion Basis
Installment Basis
Crop Year Basis
III. Bookkeeping Systems
Single Entry System
Double Entry System
IV. Accounting Records
Journal
Ledger
Subsidiary Book
Computerized Accounting System
V. Accounting Period
Calendar Year
Fiscal Year
VI. Financial Statements
Income Statement
Balance Sheet
VII. Purpose and Standards of Audit
General Standards
Standards of Preliminary Planning
Standards of Field Work
Standards of Public Relations
VIII. Preliminary Approach to Examination
Pre-audit Analysis of Tax Returns
Work Planning
Contact with Taxpayer
Preliminary Evaluation of Miscellaneous Records
Initial Examination Techniques
Evaluation of Internal Control
Sampling Techniques
IX. Balance Sheet Approach to Examination
Cash on Hand and in Bank
Notes and Accounts Receivable
Allowance for Bad Debts
Inventories
Advances to Stockholders/Officers
Investments
Depreciable Assets
Allowances for Depreciation, Amortization and Other Valuations
Reserves
Intangible Assets
Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Charges
Other Assets
Exchange, Clearing or Suspense Accounts
Current and Accrued Liabilities including Notes Payable
Fixed Liabilities
Deferred Credits
Loans From Shareholders/Officers/Owners
Capital Accounts
Capital or Owner's Equity
Partners' Capital
Stockholders' Equity
Capital Stock
Retained Earnings
X. Audit of Income and Expenses
Audit of Income Accounts

Sales
Rent Income
Professional Fees
Income From Sale of Asset
Other Income
Audit of Expense Accounts
Purchases
Cost of Goods Sold
Salaries, Wages and Other Employees' Benefits
Fringe Benefits
Rents
Royalties
Interest
Taxes
Repairs
Bad Debts
Losses
Abandonment and Demolition
Casualty/Theft
Net Operating Loss Carry Over
Depreciation
Depletion
Contribution
Transportation and Travel, Representation and Entertainment
Stationery and Office Supplies
Professional Fees
Insurance Fees
Light and Power, Telephone and Telegraph
Miscellaneous Expenses
XI. Audit of Minimum Corporate Income Tax and Improper Accumulation of Earnings
Tax
XII. Auditing Computer-Produced Records

Impact of Computer Records on Audit
Accounting Software Systems
Audit Techniques for Computer-Produced Records
XIII. Indirect Approach
Percentage Method
Net Worth Method
Bank Deposit Method
Cash Expenditure Method
Unit and Value Method
Third Party Information (Access to Records) Method
XIV. Audit Procedures on Other Kinds of Taxes
Withholding Taxes
Capital Gains Tax
Estate Tax
Donor's Tax
XV. General Policies in the Investigation of Tax Fraud Cases
Jurisdiction
Procedures
Civil Fraud
XVI. Closing Conference
XVII. Report Making
Document Locator Form
Table of Contents
Narrative Report
Duly Accomplished Revenue Officer's Audit Report
Working Papers
Attachments to the Docket of the Case
Appendix
Revenue Memorandum Order No. 15-95
General Policies in the Investigation of Tax Fraud Cases
Checklist of Documents to be Submitted by a Taxpayer upon Audit of his Tax
Liabilities as well as of the Mandatory Reporting Requirements to be Prepared by a
Revenue Officer, all of which comprise a complete Tax Docket
I. INTRODUCTION
A Revenue Tax Administration
The function of the Bureau of Internal Revenue is to administer the provisions of the
National Internal Revenue Code. It is the duty of the Bureau to implement the Tax Code and
related laws enacted by Congress in a fair and impartial manner.
The mission of the Bureau is to enforce internal revenue laws with impartiality,
consistency, collect the correct amount of taxes at the least cost to the government and least
inconvenience to the taxpayer and serve the public honestly and efficiently in a manner that
will elicit the highest level of confidence in the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Investigation supports the mission of the Bureau by enhancing a high degree of

compliance and encouraging the correct reporting of income, transfer, business and other
taxes. This is accomplished by:
1. Measuring the degree of voluntary compliance as reflected on filed returns;
2. Reducing non-compliance by identifying returns and taxpayers that need to be

investigated; and
3. Conducting quality audit of selected tax returns on a timely basis.
The purpose of auditing a tax return is to determine the taxpayer's correct tax liability.
A quality audit is the examination of a taxpayer's books and records in sufficient depth so as
to ascertain the correctness and validity of entries thereon and- the propriety of application of
tax laws. ADaSEH
B. Purpose
The updated Handbook on Audit Procedures and Techniques has been prepared to
equip all Revenue Officers who conduct field examinations with-the necessary knowledge for
the proper examination of tax returns and provide them with confidence in carrying out the
investigation. This Handbook is designed to ensure that. the Revenue Officer acquires useful
auditing skills, progresses from simple audit techniques to more sophisticated procedures, and
advances in examination procedures from a single proprietorship to a large corporation and
from a simple bookkeeping system to a highly computerized one.
The Revenue Officer's job is to familiarize himself with the business activity and/or
undertaking of the taxpayers assigned to him for audit, to evaluate the various methods and
procedures the taxpayers apply, to be imaginative, observant and inquisitive in his
examination, and above all, to use common sense.
C. Contents of the Handbook
The handbook contains guides, instructions and suggestions in the conduct of audit for
various taxpayers. The discussions begin with the analysis of tax returns and financial
statements, familiarization with accounting methods, bookkeeping systems, books of accounts
and other related records. The audit procedures for balance sheet and income statement
accounts are laid out together with investigation techniques for each type of tax. This does
not preclude, however, the Revenue Officer from carrying out other audit techniques which
are deemed necessary in the circumstances surrounding a particular case.
The Handbook is neither intended to provide a source of tax law or procedural

doctrine nor a substitute reference material of revenue issuances. Each Revenue Officer is
presumed to have a working knowledge of the Tax Code, the latest amendments thereon, and
an update of existing revenue regulations, revenue rulings, revenue memorandum orders and
other issuances.
The other contents of the handbook include documentary requirements in the

investigation process and proper report making.
II. Accounting Methods
The taxable income of a taxpayer shall be computed in accordance with the method of
accounting he regularly employs in keeping his books. However, if the taxpayer does not
regularly employ a method of accounting which reasonably shows his correct income, the
computation of income shall be made in such manner as in the opinion of the Commissioner of
Internal Revenue or his -duly authorized representative that clearly reflects such income.
The methods of accounting recognized under the Tax Code are:
A. Cash Basis is a method of accounting whereby all items of gross income

received during the year shall be accounted for such taxable year and that only expenses
actually paid for shall be claimed as deductions during the year. This method of accounting is
generally used by taxpayers who do not keep regular books of accounts. Under this method,
income is realized upon receipt of cash or its equivalent including those constructively
received (such as deposits for the taxpayer's account by customers) but not including gifts or
donations. Users of cash basis accounting are mostly individuals engaged in business and
practice of profession, professional partnerships and professional service organizations.
B. Accrual Basis is a method of accounting for income in the period it is earned

regardless of whether it has been received or not. In the same manner, expenses are accounted
for in the period they are incurred and not in the period they are paid. Under this method, net
income is being measured by the excess of income earned during the period over the expenses
incurred. Expenses not being claimed as deductions by taxpayers in the current year when
they are incurred cannot be claimed as deduction from income for the succeeding year. Thus,
a taxpayer who is authorized to deduct certain expenses and other allowable deductions for
the current year but failed to do so cannot deduct the same for the next year. The accrual
basis of accounting is being used by taxpayers whose nature of business uses inventories since
this method of accounting will correctly reflect income by matching purchases and expenses
against sales. This method is being applied by most medium and large corporations. HETDAa
C. Completion of Contract Basis is an accounting method applicable to contractors

in the construction of building, installation of equipment and other fixed assets, or other
construction work covering a period in excess of one year.
Under this method, gross income is to be reported in the taxable year in which the
contract is fully completed and accepted by the contractee if the taxpayer elected it as a
consistent practice to treat such income, provided that such method clearly reflects the net
income. Under this method, all expenditures, are deducted from gross income during the life
of the contract which are properly allocated thereto, taking into consideration any materials
and supplies charged to the work under the contract but remaining on hand at the time of the
completion.
However, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8424 which took effect on January 1, 1998,
contractors are no longer allowed to adopt this method of reporting their income derived in
whole or in part from long-term contracts.
D. Percentage of Completion Basis is a method applicable in the case of a building,

installation or construction contract covering a period in excess of one year whereby gross
income derived from such contract may be reported upon the basis of percentage of
completion. In determining the percentage of completion of a contract, generally one of the
following methods is used:
1. The costs incurred under the contract as of the end of the tax year are compared with
the estimated total contract costs; or
2. The work performed on the contract as of the end of the tax year is compared with the
estimated work to be performed.
In such case, the return should be accompanied by a certificate of the architect or

engineer showing the percentage of completion during the taxable year of the entire work
performed under contract. There should be deducted from such gross income all expenditures
made during the taxable year on account of the contract, account being taken of the materials
and supplies on hand at the beginning and end of the taxable period for use in connection with
the work under the contract but not yet so applied.
Beginning January 1, 1998 income from log-term contracts are required to be reported
using this method only.
E. Installment Basis is a method considered appropriate when collections extend

over relatively long periods of time and there is a strong possibility that full collection will not
be made. As customers make installment payments, the seller recognizes the gross profit on
sale in proportion to the cash collected.
F. Crop Year Basis is a method applicable only to farmers engaged in the

production of crops which take more than a year from the time of planting to the process of
gathering and disposal. Expenses paid or incurred are deductible in the year the gross income
from the sale of the crops are realized.
In relation to the foregoing accounting methods, the Tax Code provides for a tax
credit system in computing the tax payable by certain taxpayers. While the tax credit system is
not an accounting system, it is discussed here for the proper understanding of the computation
of taxes due from taxpayers.
The tax credit system is a method used to account for the creditable taxes deducted by
the withholding agents from the income payments to certain payees (as in the case of
withholding tax at source pursuant to Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 6-85, as amended by
RR 2-98, or the creditable tax added to the sales price (as in the case of value-added tax). The
creditable taxes should be clearly identified in the books of the taxpayer, such as:
1. Creditable income tax (asset)
2. VAT input tax (asset)
3. Withholding tax payable-Compensation (liability)
4. Withholding tax payable-Expanded Withholding Tax (EWT) (liability)
5. VAT output tax (liability)
III. Bookkeeping Systems
Bookkeeping may be classified into two systems, namely, (1) the single entry and (2)
the double entry.
A. Single Entry System of bookkeeping is basically a type of "net worth" method of

arriving at net income. It records only the debit or credit of each transaction, or an account
with the debtor or creditor and a simple record of cash receipts and disbursements.
Whenever a system of record keeping does not include equal debit and credit to asset,
liability, proprietorship, income and expense accounts, it is referred to AA a "single entry
system". The single entry is often used by comparatively simple ventures such as small retail
or commission merchants, professional firms, estates and trusts. In many cases, the only
record of income and deductions consists of entries on the stubs of their checkbooks. Some
taxpayers maintain an income tax folder in which they place documents to support their
income tax deductions.
A single entry system may be merely a chronological record of transactions posted in a

notebook or journal.
Sometimes, the records consist of a complete set of journals (cash, sales, purchases
and general journal) and general ledger providing important accounts.
The accounting cycle starts with source documents (invoices, bills, paid checks, loan
documents, bank deposit slips, and bank statements) proceeding to the cash receipts and cash
disbursements journal, working paper summary and ending with the tax return.
Reconciliation of the taxpayer's books, working paper summary and records to the
return is a very important audit step. In this way, the Revenue Officer will become familiar
with the taxpayer's accounting system, policies and control procedures. If the records
available are organized, this will lend more credibility to the tax return, but if they are
inadequate, then the Revenue Officer should closely scrutinize the information on the income
tax return. Therefore, when encountered with the lack of formal books and records, the
Revenue Officer must use source documents and other available documents to establish the
taxpayer's financial position which shall be compared with the taxpayer's standard of living
and business activity for validation. HTSAEa
The following formulae for reconstruction of income and expenses may be found
useful:
1. Computation of Sales
Cash Sales (cash book) xx
Add: Sales on account:
Collections from customers (cash book) xx
Less: Accounts receivable (beginning balance) xx
Collections from sales for the period xx
Add: Accounts receivable (ending balance) xx xx

TOTAL SALES xx
==
2. Computation of Purchases
Cash purchases (cash book) xx
Add: Purchases on account:
Payments to creditors (cash book) xx
Less: Accounts payable (beginning balance) xx
Payments for purchases for the period xx
Add: Accounts payable (ending balance) xx xx

TOTAL PURCHASES xx
==
3. Computation of Expenses
Cash payments for allowable expenses (cash book) xx
Add: Prepaid expenses (beginning balance) xx
Accrued expenses (ending balance) xx xx

Total xx
Less: Prepaid expenses (ending balance) xx
Accrued expenses (beginning balance) xx xx

TOTAL EXPENSES xx
==
B. Double Entry System Under this system of bookkeeping, accounting
recognizes the two-fold effect of every recorded event, the debit and the credit or the object
of the event and the equitable interest in that object. Every recorded event affecting one side
must necessarily affect the other side. This can be presented in an equation:
Assets = Liabilities + Capital
This can be analyzed into its component elements which show that there are two
distinct parties that have right in the assets of the business, the creditors and the owners. The
rights of the creditors are the claims of such creditors on the assets of the business which are
referred to as liabilities and the rights of the owners on the business are referred to as capital.
In the double entry method, any net increase and net decrease in asset has a
corresponding increase and decrease in either liabilities or capital.
Audit of accounting records under this system shall be detailed as presented in the
discussions of audit of real and nominal accounts.
IV. Accounting Records
Taxpayers are required by law and regulations to keep and maintain accounting
records in sufficient detail to enable them to make a proper return of income. The
Commissioner of Internal Revenue is authorized to examine such records or other data which
may be relevant in ascertaining the correctness of the tax returns. The books and records kept
must be sufficient to establish the amount of the gross income and the deductions, credits and
other matters required to be shown in the tax return.
The primary records commonly used by all types of businesses, considering the
different accounting systems and reporting methods of the business are invoices, vouchers,
bills, receipts and other source documents which are also the supporting documents in the
selling and buying of merchandise, services and other assets used in the business. For
companies which require the use of inventories, the primary records include the detailed
inventory list. Other primary records used in financial transactions are the cancelled checks,
duplicate deposit slips, bank statements and notes.
The secondary records, regardless of the accounting method used by the taxpayer,
include permanent books of accounts and working papers which summarize and list the
individual documents including adjustments, when necessary. These records are properly
classified in such a way that the taxpayer will be able to determine the financial status of his
business in a given period of time and the profit and loss for the period.
All records required to be kept by the taxpayers should be preserved by them for
proper administration of any internal revenue law.
Below are the regular accounting records being used by taxpayers:
A. Journal is a book of original entry in which transactions affecting the business of
a taxpayer are recorded consecutively day by day as they occur.
Journal consists of the following:
1. Sales Journal. This is a book whereby sales on account are recorded which are
supported by sales invoices and which are also the documents that will serve as the basis of
recording the transactions in the books of accounts.
Cash sales are usually recorded in the cash book although it may be posted in both
books representing a debit to cash in the cash book and a credit to sales in the sales book.
Every entry in the sales journal represents a debit to a customer's account and a credit
to sales to be posted in the general ledger.
Sales returns and allowances are also recorded in the sales book which represents a
debit to Sales Returns and Allowances and a credit to Accounts Receivable to be posted in the
general ledger. This would mean a decrease in Sales and eventually a decrease in an asset
account.
2. Purchase Journal. This is a book used to record exclusively all transactions

involving the purchase or acquisition of merchandise on account.
The business document that serves as evidence of a purchase transaction is the

purchase invoice.
An entry to record charge purchases is a debit to Purchases and a credit to Accounts

Payable to be posted in the general ledger.
Purchase returns and allowances are also recorded in this book and posted in the
general ledger representing a debit to Accounts Payable and a credit to Purchase Returns and
Allowances which would mean a decrease in the purchases account.
In certain instances where the volume of business is large and under the Value-Added
Tax system, taxpayers maintain subsidiary sales and purchase journals where details of daily
sales and purchases are recorded.
3. Cash Book is a book whereby all transactions involving cash such as cash
receipts or cash disbursements are recorded.
Types of this book are the following:
3.1 Cash receipts book a book whereby all transactions involving cash receipts
of whatever source are recorded. EHSTcC
3.2. Cash disbursements book a book whereby all transactions involving cash or
check disbursements are recorded.
B Ledger is a book of final entry wherein the classified accounts or items of all
transactions entered in the journal are posted. All entries in the journal must be posted to the
ledger and shall be classified accordingly so as to show the assets, liabilities, capital and the
operating accounts. This will be the basis for the preparation of the balance sheet and the
profit and loss statement covering the operation of the business. No entry shall be made in the
ledger unless said entry originates from the journal.
The accounts contained in the general ledger provide the Revenue Officer with insight
of the operations of the business. When pertinent, the chart of accounts and subsidiary
ledgers, if any, should be requested from the taxpayer. If a private ledger is maintained, it
should also be requested.
As the Revenue Officer goes through the ledger, unusual or non-recurring items
should be noted and verified. Most of these items are classified as follows:
1. Unusual in amount The Revenue Officer should be alert for month end
entries with significant amounts which may affect income and expenses.
2. Unusual by Source means the books of accounts from where the entry to
the ledger account originates. Hence, expenses or adjustments to income which
do not ordinarily originate from the cash journals, sales and purchase books
should be investigated. Such adjustments originating from the general journal
or journal vouchers should be thoroughly examined as to supporting
documents and proper authorization.
3. Unusual by nature An entry in a ledger account may be unusual by nature

as well as by the account itself. Accounts with abnormal balances such as
receivable accounts with credit balances may indicate income which is credited
to receivables instead of sales. Unusual accounts such as suspense, other
receivables, due to stockholders, and such other unusual liability accounts
should be analyzed as there may be some income components lodged in these
accounts.
C. Subsidiary Book. In the general ledger, accounts are usually transferred and
grouped into certain accounts to a subsidiary book. This general ledger account is called
control account. Control accounts in the general ledger contain summarized information that
is recorded in detail in a subsidiary book or ledger. It is, therefore, the control account which
contains summarized information and the subsidiary ledger contains the same information but
in detail.
Thus, in order to relieve the general ledger of too many individual accounts, business
concerns having numerous accounts with customers and creditors will transfer said accounts
to separate ledgers one for customers and another for creditors. For example, the control
account for the customer's subsidiary book will be called "Accounts Receivable", while the
control account for the creditor's subsidiary book will be called "Accounts Payable".
All corporations, companies, partnerships or persons required by law to pay internal

revenue taxes have the option to keep this kind of book depending on the need of their
business, provided that where such books are kept, they shall form part of the accounting
records of the taxpayer and shall be subject to the same rules and regulations as to their
keeping, translation, production and inspection as are applicable to the journal and the ledger.
D. Computerized Accounting System. This method of accounting is now being used

by most companies. It is a system whereby information are fed into the computer thus
providing uniformity in the processing of transactions.
Types of System under this method are the following:
1. Simple System. Transactions are easily traced in a small computer system

where the primary function performed is the sorting and manipulation of input
data and the printing of output reports. There is no loss of audit trail. Audit of
this type of system requires little training and background in Information
Systems (IS).
An example of this type of system are shipping data that are

encoded and processed throughout the system along with accounts
receivable ledgers. The output is a multicopy sales invoice for each sale,
an updated subsidiary ledger, and a sales journal.
2. Complex System. This is characterized by the batch processing mode, the

existence of one Central Processing Unit (CPU) and the extensive use of
master files on magnetic media in processing. In this type of system, processing
is usually confined to calculations, extensions, summarizations and the like.
There is some loss of audit trail but the same is not significant. The audit of
such system can be done by auditors with limited specialized training in IS
auditing. Because of the extent of a printed audit trail, the auditors have the
option of performing audit tests with or without the use of the computer based
on his experience.
3. Sophisticated System. In this type of system, transactions are initiated within

the computer. There is extensive data processing and consequently, a
substantial loss of audit trail. Most of the output is in machine-readable form.
Heavily reliance must be placed on internal control in the audit of

said system. Since many of these tests require IS skills beyond the
knowledge of most auditors, IS specialists are usually called upon by the
auditors.
Careful advanced planning is necessary because records needed in

audit and the approach to be used in testing must be made before data are
processed.
V. Accounting Periods
Accounting periods are generally classified into two. They are:
1. Calendar year; and
2. Fiscal year
A. Calendar Year is an accounting period which starts from January 1, and ends
on December 31. This is used by most taxpayers who elect the calendar year as their
accounting period. However, the calendar year shall be the basis of computing the net income
in the following cases:
1. when the taxpayer is an individual;
2. when the taxpayer does not keep books of accounts; and
3. when the taxpayer has no annual accounting period.
B. Fiscal year is an accounting period of twelve months ending on the last day
of any month other than December 31.
Corporations and duly registered general co-partnerships are allowed to use this type
of accounting period.
A taxpayer may have a taxable period of less than twelve (12) months in the following
cases:
1. when a corporation is newly organized and commenced operations on any day

within the year;
2. when a corporation changes its accounting period;
3. when a corporation is dissolved;
4. when the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, by authority, terminates the

taxable period of a taxpayer pursuant to Section 6 (D) of the Tax Code; and
5. in case of final return of the decedent and such period ends at the time of his
death.
Change in Accounting Period An individual cannot change his accounting period

from the calendar year to the fiscal year. He is only allowed to use the calendar year.
A corporation and a general co-partnership have the option to choose between the
calendar year and the fiscal year.
The application for a change in accounting period should be filed in writing with the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue, through the Revenue District Office, where the business is
registered, within thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for filing of the return on the basis of
the original accounting period designating therein the proposed date for the closing of its new
taxable year.
VI. Financial Statements
Financial Statements are reports signifying the end result of the financial accounting
process. These reports are as follows:
A. Income Statement is a report that summarizes the business activities for a

given period and reports the net income or loss resulting from operations and from certain
other activities. It is variously called the earnings statement, the statement of profit and loss,
and the statement of operations. It normally consists of the following sections or items:
1. Sales reports the total sales to customers and fees received from clients for
the period. All sales transactions should be recorded and invoiced. EaISTD
2. Cost of goods sold refers to cost of goods relating to sales when

merchandise is acquired from outsiders. This is the sum of the beginning
inventory, purchases and all other buying, freight and storage costs relating to
the acquisition of goods and subtracting the ending inventory thereof. When
the goods are manufactured by the seller, the cost of goods manufactured must
first be calculated. This is the sum of the cost of goods in process at the
beginning, the cost of materials put into production, the cost of labor applied
and factory overhead incurred. The total cost as thus obtained represents the
cost of both completed work and uncompleted work still in production. The
ending goods in process inventory, then, must be subtracted from this total in
arriving at the cost of the product completed and made available for sale.
3. Operating expenses are expenses incurred or utilized in the course of

business or pursuant to the practice of profession. They are generally reported
in two categories:
3.1 Selling expenses; and
3.2 General and administrative expenses
In case of self-employed individual taxpayers, professionals,

non-resident aliens, estates and trusts engaged in trade or business, general
professional partnerships and their individual partners, allowable expenses are
subject to the provisions of Section 34 of the Tax Code. However, in lieu of
the deductions allowed under the aforementioned section of the Tax Code, an
individual subject to tax under Section 24, other than non-resident aliens, may
elect a standard deduction in an amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of his
gross income.
4. Other Income and Expenses include items identified with financial

management and miscellaneous recurring activities. Other income include
interest and dividend income and income from rentals, royalties and service
fees. Other expenses include interest expense and expenses related to the
miscellaneous income items reported.
B. Balance Sheet is a report that shows the financial position of the business unit
as of a specified moment of time. It is a status report rather than a flow report. It is variously
called statement of financial position, statement of condition, statement of resources and
liabilities and the statement of net worth. The balance sheet is the fundamental accounting
statement in the sense that every accounting transaction can be analyzed in terms of its effect
on the balance sheet. In order to understand the information a balance sheet conveys and how
economic events affect the balance sheet, it is essential that the reader be absolutely clear as to
the meaning of its two sides in the equation:
ASSETS = LIABILITIES +OWNER'S EQUITY
1. Assets are economic benefits obtained or controlled by a particular entity as

a result of past transactions or events. They include those costs that have not
been matched with revenues in the past and are expected to afford economic
utility in the production of revenue in the future. It includes both monetary
assets, such as cash, marketable securities and receivables and non-monetary
assets, those costs recognized as recoverable; and hence, properly assignable
to revenues of future period, such as inventories, prepaid insurance, equipment
and patents.
2. Liabilities measure the claims of creditors against entity resources. The

method for settlement of liabilities varies. Liabilities may call for settlement by
cash payment or settlement through goods to be delivered or services to be
performed.
3. Owner's Equity is the residual interest in the assets of an entity that remains
after deducting its liabilities. It measures the interest of the ownership group in
the total resources of the enterprise. Such equities originally arise as the result
of contributions by the owners and the equities change with the change in net
assets resulting from operations.
VII. Purpose and Standards of Audit
The basic purpose of tax examination is the determination of correct taxable income as
defined by the National Internal Revenue Code and other internal revenue tax liabilities of the
person or entity whose return is being examined.
In conducting the examination, the Revenue Officer's responsibility is two-fold: to the

taxpayer and to the Philippine Government. Minimum standards of examination may be
extended beyond the originally intended scope, or beyond minimum requirements because of
situations or facts not apparent at the outset. The extent of verification to be done in any
single tax examination is a matter of auditing judgment for which no rigid guide can be
established.
The degree of checking or scope of a tax examination may be influenced by an analysis

of the taxpayer's accounting procedures and the results achieved therefrom, for they measure
the credibility of the records and the degree of the existing system of internal control of the
taxpayer.
Standard refers to the criteria by which the quality of performance of auditing

examinations are measured.
A. General Standards
1. An impartial mental attitude must be maintained in all affairs relating to an

examination in order to assure a fair application of tax laws, regulations and
rulings.
2. Professional skill and ingenuity must be exercised in the performance of the

examination and the preparation of the report.
3. Issues should be raised only when, in the Revenue Officer's opinion, they have
real merit and only when they will contribute in the proper determination of tax
liability.
4. The confidential nature of all information pertaining to any assignment must be

strictly observed.
B. Standard of Preliminary Planning
1. Sound judgment should be exercised in selecting from assigned returns those

which are most likely to contain areas of non-compliance and, where otherwise
permissible, survey procedures should be employed to dispose of those which
do not warrant further consideration.
2. Advance planning of work schedules with reasonable accuracy is essential for

the effective use of time.
3. A general work plan should be formulated in each case prior to contacting the
taxpayer which includes the development of issues suggested by the return and
other information. The following steps may be included in the work plan:
3.1 Prepare a list of items which suggest a need for special consideration.
3.2 Draw-up a list of questions to be asked from the taxpayer.
3.3 Identify other agencies or offices where the Revenue Officer can have
access to their records if the taxpayer cannot present the documents
requested.
C. Standards of Field Work
1. Audits should normally be performed at the taxpayer's place of business

because of the accessibility of the books and records and to permit actual
observation of taxpayers facilities and scope of operations. Otherwise, it
should be performed in the office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
2. The use of accounting skills, tax knowledge and ingenuity should be directed
toward recognizing and raising issues which relate to non-compliance areas.
3. Adequate evidential matter should be obtained through inspection, observation,

inquiry, analysis and documentation to afford a reasonable basis for
consideration of each issue with regard to the position of both the government
and the taxpayer.
4. The position taken with respect to each issue should be supported by adequate
authority.
D. Standards of Reporting
1. Reports are to be prepared in a complete, clear, concise, and legible manner in

order that they may be easily read and understood.
2. Working papers should be legible, in the Revenue Officer's own handwriting,

properly labeled, indexed, signed and arranged in a logical and orderly manner.
aEIcHA
3. Working papers should be used as a practical and professional tool to aid the
Revenue Officer in the discussion of issues or questions with the taxpayer or
his authorized representative. It also generally provides a record of the audit
procedures undertaken by the Revenue Officer.
E. Standards of Public Relations
1. Initial contact for audit arrangements should be made with the taxpayer and
care should be exercised in explaining the type of records required.
2. Revenue Officers must be fully cognizant of the proper sources for gathering
information and of the rights of the taxpayer and his representatives.
3. Necessary time and patience should be devoted to a discussion of any

proposed adjustments to ensure that the taxpayer has a proper understanding
of the issues.
4. Tact and discretion are required in pointing out errors in books and records in
order to avoid discrediting an employee or representative of the taxpayer.
VIII. Preliminary Approach to Examination
A. Pre-Audit Analysis of Tax Return
Analysis of the return is essential to an effective audit. Preliminary analysis is used to

identify potential issues which will be developed further after contacting the taxpayer. All
information contained in any attachment to the tax return should be thoroughly and
completely scrutinized to ascertain whether or not all of the information is adequately
reflected in the tax return. Before contacting the taxpayer, the Revenue Officer should
familiarize himself with the following:
1. The business organization of the taxpayer and whether it has business
establishments other than its main or head office;
2. The location of the business and its branches as this has a relation to the
volume of business;
3. The economic activity in which the taxpayer is engaged in;
4. The accounting books and records that would ordinarily be kept;
5. The accounting methods and policies and the degree of internal control;
6. The overall composition of the tax return;
7. The types of income reported;
8. The reasonableness of deductions;
9. Unusual or unfamiliar items;
10. Apparently questionable or unallowable items;
11. Gross profit and selling expense percentage as well as significant variations
between prior and current years;
12. Inconsistencies between items and also in the treatment with respect to bad
debts, inventory valuation methods, depreciation rates and methods, etc.;
13. Prior years entries in the reconciliation schedules of retained earnings in a

corporate return and of a partner's capital account in a partnership return
which affect the year under examination;
14. The status of the retained earnings account as well as the basis of assets and
depreciation allowed or allowable; and
15. The report of the tax liabilities of the taxpayer for the immediately preceding
period in order to be aware of the deficiencies that were reported. Review of
prior year's examination records will clarify some doubts or questions in the
Revenue Officer's mind regarding certain items or bring light to situation that
otherwise would have remained concealed on the basis of the return alone.
B. Work Planning
Work properly planned achieves good results.
In order to avoid any situation where the Revenue Officer will be faced with a
situation of a cramped audit workload and schedule, he should prioritize the audit of the
assigned cases in the following manner:
1. Returns or cases where the statute of limitations is about to prescribe should be

given first priority. Prescriptive period is three (3) years counted from the date
prescribed by law for the filing of the return, provided that in case a return is
filed beyond the prescribed period, the three-year period shall be counted from
the day the return; was filed.
2. Claims for refund should be given the next priority in order to develop good
BIR-taxpayer relationship.
3. Cases assigned for reinvestigation should also be given priority attention.
4. Returns which would be more productive in terms of revenues should be given

precedence over the less productive ones.
In work planning, an Audit Program should be prepared for each and every case. An
Audit Program is a checklist of the various auditing procedures to be undertaken and the
various books of accounts, records, documents and business forms to be verified in order to
assess the correct tax due from a taxpayer. This checklist would serve as a guide for the
Revenue Officer to conduct a "quality audit" within the time frame allowed to conclude a tax
audit. It is also a tool of the tax administrators to check on the progress of the tax audit and
for proper evaluation of the performance of the Revenue Officer.
C. Contact With Taxpayer
1. Arranging for an Appointment
A telephone or a personal call by the Revenue Officer should be made to the taxpayer
himself and not his representative.
2. Serving of Letter of Authority
2.1 On the first opportunity of the Revenue Officer to have personal contact with
the taxpayer, he should present the Letter of Authority (LA) together with a
copy of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights. The LA should be served by the Revenue
Officer assigned to the case and no one else. He should have the proper
identification card and should be in proper attire.
2.2 A Letter of Authority authorizes or empowers a designated Revenue Officer to
examine, verify and scrutinize a taxpayer's books and records in relation to his
internal revenue tax liabilities for a particular period.
2.3 A Letter of Authority must be served or presented to the taxpayer within 30

days from its date of issue; otherwise, it becomes null and void unless
revalidated. The taxpayer has all the right to refuse its service if presented
beyond the 30-day period depending on the policy set by top management.
Revalidation is done by issuing a new Letter of Authority or by just simply
stamping the words "Revalidated on _____________" on the face of the copy
of the Letter of Authority issued. ASICDH
3. Request for Accounting Records
The Revenue Officer should clearly specify the records he desires to be assembled for
his examination. Among the books and records that may be required are:
3.1 receipts (official receipts, warehouse receipts, delivery receipts, etc.)
3.2 invoices (sales and purchases invoices)
3.3 vouchers
3.4 cancelled checks
3.5 bills and statements of accounts (utility bills, payment notices, etc.)
3.6 contracts (sales/purchase contracts, loan contracts)
3.7 journals (regular and subsidiary journals)
3.8 ledgers (regular and subsidiary ledgers)
4. Initial Interview
The initial interview is the most important part of the examination process and should
be conducted in all audits.
Request should be made for a personal interview with the taxpayer himself.
The interrogation should be so conducted as to encourage the taxpayer to contribute

willingly useful information which will assist in the proper determination of his tax liability.
The information developed by this method will determine the eventual outcome of the case.
The preliminary interview should, as far as practicable, cover the following:
4.1 Discussion of sources of income This may uncover possible sources of

income which have not been reported such as interests on investments and
deposits, dividends, rents, sales of properties as well as information on the
taxpayer's financial history and standard of living;
4.2 Records kept for each source of income;
4.3 Handling and recording of cash transactions;
4.4 Records of loans from banks and/or loans to others
4.5 Real or personal properties bought or sold in current year;
4.6 Correctness of personal and additional exemptions claimed;
4.7 Other items that would be relevant in the examination, to wit;
a. The responsible officers of the firm in order to facilitate acquisition of

information/data:
b. Place and time of audit.
c. Ocular inspection of the factory, branches, outlets, etc.;
d. Officers to whom the tax audit findings will be discussed; and
e. Financial history and standard of living of the owner/owners.
D. Preliminary Evaluation of Miscellaneous Records
The investigation on the taxpayer's books of accounts may begin with miscellaneous
records other than accounting ledgers and journals. More often than not, scrutiny of these
records may reveal items which the Revenue Officer should take into consideration as the
examination progresses. The records and information to be obtained are the following:
1. Minute Book
The review of the minute book should not be confined to the taxable year under audit
but should cover at least some period immediately before or after. As the Revenue Officer
scans the minute book, he should note appropriate transactions and items of significance, such
as contracts entered into by the taxpayer, stock issuance, dividend declaration and
compensation of officers.
2. Stock Transfer Book
This book contains the names of stockholders, past and present, with the number of
shares cancelled and issued. This book is also vital in computing documentary stamp tax,
liabilities. A general knowledge of the names of large shareholders is also of value when
checking the salary expense. When the stock and transfer book is not available, the record of
dividend payment is an alternative source of similar information.
3. Partnership Agreement
A copy of the partnership agreement should be obtained and certain provisions

affecting partner's salaries, profit and loss sharing, interest on capital, other allowances and
other matters which may have tax consequences should be noted.
4. Audit Report of Independent Auditors
The Revenue Officer should read the auditor's report accompanying the financial
statements. Sometimes, Revenue Officers fail to evaluate the auditor's report. However, there
are cases when auditors do not issue an unqualified opinion. Any qualification or unusual
comments in the auditor's report or certificate such as expression of opinion as to taxpayer's
depreciation policy, inventory and cost valuation, adequacy of reserves, status of collectibility
of receivables and the like should be noted for consideration and should be related to the
examination of accounts.
In cases where the auditor issues two reports, one for management and the other for
attachment to the tax return, the former should be studied and compared with the latter.
Income and net worth in both reports may vary from income and net worth per books due to
the auditor's adjusting entries not reflected in the books. Thus, the adjusting entries and
supporting documents should be examined. If needed, the auditor's working papers should be
looked into to explain these entries.
5. Auditor's Working Papers
Audits, particularly of large companies, may frequently be simplified and facilitated, if

the examining Revenue Officers are given access to the auditor's working papers. Where
necessary, authorization from the taxpayer or requests for access to said working papers
signed by duly authorized officials shall be secured to be able to scrutinize the working papers
of auditors, particularly the year-end adjustments, intercompany transactions, nature of
receivables and other peculiar accounts.
6. Statements and Schedules Filed with Government Regulatory Agencies
Certain taxpayers are required to file financial statements and other reports with
government bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission for corporate taxpayers,
the Garments and Textile Export Board for-garments exporters, the Board of Investments for
exporters, and other similar government offices. The Revenue Officer should compare the
statements filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue against those filed with other
government offices. Any discrepancy should be inquired into and material differences should
undergo an in-depth investigation.
7. Appraisal Reports
Appraisal reports, particularly real estate appraisals, are important in many cases such
as for estate tax valuation of properties, capital gains tax verification, and donor's tax
investigation.
E. Initial Examination Techniques
1. Understanding the Taxpayer's Books and Records
One technique that should be commonly used is for the Revenue Officer to interview
the taxpayer or his representative and ask him to walk him through the book recording of a
sale, purchase and expense transaction in order to have a thorough understanding of the
taxpayer's accounting system and records.
2. Reconciliation of Books and Returns
Another step in understanding the records is to perform a reconciliation of the books

with the return. The following actions are recommended to assist the Revenue Officer in the
reconciliation process:
2.1 Request for a Chart of Accounts and identify account numbers and account
titles.
2.2 Identify unusual accounts. AHaETS
2.3 Scan the general ledger to discover unusual account entries.
2.4 Ask the taxpayer for the ,tax working papers or any other type of working
papers that were used to prepare the return.
If the working-papers are in the hands of the external auditor, the

taxpayer should be advised to secure a copy thereof from their auditor.
If no working papers are available, request the taxpayer to prepare the

reconciliation and supporting schedules used to arrive at the reconciliation of
data as reflected in the books and the tax returns.
2.5 Evaluate the Statement of Changes in Financial Position, if the taxpayer has
one, to identify sales and purchases of fixed assets, investments made and
disposed, loan and debt payments, capital contributions and other transactions
that might not be readily apparent on the balance sheet and income statement.
3. Performance of Compliance Tests
The Revenue Officer should establish the level of reliance that can be placed on the
books and records and determine whether the books show all the transactions which occurred.
To accomplish this, a compliance test should be performed on some transactions

through the backward and forward approaches in verification as follows:
3.1 In the backward approach, the figures per tax return are traced to the trial
balance, then to the general ledger, the various journals, and ultimately to the
source documents such as sales invoice or official receipts.
3.2 In the forward approach, the Revenue Officer should select a supporting
document, say a sales invoice, and trace it through the sales journal, general
ledger, trial balance and finally to the tax return.
The backward approach is effective in checking unsupported expenses while the

forward approach is used in uncovering unreported income.
4. Analysis of Adjusting Journal Entries
It is important that the Revenue Officer understands adjusting journal entries because
tax issues are frequently discovered in the adjusting journal entries. These adjusting journal
entries are usually accruals, deferrals, corrections or reclassifications of accounts.
4.1 Accruals are normally entries to record certain known and fixed amount of
obligations or liabilities. Accruals are also used to book uncertain,. contingent
liabilities. Contingent liabilities are not fixed in amount or date and are not
deductible for tax purposes.
4.2 Deferrals are typically used to defer or postpone recognition of income or

expenses. An inspection of the deferred income account may reflect amounts
representing services already performed. It may also show goods already
shipped and received by the customer. In both of these situations, a deferral of
income is not proper.
4.3 Corrections of prior year's earnings, other adjustments and reclassifications are
made through adjusting journal entries which are recorded in the general
journal or in the journal vouchers. Usually, these entries are taken from the
auditor's working papers. The examining Revenue Officer should scrutinize
these entries, specially those credited directly to retained earnings, analyze the
tax issues involved, and note down possible tax assessments.
4.4 When scanning adjusting journal entries, the following should also be looked
into closely:
4.4.1 Unusual and non-recurring entries;
4.4.2 Entries reducing assets as there could possibly be unreported gain on

sale, incorrectly computed gain on sale, incorrectly computed
installment sale, non-taxable exchange, or withdrawal of goods by the
owner; and
4.5 Entries increasing liabilities as these could represent fictitious or contingent

liabilities, fictitious expenses, invalid loans to shareholders, or undeclared
income credited to liability accounts.
F. Evaluation of Internal Control
Internal Control is a system of procedures in place to ensure that all business

transactions are properly recorded and assets are adequately safeguarded.
It is mandatory for the Revenue Officer to evaluate internal control for him to decide
up to what extent the system can be relied upon. This will also determine the nature, extent
and timing of audit tests to be applied in the examination and to plan subsequent audit
procedures.
1. Principles of Internal Control
Good internal control assures good record keeping and the inability of the employees
and the owner from misappropriating the assets.
Some broad principles of internal control are:
1.1 Responsibilities should be clearly established.
1.2 Adequate records should be maintained.
1.3 Assets should be insured and employees bonded.
1.4 Record keeping and custody should be separated.
1.5 Responsibility for related transactions should be divided.
1.6 Personnel should be rotated.
1.7 Automation should be used whenever practical.
1.8 Employees should be informed of prescribed procedures.
1.9 The system should be under constant review.
2. Elements of Internal Control
Internal control can be divided into three elements:
2.1 Control Environment
This includes the entity's organizational structure, methods of assigning

authority and responsibility, engagement in related-party transactions and
compliance with various laws, rules, and regulations.
2.2 Accounting System
This consists of the methods and records established to capture

financial transactions such as sales, purchases, investments and payment of
expenses and liabilities. This element is important to the Revenue Officer for
him to understand how transactions are initiated and recorded and to determine
the degree of reliability to be placed in the taxpayers books and records.
2.3 Control Procedures
These include the adequate use of documents to ensure the proper

recording, valuation and timing of transactions. Reconciliations of accounts
should be done periodically and management should review reports for
accuracy and completeness.
3. Standard Procedures in Evaluating Internal Control
To establish the scope of the audit and degree of compliance tests to be performed,
internal control should first be valuated based on the following techniques:
3.1 Identify the personnel responsible for record keeping and determine their
responsibilities and authority in the business operation.
3.2 Reconcile the returns with the books and records. Difficulty in reconciling the
return with the books and records may be an indication of inadequate internal
control in either financial or tax accounting.
3.3 Interview responsible company personnel and observe business operations.
3.4 Review the chart of accounts and identify unusual accounts or note those
accounts which should be included but not indicated.
3.5 Secure and study copies of operating manuals or instructional booklets that
may lead to an easy understanding of the taxpayer's business operations.
3.6 Determine if the taxpayer's personal transactions are segregated from business
operations or if separate bank accounts are maintained by the owner and the
business.
3.7 Determine if bank accounts are reconciled monthly.
3.8 Determine the books and records maintained and the frequency of recording
transactions.
3.9 Determine if pre-numbered documents are being used.
3.10 Determine the extent of involvement of auditors and other third parties in the
business.
3.11 Determine if certified audits for any reason were conducted. If so, copies of
documents in relation thereto should be secured. HIAESC
3.12 Determine if the income reported by the taxpayer reflects his lifestyle.
The effective evaluation of internal control is dependent upon a very

good interview, observation of the business operation, and testing of the
system.
G. Sampling Techniques
Sampling is a large and important part of the examination of a tax return. It is the
application of examination procedures to less than 100% of the items in an account to
evaluate its accuracy.
1. Two Basic Types of Sampling

1.1 Statistical Sampling
Statistical sampling is the formal mathematical selection and

examination of transactions, amounts or accounts based on the probability that
moderately large number of items taken as samples will produce results from
which conclusions may be made.
1.2 Judgmental Sampling
In selecting accounts and transactions to be tested, judgmental

sampling should be applied as it involves the use of professional judgment in
planning and performing the sampling and analyzing the results.
Judgmental sampling may include any or both of the following

methods:
1.2.1 Block Sampling uses groups of continuous items selected from an

account balance or class of transactions. An example is a Revenue
Officer's decision to sample one month of travel expense to reach a
conclusion for the year.
1.2.2 Peso limitation sampling or cut-off sampling selects a minimum peso

amount and transactions in excess of the said amount are verified.
2. Factors to be Considered in Planning the Sample
2.1 Internal Control
The extent of sampling to be done is dependent on the degree of

internal control. Thus, a small sample size is required if internal control can be
greatly relied upon.
2.2 Accounting System
Large errors or high frequency of errors in the accounting system may

require a large sample size.
2.3 Materiality
In choosing appropriate material limits, the absolute size of an item, the

relative size and the nature of the business, and industry/business practice
should be considered. Materiality of an item should be related to its tax
consequence.
2.4 Analytical Review
In analytical review, the following considerations should be studied:
a. Taxpayer's standard of living
b. Interest in closely held companies
c. Transactions between related parties
d. Transaction involving questions of fraud
e. Significant increases or decreases in taxable income from year to year
f. Significant adjustments on previous Revenue Officer's reports
3. Sampling Techniques to be Applied in Testing Accounts and Transactions
There are many sampling techniques as there are cases. The Revenue Officer is not
precluded from discovering and applying new techniques as may be needed in each particular
case.
Listed below are the suggested sampling techniques in testing income statement and
balance sheet items:
3.1 Select the first and last months of sales to ensure that income was not deferred
to an improper year.
3.2 The last month of the period under examination should be tested because of
the likelihood of errors and unallowable adjustments made before the end of
the year.
3.3 Selection of the largest three months incurrence of an expense account may
reveal expenses that should be capitalized, personal expenses or padded
expenses.
3.4 Scan the cash disbursements journal and general ledger for unusual or very
large entries. This step also familiarizes the Revenue Officer with the accounts,
payees, suppliers and clients of the taxpayer.
3.5 Select at least one month's (or one week for a large corporation) file of
cancelled checks. Thoroughly analyze each check together with the
endorsement at the back. This could lead to the discovery of fictitious; payees,
unusual transactions, personal items charged to expense and other possible
disallowances.
3.6 Inspection of the corporate minutes and the articles of incorporation could lead
to a Revenue Officer's determination to sample a particular account.
3.7 Examine certain accounts in the income statement in relation to the balance
sheet accounts. Thus, Accounts Receivable should be analyzed together with
Sales. Bad Debts Expense should be verified together with the Allowance for
Bad Debts. Likewise, Accounts Payable should be examined together with
Purchases and other related expenses.
3.8 Test-check source documents and related transactions by considering the

persons involved, nature of the contract, mode of payment and other important
aspects.
3.9 Rounded figures should be checked as they may be estimates.
3.10 Utilize results of analytical review in selecting the sample.
3.11 Contract or limit the scope of the sample if the majority of the samples are
completed and there are still no discrepancies.
4. Examining the Sample Items
The sample items, as selected, should be verified as follows:
4.1. Analyze and determine the validity of the source documents.
4.2. Examine collaborating documents.
4.3. Check with third parties.
4.4. Inspect and observe inventory flow, fixed assets acquired, sales transactions
and other transactions which may require ocular inspection.
5. Analyzing the Results
Analyzing- the results of a sample is an important yet commonly missed step. The
sample taken should be evaluated and considered in relation to any peculiar situation, such as
related -party transactions or economically unsound transactions. One example would be
purchases made at unusually high or low prices. If the results of the sampling indicates
potential tax assessment, an in-depth analysis should be conducted as follows:
5.1. Verify the account showing the discrepancy or possible source of tax
deficiency.
5.2. Trace the audit trail involving the transaction.
5.3. Perform a 100% verification of such account.
5.4. Consider performing third-party checks to substantiate transactions.
5.5. Take a close look at how the taxpayer handled the entire transaction.
5.6. Consider the adjustments associated to other accounts.
5.7. Discuss the problems or discrepancies with the taxpayer or his authorized
representative.
6. Concluding the Sampling Results
The audit samples should be clearly documented in the working papers from which a
conclusion shall be drawn. If a quality sample analysis has been performed, it will be easy to
form a conclusion from the sample results. The conclusion reached should be clear, concise
and final.
IX. Balance Sheet Approach To Examination
A series of suggestions on the procedures for commencing the examination of tax

returns and appropriate accounting records have already been presented. The initial phase
includes a verification of the net income per books with the reconciling items reflected in the
tax return.
After the foregoing process, the Revenue Officer should turn his attention primarily to
the books and records bearing in mind that there are some reconciling items which affect the
net income per books.
The following discussion offer guides and techniques in examining asset, liability and
net worth accounts. The Revenue Officer, however, is not precluded from applying other
techniques which are deemed necessary in a particular case.
A. Cash on Hand and in Bank
1. Compare deposits shown in the bank statement against entries in the cash
receipts book and official receipts. .Note down any unrecorded or unreceipted
deposit and investigate the source.
2. Test check cash sales with the cash receipts book if they have been correctly
recorded. Also check cash sales made at the beginning and end of the period
under examination to determine if year-end sales have been recorded in the
proper accounting period.
3. Investigate entries in the general ledger cash account. Look for unusual items
which do not originate from cash receipts or disbursements journals. These
entries may indicate unauthorized withdrawals or expenditures, sales of capital
assets, omitted sales, undisclosed bank accounts, etc. AcICTS
4. Review cash receipts journal for items not identified with ordinary business
sales, being alert to such items as sale of assets, miscellaneous income, sale of
scrap, income received in advance, proceeds from issuance of capital stock and
other taxable transactions.
5. Review cash on hand and cash in bank accounts to determine if there are any
credit balances during the period under examination. This may indicate
unrecorded receipts.
6. Review cash disbursements journal for a representative period. Note any

missing check numbers, checks payable to cash, large or unusual items and
determine propriety thereof through a comparison with vouchers, journal
entries and other related accounting records.
7. If the taxpayer is on cash basis, ascertain if checks were written and recorded
at the close of the period under audit but were issued thereafter. Verify checks
issued during the latter part of the year to check the authenticity of expenses
claimed.
8. Give special consideration to checks issued for cashier's checks, sight drafts
and other similar bank instruments where the payees and nature of the
disbursements are clearly shown.
9. Obtain bank statements and cancelled checks for each bank account for one or
more months, including the last month of the period under examination.
10. Note year-end bank overdrafts. This may indicate expenses which are fictitious
or unallowable since funds were not available for payment.
11. Determine if there are checks which have remained outstanding for an
unreasonable period of time. This may indicate improper, fictitious or
duplication of disbursements. Old outstanding checks could possibly be
restored to income.
12. Determine whether voided checks have been properly adjusted in the books
and credited to the appropriate expense accounts, if applicable.
13. For a test period, check endorsements to verify if they are the same as that of
the payees', noting any endorsements by the owner, or any questionable
endorsement.
14. If records appear unreliable or have not been subjected to a competent

independent audit, tests of footings and postings should be made for a
representative period.
15. Test check disbursements from petty cash to determine if there are any
unallowable items included.
16. Scrutinize cash overages and shortages, being alert to occurrence of

irregularities.
17. Tally debits and credits to the cash accounts per month against sales credit,
debts to purchases and expense accounts and other sources and application of
cash based on the worksheet of real and nominal accounts submitted by the
taxpayer. Note down discrepancies and substantial accumulation of cash
without reasonable credits.
B. Notes and Accounts Receivable
1. Secure a breakdown of the receivables by class, whether notes or accounts and

by debtors, such as customers, affiliated companies, officers, stockholders,
employees and others.
2. Check entries in the general ledger control accounts. Look for unusual items,
especially those which do not originate from the sales or cash receipts journals.
3. Determine if subsidiary ledgers are in agreement with control accounts, and if

not, ascertain the reasons for any differences.
4. Note any credit balances in the general ledger or subsidiary accounts. This may
indicate deposits or overpayments which could be considered as additional
income or unrecorded sales. Also, credit balances may indicate a misapplied
bad debt recovery or deposits received for so long a time that there is little
likelihood that they will ever be refunded. Whatever the cause, the credits, if
material, should be isolated for consideration.
5. Some credit sales invoices and postings should be test checked from the sales
journal to the subsidiary and control account.
6. Compare balances of accounts receivable and sales for the current year with
that of the preceding year. Investigate significant changes.
7. Investigate large and/or unusual balances classified as other accounts

receivable.
8. In case of notes receivable, determine whether accrued income on interest

bearing notes or accounts has been included in income.
9. Investigate the sources of notes receivable as there may be instances when the
taxpayer has other sources of income other than his regular business.
10. Determine whether accrued income on interest bearing notes or accounts has
been included in income.
11. If needed, check the detailed listing of beginning receivables to cash collected
as reflected in the cash receipts book. This may disclose diversion of funds and
other irregularities.
C. Allowance for Bad Debts
1. Ascertain the company's policy of providing for allowance for bad debts by
examining minutes of meetings and other documents.
2. Compare balances in the allowance account with that of the preceding year's.
Investigate significant changes.
3. Evaluate the reasonableness of the allowance by computing the ratio of the

balance of allowance for bad debts to the trade accounts receivable balance.
4. Compute the ratio of bad debts expense over sales. Analyze if such is
reasonable.
5. Review the aging schedule of accounts receivable.
6. For accounts written off which were charged to expense, examine minute book
for authorization to write off accounts.
7. Ascertain that accounts written off are worthless by examining supporting

documents such as reports of collection agencies, correspondence with said
customers and documents filed in court, and court decisions on collection
cases.
8. If possible, check the financial status of the customers for which allowance for
bad debts was provided.
9. Check entries to the allowance account for possible bad debts recoveries and
trace if the same were declared as income at the time of recovery.
D. Inventories
1. Determine the correct cost components to be included in the inventory. The

costs used in determining inventory depend on whether the business is of a
service, merchandising or manufacturing nature.
2. Verify the inventory valuation method being applied if such is acceptable for
tax purposes and consistently applied from year to year.
3. Compare inventory balances in the return under examination with the balances
on the prior and subsequent year's returns and financial statement; then verify
these with the taxpayer's records.
4. Check BIR authorization for changes in inventory valuation method and verify
taxpayers compliance with the requirements set forth under existing rules and
regulations.
5. Check gross profit percentage variations. Conduct in-depth verification of

items with substantial variations.
6. Determine the significance of any notes or qualifying statements on financial

reports prepared by independent accounting firms.
7. Determine the taxpayer's computation of standard rates, if standard rates are

applied.
8. Verify cost of production reports and test check certain costs reflected therein
to supporting documents.
9. Determine if year-end purchases were included in the closing inventory.
10. Analyze unusual entries to cost of sales account such as materials, labor and
overhead charges not directly related to sales or transfers of finished goods, if
applicable.
11. Determine if there have been write-downs for "excess" inventory to below
cost. Verify authorization and supporting document/report for such
write-downs.
12. When items have been removed from inventory for the owners' or shareholders'
use, check if these are properly recorded as part of sales. These required
minimum audit procedures, however, should not deter the Revenue Officer
from making a more detailed examination of the inventory account, when
warranted.
E. Advances To Stockholders/Officers
This receivable account may represent an outright advance of money by the

corporation to officers and/or stockholders. Usually, these advances vary in amounts over a
period of time, consequently building up the current amount. The following verification
procedures on this account should be conducted, if warranted:
1. Verify authorization from Board of Directors for advances and loans to

stockholders and officers by checking duly approved minutes of meetings.
2. Identify company officers and stockholders who are granted advances

regularly.
3. Check payments of advances to the company if such loan re-payments earned

interest for which no withholding tax was deducted.
4. Verify entries and supporting documents on cancellation of advances if the

same do not originate from cash receipts. TESDcA
F. Investment
The investments most commonly found on the books are stocks and bonds and, in
some cases, real estate not used in actual business operations. The following procedures
should be conducted in the examination of investments if such are material assets of the
taxpayer:
1. Familiarize with the nature of investments, utilizing any records maintained by

the taxpayers such as the investment ledgers, worksheets showing the
breakdown of investments and other investment records.
2. Analyze sales and other credit entries to the account. If stocks sold are listed in
the stock market, test check selling price of stocks sold at the prevailing
"close" price at the Philippine Stock Exchange during the date of sale. Real
properties sold should not fall below fair market value and/or zonal value
where the zonal value has been established. The application of the "whichever
is higher" rule shall be observed.
3. Verify journal entries to ascertain the selling price and gain on sale of
investments. Vouch supporting documents such as deeds of sale, proof of
remittance of taxes withheld, payment of documentary stamp tax and other
relevant records.
4. Investigate sales to related parties and/or officers or stockholders below fair

market value.
5. Cross-check all investments during the year to the interest, dividend or rental
income accounts.
6. If investments or bonds were acquired at a premium or discount, determine

whether the premium/discount is amortized over the life of the bond.
G. Depreciable Assets
This group includes tangible properties of relatively long life which are used in the
operation of the business. However, natural resources such as oil or mineral lands are not
included in this group of asset account. The following verification procedures should be
undertaken on these accounts:
1. Compare the asset and related reserve amounts as they appear on the tax
return, balance sheet, depreciation schedule, and taxpayer's books and
schedules. Compare the beginning and ending figures for the taxable year and
reconcile differences or ask the taxpayer to make the necessary reconciliation.
Verify the correctness of such reconciliation.
2. Review depreciation schedule of fixed assets and ascertain propriety of

depreciation expense claimed. Watch out for depreciation that may have been
taken on assets which are already fully depreciated or charged off to expense.
3. Review asset additions during the year by reference to invoices, contracts and
other documents and determine if the proper cost basis was used.
3.1. Note items which appear to have originated from unusual sources such
as appraisal increases, transfers and exchanges, and determine propriety
thereof. Ascertain if prior earnings were adequate to cover acquisitions.
3.2. Determine if acquisition and installation costs of fixed assets and

leasehold improvements have been capitalized.
3.3. Ascertain if assets include items of a personal nature. If the assets are
used by the officers for their personal use, the depreciation should be
disallowed.
3.4. Where construction or any other work of a capital nature is performed

with the taxpayer's own labor, equipment and other assets for its own
use, be certain that the basis of such asset includes materials, labor and
overhead including depreciation.
3.5. With regard to the basis of recognition of costs of assets, consider such
items as trade-ins, acquisitions from related taxpayers, allocation of
cost between land and building and other basis.
4. Decreases in the asset accounts during the year should be noted. The accuracy
of the gains or losses resulting therefrom should be verified and ascertain that
the appropriate tax on the transaction, such as value-added tax, if applicable,
has been paid.
5. Ascertain if the taxpayer has transferred assets to the owner, officers,

stockholders or to a controlled domestic or foreign corporation for less than
fair or adequate consideration.
H. Allowances For Depreciation, Amortization And Other Valuation Reserves
1. Review the nature and source of all accounts and ascertain if they are being
used to claim unallowable deductions.
2. With regard to depreciation, determine the correctness of the amount of asset

being depreciated. No depreciation is allowable on the appraisal increase of
fixed assets. Any foreseeable salvage value is to be deducted from the cost of
the asset in determining the basis of depreciation.
2.1. No depreciation is allowable on a building until it is completed or on a

machine until it is installed. Expenditures which are properly includible
as an element of cost are freight-in, installation cost, title cost, and legal
or brokerage fees in connection with acquisition.
2.2. Where land and building are acquired on lump-sum, the following
formula should be used in computing the building cost for depreciation
computation:
FMV or Zonal value of land
X
FMV or Zonal value of land
and building
Total acquisition cost = Cost of
Land
Total acquisition cost
Of land and building Pxxx
Less: Cost of land per
above computation xxx

Cost of building Pxxx
====
3. Ascertain the taxpayer's depreciation and amortization policies and consider
the following:
3.1. Whether the methods applied by the taxpayer are in compliance with
the Tax Code and existing revenue regulations;
3.2. Whether the depreciation rates used by the taxpayer are fair and
reasonable; and
3.3. Whether the taxpayer has applied the same method consistently from
period to period.
4. Check authorization from minutes of meetings, fixed asset reports, or other

supporting documents on credits for allowance for obsolescence and/or asset
write-offs. If necessary, inspect assets claimed as obsolete and/or written off.
I. Intangible Assets
1. Investigate the nature of the intangible assets whether leases, patents, licenses,
trademarks, goodwill, copyright, franchise and others.
2. Costs of acquiring the intangible should be capitalized when useful lives can be
estimated. If not, no amortization is allowable for tax purposes.
3. Determine if the recorded cost and cost of current additions includes proper
elements such as legal fees, application fees and other costs of acquisition.
Examine contracts and other legal documents.
4. Verify correctness of deductions claimed as amortization of intangible assets as

follows:
4.1. Leasehold costs are subject to amortization over the term of the lease.
4.2. Goodwill cannot be amortized if it is for an indefinite period of time.
4.3. Research and development expenditures may either be capitalized or

treated as outright deductible expense.
4.4. Patents sold with the exclusive right to make, use and sell an article
constitutes ordinary income.
4.5. Organization expenses are subject to amortization and are not

deductible in full on the year incurred. Check the reasonableness of the
taxpayer's amortization policy on organization expense.
5. Determine if there have been transactions with related taxpayers. If so, verify if
these are made at arms-length.
6. Determine if income applicable to intangibles has been included as income (e.g.

subleases, overriding royalties, franchise and other sources).
7. Analyze any transaction involving transfer of foreign rights to any foreign

entity for an equity interest or for nominal consideration.
8. Be alert to transactions which could have given rise to intangibles classifiable

as asset account which may have been recorded as expense.
J. Prepaid Expenses And Deferred Charges
1. Verify the nature and source of these assets and the manner in which they are
charged off to expense.
2. When prepaid expenses are not reflected in the balance sheet, verify charges to
expenses which entail advance payments such as insurance, rent, supplies,
repairs and maintenance that are covered by contracts.
K. Other Assets
1. Obtain a schedule of other assets account when material in amount.
2. Investigate sources of charges to the account. Verify entries and supporting

documents to check if the other assets are results of income-generating
activities not reported in the financial statements. IcHDCS
L. Exchange, Clearing or Suspense Account
1. Obtain a schedule to determine the nature and purpose of the account if

significant in amount.
2. Test check debit and credit entries, being aware of the possibility that such
account may be used as a means for diverting sales, padding expenses, and
concealing other irregularities.
M. Current And Accrued Liabilities Including Notes Payable
These liabilities are found on business records under various titles such as accounts
payable, vouchers payable, notes payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The
audit procedures are as follows:
1. Reconcile subsidiary ledgers with the control accounts. Request the taxpayer
for explanation of any discrepancies noted.
2. Note existence of debit balances in the general ledger or subsidiary accounts.

This may indicate diversion of funds and other underdeclaration of income.
3. Note accounts which have long overdue balances. These may indicate
contested liabilities or accounts that no longer exist such as unclaimed wages
or unclaimed deposits which should be reverted to income.
4. Review computation of year-end accruals with respect to their deductibility as

expenses or purchases.
5. Examine legitimacy of accounts payable to affiliates or related taxpayers. Test

check payments made by tracing the same to supporting documents.
Investigate entries in the general ledger control accounts. Check

unusual items such as those that do not originate from the voucher register or
disbursement book. This may disclose unreported income, improper claim or
overstated expense.
6. Be aware of any contingent liability by reviewing minutes of meetings and

annual reports. Although this is not reflected in the tax return, an accrual may
have been made for the item. Any claim for an expense or deduction arising
from a contingent transaction shall not be considered as a deductible expense.
A deductible expense must be reasonably determinable in amount and the
liability must be fixed.
7. If payables include liability on security deposits, secure a copy of the lease
contract/agreement to determine provision on the application of lease deposits.
These security deposits are taxable when received.
N. Fixed Liabilities
1. Acquaint with the pertinent provisions of loan contracts, mortgage agreements,

certificates of indebtedness, financing arrangements and consider possible
adjustment areas as follows:
1.1. determination of expenses, (e.g. interest and bank charges);
1.2. refunding of debt; and
1.3. legal, professional and other expenses of issuance.
2. Scrutinize any long-term outstanding liability to the owner, shareholders,

officers or to a related taxpayer as this may constitute accumulated unreported
income.
3. When the liability is secured by property pledged or mortgaged as collateral for

the loan, determine if the property pledged/mortgaged is income producing.
Review the terms and conditions stipulated on the loan agreement to determine
if income derived therefrom remains to be reported by the taxpayer as the
borrower.
4. Verify if funds were borrowed for use of affiliates as the interest expenses
thereon shall not be deductible on the part of the borrowing taxpayer. There
should be a reallocation of profits and the tax burden must be shifted to the
affiliate in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
5. Determine whether the indebtedness will give rise to interest expense that are
subject to limitations on deductibility under Section 34(B) of the Tax Code.
Determine if loans were borrowed to finance acquisition of tax-exempt
securities. If so, the interest expense is not considered deductible for income
tax purposes.
O. Deferred Credits
1. Check all payments received as recorded in the cash receipts book, (i.e. date of
receipt, source of collection, and other entries).
2. Check if collections were included in the gross income during the year when
the payments were actually received. Amounts are generally includible in gross
income for tax purposes not later than the time of receipt if they are subject to
free and unrestricted use by the taxpayer. Under this theory, collections,
advance rentals, legal retainer and the like, advance sales of transportations
tokens or communications tickets and other advances are income when
received.
3. Look for credit balance of accounts which fall under deferred credits. They
may be clearly labeled as advanced rentals, deferred service income or may be
shown as a reserve account that is mixed with true liability accounts, or as a
contra-balance in the receivables.
4. If the taxpayer used the completed contract method of accounting for contracts
entered into and construction work that actually commenced prior to January
1, 1998, income and expenses attributable to a particular job or project are
properly deferred until completion of the project. The contracts and progress
reports should be inspected to determine whether the reporting of income has
been delayed beyond the completion of the project.
5. When a taxpayer uses the installment method of reporting income, the

unrecognized gain for tax purposes should be recorded as a deferred credit.
This particular account should be checked to determine if the year-end balance
remaining in the account reconciles with gross profit to be reported on the
subsequent payments. Any difference would indicate erroneous computations
of income from payments.
P. Loans from Shareholders/Officers/Owners
1. Determine whether there is a true debtor-creditor relationship. Excessively

large liabilities in relation to capital stock (especially in the case of a new
company) may indicate a thin capitalization situation.
2. Check the financial statements of the corporation as well as that of the

shareholders. If there is an interest expense account on the part of the
corporation from such loan, there should also be a corresponding interest
income account on the part of the shareholder.
There are certain tax advantages to the corporation or shareholder for

an equity investment to be treated as a loan. Be sure that the taxpayer gets
these benefits only when the facts of the case show that a "true loan" exists.
If "loans" are found to be equity capital, the following procedures may

be applied:
2.1. Disallow claim for interest expense and treat payments during the year
as dividends.
2.2. Treat loan repayments as dividends.
2.3. Disallow bad debts deductions by the shareholders.
3. Check supporting loan documents issued in favor of the shareholders, officers

or owners. If unsupported or if support is doubtful, the unsupported income
may have been lodged in this account.
4. Verify certain payments of loans against check vouchers and cancelled checks.
5. Verify the debit and credit entries in the general ledger account and watch out
for unusual sources other than the cash receipts and disbursements book.
6. Examine adjustments, specially increases in the account, at the end of the year
as this may constitute shifting of taxable income to this liability account. Verify
general journal entries, journal vouchers and related documents supporting the
entries.
Q. Capital Accounts
1. Capital or Owner's Equity-for sole proprietorship
1.1. 210. Reconcile amount appearing on the books, tax return and financial
statements. Verify discrepancies, if any.
1.2. Review debits and credits to the account during the period under audit
and check supporting entries to the account. Increases which originate
from sources other than profit and loss may indicate omitted income.
1.3 Relate the account balance and withdrawals with the owner's standard
of living. Where owners report no other sources of income, and
withdrawals appear insufficient to maintain personal living expenses,
there may be under reporting or diversion of income.
2. Partners' Capital for partnerships
2.1. Review debits and credits to the account during the period under audit.
Verify increases and decreases and check for unusual sources other
than profit and loss.
2.2. Reconcile amount appearing on the tax return, books and financial
statements. Verify any differences noted.
2.3. Examine pertinent provisions of partnership contract and check

correctness of distribution of partnership income and expenses.
2.4. Ascertain that the correct tax has been withheld on distribution of
partnership profits.
2.5. If the taxpayer claims that it is a general professional partnership,

examine partnership contract and registration with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
3. Stockholders' Equity-for corporations
3.1. Capital Stock
3.1.1. Review entries in the capital stock account and verify increases
and decreases thereto.
3.1.2. Verify correctness of all items appearing on the return, books

and financial statements. Investigate discrepancies, if any.
3.1.3. In case of additions to capital stock out of new issues during

the period under audit, ascertain that the correct amount of
documentary stamp tax has been paid. Secure a photocopy of
the proof of payment.
3.1.4. Compare data from minute book with items recorded on the
books of accounts to determine if entries have been made.
3.1.5. Determine if expenses relating to stock issuance (i.e. legal fees,

registration fees, broker's commission and other expenses) have
been properly handled.
3.1.6. Determine during the examination of a recapitalization of the

stock in a closely held company, if the fair market value of the
stock to be received by each exchanging shareholder is equal to
the fair market value of the stock surrendered in the exchange.
If there is a significant difference, consider the possibility of
treating the difference as a donation subject to donor's tax. cAHDES
3.1.7. If a reorganization has taken place, examine the following
documents:
3.1.7.1 The reorganization plan;
3.1.7.2 Journal entries giving effect to direct reorganization;
3.1.7.3 Notes of all minute book referring to the transaction,

and
3.1.7.4 Notes of pertinent information from the correspondence

file with other parties to the reorganization.
3.1.8. Examine by-laws, articles of incorporation or other documents

in support of other transactions affecting capital stock.
3.1.9. Determine if the increase in capital stock is the direct

consequence of an exchange of property under Section
40(C)(2) of the Tax Code. If so, confirm compliance with the
conditions set for the non-recognition of gain or loss by
performing the following audit procedures:
3.1.9.1 In case of merger or consolidation.
3.1.9.1.1 Verify if the plan of reorganization has

been adopted by each of the parties to the
reorganization.
3.1.9.1.2 Check if the income tax return filed for the

taxable year in which the exchange took place
incorporated all facts pertinent to the
non-recognition of gain or loss upon such
exchange, such as:
3.1.9.1.2.1 The historical cost or other basis of

valuation of all properties, including all
stocks or securities transferred incident
to the plan; and
3.1.9.1.2.2 The nature and amount of liability

assumed upon the exchange and the
amount and nature of any liabilities to
which any of the property acquired in the
exchange is subject.
3.1.9.1.2.3 Verify Deed of Assignment of
property for shares of stocks; and
3.1.9.1.2.4 Check in the required documentary

stamp tax has been paid.
3.1.9.2 In case of transfer of property to a controlled

corporation
3.1.9.2.1 Verify if the transferor and the transferee

filed an income tax return for the taxable year in
which the exchange was consummated with a
complete statement of all facts pertinent to the
exchange.
3.1.9.2.2 Verify Deed of Assignment of the

property.
3.1.9.2.3 Determine if transferor of the property

gains control of said corporation, alone or
together with others, not exceeding four (4)
persons, pursuant to Sec. 40 (C)(2) of the
NIRC.
3.1.9.2.4 Determine if the documentary stamp tax

was paid.
3.1.9.3 In both cases, ascertain if the following information have

been annotated at the back of the Transfer Certificates
of Title or certificates of stock:
3.1.9.3.1 Date of execution of the deed of exchange.
3.1.9.3.2 The original or historical cost of property.
3.1.9.3.3 The fact that no gain or loss was

recognized as a result of such exchange.
3.2. Retained Earnings
The investigation of the retained earnings (or deficit, in case of

accumulated losses) is a very important part of the audit process as this
is related to the net worth method of investigation. It is the account to
which the net income or net loss from operations is transferred and
accumulated into. The minimum audit procedures that should be
undertaken in analyzing this account are as follows:
3.2.1. Compare the amount of earnings retained in the business as

shown on the return, financial statements, books of accounts
and the schedule of reconciliation of net income per books and
per return. Verify differences, if any.
3.2.2. Verify correctness of all items, both increases and decreases,

appearing on the books or return. Trace beginning balance of
retained earnings to the ending balance appearing in the balance
sheet of the prior period.
3.2.3. Check increases which do not originate from net income. Verify
entries from the general journal/journal vouchers, specially
those recorded other than as year-end adjustment as these may
indicate sales or income directly posted to the retained earnings
account.
3.2.4. Determine if declared and unpaid dividends are properly

recorded. Compare paid dividends to the minutes of the Board
of Directors meeting(s).
3.2.5. For taxpayers incurring continuous losses and deficit balance,

investigate the real status of the business. Tour company
premises, evaluate the volume of business, and compare the
information gathered with the financial data reported. There
may be underreporting of sales as there is very little reason for a
business to exist if it is continuously incurring losses.
3.2.6. Examine supporting documents and authorization for all other

debit and credit transactions in retained earnings to determine
conformity with existing tax laws and regulations.
X. Audit of Income and Expenses
This Chapter discusses the books of accounts, accounting records and documents used
to record income and expense transactions. It enumerates the audit procedures and techniques
for income and expenses.
The audit of income or revenues are applicable to resident and non-resident individuals
engaged in business and the practice of profession, estates and trusts engaged in trade or
business, general professional and business partnerships and corporations.
Expenses chargeable against income are allowable in their entirety only for business
partnerships and corporations. Self-employed resident citizens and aliens engaged in business
or the practice of profession, non-resident aliens engaged in business, estates and trusts
engaged in trade or business and general professional partnerships as defined under Section 22
(B) of the Tax Code and their individual partners can claim expenses subject to the provisions
of Section 34 of the Tax Code.
The subsequent discussions on the procedures and techniques in the investigation of

income and expense accounts are general audit guides. The Revenue Officer should not be
hindered in applying additional procedures and techniques, which he deems necessary, based
on his initial findings, evaluation of internal control, reliability of accounting records, and
analytical review of operations.
A. Audit of Income Accounts
1. Sales
1.1 Review the taxpayer's accounting method of revenue recognition if the same is
acceptable and consistent with prior years.
1.2 Ascertain that all sales were reported as of the cut-off date. Cut-off refers to
the point at which entries from one accounting period stop and entries for the
next period begin. This is usually the last day of a taxable year. If the last day
of the taxable year is not used, the cut-off date must be the last day of the
taxpayer's fiscal period. ASTcEa
1.3 Verify revenues/sales recorded and deposited near the end of the tax year and
immediately during the subsequent month to determine if these pertain to
income earned for the tax year under examination.
1.4 Account for all sales invoices issued. Match delivery receipts, gate passes, if
any, against sales invoices issued.
1.5 Compare totals of sales invoices, sales summary, entries in subsidiary sales
journals and general ledger accounts. Inquire and investigate discrepancies
between book entries and returns filed.
1.6 Reconcile credits to sales with debits to accounts receivable and debits to cash
receipts book. Test check monthly entries.
1.7 Research unusual and unfamiliar issuances of goods or goods which are not
normally sold by the taxpayer.
1.8 Conduct interviews to secure information regarding the taxpayer's business,

financial history, number of employees and other information which may lead
to sales estimation.
1.9 Determine inventory method applied if acceptable and consistently followed.
1.10 Determine if merchandise is being withdrawn for personal use or for any other
purpose not in relation to normal sales process.
1.11 Scan credit memo issued to customers and test check entries to Sales Returns
& Allowances and Sales Discounts to insure proper recording of credits.
1.12 Verify cancelled sales invoices by test checking deposits made and withdrawal
of goods on the day of cancellation.
1.13 Tour the business premises to obtain information on:
a. Sales volume
b. Volume of sales return and method of handling sales returns
c. Major products
d. Other by-products and scrap sales, if any
e. Equipment used in operation
f. Nature, quality and size of facilities
g. Inventory level
In touring the premises, be observant and ask questions that will

disclose significant facts and information relative to the taxpayer's
business operations.
1.14 Review sales contracts, consignment agreements and other documents relative
to sales.
1.15 On installment sales, ascertain that collections have been properly segregated
as to the year of sales and that the proper gross profit ratios have been applied.
Review unearned or deferred income accounts for any uncollected balances
which have been outstanding for an unreasonable period of time.
1.16 Determine whether sales on consigned goods are taken up at the time of
shipment or after sixty (60) days from the date goods were consigned.
1.17 Where the internal control is weak and records are unreliable or inadequate,
apply other approaches to audit revenue such as cash analysis, net-worth
analysis, third party verification, and other indirect approaches to investigation.
2. Rent Income
2.1 Obtain and review copies of lease contracts.
2.2 Conduct ocular inspection of the premises under lease. Identify tenants and
monthly or annual rentals. Conduct interviews, if necessary.
2.3 Relate real properties under lease agreement to assets declared in the balance
sheet. Note inconsistencies between asset values and income generated.
2.4 Where the rental income is based on a percentage of sales of the lessee, the
sales of the lessee should be tested for a representative period, say one month,
to get a proper approximation of the lessee's sales during the taxable year
under audit and the rental income received by the lessor. In such cases, proper
authorization from the lessee should be obtained before conducting the test
verification.
2.5 Obtain information on rental of neighboring properties and compare with rent
income reported.
2.6 Examine official receipts issued. Compare total collections per official receipts
with entries in the cash receipts book and general ledger. Investigate
discrepancies.
2.7 Ascertain acceptability and consistency of accounting methods used. For

cash-basis taxpayers, prepaid rent and rental deposits constitute income during
the year of receipt.
2.8 Secure copies of lease contracts or agreements. Take note of lease contracts
which are actually conditional sales.
2.9 Where necessary, obtain copies of Transfer Certificates of Title, tax

declarations, mayor's or municipal permits, and real property tax receipts to
determine properties which may be undisclosed/unrecorded by the taxpayer.
3. Professional Fees
3.1 Determine the taxpayer's accounting method of recognizing income, whether
cash or accrual. Most professionals, however, adopt the cash basis of
accounting.
3.2 Examine contracts with clients and other correspondence/documents in relation

to professional services rendered.
3.3 Compare income reported on the tax return with the books of accounts,
creditable withholding tax forms, financial statements and official receipts
issued. Verify discrepancies, noted, if any.
3.4 Account for official receipts issued. Note any missing receipt or break in the
series and investigate the reasons therefor.
3.5 Analyze the reasonableness of expenses claimed in relation to income declared.
3.6 Conduct interviews and third party verification, if necessary.
3.7 Relate the income reported per tax return to the lifestyle and assets of the
taxpayer. If the taxpayer's assets and estimated costs of living expenses are
beyond the income earned, verify and compute for possible underdeclaration of
income by using the net worth method of investigation.
4. Income from Sale of Asset
4.1 Identify in the tax returns and financial statements any sale, exchange or
disposal of assets other than inventories or stocks in trade.
4.2 Obtain copies of deeds of sale and other documents relating to the sale.
4.3 Determine zonal values, fair market values or appraisal values and compare
with the actual selling price.
4.4 Compute any underdeclaration of sales by comparing the selling price with the
existing fair market value, zonal value or value of similar properties sold.
4.5 In case of disposal of capital assets, ascertain compliance with the provisions
of the Tax Code on capital gains and losses.
4.6 Verify sales of property reported on the installment basis and determine if all
requirements pertaining thereto have been complied with.
4.7 Determine if proper accounting for depreciation, book value and salvage value
was correctly taken up
4.8 Inquire from certain company personnel on possible sales of assets which may
not have been recorded in the books of accounts.
5. Other Income
5.1 Scrutinize the entries in the general ledger and general journal for any other
income or other receivables recorded thereto.
5.2 Test check entries in intercompany accounts to determine whether shifting of

income or management fees may have been made and charged to affiliates.
5.3 Investigate suspense accounts and unusual liability accounts, such as due to
affiliates/due to stockholders and other payables to uncover possible income
not recorded in the income accounts.
B. Audit of Expense Accounts
1. Purchases
For taxpayers engaged in trading and manufacturing businesses, the purchase account
is one of the largest accounts in the income statement. Thus, there is a possibility that
taxpayers may hide a number of non-deductible expenditures in this account due to the
volume of transactions posted to it. The following audit procedures should be followed in
examining purchases:
1.1 Account for all purchase invoices and receiving reports as of the cut-off date.
Determine if year-end purchases have been recorded in the proper accounting
period.
1.2 Compare totals of purchases in the return, income statement, purchase book,
subsidiary purchases book, if any, and general ledger. Determine any
discrepancy and investigate its nature as well as the nature of year-end
adjustments.
1.3 Determine that the purchases declared are neither overstated nor understated
by vouching the supporting documents, and test-checking the footings of
invoices, purchase books and ledger accounts Under-statement of purchases
may also mean underdeclared sales.
1.4 Tour the premises where inventory items are kept and correlate actual
inventory level against purchases reported. Test-check stock cards of major
inventory items to evaluate accuracy of inventory reports. TDcAaH
1.5 Scan the purchases book for possible unusual payees or unusual amount of
purchases. Take note of suppliers not generally associated with the products or
services handled by the taxpayer.
1.6 Verify entries in the general ledger account which originate from unusual
sources such as journal entries, debit and credit memoranda and other
accounting records.
1.7 Test check recorded purchases for a representative period with suppliers
invoices and cancelled checks. Note if there are personal expenditures,
withdrawals of merchandise by the owners, fictitious or duplicate invoices,
cancelled purchase invoices, excessive rebates, discounts and allowances and
purchases not received.
1.8 Where there are only a few major suppliers, conduct third party verification to
ascertain the correctness of purchases declared, if there is suspicion of fraud or
if the Revenue Officer believes that this is necessary.
1.9 If purchases are from suppliers related to the owners or from affiliates, conduct
a review of a number of transactions to uncover prices in excess of market
value, excessive rebates and allowances, and other similar schemes.
2. Cost of Goods Sold
2.1 Verify the inventory valuation method applied by the taxpayer whether first-in,
first-out (FIFO) last-in, first-out (LIFO), specific identification, weighted
average or simple average. Last-in, first-out is not acceptable for income tax
purposes. Determine consistency of its application from year to year.
2.2 Obtain an understanding of the production process thru familiarization with the
taxpayer's business, tour of the premises, conducting interviews, and analyzing
cost of production reports.
2.3 Compare inventory balances in the return under examination with the balances
for the prior and subsequent years' returns, and reconcile these with the general
ledger and the physical inventory summary.
2.4 Check unauthorized changes in inventory valuation method from period to

period. Conduct test-checking of inventory valuation of sample inventory items
from the summary inventory sheets and determine if the taxpayer has not
improperly valued any inventory item.
2.5 Check gross profit variations. Any significant variation should be discussed
with the taxpayer and a reasonable explanation in writing should be obtained.
A material decrease in gross profit from one year to the next could be due to
understated ending inventory.
2.6 Determine the significance of notes or qualifying statements on financial

reports prepared by external auditors. Any unusual comments or qualifying
statements about the inventories or cost of sales that have a material tax effect
should be discussed with the taxpayer and, if necessary, with a representative
of the external auditor.
2.7 If the taxpayer applies standard or predetermined cost in costing goods

manufactured, inspect the working papers and production report used to
calculate the cost per unit and ensure that expenses included are allowable.
2.8 Analyze unusual entries to cost of sales. Account for labor, materials and
overhead charges not directly related to sales or transfers of finished goods. Be
alert on the possibility that the taxpayer may be trying to include a
non-deductible item in the cost of sales account.
2.9 Determine whether year-end purchases are included in closing inventory.

Review purchase invoices at the last month of the taxable year under audit.
Compare quantities on the inventory summary for classes of goods purchased
with the quantity in the ending inventory list and quantity of sales recorded at
year-end for such goods. Thus, if a specific item or a certain quantity of goods
were purchased on the last day of the year, it should be included in the ending
inventory unless sold that same day.
2.10 Determine reductions in ending inventory values by reviewing authorization for

write-downs and provision for obsolescence or decline in market values. Check
minutes of meetings for such authorization. Analyze journal entries for the
write-down or provision of allowance for obsolescence/decline in value. Check
itemized inventory summary sheet and test-check the list with actual physical
inventory.
3. Salaries, Wages and Other Employees' Benefits
3.1 Evaluate the expense initially by comparing the ratio of salaries and wages to
sales and the percentage of taxes withheld to total salaries, allowances bonuses
and other compensation. Low ratios might indicate that the company hires
sub-contractors or an understatement of expenses which may be a lead to
underdeclared sales. High ratios may also mean an understatement of sales or
padded payroll with functions or terminated employees.
3.2 Review payroll sheets. All expenses claimed having the semblance of a
compensation payment should be verified together.
3.3 Interview personnel assigned to prepare payroll and inquire if family members
are included in the payroll. If so, check legitimacy of the work assignment and
reasonableness of compensation paid.
3.4 Compare payroll costs with industry standards and other independent data.
Require explanations for significant deviations.
3.5 Observe the actual number of employees and relate this to the declared sales.
Inquire if independent contractors are hired in lieu of regular employees.
3.6 Perform a comparative analysis of salaries, wages and other employee benefits
with prior and subsequent years. Material changes may indicate a change in the
volume of business or in the policy of classifying manpower employed.
3.7 Determine if the taxpayer is properly withholding the correct amount of taxes
on compensation by test-checking actual pay slips against employee records
and BIR Form 1604 CF (Annual Alpha List of Employees from whom
Withholding Tax has been deducted).
3.8 Reconcile totals of wages paid which were subjected to withholding tax and
totals of compensation paid which were not subjected to withholding tax with
payroll expense claimed. Consider the possibility of disallowing any noted
discrepancy in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
3.9 Verify Social Security System Premium Remittance List to cross check the list
of employees to whom compensation was paid.
4. Fringe Benefits
Fringe benefits tax is a final withholding tax imposed on the grossed-up monetary
value of fringe benefits furnished, granted or paid by the employer to the employee, except
rank and file employees as defined in Revenue Regulations No. 3-98.
4.1 Obtain a list of managerial and supervisory employees from the Human
Resource or Personnel Department of the company being audited with the
following information per personnel:
a. Nationality
b. Citizenship
c. Number of years with the company
d. Position/Job designation
e. Basic salary and allowances
f. Other compensation and benefits
4.2 Secure copies of employment contracts and/or appointment papers and

examine these documents to verify the nature and amount of other
compensation, allowances and benefits which may be subject to fringe benefits
tax.
4.3 Analyze expenses and other pertinent accounts where fringe benefits may have
been lodged or recorded. Determine the amounts of benefits subject to the tax.
4.3.1 Include the value of following items/services as taxable fringe benefits

pursuant to Sec. 2.33 (B) of Revenue Regulations No. 3-98:
a. Housing
b. Expense Account
c. Vehicle of any kind
d. Household personnel, such as maid, driver and others
e. Interest on loan at less than market rate to the extent of the

difference between the market rate and actual rate granted
f. Membership fees, dues and other expenses borne by the

employer for the employee in social and athletic clubs or other
similar organizations
g. Expenses for foreign travel
h. Holiday and vacation expenses
i. Educational assistance to the employee or his dependents
j. Life or health insurance and other non-life insurance premiums
or similar amounts in excess of allowable amount under the law.
4.3.2 Exclude the following fringe benefits from the fringe benefits subject to
FBT (Sec. 2.3.3.(c) of RR No. 3-98):
a. Fringe benefits which are authorized and exempted from tax

under the Tax Code or under any special law
b. Contributions of the employer for the benefit of the employee to

retirement, insurance and hospitalization benefit plans
c. Benefits given to the rank and file, whether or not granted

under a collective bargaining agreement.
d. De Minimis benefits, such as:
d.1 Monetized unused vacation leave credits of employees

not exceeding ten (10) days during the year
d.2 Medical cash allowance to dependents of employees not

exceeding P750 per semester or P125 per month
d.3 Rice subsidy of P350 per month granted by an employer

to his employees
d.4 Uniforms given to employees by the employer
d.5 Medical benefits given to the employees by the

employer
d.6 Laundry allowance of P150 per month
d.7 Employee achievement awards (e.g. for the length of

service or safety achievement) which must be in the
form of a tangible personal property other than cash or
gift certificate, with an annual monetary value not
exceeding one-half () month of the basic salary of the
employee receiving the award under an established
written plan which does not discriminate in favor of
highly paid employees
d.8 Christmas and major anniversary celebrations for

employees and their guests
d.9 Company picnics and sports tournament in the
Philippines and are participated exclusively by
employees
d.10 Flowers, fruits, books or similar items given to

employees under special circumstances (e.g. on account
of illness, marriage, birth of a baby, etc.).
e. If the grant of the fringe benefits is for the convenience of the

employer
4.4 Determine the correct valuation of fringe benefits based on the provisions on
valuation prescribed and illustrated in RR No. 3-98
4.5 Compute for the amount of taxable fringe benefits by dividing the monetary
value of the fringe benefit by the appropriate percentages in accordance with
the following schedule:
Effective January 1 ,1998 66%
Effective January 1, 1999 67%
Effective January 1, 2000 68%
4.6 Compute for the correct final withholding tax on fringe benefits by multiplying
the grossed-up monetary value of the benefits with the following rates for the
applicable taxable years:
1998 34%
1999 35%
2000 32%
The following are subject to different tax rates as provided by the
NIRC and RR No. 3-98:
a. A non-resident alien individual not engaged in trade or business within

the Philippines (Section 25 (B)) EADCHS
b. An alien individual employed by:
b.1 Regional or area headquarters and regional operating

headquarters of multinational corporations (Section 25 (C))
b.2 Offshore banking units (Section 25(1))
b.3 Foreign petroleum service contractor and subcontractors
(Section 25 (E))
c. A Filipino citizen employed and occupying the same position as an alien

employed by the above-mentioned entities (Section 25 (E))
4.7 Examine monthly final withholding tax returns with corresponding official
receipts of payment to check if the correct final withholding tax on fringe
benefits was paid. In case of underpayment or late payment, compute the
deficiency tax due and/or penalties, where applicable.
4.8 Compare the amount of fringe benefits per income tax return, audited financial
statements and per books against the withholding tax returns and official
receipts. If the taxpayer is on accrual basis, examine the journal entry made in
accruing the expense at the end of the year. Verify if the tax has been paid on
or before the due date on the first month of the following year.
4.9 Disallow claims for fringe benefits in excess of supported amounts or where
the payees are determined to be fictitious.
5. Rents
5.1 Verify pertinent provisions of the lease contract with the lessor.
5.2 Verify reasonableness of rentals paid by the lessee, particularly if the lessor is
related directly to the taxpayer.
5.3 Verify whether the corporation is renting property for which it has no actual
business use. Any rentals in that case would be unreasonable and unnecessary;
hence, the expense should be disallowed.
5.4 Determine the terms of the lease. If the lessee may take or acquire title to the
property, the claim for rental expense should be disallowed.
5.5 Determine if there are any capital expenditures included in the accounts.
5.6 Determine whether the proper amount of expanded withholding tax on rental
payments has been withheld and remitted.
6. Royalties
6.1 Verify minute book and pertinent provisions of the contract with the lessor.
6.2 Check correctness of the amount of the expense by computing the percentage
of royalty or terms specified in the contract in relation to the reported sales.
Disallow excess claim.
6.3 Determine whether the proper amount of final withholding tax has been
withheld and remitted.
6.4 If the recipient is a non-resident alien or foreign entity, determine whether the
proper amount of tax has been withheld and remitted.
6.4.1 Check whether the recipient is a treaty country resident. If so, ask for a
copy of a ruling issued for the use of the preferential tax rate.
6.4.2 If a copy of a ruling has been produced, verify from the issuing office
[International Tax Affairs Division (ITAD) or Law Division] for the
authenticity of such ruling.
6.4.3 If the recipient is a non-treaty country resident, verify if the appropriate

tax rate provided for in the Tax Code is properly applied.
7. Interest
7.1 Verify sources of interest expenses such as actual notes, loans, mortgage or
bond instruments. Check whether the indebtedness is business related.
7.2 Determine the accounting method used by the taxpayer. If he uses accrual
basis, only the interest accruing during the taxable year is deductible.
7.3 Determine if interest paid or accrued applies to obligations due to related

taxpayers. Consider such items as:
a. Arm's length features
a.1 Bona fide obligations
a.2 Interest in excess of the prevailing rates in unrelated

transactions.
b. Accrual of items payable to related taxpayers which are not paid within
the prescribed time limit.
7.4 Determine if deductions claimed relate to interest incurred in carrying tax free
obligations. If so, then the interest claimed is not deductible.
7.5 Disallow interest claimed in excess of interest income subject to final tax.
7.6 Determine if the interest deduction includes any principal amount.
7.7 If the recipient is a non-resident alien or other foreign entity, determine if the
proper amount of tax has been withheld (Follow procedures in 6.4 to 6.4.3.
hereof).
7.8 Ascertain if the loans acquired were not utilized but were loaned out to
affiliates. If so, disallow interest expense claimed.
8. Taxes
8.1 Verify whether only the taxes properly paid or accrued during the year have
been claimed.
8.2 Determine that no protested taxes or reserves for deficiency taxes upon audit
are claimed.
8.3 Determine existence of claims for taxes not allowable as deduction such as:
a. Income tax provided for under the Tax Code;
b. Income, war profits and excess profits taxes imposed by authority of

any foreign country;
c. Estate and gift taxes; and
d. Taxes assessed against local benefits of a kind tending to increase the

value of the property assessed.
8.4 Determine if the taxpayer has title to the real and personal property being
taxed.
8.5 Determine if there are any taxes on the purchase of capital assets that were
already capitalized but also charged to expense account.
9. Repairs
9.1 Determine depreciation policy of the taxpayer. A conservative depreciation

policy often contemplates a high degree of current repair expenditures.
9.2 Verify nature of expenditures. If the expenditure prolongs the life or enhances
the value of the existing assets, then it is not deductible but should be
capitalized and depreciated over the years of their estimated usefulness.
9.3 Check repair accounts for the possibility that personal expenses of owners or
other company officers and employees are included.
10. Bad Debts
10.1 Obtain and review list of charged-off accounts
10.2 Determine with a reasonable degree of certainty the uncollectibility of the debt.
10.3 Determine if the charge-off is based on worthlessness of the debt within the
year.
10.4 Determine if there are repossessed merchandise. If so, verify if the value of
repossessed merchandise has been correctly assigned and deducted from the
claimed amount of bad debts.
10.5 Verify losses on installment receivable if consideration on any repossessed

merchandise had been taken into account and if portion of the losses had been
charged to the unrealized gross profit account.
10.6 Determine if the method of deducting bad debts is acceptable and consistent
with the method applied in the preceding year.
10.7 Verify bad debts expense in relation to the examination of the allowance for
doubtful accounts. SEcAIC
11. Losses
11.1 Abandonment and Demolition Losses
11.1.1 Verify if the amount of the abandonment loss is the adjusted basis of
the abandoned asset.
11.1.2 Determine if the loss of missing assets really occurred within the
taxable year.
11.1.3 Determine if the retirement or abandonment loss is specifically

allowable under the taxpayer's method of accounting for depreciable
property.
11.1.4 Determine the reason for the demolition of a building. If it was the
taxpayer's intention to demolish the building when the property was
first acquired, abandonment loss is not allowable. It should form part of
the cost of the building.
11.2 Losses from Casualty or Theft
Casualty loss refers to loss of property connected with trade or

business. In the verification of casualty or theft losses, the following pointers
should be observed:
11.2.1 Ascertain that a loss has actually been incurred by examining

supporting documents such as police report or report of the fire
department.
11.2.2 Ascertain that the loss is claimed in the proper year. Generally casualty
loss, is claimed in the year incurred while losses from theft or
embezzlement is claimed in the year discovered.
11.2.3 Ascertain that insurance proceeds or claims, salvage proceeds, or

salvage value have been properly taken into account.
11.2.4 Ascertain that the adjusted basis of lost property has been properly
computed. Consider reasonableness of values used in the computation
and ascertain that the loss claimed does not exceed the adjusted basis.
11.2.5 Ascertain that the rule as to the manner of deductibility have been
complied with (type of asset, whether insured or not, time or period
held, and other relevant factors).
11.2.6 In cases involving loss of cash, be alert on the possibility that the cash
stolen may not have been included as income.
112.7 Trace handling of losses involving inventory or stock in trade to

preclude double claim of deduction.
11.2.8 Analyze any loss claimed for assets located in a foreign country.
11.2.9 Verify police blotters, fire department records and other independent
documents in support of the claim.
11.3 Net Operating Loss Carry-over
Pursuant to Section 34 (D) (3) of the Tax Code, "net operating loss"
means the excess of allowable deduction over the gross income of the business
in a taxable year.
The validity of the claim for net operating loss carry-over may be
determined through the following procedures:
11.3.1 Secure copies of income tax returns and the applicable audited financial
statements for the three (3) consecutive taxable years immediately
preceding the year of claim.
11.3.2 Verify audit reports, if any, covering the taxable years with net
operating loss to ascertain correctness of amount claimed after audit. If
the results of audit for prior years show a net income instead of loss,
disallow claim for net operating loss carry-over.
11.3.3 Determine if the net loss was incurred during the taxable year in which
the taxpayer was exempt from income tax. If so, the net operating loss
carry-over should not be allowed as a deduction for the succeeding
period.
11.3.4 Examine the taxpayer's stock and transfer book and report submitted to
the Securities and Exchange Commission to ascertain that there is no
substantial change in the ownership of the business or enterprise in that:
a. Not less than seventy five percent (75%) in nominal value of

outstanding issued shares, if the business is in the name of a
corporation, is held by or on behalf of the same persons; or
b. Not less than seventy five percent (75%) of the paid up capital
of the corporation, if the business is in the name of a
corporation, is held by or on behalf of the same persons.
11.3.5 For operators of mines, other than oil and gas wells, which did not avail
of the incentives under E.O. 226, otherwise known as the Omnibus
Incentives Code of 1987, verify correctness of claim for net operating
loss:
a. Refer to audited financial statements and audit reports to check

if the net loss was incurred during the first ten (10) years of
operation;
b. Check if the period/taxable year when loss is claimed is within

five (5) taxable years following the loss; and
c. Ensure that there is no substantial change in the ownership of
the business or enterprise as stated in Section 4 hereof.
12. Depreciation
12.1 Compare total depreciation as shown by the depreciation schedule with the
deduction claimed on the return. Reconcile any differences. Be alert for
duplication of claimed deductions.
12.2 Review the rates of depreciation used to determine if they are reasonable.
12.3 Test check a representative number of items listed on the depreciation schedule
to determine if the accumulated depreciation at the end of the accounting
period exceeds the depreciable basis of the asset.
12.4 Test check extensions and prove footings to determine if current depreciation
has been correctly computed.
12.5 Determine if there is any personal use of cars and other depreciable assets.
12.6 Ascertain if proper cost allocation has been made on bulk purchases of
depreciable and non-depreciable assets.
13. Depletion
13.1 Determine if the taxpayer has an economic interest in the property.
13.2 Determine if the taxpayer has acquired, at least by investment, any interest in
oil, gas or mineral in a place, and secures, by any form of legal relationship,
any income derived from the extraction of oil, gas or mineral.
13.3 The following additional guidelines should be followed in the verification of the
deduction for depletion:
13.3.1 Ascertain that the sales reported in relation to a property do not include
sales applicable to another property, sales of purchased minerals,
non-minerals sales or other income items.
13.3.2 Ascertain, where applicable, if mineral sales have been adjusted to

"gross income from the property" by reduction of such factors as
unallowable treatment cost, unallowable transportation costs, rents and
royalties, including a proportionate part of lease bonuses, amounts paid
to others in contract mining or similar operations where the other party
has acquired an economic interest and is entitled to depletion, certain
excise taxes, trade discounts allowed and other deductions. CSAcTa
13.3.3 In situations where the basis for percentage of depletion is not the
actual sales price of a finished product but a value of the mineral at the
point at which it has passed through the last allowable treatment
process applicable thereto, determine if the value used is the correct
representative market or field price.
13.3.4 Ascertain that mineral sales made to a business controlled by the

taxpayer are not inflated to gain a tax advantage through depletion.
13.3.5 Ascertain that all expenses applicable to a property have been charged
to that property including a proper allocation of general, administrative
and overhead expenses.
13.3.6 Be alert on possible reduction of expenses by improper offsets such as

income from scrap sales, cash discounts earned, sales of assets, and
other income.
14. Contributions
14.1 Determine if the donee or recipient is the government or an accredited relief

organization.
14.2 Determine if the contribution is to be utilized for the rehabilitation of calamity

stricken areas declared by the President.
14.3 Verify if the claim is actually paid within the taxable year.
15. Transportation and Travel, Representation and Entertainment
15.1 Determine if the expenditures have been incurred in relation to the business or
practice of profession, not for personal use.
15.2 For transportation and travel expenses, the following information are necessary
to properly determine deductibility:
a. Date of travel
b. Purpose of the travel and written authority for the travel
c. The person or persons who incurred the expenditure
d. Place or places travelled

e. Amount of expenditure
f. Means of transportation or travel
15.3 Determine if taxpayer's travel and transportation and representation and

entertainment expenses are recorded in a daily diary. If such expenses appear
to be disproportionate to the taxpayer's income and business activities, the
taxpayer should be required to corroborate the book entries by furnishing
documentary proofs.
15.4 Determine the policy with respect to reimbursement or giving grants of

allowances to employees.
15.5 Ascertain the specific amounts recorded for these items.
15.6 Prepare a summary of the total expenses posted to the accounts and compare
the same with the deductions claimed per tax return.
15.7 Select a representative test period or periods and test check entries in the
ledger against supporting receipts and documents.
15.8 Determine from the analysis and verification of supporting documents the
reliability of the records.
15.9 Determine company-owned vehicles and the expenses incurred in connection

with these vehicles.
16. Stationery and Office Supplies
16.1 Determine if the expenses claimed are not capitalizable office furniture and
equipment.
16.2 Verify if personal purchases by the taxpayer/owner are included in the account.
16.3 Determine the reasonableness of the expenditures.
16.4 Compare receipts with the amounts claimed and investigate significant
discrepancies.
17. Professional Fees
17.1 Determine if the charges include amounts incurred for legal, accounting,
engineering, appraisal, surveying and other similar services.
17.2 Verify if the amounts are material and examine contracts to check the detailed
description of the exact professional services rendered.
17.3 Check legal expenses or representation expenses as it might at times be

political contributions, bribes or kickbacks, which should be disallowed.
17.4 Determine charges for research and experimental expenses. These items should
form part of the cost of patents, trade-marks and copyrights and other
intangible assets subject to amortization.
18. Insurance Expenses
18.1 Verify insurance policies. Premiums paid by employers on individual life

insurance policies of their employees are not deductible if the employer is a
direct or indirect beneficiary of such proceeds.
18.2 For individuals, ascertain if his claim for insurance premiums on health and/or
hospitalization insurance, including for his family, does not exceed two
thousand four hundred pesos (P2,400) during the taxable year, provided that:
a. In case of married individuals, the combined income of the taxpayer

and his spouse does not exceed two hundred fifty thousand pesos
(P250,000) during the same taxable year; and
b. Only the spouse claiming the additional exemption for dependents shall
be entitled to this deduction.
18.3 Determine if the employee is the beneficiary of the insurance. Otherwise, the
premiums paid shall be treated as an additional salary provided that it is
reasonable.
18.4 Check the account if it includes fire insurance, burglary insurance and other
policies on officer's/stockholder's personal and real properties.
19. Light and Power, Telephone and Telegraph
19.1 Determine material amounts claimed as it may include capitalizable electrical

equipment or purchases of capital items from utility companies.
19.2 Examine the receipts issued by the utility companies. Compare the same with
the amounts claimed per return. Investigate material discrepancies.
19.3 Determine if there are personal expenses included in the expense account.
19.4 Relate the expense consumption against sales and production to determine any
possible underdeclaration of sales.
20. Miscellaneous Expenses
20.1 Check the validity of the individual charges to the account.
20.2 Determine if deductions claimed are adequately substantiated.
20.3 Ascertain if the miscellaneous expenses claimed do not contain any personal
items.
XI. Audit of Minimum Corporate Income Tax and Improperly Accumulated Earnings Tax
A. Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Pursuant to Section 27 (E)(1) of the Tax Code, a minimum corporate income tax
(MCIT) of two percent (2%) of the gross income as of the end of the taxable year is imposed
on a corporation taxable under Title II of the Tax Code, beginning on the fourth taxable year
immediately following the year in which such corporation commenced its business operations,
when the minimum income tax is greater than the tax computed under Section 27 (A) of the
Tax Code. Any excess of the minimum corporate income over the normal income tax shall be
carried forward and credited against the normal income tax for the three (3) immediately
succeeding taxable years.
The verification of the minimum corporate income tax may be conducted as follows:
1. Determine the taxability of the taxpayer to the MCIT. The MCIT shall apply to
domestic and resident foreign corporations subject to the normal corporate
income tax and shall not be imposed upon any of the following:
1.1 Domestic corporations operating as proprietary educational institutions

subject to ten percent (10%) income tax rate;
1.2 Domestic corporations engaged in non-profit hospital operations

subject to ten percent (10%) income tax rate; DCHaTc
1.3 Domestic corporations engaged in business as depository banks under

the expanded foreign currency deposit system, otherwise known a
Foreign Currency Deposit Units (FCDUs), on their income from
foreign currency transactions with local commercial banks, including
branches of foreign banks, authorized by the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) to transact business with foreign currency deposit
system units and other depository banks under the foreign currency
deposit system, including their interest income from foreign currency
loans granted to residents of the Philippines under the expanded foreign
currency deposit system, subject to final income tax at ten percent
(10%) of such income;
1.4 Resident foreign corporations engaged in business as international

carrier subject to 2% income tax on the "Gross Philippine Billings";
1.5 Resident foreign corporations engaged in business as Offshore Banking

Units (OBUs) on their income from foreign currency transactions with
local commercial banks, including branches of foreign banks,
authorized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to transact
business with Offshore Banking Units (OBUs), including interest
income from foreign currency loans granted to residents of the
Philippines, subject to a final income tax at ten percent (10%) of such
income;
1.6 Resident foreign corporations engaged in business as regional operating

headquarters subject to ten percent (10%) tax on their taxable income;
and
1.7 Firms that are taxed under a special income tax regime such as those in
accordance with RA Nos. 7916 and 7227.
2. Determine the gross income subject to MCIT.
2.1 Check the accuracy of the declaration of gross sales/receipts

contributing to income taxable under Section 27 (A) of the Code.
2.1.1 Ascertain the accounting method employed by the taxpayer and

verify consistency in its application. In case of sales of services
by taxpayers employing the accrual basis of accounting, the
term "gross receipts" shall mean amounts earned as gross
income and these shall include amounts actually or
constructively received during the taxable year.
2.1.2 Exclude items of sale specifically exempt from income tax, and
those passive income subject to special tax rates.
2.1.3 Ascertain legitimacy of deductions from gross sales such as

sales returns, discounts and allowances.
2.2 Verify correctness of the claim for cost of goods sold. Ensure that only
business expenses directly incurred to produce the merchandise to bring
them to their present location and use or to provide the contracted
services are included in this account.
a. For trading or merchandising concern, "cost of goods sold"

means the invoice cost of the goods sold, plus import duties,
freight in transporting the goods to the place where the goods
are actually sold, including insurance while the goods are in
transit.
b. For manufacturing concern, "cost of goods manufactured and

sold" means all costs of production of finished goods, such as
raw materials used, direct labor and manufacturing overhead,
freight cost, insurance premiums and other costs incurred to
bring the raw materials to the factory or warehouse.
c. For sales of services, "cost of services" means all direct costs

and expenses necessarily incurred to provide the services
required by the customers and client including (1) salaries and
employee benefits of personnel, consultants and specialists
directly rendering the service; and (2) cost of facilities directly
utilized in providing the service such as depreciation or rental of
equipment used and cost of supplies.
Except for banks and other financial institutions, cost of

sales/services shall not include interest expense.
3. Determine the period when the taxpayer becomes subject to the minimum
corporate income tax.
3.2 Verify the year of taxpayer's registration with the BIR to ascertain
whether or not it is subject to MCIT:
a. Firms registered with BIR in 1994 and earlier years are covered
by the MCIT beginning January 1, 1998.
b. Firms registered with BIR in any month in 1998 are covered

three calendar years thereafter.
For fiscal period taxpayer, taxable year 1998 shall mean

any fiscal period ending any day from July 1, 1997 up to June
30, 1998.
3.3 Ascertain whether the first taxable period under the MCIT of the
taxpayer using fiscal-year accounting covers month/months in 1997
prior to the imposition of MCIT. Be sure that the computed MCIT due
for 1998 using the apportionment formula is correct.
4. Verify if the taxpayer is entitled to the relief from the imposition of the MCIT
and secure documentary proof for the suspension of its imposition as approved
by the Secretary of Finance.
5. Check accuracy of the amount of excess MCIT carried over and credited
against the normal tax within the three (3) immediately succeeding years from
payment thereof, if any. See to it that any excess MCIT are not claimed against
MCIT itself or against any other losses.
B. Improperly Accumulated Earnings Tax
In accordance with Section 29 (A) of the Tax Code, an improperly accumulated

earnings tax equal to ten percent (10%) of the improperly accumulated taxable income is
imposed for each taxable year on the improperly accumulated taxable income of each
corporation identified under Section 27 (B) of the Tax Code.
The improperly accumulated earnings tax shall be determined as follows:
1. Ascertain the classification of the corporation and the business it is engaged in

to determine whether the imposition of the improperly accumulated earnings
tax shall apply. For this purpose, the fact that the corporation is a mere holding
company or investment company is considered a prima facie evidence of a
purpose to avoid the tax upon its shareholders or members; hence, the 10% tax
will automatically apply. However, the following corporations are not subject
to the improperly accumulated earnings tax:
1.1 Publicly-held corporations;
1.2 Banks and other non-bank financial intermediaries; and
1.3 Insurance companies.
2. Determine the reasonableness of the accumulation of profits or earnings and if

the same is required for the purposes of the business, considering all the
circumstances of the case.
2.1 Look into the following factors to ascertain if the accumulated profits
are reasonably needed in the business:
a. Nature of the company's business;
b. Financial condition of the corporation at the close of the taxable

year;
c. The dividend distribution history of the corporation;
d. The stock of the corporation is widely held in small blocks,
e. The use of the undistributed profits or earnings;
f. Retention of cash, securities and other assets unrelated to the

business operations;
g. Advances or loss to stockholders, whether or not interest shall

be paid;
h. Dealings between the corporation and its stockholders, such as

withdrawals by the shareholders as personal loans or the
expenditure of funds by the corporation for the personal benefit
of the shareholders;
i. The investment by the corporation of undistributed earnings in

assets having no reasonable connection with the business;
j. The need for business expansion;
k. The earnings and expansion history of the taxpayer;
l. Past savings effected by non-distribution of profits to

stockholders;
m. Past tax avoidance history of the corporation;
n. Portion of shareholder's assets transferred to the corporation;
o. Sudden shift in corporate or dividend policy of the company;
p. The percentage of income distributed to shareholders during the

taxable year; and
q. Retirement of stocks, this being a capital transaction and should
result in reduction of capital instead of reduction of earnings
and profits.
2.7 Secure copies of the board resolutions and verify therefrom any
existence of undue accumulation of profits, correlating the findings
with the plans per resolution as against the business activities and
dealings made by the corporation.
2.3 Require the taxpayer to submit documentary proof negating the clear
preponderance of evidence that the profits were permitted to
accumulate beyond the reasonable needs of the company's business.
The accumulation of surplus for the reasonable needs of the business is
not prevented if the purpose is not to prevent the imposition of the tax
upon the shareholders. Undistributed income may be considered as
properly accumulated in the following cases:
a. The profit is retained for working capital needed by the

business;
b. The profit is invested in additions to plants, facilities and

activities reasonably required by the business provided that the
plans for expansion or improvement must be definite, concrete
and capable of fulfillment and not what may be characterized as
nebulous plans for future action.
c. The accumulation of earnings is in accordance with contract

obligations placed to the credit of a sinking fund for the
purpose of retiring bonds.
d. The profit is intended as reserves to meet competition, for

anticipated losses or reverses in business, and to meet business
hazards and emergencies.
2.4 Verify whether the company's increase in capitalization, if any, is

necessary in the light of the existing circumstances surrounding the
business. Ascertain whether declaration of stock dividends from
increased corporate capital was made to go around the surtax since
stock dividends are not taxable unless there is a change of interest, or
unless they are disposed of by the holders or redeemed by the
additional tax if the aforementioned scheme was clearly established.
3. Determine the amount of improperly accumulated taxable income subject to

the surtax.
3.1 Account for all the company's income during the year.
3.2. Determine all the appropriate adjustments to the improperly

accumulated taxable income. For purposes of imposing the tax, the
taxable income shall be adjusted by the following items:
a. Income exempt from tax; STDEcA
b. Income excluded from gross income;
c. Income subject to final tax; and
d. Amount of net operating loss carry-over deducted.
3.3 Deduct dividends actually or constructively paid and income tax paid
for the taxable year from the adjusted taxable income.
3.4 Exclude the improperly accumulated income as of December 31, 1997

in the computation of accumulated taxable income subject to tax. The
surtax shall likewise not apply to fiscal-period taxpayers where the
twelve (12) month period ended any day from January up to November
1998.
Compute the 10% surtax based on the adjusted improperly accumulated taxable
income. The computation of the surtax shall be made on a year-to-year basis depending on the
thorough evaluation of the circumstances proving that the company has indeed permitted itself
to accumulate earnings or profits beyond the reasonable needs of the business.
XII. Auditing Computer-Produced Records
A. Impact of Computer Records on Audit
The use of computers to process accounting data has a significant effect on the audit
skills of the Revenue Officer. The ability to understand and evaluate the taxpayer's
information technology (IT) is important. The Revenue Officer must understand the flow of
accounting data or audit trails on a computerized system to conduct a quality audit.
B. Accounting Software Systems
Auditing computer records require basic techniques used in auditing manual books and
records. There is still a need to:
a. Perform an effective preliminary analysis of the return;
b. Interview the taxpayer;
c. Tour the business premises;
d. Evaluate internal controls;
e. Reconcile the information reflected in the books, financial statements and the
tax returns;
f. Re-evaluate your previous analysis of the return;
g. Set the scope of the audit;
h. Test the amounts you have identified as questionable;
i. Ask questions about the data you have examined;
j. Evaluate auditor's adjustments; and
k. Apply sound accounting principles, relevant provisions of the Tax Code and
existing revenue issuances to reach the proper conclusion regarding the data
examined.
As part of the initial interview, the Revenue Officer should ask questions to achieve a
clear understanding of the taxpayer's books and records, such as:
a. Find out what type of system software is being utilized.
b. Determine who authorizes the debit and credit of certain accounts and
write-off of certain transactions.
c. Determine who encodes the accounting transactions. If the same person enters
both the payables and the receivables, there is no segregation of functions. This
would allow one person to perpetuate or conceal errors by controlling the
offsetting of debits and credits.
d. Find out what reports are generated and how often these are generated.
Identify management reports which may be utilized to disclose audit findings.
In addition to asking the taxpayer about the particular information system, the
Revenue Officer must study the software manual. The manual will tell how the system works
and the types of reports available. The Revenue Officer shall determine the reasonable time to
be spent in reviewing the software capabilities.
C. Audit Techniques For Computer Produced Records
The traditional audit approach to audit double-entry books and records is to scan
through the general ledger and note any unusual entries. The purpose of this scanning is to
identify entries in the computerized general ledger which are unusual due to the amount,
source or nature.
1. Unusual in Amount
The basic technique for identifying large charges or variations to accounts in a

computerized system consists of securing the monthly statements. Usually, these will be
retained by the taxpayer. The monthly balances are reviewed for changes. Changes in the
monthly account balances are then explored by reviewing the monthly detail and scanning the
check register. The Revenue Officer must consider if the charge or variation could be
expected, is reasonable and in the expected direction, and is material enough to warrant
investigation. For example, if monthly trial balances showed rent expense of P500 and one
month showed P1,500, you would ask the taxpayer about the P1,500 rent expense.
2. Unusual by Source
The basic technique for detecting entries to accounts from unusual sources consists of
comparing monthly posting summaries from each source with the chart of accounts. A
computerized system will utilize monthly posting summaries. These summaries will show
monthly changes to an account, most often by account number and originating journal. By
comparing the accounts which show monthly changes with the chart of accounts, posting to
unusual accounts can be detected. Scan the accounts payable listings for vendors that appear
personal in nature.
3. Unusual by Nature
The basic technique for detecting entries to accounts, which are unusual by nature,
involves the same process as shown for detecting entries from unusual sources. You are
looking for debit posting to accounts which normally contain only credit posting and vice
versa. An example would be a debit to a sales account, which could be a bad debt written-off.
Accounts which exist at the beginning of the year and not at the end might indicate
unauthorized accounting changes.
XIII. Indirect Approach to Investigation
Reconstruction of income is generally employed where the taxpayer keeps no record

or inadequate records, or where there is strong suspicion that the taxpayer has received
income from undisclosed sources.
Over the years, the Bureau of Internal Revenue has developed the following general
methods for reconstructing a taxpayer's income.
A. Percentage method
B. Net worth method
C. Bank deposits method
D. Cash expenditure method
E. Unit and value method
F. Third party information or access to records method
G. Surveillance and assessment method
A. Percentage Method
This method is the equivalent of a ratio analysis of percentages considered typical of

the business under investigation to indicate potential areas of revenue adjustment in
examination where revenue records do not exist. The computed amount of revenues based on
the percentage computation is compared to the amount of revenues reflected on the return.
The percentages used may be obtained from the taxpayer, industry publication, prior year's
audit results, or third parties. The comparison will provide an indication on the possibility of
revenue being understated. The extent of investigation required should be based on the degree
of variance.
It must, however, be emphasized that in comparing transactions of similarly situated

businesses, the name of the particular taxpayer used as the model must not be divulged to the
taxpayer under investigation or in the report as this would constitute a violation by an internal
Revenue Officer of the provisions of Section 270, National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) on
unlawful divulgence of trade secrets. aDCIHE
Significant ratios and trends to be analyzed are as follows:
1. Percentage Mark-up
This is effective on businesses whose purchases can be readily broken

down in groups with approximately the same percentage of mark-up.
The purchases should be grouped in items with the same percentage of

mark-up. The appropriate percentage of mark-up would then be applied to
each group of items to arrive at the gross receipts.
The percentage of mark-up can be determined from selling prices

obtained from the taxpayer. However, if cooperation from the taxpayer is
lacking, the information should be obtained from competitive business
establishments in the same industry.
Once the gross receipts are determined, the taxpayer should be given
the opportunity to explain the discrepancy noted between the reconstructed
gross receipts and the amounts reflected in the books and in the tax returns.
The taxpayer may argue that the percentage mark-up should not be applied to
purchases which were stolen, broken or spoiled.
When reconstructing income using the mark-up method, possible

unrecorded purchases should be considered.
2. Gross Profit Ratio or Gross Margin Percentage
The gross profit is expressed as a percentage of sales.
Gross Profit Ratio =

(Sales-Cost Of Goods Sold)

Sales
Note: Sales should be net of Sales Discounts, Returns and Allowances.
Comparison should be made with prior period ratios to evaluate the

taxpayer's own performance in previous years or with other firms in the same
industry.
3. Profit Margin
Net Income
= Profit Margin
Net Sales
If the profit margin is low, this will indicate that the firm's sales prices
are relatively low or that its costs are relatively high or both.
4. Total Assets Turnover

Sales

Total Assets
= Total Assets Turnover
A high rate compared to the industry would signify sufficient volume of

business and if a net loss is declared, questions must be raised or further
investigation and analysis should be performed.
e. Inventory Turnover
The inventory turnover is computed as follows:
Inventory turnover=
Sales

Total Assets
or
Cost of Sales

Beg. Invty. + End Invty./2
If the turnover is low, the company could be holding damaged or obsolete materials
not actually worth their stated volume.
Average inventory at a given point X turnover rate = total purchases during the year.
B. Net Worth Method
The fact that the taxpayer's books and records accurately reflect the figures on the
income and business tax returns does not prevent the use of the net worth method of proof.
The Revenue Officer can still look beyond the "self-serving declaration" in the taxpayer's
books and records and use any evidences available to contravene their accuracy. However,
this net worth method is most often used when one or more of the following conditions
prevail:
1. The taxpayer maintains no books and records.
2. The taxpayer's books and records are not available.
3. The taxpayer's books and records are inadequate.
4. The taxpayer withholds books and records from investigation/verification by

authorized Revenue Officer(s).
This is a method of reconstructing income which is based on the theory that if the
taxpayer's net worth has increased in a given year in an amount larger than his reported
income, he had understated his income for that year.
In applying this method, it is important to establish the net worth on a fixed starting
date. This is to erase doubts that the increase in net worth or the excess of expenditures over
reported income did not originate from prior accumulated funds (i.e. hoarded cash or
undisclosed assets which do not represent income during the tax year).
1. Net Worth Computation

Assets xxx
Less: Liabilities xxx

Net Worth xxx
Less: Prior Year's Net Worth xxx

Increase (Decrease) in Net Worth xxx
Add: Non-deductible items
Personal, lining and family
expenses xxx
Income tax payments xxx
Insurance Premiums xxx
Gifts xxx
Non-deductible contributions xxx
Net capital loss xxx
Amnesty tax payments xxx
Estate and donor's taxes xxx
Other non-deductible items xxx xxx

Net Income before further
adjustments xxx
Less: Non-taxable items
Gifts, donations and
Inheritance received xxx
Non-taxable stock
Dividends (if reflected
in Assets) xxx
Retirement pay from SSS xxx
Non-recognized gains
from exchange of
property under Sec. 40
of the Tax Code xxx
Social Security benefits
received from foreign
gov't. and institutions
(PD220) xxx
Other non-taxable items xxx

Total non-taxable items xxx

Adjusted net income per investigation xxx
Less: Statutory Exemptions: xxx
1. Exemption of Working
Wife xxx
2. Personal and addt'l.
exemption xxx
3. Special additional
exemption xxx

Total Statutory exemption xxx

NET INCOME SUBJECT TO TAX xxx
===
2. Burden of Proof
The "Net Worth" method to be acceptable must establish with reasonable certainty an
opening net worth, to serve as a starting point from which to compute future increases in the
taxpayer's assets. It must also introduce evidence to support the inference that the taxpayer's
net increases are attributable to currently taxable income.
In computing the increase, the taxpayer's assets are totalled and net worth as
determined at the close of the previous taxable year is subtracted from the total at the close of
the taxable year in question. The remainder, if .any, is the increase for the taxable year, and
constitutes taxable income if no adjustments are required.
However, where net worth increase is the income determinant the Revenue Officer
may, in making the final computation upon which to base the tax, add to the increase
estimated living expenses incurred by the taxpayer since such expenditures are presumed to
have come from income. The taxpayer, on the other hand, is entitled to reduce the
reconstructed income by the amount of depreciation allowable on assets which are not
considered in determining net worth.
The factors to be considered in reconstructing net worth are variable, like availability
of evidence. Generally, net worth has been computed on the basis of some, all or a
combination of the following:
a. bank records
b. securities
c. financial statements
d. fixed assets
e. inventory
f. all available records
3. Determination of Opening/Net Worth: The COHAN Rule
The difficulty of establishing the opening net worth of a taxpayer has led to the use of
the Cohan rule to estimate or approximate the amount of cash at that time. The Cohan rule
(established by the US Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Cohan vs. Commissioner) allows
the use of estimates where the taxpayer lacks adequate records.
C. Bank Deposit Method
When the taxpayer's records are apparently inaccurate or manifestly incomplete, the
Revenue Officer may look at the bank deposits of the taxpayer as evidence income. Under the
bank deposit method, the bank records of the taxpayer are analyzed and the Revenue Officer
estimates income on the basis of the total bank deposits after eliminating non-income items.
This method stands on the premise that deposits represent taxable income unless otherwise
explained as being-non-taxable items. This method can be used if the Revenue Officer has
been allowed access to the taxpayer's bank records or if the Revenue Officer has obtained
documented evidence from reliable sources as to the taxpayer's bank accounts. cSATEH
While the mere deposit of money does not prove the receipt of taxable income as
alleged by the Revenue Officer, the burden is on the taxpayer to prove that various deposits
did not stem from the receipt of taxable income. The passage of time makes it difficult for the
taxpayer to meet this burden but this does not relieve him from showing the non-taxable
source to contradict the Revenue Officer's determination. If the bank deposit method is used
in support of findings of fraud, however, the burden of proof is on the Revenue Officer.
When computing taxable income under this method, it is appropriate to add to the
amount of the bank deposit the amount of cash expenditures from undeposited funds for
personal expenses which is non-deductible for tax purposes. Withdrawals which can be
identified as deductible are allowed against the taxable income determined.
In using this method, it is proper to prove the existence of a business and the practice
of making deposit of business income into one or more bank accounts and then to adjust the
total deposits for transfers, redeposits, deposits otherwise explained and finally to allow for
ascertainable expenses, deductions and exemptions.
1. Analysis of Bank Deposits
The Revenue Officer's careful analysis of the taxpayer's bank deposits constitutes the
most important phase of his investigation. A review of the taxpayer's personal and business
bank records for several months should be made. The following questions should be answered
in analyzing the taxpayer's deposits:
1.1 Are deposits made on a basis consistent with the information secured during
the initial interview?
1.2 Are there any large or unusual deposits?
1.3 Are there any deposits from sources not reflected on the tax return?
1.4 Did the examination of the taxpayer's cancelled checks reveal additional bank
accounts not previously disclosed by the taxpayer?
1.5 Are there checks endorsed by the taxpayer and deposited into an account not
previously disclosed?
1.6 Are there checks for assets or personal expenses that affect the taxpayer's
standard of living?
2. Computation of Gross Receipts Through Bank Deposit Method

Total Reconciled Bank Deposits xxx
Less: Non-taxable receipts
deposited (sch. 1) xxx

Net Deposits that resulted from
taxable receipts xxx
Add: a. Business expenses
paid in cash (sch. 2) xxx
b. Capital items paid
in cash xxx
c. Personal expenses
paid in cash (sch. 3) xxx
d. Cash accumulated
during the year from
receipts xxx
e. Increase in
Accounts Receivable xxx
f. Decrease in accounts
payable xxx xxx

Total xxx
Less: Non-taxable cash used in
(a) thru (d) xxx
Decrease in accounts
receivable xxx
Increase in accounts
payable xxx xxx

Gross Receipts xxx
===
Schedule 1 Non-Taxable Receipts include:
Checks drawn to cash that were redeposited
Second deposits of NSF checks
Transfers between accounts
Proceeds from loans, social security, exempt interest, etc.
Schedule 2 Business expenses paid in Cash

Total business cash outlays per
returns xxx
Less: Total checks written xxx
Non-business expenses
paid by check xxx
Business expenses paid in check xxx

Business expenses paid in cash xxx
===
Schedule 3 Personal Expenses Paid in Cash
Total personal expenses xxx
Less: Business expenses paid in cash (xxx)

Personal expenses paid in cash xxx
===
Deposits may represent redeposited items and loans, in which case, taxable income as
determined by the Revenue Officer should be reduced by such amounts. When there is
evidence that some of the deposits were for non-taxable items and as such, there is no proof
of the precise amount of taxable income, the Cohan principle may be resorted to. Deposits
may also be shown to represent amounts on hand at the start of the year in which they are
deposited rather than income in that year.
The bank deposit method, like the net worth method, encompasses an area of
uncertainty. Though the taxpayer's records are inadequate for precise and complete
verification of its return, a determination of income by the bank deposit method will be
rejected if it is inconsistent with surrounding circumstances and gives an absurd result.
D. Cash Expenditure Method
An outgrowth of the net worth method of determining income is the "excess cash
expenditure method. This method assumes that the excess of a taxpayer's expenditures during
a tax period over his reported income for that period is taxable to the extent not approved
otherwise. The taxpayer may show that this excess resulted from non-taxable items such as
loans, gifts, inheritance or assets on hand at the beginning of the period.
While it has been said that no opening net worth is needed when the cash expenditure
method is used, the more impressive authority is to the contrary. The two steps involved in
the cash expenditure method are: a) valuation of the taxpayer's assets at the beginning of the
taxable period in order to determine the taxpayer's funds available for expenditure during the
ensuing taxable periods and b) determination of the amount by which expenditures exceed
reported income for the taxable period. To show a failure to report the full amount of income
by the use of this method, it must be demonstrated that the expenditures made during the
taxable year were in excess of the available funds during the year which were reported on the
tax return.
Total expenditures may not include checks drawn to cash and items for which the
taxpayer has paid in cash, unless the cash bank withdrawals were not used to pay for the cash
expenditure. The burden is on the taxpayer to establish the relationship between the cash
withdrawal and individual items. Expenditures may not necessarily come from income, but
very large expenditures for personal purposes each year may be interpreted as an indication
that the income being reported was too small.
Consideration must be given to non-taxable sources of cash. Here, too, the difficulty
of establishing the amount of cash at the starting point has led to the use of Cohan rule to
estimate the cash available at the opening of the taxable period. The method has to be rejected
when it gives an unrealistic result.
Proof in cash expenditure case may be difficult, for it is highly unusual for anyone to
keep accurate records of personal living expenses. However, once the Revenue Officer has
made a determination as to the amount of cash expenditures, the burden of proof to establish
a different amount is on the taxpayer.
E. Cash Expenditure Method
This is not considered as a primary method proof. The determination or verification of

gross receipts may be computed by applying price and profit figures to the known
ascertainable quality of business of the taxpayer. In addition, there are existing regulatory
bodies to which the taxpayer reports units of production or service, some of which are:
a. records of sugar milled by a sugar central
b. records of fish production to the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources
c. records of production by pioneer and non-pioneer industries to the Board of

Investments.
E.1. Examples Using Unit and Value Method

Variables for
Item Being Estimate of Item
Industry Tested Being Tested
Pizza Parlor Sales Pounds of flour
used multiply by
number of pizzas
per pound multiply
by average price
per pizza
Gas Station Gasoline Sales Number of liters
sold per supplier's
invoices multiply
by average price
per liter
Exercise Patronage Membership
statistics, club
individual
membership fees,
or monthly dues
Hotels Room Revenue Number of rooms
multiply by
occupancy rate
multiply by
average room rate
Laundry Washer and Cost per machine
Dryer load multiply by
number of times
machine was used
during business
hours and number
of machines
Professional Fees Billed Number of
employees
multiply by
utilization rate
multiply by hours
in a year multiply
by average billing
rate
Real Estate Rental Number of rental
Revenue units multiply
occupancy rate
multiply by
average rent
F. Third Party Information (Access to Records) Method
Third party contacts are a source of information that should not be forgotten. The
Revenue Officer should determine when to make third party inquiries. The decision to make a
third party inquiry is shaped by the size of the peso amount involved and the volume of the
transaction. Third party inquiry through access to records can be time consuming. The
Revenue Officer must weigh the benefits to be realized from work against the time required to
make an access to records and the availability of the needed information through other
methods. The need for the Revenue Officer to obtain third party information is most often
involved in our attempts to verify gross receipts.
XIV. Audit Procedures on Other Kinds of Taxes
A. Withholding Taxes
The following audit procedures outline the steps to be performed by a Revenue

Officer in the determination of the correct amount of withholding taxes due from withholding
agents to ascertain if:
1. The income payments were subjected to withholding taxes.
2. The rate of tax and the amount of tax withheld is correct.
3. The tax withheld is remitted within the due dates.
The audit procedures are classified according to the classification of withholding taxes,
to wit:
1. Withholding Tax on Compensation
2. Expanded Withholding Tax
3. Final Withholding Tax
4. Withholding Tax on Government Money Payments
Audit procedures for the different kinds of withholding taxes.
1. Withholding Tax on Compensation
1.1 Verify the number and list of employees per payroll records and the list
of employees submitted to the Social Security System and the
Department of Labor and Employment as against the alphalist of
employees from whom taxes have been withheld which is attached to
the annual information return (BIR Form 1604CF).
1.2 Examine payroll records. including confidential payroll, if any,

employment contracts, supporting vouchers, receipts for
advances/reimbursements of transportation and representation
expenses, receipts for payment of compensation and reconcile amount
of supported expenses with the figures per financial statements and
withholding tax remittance returns.
1.3 Determine the correctness of the amount of personal and additional

exemptions claimed in the Certificate of Exemption (BIR Form 2305)
as accomplished and filed by the employee. Check the computation of
the correct withholding tax per payroll period.
1.4 Examine monthly withholding tax remittance returns (BIR Form

1601C) and compare amounts remitted against the computed
withholding tax on compensation per audit.
1.5 Reconcile the aggregate gross compensation income stated in the

withholding certificate (BIR Form 2316) with the total amount
indicated in the gross compensation income column of the alphalist.
2. Expanded Withholding Tax
2.1 Check amount payable or paid per income statement and income tax
returns (BIR Forms 1701 and 1701Q) against those declared in the
monthly and annual returns (BIR Forms 1601E and 1604E).
2.2. Ascertain validity of payments by and to prime contractors, and

subcontractors, professionals, brokers, sub-brokers, agents of
entertainers, etc. by examining contracts, subcontracts, vouchers,
receipts and billings.
2.3 Determine the correctness of the amounts subject to withholding tax by

comparing the total payments per supporting documents against the
amount per withholding tax returns.
2.3 Verify the correctness of the payee classification and withholding tax
rate applied.
2.5 Determine the dates of payment or the period when the obligation to
pay the amount subject to withholding tax is due. The time to withhold
is fixed at the time the obligation is due irrespective of the actual
payment. SHacCD
3. Final Withholding Taxes
3.1 Review the contracts for payment of certain items of income to resident
and non-resident payees of interest and rent, Central Bank approval
papers, commercial papers, employment contracts, contract for
payment of royalties, records of prizes or winnings and financial
statements.
3.2 Ascertain if the income payment was subjected to withholding tax in
the year it was accrued, irrespective of whether the taxes withheld were
remitted within ten (10) days following the month in which the payment
was accrued. In the case of withholding tax on interest on bank
deposits, the remittance shall be made quarterly within twenty five (25)
days after the end of each quarter.
3.3 Check the correctness of the basis and rate of withholding tax applied.
3.3.1 If a preferential tax rate is being availed of, verify the correctness of the
rate used from the ruling issued either by the International Tax Affairs
Division (ITAD) or Law Division. Also verify the authenticity of said
ruling from the issuing office.
3.4 Ascertain the date of accrual of the income payment, to fix the time to
withhold, irrespective of the actual remittance or non-remittance of the
tax withheld by reason of official restriction.
3.5 Verify correctness of remittance against monthly remittance returns

(BIR Form 1601F) and annual information return (BIR Form 1604CF).
4. Withholding Tax on Government Money Payments
4.1 Examine government contracts with suppliers, purchase records,

payment orders, billing records, receipts, vouchers, cash book and
reports of COA auditors.
4.2 Check money payments from vouchers, billing records, records of

purchases, COA audit reports, etc. against monthly remittance returns
(BIR Form 1600), books of accounts and other accounting records
maintained.
4.3 Determine the correctness of bases and rates of tax applied.
4.4 Check whether the correct amount of tax has been withheld and
remitted within the prescribed period. Otherwise, impose appropriate
penalties for non-withholding or non-remittance of the tax, as the case
may be.
B. Be Capital Gains Tax on Sale, Transfer or Exchange of Real Property
This Section equips the Revenue Officer with minimum audit steps prescribed by
existing revenue issuances in the proper determination of the correct capital gains tax due on
sale, transfer or exchange of real properties. Additional audit techniques must be employed by
the Revenue Officer depending on the complexity and materiality of the transactions involved.
1. Ascertain authenticity of the following documents:
1.1 Deed of Sale/Transfer or Exchange
1.2 Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT)/Condominium Certificate Title

(CCT)/Original Certificate of Title (OCT)
1.3 Latest Tax Declaration
2. If the object of the sale or disposition is the principal residence of natural

persons, verify the following:
1.4 Whether the proceeds of the sale or disposition was fully utilized in
acquiring or constructing a new principal residence of the seller; and
2.2 Whether such construction or acquisition of such new principal

residence is within eighteen (18) months from date of sale or
disposition.
If both are in the affirmative, the sale or disposition shall be

exempt from capital gains tax, subject to the following conditions:
2.2.1 The historical cost or adjusted basis of the real property sold or
disposed shall be carried over to the new principal residence
built;
2.2.2 The Commissioner shall have been duly notified by the -

taxpayer within thirty (30) days from the date of disposition
through a prescribed return of his intention to avail of the
exemption;
2.2.3 The exemption from capital gains tax shall be availed of only
once in every ten (10) years; and
2.2.4 In case where the proceeds of the sale or disposition is not fully
utilized, the portion for the unutilized part shall be subjected to
tax using the formula:
Gross Selling Price or Fair Market Value
(whichever is higher) x Unutilized
Amount
X 6%
Gross Selling Price
3. For disposition of real property without any improvement, obtain a certificate
from the City/Provincial/Municipal Assessor on the non-existence of
improvement on the real property being sold, transferred or exchanged.
4. Ascertain correctness of the value of the property sold by conducting an ocular

inspection of the property.
5. If the seller is a non-resident alien claiming exemption from paying the capital
gains tax, check the existence of a ruling issued to that effect pursuant to RMO
1-2000. Also verify the authenticity of said ruling from the issuing office.
6. Review computation of the tax base for land and improvement in accordance
with the following:
6.1 When the zonal value of land has been established
6.1.1 Determine the value of improvements by using the formulas

shown below:
a. Total Selling Price/
Consideration per Deed of
Sale (Land and
Improvements) xxx
Less:- Zonal value of Land xxx

Value of Improvements xxx
===
b. Improvements introduced
from 1991 to present:
Construction cost per
building permit and/or
occupancy permit xxx
Improvements introduced
in 1986 to 1990:
Construction cost per
building permit and/or
occupancy permit xxx
Add 10% thereof per
year after year of
Construction xxx

Value of Improvements xxx
===
c. Improvements introduced in 1985 and prior years, and in cases
of improvements in places other than the National Capital
Region and chartered cities where there is no building permit
and/or occupancy permit, use the following formula:
Fair Market Value (FMV) per latest
tax declaration xxx
Add: 100% of the FMV of the
improvements per latest tax
declaration, if classified as
residential or agricultural other
than fishpond/prawn farm xxx
or
150% of FMV of the
improvements per latest tax
declaration, if classified as
commercial, industrial and/or
agricultural devoted to
fishpond/prawn farm xxx

Value of improvements xxx
6.1.2 Determine tax base of land and improvements as follows:
Zonal value of land xxx
Add: Value of
Improvement under
a, b or c of 6.1.1, as
applicable xxx

Tax base of land and
improvements xxx
===
6.2 When the zonal value of land has not been established
6.2.1 Determine the total selling price/consideration per deed of sale
of land and improvement
6.2.2 Determine value of land and improvements by using the

following formula:
FMV of land per latest tax
declaration
Add: 100% of FMV of
land per latest tax
declaration if
classified as
residential or
agricultural other
than fishpond/prawn
farm xxx
or
150% of FMV of
land per latest tax
declaration, if
classified as
commercial,
industrial and
agricultural devoted
to fishpond/prawn
farm xxx

Value of land
Add: Value of
improvements xxx
(from b or c of 6.1.1)
Value of Land and
Improvements xxx

6.2.3 Select tax base of land and improvements
Selling Price (6.2.1 or total
market value of land and
improvements per 6.2.2),
whichever is higher xxx
===
7. In case of installment sales, determine whether the taxpayer is qualified to
report his gain under the installment basis. An individual is qualified to account
for his gain on installment basis if the initial payment does not exceed 25% of
the selling price. The term "initial payment" means the payment or payments
which the seller receives before or upon execution of the instrument of sale and
payments which he expects or is scheduled to receive in cash or property
(other than evidence of indebtedness of the purchaser) during the taxable year
of sale or disposition. HcSaTI
Example: Assume that on October 15, 1998, an individual sold for

P100,000 a real property with an adjusted basis of P60,000 under the
following terms: P10,000 upon execution of sale; the balance of P90,000 in 18
equal monthly installments of P5,000 each beginning November 15, 1998. The
taxpayer qualifies to pay the capital gains tax on installment because the initial
payment consisting of the amount of P10,000 he received upon sale and the
amount he expects or is scheduled to receive P5,000 on November 15,
1998 and P5,000 on December 15, 1998, or a total of P20,000 during the year
of sale do not exceed 25 % of the selling price.
7.1 Computation of amount of tax payable on installments.
If the taxpayer qualifies and elects to pay the capital gains tax in
installments, the tax may be paid in installments, the amount of each
installment of which shall be the proportion of the tax so determined
which are:
7.1.1 On the date of sale or disposition, first payment (amount

received, including the excess of the mortgage, if any, assumed
by the purchaser) over the basis of the property sold; and
7.1.2 In succeeding payments, the installment payment received by

the seller in relation to the total contract price.
Illustrations:
Example 1. Assume that on January 2, 1998, an individual sold a piece

of property with adjusted basis of P60,000 for P100,000 under the following
terms: P20,000 downpayment; balance in five annual installments beginning
1999. Taxpayer elects and is qualified to pay the tax in installment. The
periodic payment of the tax is computed as follows:
Computation of total tax due:
Selling Price P100,000
Total Tax
Due at
6% thereof P6,000
Portion of the tax payable upon sale or upon receipt of first payment is
determined as follows:
[First payment/Contract price] x Total
Tax Due = Portion of Tax Payable
or
[P20,000/P100,000] x P6,000= P1,200
Portion of the tax payable annually for five years beginning 1999 is
computed as follows:
a. Installment payment
received P16,000
b. Total selling price P100,000
c. Total capital gains tax P6,000
d. Amount payable
annually (a) divided by
(b) multiplied by (c) P960
Example 2. Assume that in 1969, an individual acquired a property for
P60,000. In 1999, he sold the property for P100,000. Terms of sale:
Downpayment, January 2, 1998, P10,000; mortgage assumed, P40,000;
balance payable in four annual installments beginning January 2, 1998. The
taxpayer elects to pay the tax on the gain in installments.
The tax payments on installments received is computed as follows:
Computation of total capital gains tax:

Total Tax Due
at 6% thereof P6,000
Computation of taxes payable on installments:
Upon receipt of first payment

First payment
received P10,000
Total contract price:
Less: Mortgage
assumed by buyer 40,000

Total contract
price 60,000
Total capital
gains tax due P6,000
Amount of tax payable:
[P10,000/P60,000] x P6,000 = P1,000
=======
Amount of succeeding tax payments:
Annual installment
receipts P12,500

Total contract price P60,000

Total capital gains tax P6,000

Annual tax payable on installments:
[P12,500/P60,000] x P6,000
= P1,250
Example 3. Assume that in 1998, an individual sold for P100,000 a
piece of real property which he bought in 1980 for P40,000. Prior to sale, the
property was mortgaged for P60,000. The terms of sale are as follows:
Downpayment, P10,000; assumption of unpaid mortgage, P50,000; balance of
P40,000 payable in four semi-annual payments beginning January 15, 1999.
The taxpayer elects to pay the tax in installments. Amount of tax payable in
installments is computed as follows:
Computation of total capital gains tax:

Total Tax
Due at
6% thereof P6,000
Computation of tax payment in the year of sale:
First payment:
Cash P10,000
Excess of mortgage
assumed by buyer
over the
acquisition cost
(P50,000-P40,000) 10,000

Total first payment 20,000
=======
Total Contract Price:
Less: Mortgage
Assumed 50,000

P50,000
Add: Excess of
mortgage
assumed
over basis of
property sold 10,000

Total contract price P60,000
=======
Total basis of tax payable on first payment:
First payment P20,000
Contract Price P60,000
Total capital gains tax P60,000
Amount of tax payable on first payment:
P20,000/P60,000 x P6,000
= P2,000
Basis of tax payable on succeeding semi-annual payments:
Installment
received P10,000
Total contract
price P60,000
Total tax due P6,000
Amount of tax payable semi-annually:
[P10,000/P60,000] x 6,000 = P1,000
======
8. Confirm payment of Capital Gains Tax by cross-checking the payment thereof
with the Batch Control Sheet prepared by the bank or the Collection Officer,
as the case may be.
9. When there is delay in the presentation of sales, documents, require the

taxpayer to submit documents such as cancelled checks, official receipts or
certification of the archive official to show that there is no ante-dating of public
instrument. The rules and regulations applicable at the date of execution of the
contract shall be applied and the increments for late filing and payment of tax
shall be imposed.
If the taxpayer cannot show proofs that the same is not ante-dated, the
rules applicable at the time of presentation of the document shall apply.
C. Estate Tax
The following audit procedures were culled from existing revenue issuances. They
enumerate the steps to be taken by a Revenue Officer in the processing, verification and
investigation of estate tax returns of resident and non-resident decedents subject to estate tax.
However, these do not preclude the application of other audit procedures as warranted by the
circumstances surrounding each case.
1. The estate tax return of a decedent and all his unverified income tax returns for
the last three years prior to his death shall be simultaneously investigated by a
Revenue Officer or a group of Revenue Officers, if so provided in the annual
Audit Program. SEcTHA
The Revenue Officer should see to it that an income tax return

covering the income and deductions of the decedent from January 1 to the date
of his death has been filed. If the period covered by the return consists of less
than twelve (12) months, such period shall be considered as a "taxable year".
2. If the settlement of the estate of the decedent is the object of judicial

testamentary or intestate proceedings, ascertain if:
2.1 An income tax return for the estate as a taxable person has been filed
by the fiduciary or administrator; and
2.2 Individual returns for the spouse, heirs or beneficiaries have been filed
covering their respective income from the estate and applicable
deductions for the period from the date immediately following the
death of the decedent to the end of the taxable year.
The estate's income tax return shall cover the income and
deductions of the estate for the period from the date immediately
following the death of the decedent to the end of the taxable year.
Thereafter, quarterly and annual returns for the estate shall be filed until
the estate is divided and distributed to the rightful heirs and
beneficiaries.
3. If the settlement of the estate is not the object of judicial testamentary or

intestate proceedings, verify if the income of the properties left by the decedent
is included in the income tax return of each heir or beneficiary according to his
distributive share in the net income of the estate or co-ownership.
4. Verify if a Notice of Death was filed within two (2) months after the decedent's
death where the gross value of the estate exceeds twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000). In case of failure to file the notice, impose the appropriate penalty
even after the lapse of the prescribed period of two (2) months after the
qualification of the executor or administrator. This contemplates the filing of
the estate proceedings in courts and the appointment of the executor or
administrator by the court.
5. Determine if the value of the gross estate exceeds two million pesos
(P2,000,000). If so, check whether the estate tax return is supported by a
statement duly certified by a Certified Public Accountant showing the
following information:
5.1 Itemized assets of the decedent with their corresponding gross value at
the time of his death, or in the case of a non-resident alien, of that part
of his gross estate situated in the Philippines;
5.2 Itemized deductions from gross estate allowed under Sec. 86 (A) of the
Tax Code; and
5.3 The amount of tax due whether paid or still due and outstanding.
6. Examine the inventory of assets and/or liabilities not reported in the said
return. Prepare an adjusted schedule of assets and liabilities as basis in
computing the yearly increase in the net worth of the taxpayer up to the time of
his death.
7. Inquire on the source of acquisition of the property left by the decedent,

whether it was acquired by purchase, donation or inheritance, for the purpose
of ascertaining if such property is conjugal, exclusive or paraphernal property
of the deceased.
8. Scrutinize the provisions of the insurance policies taken out by the deceased
upon his own life as to the designation of the beneficiary. If the designation is
revocable, the proceeds of the life insurance shall be included in the gross
estate. If irrevocable, the proceeds thereof shall be excluded from the gross
estate, irrespective of whether or not the insured retained the power of
revocation, if the beneficiary named in the policy is the estate of the decedent.
9. Verify if the land, as part of gross estate specially urban land, include
improvements and buildings. Secure a certification from the Assessor's Officer
as to the existence of non-existence of improvements on the land. Conduct an
ocular inspection of the land whenever possible.
10. Conduct third party verification on certain government agencies such as Office
of the Register of Deeds, Securities and Exchange Commission, Land
Transportation Office, Office of the Provincial, City or Municipal Assessor for
possible properties listed and registered in the name of the decedent which may
not have been included in the estate tax return.
11. Inquire into the bank deposits or other investments of the decedent. Pursuant
to Sec. 6 (F)(1) of the Tax Code, the Commissioner is authorized to look into
the bank deposits of a decedent for estate tax purposes, the provisions of
Republic Act No. 1405 and other general or special laws notwithstanding.
Foreign currency deposits, if any, shall be converted using the foreign
exchange rate.
12. Ascertain if the shares of stocks are properly valued. In doing so, observe the
following rules on valuation pursuant to RAMO No. 1-82:
12.1 For stocks listed or traded in the stock market:
12.1.1 The selling price shall be used where there are sales made on
the valuation date. The mean between the highest and lowest
selling prices on valuation dates shall be the fair market value
per share.
12.1.2 If there were no sales on the valuation date but there were sales
on dates within a reasonable period both before and after the
valuation date, the fair market value is determined by taking the
weighted average of the mean between the highest and the
lowest sales in the nearest trading date after the valuation date.
The weighted average is to be computed inversely by the
respective number of trading days between the selling dates and
the valuation date. The reasonable period of valuation must not
exceed six months before or after the valuation date.
Example:
The valuation date is January 15, Friday. Sales of stock

occurred on January 13, Wednesday or two trading days before
valuation date at P10.00 and on Wednesday, January 20, three
days after valuation date at P15.00, the fair market value of the
shares to be taken is P12.00 computed as follows:
(3xP10) + (2x15) = P30 + P30 = 60 = P 12.00

5 5
12.1.3 If actual sales of the shares are not available during a reasonable
period beginning before and ending after the valuation date, the
fair market value may be determined by taking the mean
between bona fide bid and asked prices on the valuation date, or
if none, by taking the weighted average of the mean between
the bona fide bid and asked prices on the nearest trading date
before and after the valuation date within a reasonable period in
accordance with the formula in the preceding paragraph.
12.1.4 If there are no sales or bonafide bid and asked prices available
on a date within a reasonable period before the valuation date,
but such prices are available on a date within a reasonable
period after the valuation date, then the mean between the
highest and lowest available sale prices or bid and asked prices
nearest the valuation date may be taken as the value of shares.
DHIcET
12.1.5 If it is established that the selling or bid and asked prices as

provided in the foregoing paragraphs do not reflect the fair
market value thereof, modifications of the basis are to be made
taking into consideration other relevant facts and elements of
value. In some exceptional cases, the size of the block of stocks
to be valued in relation to the number of shares transferred in
sales may affect adversely the fair market value of the stocks to
be valued.
12.2 For unlisted stocks or stocks not quoted or traded in the stock market:
12.2.1 In general, the unlisted shares shall be valued at their book

value nearest the valuation date. The book value of these
unlisted shares of stock shall be prima facie considered as their
fair market value.
12.2.2 In case the shares are valued on a basis lower than their book
values, a justification for the deviation from the book value,
together with the evidences in support thereof should be
submitted. The following factors are considered relevant in the
valuation of shares of stock of closed corporations:
a. The nature of the business and the financial history of

the enterprise, from the date of the incorporation;
b. The economic outlook in general and the business

condition and outcome of the specific industry in
particular;
c. The financial conditions of the business;
d. The earning capacity of the company;
e. The dividend paying capacity;
f. Goodwill;
g. Sales of stocks and size of the block of stock to be

valued;
h. Market price of stocks of corporations engaged in the

same or similar line of business to be valued;
i. Existence of corporate debts in favor of the family of the

principal;
j. Restrictive agreements impairing the alienity of the
stock;
k. Investments in business or property maintained at a

deficit;
l. Dividend arrearages;
m. Voting rights of stockholders; and
n. Difficulty in liquidating the assets.
If such lower fair market valuation is not clearly

established and documented, the book value of the
unlisted shares of stocks shall be adopted. If there have
been previous bona fide sales/exchanges of the unlisted
shares of stock, the price at which these shares
exchange hands should be taken/considered as its fair
market value/s. Preferred shares of stocks shall always
be valued at par.
13. Audit of itemized deductions under Section 86 (A) of the Tax Code:
13.1 Funeral Expenses
Require the submission of invoices or official receipts

evidencing actual funeral-expenses. Only actual funeral expenses or an
amount equal to 5% of the gross estate whichever is lower, but in no
case shall exceed P200,000, may be allowed as a deduction from gross
estate.
13.2 Judicial Expenses
Check if the settlement of the estate is the object of judicial

testamentary or intestate proceedings. If not, no deduction for judicial
expenses shall be allowed. However, a reasonable amount for legal fees
and accounting expenses incurred in the settlement of the estate of the
decedent may be allowed. Scrutinize legal fees deducted in the estate
tax return by checking the nature of the payment, the person to whom
it was paid and the date of payment.
13.3 Claims Against The Estate
13.3.1 Verify if the claim is subject to Mortgage Redemption
Insurance (MRI). If so, disallow deduction claimed.
13.3.2 In the verification of claims against the estate, secure certified

true copies of the following documents and verify them:
a. Duly notarized promissory notes or contract of loan

signed by the debtor if the loan was contracted within
three (3) years before the death of the decedent.
b. Vouchers, cancelled checks or other documents

evidencing the advances made by individuals or
corporations to the deceased;
c. Latest balance sheet of the corporation; and
d. Other documents or evidences relevant to the grant of

the loan, i.e., real estate or chattel mortgage, a copy of
the Transfer Certificate of Title to show annotations
thereof.
13.3.3 Check the statement submitted by the administrator or executor

regarding the disposition of the proceeds of the loan. If the
administrator or executor fails to satisfactorily explain, in whole
or in part, the disposition of the proceeds of the loan contracted
within three (3) years before the death of the decedent, such
proceeds or a portion thereof may be included as cash in the
gross estate.
13.3.4 Where the settlement is made through the court in a testate or

intestate proceeding, scrutinize pertinent documents filed with
the court evidencing claims against the estate or the court order
approving the said claims, if a decision thereon has already been
issued.
13.3.5 Obtain a sworn certification from the creditor as to the exact

balance of the liability of the deceased. The certification must be
duly signed by the president, vice-president or other principal
officer of the corporation in case the creditor is a corporation.
13.3.6 Ensure that the creditor agrees in writing allowing the

verification by the Revenue Officer of his pertinent records for
the purpose of substantiating the claims against the estate of the
deceased.
13.4 Claims Against Insolvent Persons
13.4.1 Determine if the Accounts, or Notes Receivable has been

included as part of the gross estate. If not, disallow the claim as
a deduction.
13.4.2 Find out if the claims against insolvent persons may be

considered as conjugal or separate property of the decedent. In
case the claim is the exclusive or paraphernal property of the
decedent, the same should not be considered in the computation
of the share of the surviving spouse.
13.5 Vanishing Deduction (Property Previously Taxed)
Ascertain compliance with all of the following conditions so

that the claim for vanishing deduction may be allowed:
13.5.1 The prior decedent must have died or the donation must have
been made within five (5) years before the decedent's death. acCITS
13.5.2 The property subject to the vanishing deduction must be the

same property inherited or donated from the prior decedent or
donor.
13.5.3 The vanishing deduction is based on the value of the property at

the time of the donation or death of the prior decedent or at the
time of the death of the present decedent, whichever is lower.
The deduction is based on the value of each individual property.
13.5.4 The estate tax or donor's tax due on the donation or estate of
the prior decedent must have been paid.
13.6 Transfers for Public Use
Failure to comply with any of the following requisites will result

in the disallowance of the deduction:
13.6.1 The transferee is the government or any political subdivision

thereof and the transfer is exclusively for public purpose.
13.6.2 The transfer must be by way of a last will and testament or

donation mortis causa executed by the deceased before his
death.
13.7 Losses
Examine closely the losses being claimed as a deduction from

gross estate. Disallow the deduction if any of the following conditions
is absent:
13.7.1 The value of the property lost must have been included in the
gross estate.
13.7.2 The loss must not have been compensated for by insurance, in
whole or in part.
13.7.3 The loss must not have been claimed as a deduction for income
tax.
13.7.4 The loss must have been incurred not later than six (6) months
after the decedent's death.
13.8 Family Home
Check the computation for the allowance for Family Home as a

deduction from the gross estate and its corresponding valuation in
accordance with RR No. 17-93, to wit:
13.8.1 Valuation of Family Home
The decedent's family home shall be appraised as of the

time of his death, at its current or fair market value or zonal
value, whichever is higher.
13.8.2 Conditions for the allowance of family home as a deduction

from the gross estate:
a. The family home must be the actual residential home of

the decedent and his family at the time of his death, as
certified by the Barangay Captain of the locality where
the family home is situated;
b. The total value of the family home must be included as

part of the gross estate of a person who died on or after
July 28, 1992, the date of effectivity of R.A. 7499; and
c. Allowable deduction must be in the amount equivalent
to the fair market value or zonal value of the family
home as declared or included in the gross estate but not
exceeding P1,000,000.
To illustrate:
1. Decedent is an unmarried head of a family:

Real and personal properties P5,000,000
Family Home 2,000,000

Gross Estate P7,000,000
(Less): Deductions
Other deductions P2,000,000
Family home 1,000,000
Standard deduction 1,000,000 (4,000,000)

Net Taxable Estate P3,000,000
=========
Note: Although the family home is valued at P2 million, the maximum allowable deduction
for the family home is P1 million only.
b. Real and personal properties P5,000,000
Family home 800,000

Gross Estate P5,800,000
(Less): Deductions
Other deductions P2,000,000
Family home 800,000
Standard deduction 1,000,000 (3,800,000)

Net Taxable Estate P2,000,000
=========
Note: Deduction for family home is allowed for P800,000 only which is the declared value of
the family home.
2. Decedent is a married man with surviving spouse:
a. The family home is the decedent's exclusive property.
Exclusive Conjugal Total

Conjugal Properties:
Real properties P5,000,000 P5,000,000
Exclusive Properties:
Family home P2,000,000
Other exclusive properties 2,500,000 4,500,000

Gross Estate P4,500,000 P5,000,000 P9,500,000
(Less): Conjugal Deductions
Other deductions (2,000,000) (2,000,000)

Net Estate After Conjugal
Deductions P4,500,000 P3,000,000 P7,500,000
(Less):
Share of surviving spouse (P3,000,000/2) (1,500,000) (1,500,000)
Family home (1,000,000) (1,000,000
Standard deduction (1,000,000) (1,000,000)

Net Taxable Estate P3,500,000 P500,000 P4,000,000
========= ========= =========
b. Family home is a conjugal or community property

Family home P2,000,000P2,000,000
Other real properties 5,000,000 5,000.000
Exclusive Real Properties P2,000,000 P2,000,000

Gross Estate P2,000,000 P7,000.000 P9,000,000
(Less): Deductions:
Conjugal deductions (P2,000,000) (P2,000,000)
Share of surviving
spouse:
Conjugal property P7,000,000
Less: Conjugal 2,000,000

deductions P5,000,000
Net conjugal estate
Share of surviving
spouse (2,500,000) (2,500,000)
Family home (1,000,000) (1,000,000)

========= ========= ========
Note: Family home allowance of P1,000,000 is considered as one item of deduction after the
computation and deduction of the net share of the surviving spouse in the conjugal
property.
c. Same facts and figures as in (b) except for family home which has a fair market
value/zonal value of only P1,500,000.

Family home P1,500,000P1,500,000
Other real properties 5,000,000 5,000,000
Exclusive Real Properties P2,000,000 2,000,000

Gross Estate P2,000,000 P6,500,000 P8,500,000
(Less): Deductions:
Conjugal deductions (2,000,000) (2,000,000)
Share of surviving
spouse:
Conjugal property P6,500,000
Less: Conjugal
deductions 2,000,000

Net conjugal estate P4,500,000
Share of surviving
spouse (2,250,000) (2,250,000)
Family Home (750,000) (750,000)

========= ========= ========
Note: Since the fair market value/zonal value of the conjugal family home in the above
example is P1,500,000, the Family Home deduction corresponding to of such fair
market value/zonal is P750,000 only.
d. Family home is conjugal property, but lot on which it stands is exclusively

property.
Other real properties P3,000,000 P3,000,000
Family home 1,000,000 1,000,000
Exclusive Real Properties
Other real properties P2,000,000
Family lot 400,000 2,400,000

Gross Estate P2,400,000 P4,000,000 P6,400,000
(Less): Deductions:
Other deductions (1,000,000) (1,000,000)
Share of surviving
spouse
Conjugal properties P4,000,000
Less: Conjugal
Deductions 1,000,000

Net conjugal estate P3,000,000
Share of surviving (1,500,000) (1,500,000)
spouse
Family home and lot P400,000 (500,000) (900,000)
(P500,000 + P400,000)

Net Taxable Estate P2,000,000 P- P2,000,000
========= ========= ========
3. Family home is conjugal property and both spouses died in the same year, leaving
three (3) children:
a. Estate of HUSBAND:

Real properties P6,000,000 P6,000,000
Personal properties 4,000,000 4,000,000
Family home 2,000,000 2,000,000
Exclusive Properties:
Real properties 4,000,000 4,000,000
Personal properties 1,000,000 1,000,000

Gross Estate 5,000,000 12,000,000 P17,000,000
(Less): Deductions:
Conjugal deductions 4,000,000 4,000,000

Net Estate 5,000,000 8,000,000 P13,000,000
Less: Share of surviving spouse (4,000,000) (4,000,000)
Family home (1,000,000) (1,000,000)

Net Taxable Estate 5,000,000 P2,000,000 P7,000,0000
========= ========= =========
b. Estate of WIFE:
Inherited Share from
Portion from Conjugal Total
Husband Estate
Conjugal real properties P750,000 * P3,000,000 P3,750,000
Conjugal personal properties 500,000 * 2,000,000 2.500,000
Family home 250,000 * 1,000,000 1,250,000
Exclusive properties 1,000,000 - 1,000,000
Paraphernal/exclusive personal
properties 250,000 - 250,000

Gross Estate P2,750,000 P6,000,000 P8,750,000
(Less): Deductions:
Other deductions P500,000(2,000,000) (1,000,000)
Family home (1,000,000) (2,500,000)
Vanishing deduction ** (1,964,286) (1,964,268)

Net taxable estate P285,714 P2,000,000 P2,285,714
======== ========= ========
* In addition to of the gross estate, the wife had a share as inheritance from the
husband equivalent to the share of each child. Hence, since there were 3 children, the
wife had a share of 1/4 on the other half of the estate. cDCSET
** Vanishing deduction:
Inherited properties P2,750,000
Less: 2,750,000 x P2,500,000 =

8,750,000 785,714

Amount subject to vanishing deduction P1,964,286
100% Vanishing Deduction P1,964,286
========
13.9 Standard Deduction
An amount equivalent to one million pesos (P1,000,000) is

allowed as a deduction pursuant to Sec. 86 (A) (5) of the Tax Code.
13.10 Medical Expenses
Medical expenses incurred by the decedent within one (1) year

prior to his death subject to the following conditions:
a. It must be substantiated by receipts.
b. The deductible amount shall not exceed five hundred thousand

pesos (P500,000).
13.11 Amount received by heirs under R.A. 4917
Any amount received by the heirs from the decedent's employer

or as a consequence of the death of the decedent-employee in
accordance with Republic Act No. 4917, shall be allowed as a
deduction, provided that such amount is included in the gross estate of
the decedent.
13. In case of death of an individual who is a VAT-registered person, verify if the

Value-Added Tax (VAT) has been paid or imposed on the transfer or
transmission of the business assets to the heirs, even if the estate or the heirs of
the decedent continue to operate the business. If the business assets are
conjugal, only one-half (), representing the share of the deceased, is subject
to VAT.
D. Donor's Tax
Provided hereunder is an outline of the audit procedures which may be followed by a

Revenue Officer in the processing and verification of donor's tax returns.
1. Determine if the donor's tax return has been filed within thirty (30) days from
the date of donation. If not, impose penalties incident to late filing and late
payment of tax.
2. Verify if the donor has made previous donations during the same taxable year
from existing records available in the Revenue District Office or the
Assessment Division for purpose of determining how much is the gross gift to
date.
3. Ascertain authenticity of the following documents:
3.1 Deed of Donation
3.2 Transfer of Certificate of Title (TCT)/Condominium Certificate of Title

(CCT)/Original Certificate of Title (OCT), for real properties
3.3 Latest Tax Declaration, for real properties
4. If donation involves shares of stocks, verify proper valuation thereof by

following the procedures prescribed under RAMO No. 1-82. (Refer to
procedure No. 12 in the investigation/verification of the estate tax liabilities of
the decedent).
5. Determine whether the essential elements of a gift are present.
6. Ascertain whether the gross gift has been valued either at adjusted fair market
value or zonal value, whichever is higher, at the time of the donation.
7. Determine the relation between the donor and the donee for the imposition of
the proper donor's tax rate.
8. Verify if the donation of the land includes improvements and buildings. Secure
a certification from the Assessor's Office as to the existence or non-existence
of improvements on the real property donated. Donation of land ordinarily
includes the improvements unless specifically excluded in the Deed of
Donation.
9. In case where the deduction is claimed, like liabilities or mortgage required to

be assumed by the donee as a condition of the donation:
9.1 Ascertain the correct balance of the indebtedness as of the time of the
donation.
9.2 Verify the genuineness of the deduction claimed and require the
submission of pertinent documents in support of the deduction.
9.3 Verify if the assumption of the liability is expressly stipulated in the
Deed of Donation and is duly accepted by the donee. Otherwise, the
claimed deduction should be disallowed.
XV. General Policies in the Investigation of Tax Fraud Cases
A. Jurisdiction
1. Tax Fraud Division
1.1 The Tax Fraud Division (TFD) shall have jurisdiction to conduct or
undertake the investigation and/or reinvestigation of cases referred to
or developed by the Division, and those assigned referred or approved
by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
2. Special Investigation Division (SID)
2.1 The SID shall have jurisdiction over the following cases:
a. Tax fraud cases referred to it by the Intelligence and

Investigation Service (IIS).
b. Tax fraud cases initiated and developed by the SID; and
c. Tax fraud cases referred to it by the Revenue District Office

(RDO).
3. Revenue District Offices
3.1 If in the course of the regular examination of returns, indications of

fraud were discovered, the RDO must transmit the records of the case
immediately to the SID which will conduct the formal investigation
thereof.
This shall be considered sufficient compliance with RMO No.

44-93.
B. Procedures
A preliminary investigation must first be conducted to establish the prima facie

existence of fraud. This shall include the verification of the allegations on the confidential
information and/or complaints filed, and the determination of the schemes and extent of fraud
perpetrated by the denounced taxpayers.
The formal fraud investigation, which includes the examination of the taxpayers' books
of accounts through the issuance of Letters of Authority, shall be conducted only after the
prima facie existence of fraud has been established.
1. Tax Fraud Division
1.1 Where indications of fraud have been established in a preliminary

Investigation, the TFD through the Assistant Commissioner,
Enforcement Service (ES) shall request/recommend the issuance of the
corresponding Letter of Authority by the Commissioner which will
automatically supersede all previously issued Letters of Authority with
respect thereto. TCIDSa
1.2 Thereafter, a copy thereof shall be immediately furnished the RDO

and/or the SID of the Revenue Region having jurisdiction over the
taxpayer who, upon receipt thereof, must immediately transmit to the
TFD all the documents in their possession relative thereto; and must
withdraw and cancel any issued Letter of Authority pertaining thereto.
No letter of Authority shall be Issued for any taxpayer already

covered by a Letter of Authority issued by the Commissioner.
1.3 Reports on cases recommended for criminal prosecution shall be

forwarded to the Assistant Commissioner, Legal Service, Attn:
Litigation and Prosecution Division, through the Inspection Service
(IS). However, if after evaluation, the Litigation and Prosecution
Division resolves that the evidence is not sufficient to warrant the filing
of a criminal action against the taxpayer, the case shall be referred back
to the TFD through the IS, for further documentation and/or
appropriate action.
1.4 No Assessment Notice shall be served upon any taxpayer

recommended for criminal prosecution for tax evasion, following the
Supreme Court's ruling in the case of Ungab vs. Cusi, 97 SCRA 877.
1.3 All other reports on cases not recommended for criminal prosecution
shall be forwarded to the Commissioner, through the ES, for approval.
2. Special Investigation Division
2.1 The Chief of the SID shall issue the corresponding Letter of Authority
if the prima facie existence of fraud has been established, and the same
has been confirmed by the Regional Tax Fraud Committee (RTFC),
composed of the following:
a. Regional Director - Chairman
b. Chief, SID - Member
c. RDO having jurisdiction over the taxpayer - Member
d. Chief, Assessment Division - Member
e. Chief, Legal Division - Member
The RDO shall then desist from issuing any Letter of Authority
to the taxpayer concerned, and shall transmit to the SID all the
documents in its possession relative thereto.
However, the RDO may assign one Revenue Officer, whose

name shall be included in the Letter of Authority as the "RDO Assisting
Revenue Officer" (RARO), to assist and coordinate with the SID in the
formal investigation.
2.2 Where the SID has established the prima facie existence of fraud
against a taxpayer who has been the subject of an on-going or
terminated investigation by the RDO, the SID shall nevertheless
forward the records of the case for evaluation to the RTFC.
If after evaluation the RTFC confirms to the SID the prima

facie existence of fraud, the following procedures shall be followed:
2.2.1 Where the investigation is on-going the RDO concerned

shall withdraw its Letter of Authority and immediately cease
and desist from further investigation. The records of the case
shall then be forwarded to the SID concerned which, thereafter,
shall issue a Letter of Authority and proceed with the formal
fraud investigation.
2.2.2 Where investigation is already terminated the office who has

possession of the records shall, upon written request,
immediately forward the records to the SID concerned.
If a re-investigation is necessary, the SID shall forward

the same to the IIS with a recommendation for the issuance of
the corresponding Letter of Authority by the Commissioner of
Internal Revenue.
2.3 Where the business activities and/or establishments are situated in more
than one revenue region, the tax fraud case must be referred to the
TFD through the IIS.
2.3.1 If a prima facie existence of fraud was not established, after

conducting the preliminary investigation, but a potential
deficiency tax assessment exists, the case shall be referred to the
RDO concerned for appropriate action.
2.3.2 Reports on cases recommended for criminal prosecution shall

be forwarded to the Legal Division of the Revenue Region. If
after evaluation and the Legal Division resolves that the
evidence is not sufficient to warrant the filing of a criminal
action against subject taxpayer, the case shall be referred back
to the SID, for further documentation and/or appropriate
action.
2.3.3 Reports on cases not recommended for criminal prosecution

shall be forwarded to the Assessment Division of the Region.
3. Revenue District Offices
3. Upon discovery of the indication(s) of fraud during the regular

examination of the returns, the Revenue Officer should make a detailed
report thereof to Revenue District Officer who shall immediately
transmit the records of the case to the SID.
4. The RDO shall then assign a RARO to assist and coordinate with the
SID in the investigation of the said case.
A. Civil Fraud
In the case the quantum of evidence gathered does not warrant a criminal prosecution
because it is not sufficient to prove the guilt of the taxpayer beyond reasonable doubt, but
there exists a clear and convincing evidence that fraud has been committed, a corresponding
50% surcharge shall nevertheless be imposed.
XVI. Closing Conference
Essential to an effective audit of internal revenue tax liabilities is the holding of a

closing conference with the taxpayer before the preparation of the final report of investigation
by the Revenue Officer assigned to the tax case. During this time, the Revenue Officer and his
supervisor explain to the taxpayer how the assessment of his tax liability was arrived at. If
necessary, the records of the case shall be presented to the taxpayer to document the Revenue
Officer's findings. The taxpayer shall then be allowed to examine such records and to present
his arguments. If the taxpayer agrees with the audit findings, he shall be made to sign an
Agreement Form. If not, the Revenue Officer shall give the taxpayer enough time to
document his objections to the proposed assessment. In both cases, the report of investigation
shall be prepared and submitted to the Revenue District Officer for review and pre-approval
prior to final review by the Assessment Division of the Regional Office or by the concerned
office in the National Office (NO) for cases investigated by the audit divisions/teams in the
NO.
Upon receipt of the report of investigation, the Revenue District Officer (RDO) or
head of the audit division/team in the NO shall send to the taxpayer a notice for informal
conference. The notice should be accompanied by a summary of the Revenue Officer's
findings.
The notice shall be made in writing and sent to the taxpayer at the address indicated in
his return or his last known address. This notice, however, may be dispensed with in case the
taxpayer agrees in writing to the proposed assessment, or where such proposed assessment
has been paid. EHCDSI
In case the taxpayer responds to the notice within the period prescribed in the informal
conference letter, he or his duly authorized representative shall again be allowed to examine
the records of the case and to present his arguments in writing protesting the proposed
assessment. Thereafter, the RDO or head of office/team shall, on the basis of the evidence on
record, decide whether or not to approve the report before forwarding it to the Assessment
Division or concerned office in the NO for approval and issuance of the corresponding
Termination Letter or Assessment Notice, as the case may be.
In the event the taxpayer fails to respond to the notice for informal conference within
the prescribed period, or when the response is found to be without merit, the report of
investigation shall be given due course and shall be forwarded to the Assessment Division or
to the concerned office in the NO for review.
XVII. Report Making
The Revenue Officer is required to make a report after the investigation/audit has been
conducted. Before starting to write a report, the Revenue Officer should have in mind a
definite outline as to arrangement in which the facts and evidence may be presented in the
most effective manner. A good general plan is to state the problem, present the results of the
investigation and set forth the conclusions and recommendations.
The report to be prepared by the Revenue Officer in the conduct of his investigation
shall contain the following:
A. Document Locator Form (BIR Form 23.02)
This form, which shall be duly accomplished by the Revenue Officer, indicates the
dates when the docket was received and acted upon.
B. Table of Contents
The table of contents shall indicate the description and page number of each and every
document attached to the report.
C. Narrative Report
This is a memorandum report prepared and submitted by the Revenue Officer. The
narrative report shall contain the following:
1. A preliminary statement stating:
1.1 the basis of the authority to investigate, specially the Letter of

Authority Number, Tax Verification Notice Number, or Referral
Number, date issued/served and details of referrals or revalidations, if
any;
1.2 type of investigation/verification undertaken; and
1.3 profile of the taxpayer, particularly the type of business organization,

nature of business, product line, other sources of income, information
of its registration with the SEC, BOI, EPZA, etc., identification of
major owners/stockholders and subsidiaries/affiliates, if relevant, brief
description of accounting system/method used, description of any
extraordinary business activity and kinds and amounts of incentives
availed of, if any.
2. A brief description of the approach in investigation stating:
2.1 the books of accounts, records and documents verified;
2.2 the audit procedures adopted;
2.3 access to records undertaken;
2.4 the authorized representative of the taxpayer; and
2.5 the dates and results of conferences.
3. Results of investigation summarizing:
3.1 the audit findings;
3.2 discrepancies discovered, disallowances made and other relevant facts

uncovered during the examination;
3.3 basis of computation of recommended deficiency taxes/tax credit or

refund. if any; and
4. A recommendation for:
4.1 the review/approval of the report of investigation and issuance of

termination letter after collection of the deficiency tax;
4.2 assessment of deficiency taxes indicating the prescription of the case;
4.3 issuance of tax credit/refund; or
4.4 such other recommendations as may be necessary under the

circumstances.
D. Duly Accomplished Revenue Officer's Audit Report
These forms are required to be accomplished properly and accurately by the Revenue
Officer in reporting the results of investigation/verification. BIR Forms 1717 are used for
non-computerized district offices while BIR Forms 0500 are prescribed for computerized
districts under the BIR's Integrated Tax System (ITS).
BIR Form 1717A/0500 This form shall be accomplished by all Revenue Officers in
reporting results of investigation/verification of income tax liabilities of taxpayers.
BIR Form 1717C/0501 This form is to be used in reporting results of investigation

on Capital Gains Tax on real property transactions.
BIR Form 1717C-1/0502 This form is to be used in reporting results of

investigation/verification on Capital Gains Tax on stocks transactions not traded thru a Local
Stock Exchange.
BIR Form 1717-D/0503 This form is to be used in reporting results of

investigation/verification on Donor's Tax.
BIR Form 1717-E /0504 This form is to be used in reporting results of

investigation/verification on Estate Tax.
BIR Form 1717-P/0505 This form is to be used in reporting results of

investigation/verification on Percentage Tax.
BIR Form 1717-S/0506 This form is to be used in reporting results of

investigation/verification on Documentary Stamp Taxes.
BIR Form 1717-V/0507 This form is to be used in reporting results of

investigation/verification on Value Added Tax (VAT).
BIR Form 1717-W This form is to be used in reporting results of

investigation/verification on Withholding Taxes.
BIR Form 0508 This form is to be used in reporting results of

investigation/verification on Withholding Tax on Compensation.
BIR Form 0509 This form is to be used in reporting results of investigation on

Expanded Withholding Tax. THSaEC

investigation/verification on Final Withholding Tax.
BIR Form 1717-X This form is to be used in reporting results of investigation on

Excise Taxes.
BIR Form 0511 This form is to be used in reporting results of investigation on

Specific Excise Tax.
BIR Form 0512 This form is to be used in reporting results of investigation on Ad

Valorem Excise Tax.

investigation/verification on Claims for Value Added Tax Credit/Refund.

investigation/verification on Excise Tax Credit/Refund.
E. Working Papers
Working papers form the most important portion of a report as they provide all the
information on the investigation conducted. They are the best evidence of the scope of the
investigation and the diligence with which it was completed. They further constitute the basis
for the Revenue Officer's determination of tax liability.
The working papers should include all notes made before, during, and after a tax
investigation, which relates to his findings on a particular tax return and shall include items
raised during the analysis of the return as possible issues. It should also include explanations
on the various observations and analyses of pertinent schedules and information.
Working papers prepared by the Revenue Officer are used as sources of a more
detailed information, which he may use later on as a witness in court in case of litigation. The
properly concluded examination should therefore be reflected by adequate working papers.
Memory should not be relied upon in recounting the facts determined in the investigation.
There is no better way to present the fact that an item or issue has been extensively explored
on except by significant notes in the working papers.
Each of the working papers should be labeled clearly showing the name of the
taxpayer, year of examination, date prepared and the signature of the Revenue Officer should
appear on each page. The pages should be numbered and prepared in the Revenue Officer's
own handwriting.
The minimum reportorial requirements regarding the documents, forms, specific

schedules and working papers to be attached to the docket are prescribed in RMO No. 53-98,
as shown in the Appendix of this Manual. They would vary in every case depending upon the
type of return, nature of the business, sources of income, and other similar circumstances.
The requirement is that the working papers should document whatever transpired
during the examination. This would include summaries or transcripts of accounts analyzed,
schedule of specific items checked, reconciliation of accounts, analysis of reserves and all
other pertinent notes of the work performed.
The basic working papers consist of, but are not limited to the following:
1. Working papers showing real and nominal accounts
2. Working papers showing discrepancies, disallowances, adjustments and

computation of deficiency taxes
3. Reconciliation of net income per financial statements with the net income per
income tax return
4. Schedule of income producing property, if applicable
5. Schedule of taxes and licenses
6. Schedule of depreciation
7. Schedule of loans/notes/accounts payable and interest expenses/advances from

officers/stockholders
8. Schedule of miscellaneous income, if material
9. Schedule of bad debts
10. Schedule of Accounts Receivable and advances to accounts
11. Schedule of miscellaneous expenses, if material
F. Attachments to the Docket of the Case
Attachments consist of documents that are necessary to the proper understanding and
substantiation of results of the investigation. The documents to be attached to the dockets are
composed of but not limited to:
1. General Requirements
1.1 All tax returns with all the required attachments for the year/period
under audit;
1.2 Duplicate copy of Letter of Authority duly received by the taxpayer or

his representative;
1.3 Audited financial statements with supporting schedules and

reconciliation statements for the period under investigation;
1.4 Narrative memorandum report; IDASHa
1.5 Table of contents;
1.6 Checklist of audit procedures undertaken (Schedule RM-1);
1.7 Working paper showing computation of deficiency tax payment;
1.8 Duly signed Agreement Form, if applicable;
1.9 BIR Form 1717/0500 Series (Revenue Officer's Audit Report);
1.10 Photocopy of Payment Form and Official Receipt as evidence of
deficiency tax payment;
1.11 Comparative report of deficiency tax paid/assessed;
1.12 Post reporting notice/notice for an informal conference with the

summary of findings (for non-agreed assessment);
1.13 Logsheet/record of time spent by Revenue Officer(s);
1.14 Proof of exemption under Special Law, if applicable;
1.15 Delinquency verification report [for claims for refund/Tax Credit

Certificate (TCC)]; and
1.16 Authority to issue refund/TCC (for claims for refund/TCC).
2. Specific Requirements by Tax Type
The required documents to be attached to the docket containing a report of

investigation/verification per type of tax are enumerated and prescribed in RMO No. 53-98.
APPENDIX
General Policies in the Investigation of Tax Fraud Cases
Checklist of Documents to be Submitted by a Taxpayer upon Audit of his Tax

Liabilities as well as of the Mandatory Reporting Requirements to be Prepared by a Revenue
Officers all of which comprise a Complete Tax Docket cdll
ATTACHMENTS
June 9, 1995
REVENUE MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 15-95
(amended by RMO 31-95)
SUBJECT : General Policies in the Investigation of Tax Fraud Cases.
TO : All Internal Revenue Officer and Other Concerned
A. OBJECTIVE
To provide the policies and rules in the manner of investigating tax fraud cases by the
Tax Fraud Division (TFD), Special Investigation Division (SIDs) and the Revenue District
Offices (RDOs) for criminal prosecution, and to avoid the multiple issuances of Letter of
Authority and/or simultaneous investigation of the same taxpayer covering the same taxable
year.
All revenue officers concerned shall be guided by the updated "Guidelines and
Investigative Procedures in the Development of Tax Fraud Cases for Internal Revenue
Officers", hereto attached as Annex "A".
B. JURISDICTION
1. TAX FRAUD DIVISION
1.1. The Tax Fraud Division shall have the jurisdiction to conduct or
undertake the investigation and/or reinvestigation of cases referred to or
developed by the Division, and those assigned, referred or approved by the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
2. SPECIAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
2.1. The SID shall have jurisdiction over the following cases:
2.1.1. Tax fraud cases referred to it by the Intelligence and

Investigation Service (IIS)
2.1.2 Tax fraud cases initiated and developed by the SID.
2.1.3 Tax fraud cases referred to it by the RDO.
3. REVENUE DISTRICT OFFICERS
3.1. If in the course of the regular examination of returns, indication of

fraud were discovered, the RDO must transmit the records of the case
immediately to the SID and provide assistance in the formal investigation
thereof.
This shall be considered sufficient compliance with RMO 44-93.
C. PROCEDURE
A Preliminary Investigation must first be conducted to establish the prima facie

existence of fraud. This shall include the verification of the allegations on the confidential
information and/or complaints filed, and the determination of the schemes and extent of fraud
perpetrated by the denounced taxpayers.
The Formal Fraud Investigation, which includes the examination of the taxpayers
books of accounts through the issuance of Letters of Authority, shall be conducted only after
the prima facie existence of fraud has been established.
1. TAX FRAUD DIVISION
1.1. Where indications of fraud have been established in a preliminary

investigation, the TFD thru the Assistant Commissioner, Intelligence and
Investigation Service (IIS), shall request/recommend the issuances of the
corresponding Letter of Authority by the Commissioner which will automatically
supersede all previously issued Letter of Authority with respect thereto.
1.2 Thereafter, a copy thereof shall be immediately furnished the RDO

and/or the SID of the Revenue Region having jurisdiction over the taxpayer,
who upon receipt thereof, must immediately transmit to the TFD all the
documents in their possession relative thereto; and must withdraw and cancel
any issued Letter of Authority therefor.
No Letter of Authority shall be issued for any taxpayer already covered

by a Letter of Authority issued by the Commissioner.
1.3. Reports on cases recommended for criminal prosecution shall be

forwarded to the Assistant Commissioner, Legal Service, Attn: Litigation and
Prosecution Division, thru the IIS. However, if after evaluation the Litigation
and Prosecution Division resolves that the evidence is not sufficient to warrant
the filing of a criminal action against subject taxpayer, the case shall be referred
back to the TFD thru the IIS, for further documentation and/or appropriate
action..
1.4. No Assessment Notice shall be served upon any taxpayer

recommended for criminal prosecution for tax evasion, following the Supreme
Court's ruling in the case of Ungab vs. Cusi, 97 SCRA 877.
1.5. All other reports on cases not recommended for criminal

prosecution shall be forwarded to the Commissioner, thru the IIS, for approval.
2. SPECIAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
2.1. The Chief of the SID shall issue the corresponding Letter of
Authority if the prima facie existence of fraud has been established, and the same
has been confirmed by the Regional Tax Fraud Committee (RTFC), composed of
the following:
a. Regional Director Chairman
b. Chief, SID Member
c. RDO having jurisdiction over the taxpayer Member
d. Chief, Assessment Division Member
e. Chief, Legal Division Member
The RDO shall then desist from issuing any Letter of Authority to the
taxpayer concerned, and shall transmit to the SID all the documents in its
possession relative thereto.
However, the RDO may assign one Revenue Officer, whose name shall
be included in the Letter of Authority as the "RDO" Assisting Revenue
Officer" (RARO), to assist and coordinate with the SID in the formal
investigation.
2.2. Where the SID has established the prima facie existence of fraud
against a taxpayer who has been the subject of an on-going or terminated
investigation by the RDO, the SID shall nevertheless forward the record of the
records of the case for evaluation to the RTFC.
If after evaluation the RTFC confirms to the SID the prima facie
existence of fraud, the following procedures shall be followed:
2.2.1. Where the investigation is on-going - the RDO

concerned shall withdraw its Letter of Authority and immediately cease
and desist from further investigation. The records of the case shall then
be forwarded to the SID concerned which, thereafter, shall issue a Letter
of Authority and proceed with the formal fraud investigation.
2.2.2. Where investigation is already terminated the

office who has the possession of the records shall, upon written request,
immediately forward the records to the SID concerned.
If a re-investigation is necessary, the SID shall forward the same to the
IIS with a recommendation for the issuance of the corresponding Letter
of Authority by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
2.3. Where the business activities and/or establishments are situated in

more than one revenue region, the tax fraud case must be referred to the TFD
thru the IIS.
2.4 If after conducting the preliminary investigation the prima facie

existence of fraud cannot be established, but a potential deficiency tax
assessment exists, the case shall be referred to the RDO concerned for
appropriate action.
2.5. Reports on cases recommendation for criminal prosecution shall be

forwarded to the Legal Division of the Revenue Region. If after evaluation the
Legal Division resolves that the evidence is not sufficient to warrant the filing of
a criminal action against subject taxpayer, the case shall be referred back to the
SID, for further documentation and/or appropriate action.
2.6 Reports on cases not recommended for criminal prosecution shall

be forwarded to the Assessment Division of the Region.
3. REVENUE DISTRICT OFFICES
3.1 Upon discovery of the indication(s) of fraud during the regular

examination of the returns, the Revenue Officer should make a detailed report
thereof to the Revenue District Officer who shall immediately transmit the
records of the case to the SID.
3.2 The RDO shall then assign a RARO to assist and coordinate with
the SID in the investigation of the said case.
D. CIVIL FRAUD
In case the quantum of evidence gathered does not warrant a criminal prosecution
because it is not sufficient to prove the guilt of the taxpayer beyond reasonable doubt there
exists a clear and convincing evidence that fraud has been committed, a corresponding 50%
surcharge shall nevertheless be imposed.
E. ATTRIBUTION OF COLLECTION
All collections arising out of the investigations by the TFD and SID, the latter either
by itself or through coordination with the RDO, shall be attributed to the RDO having
jurisdiction over the taxpayer.
F. PENAL CLAUSE
Strict compliance with this RMO is hereby enjoined. Any willful violation hereof shall
be treated as gave misconduct and the corresponding penalty of dismissal as provided under
Civil Service Rules and Regulations shall be imposed.
G. REPEALING CLAUSE
Any provision of any order and pertinent issuances inconsistent with his Order is
hereby revoked, modified or amended accordingly.
H. EFFECTIVITY
This Revenue Memorandum Order takes effect immediately.
(SGD.) LIWAYWAY VINZONS-CHATO

Commissioner
ANNEX "A"
GUIDELINES AND INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF

TAX FRAUD CASES FOR INTERNAL REVENUE OFFICERS
A. OBJECTIVES:
The substantial revenue collections of the government derived from the series of tax
amnesties signify to a large that the BIR has not effectively tapped a great number of potential
sources of revenue. The tremendous shortfall in revenue collections for the preceding year
should spur the BIR on the need for a more systematic and vigorous tax campaign by instilling
more awareness and tax consciousness among our taxpayers, more especially those who have
continuously flaunted our revenue laws with impunity.
To provide a strong detergent to the commission of fraud against the revenues for the
purpose of increasing and enhancing our revenue collections, the imposition of criminal
sanctions, in addition to the civil liabilities, on erring taxpayers should be implemented to the
fullest extent of the law in line with the pronouncement of the President of the Philippines.
These guidelines are, therefore, presented to guide and to refresh all internal revenue
officers with the necessary know-how in the investigation, evaluation, and submission of
reports of fraud cases envisioned to withstand judicial scrutiny.
B. NATURE AND TYPES OF FRAUD:
Definition-fraud or evasion
Tax fraud or evasion means the elimination or reduction of one's correct and proper
tax by fraudulent means. "The fraud contemplated by law is actual and not constructive. It
must be intentional fraud, consisting of deception willfully and deliberately done or resorted to
in order to induce another to give some legal right . . . "Aznar vs. CTA and Collector, G.R.
No. L-20569, Aug. 25, 1974.
Factors in Fraud or Evasion
All the following elements must be proven by competent evidences to establish the
existence of fraud:
1. The end to be achieved - the payment of less tax than that known
by the taxpayer to be legally due:
2. The accompanying state of mind which is variously described as

being "evil", "in bad faith", "deliberate and not accident", or "willful" the
exact term used is not too important.
3. The overt act done or scheme used by the taxpayer to achieve the
non-payment of taxes known to be due. The act or scheme must be tinged with
some elements of deceit, misrepresentation, trick, device, concealment or
dishonesty." Fraud under Tax, Balter.
Burden of Proof in Establishing Fraud:
A tax fraud or evasion case is basically criminal case.
In the establishment of fraud, the burden of proof is on the Bureau of Internal

Revenue. The presumption that an officer of the government has performed his duty regularly
(Sections 5, Rule 131 of the New Rules of Court), as in the case of the correctness of
deficiency assessments, is not applicable in fraud cases. "In criminal cases, the burden of proof
as to the offense charged lies on the prosecution." (Section 2, Rules 131, New Rules of
Court).
Mere suspicious and mere doubts on the intention of the taxpayer are not sufficient
proof of fraud. Fraud is never presumed, it must be proved.
Types of Tax Fraud Cases
Criminal Fraud
A criminal tax fraud case results when all the elements of fraud can be proven beyond
reasonable doubt. Proof beyond reasonable doubt not mean such a degree of proof as,
excluding possibility of error, absolute certainty; only required, or that degree of proof which
produces conviction in an unprejudiced mind.
Here, the taxpayer upon conviction shall be liable from the deficiency taxes, to both
criminal and civil penalties.
Civil Fraud
A civil tax fraud case results when all the elements of fraud cannot be proven beyond
reasonable doubt, but rather by clear an convincing evidence amounting to more than a mere
preponderance, and cannot be justified by mere speculation.
"Preponderance of evidence" means that the testimony adduced by one side is more
credible and conclusive than that of the other.
"Clear and convincing" need not rise to proof beyond reasonable doubt as in a criminal
case but yet must be stronger than mere preponderance of evidence.
Here, the taxpayer shall be liable aside from the deficiency taxes only to the civil
penalties.
Effects of Fraud under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC)
1. Civil penalties rise to the imposition of the 50% surcharge; to be imposed by the
BIR;
2. Criminal penalties involving the imposition of penal sanctions imprisonment

and/or fine to be imposed by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) upon conviction;
3. Power of the Commissioner to asses and collect the tax is extended to 10 year
from date of discovery, however, Sec. 280 provides the five year prescription on the filing of
criminal action;
4. Cases involving fraud cannot be the subject compromise as mandated by Section

204, NIRC;
5. Suspension and temporary closure of the business operations of a taxpayer under
Sections 111 of Tax Code for violation of the VAT provisions.
C. METHODS OF PROVING FRAUD IN CRIMINAL AND CIVIL TAX FRAUD CASES:
1. The Direct Approach Method or by Direct Evidence, also called Specific Item
Cases Proof of fraudulent acts are adduced by specific items of fraudulent transactions. It
is that one, if the allegations are believed, the existence of the principal or ultimate fact is
proven without any inference or presumption.
Specific Item Cases determined by the direct approach method
1.1 Income Tax
1.1.1 Omission or understatement of taxable income
1.1.1.1 Failure to file income tax return.
1.1.1.2 Items of income and expenses, or assets or liabilities

have been omitted, or falsely claimed in the accounting records or return
in order to minimize or reduce taxes;
1.1.1.3 Misclassification of accounts Income taken upon

and classified as liabilities; erroneous classification of income from
taxable to exempt; ordinary gains classified as capital gains;
non-deductible expenses disguised as deductible items; and capital
expenditures classified as deductible items.
1.1.1.4 Sales/Income of domestic branches purportedly

shown as income of the foreign head office;
1.1.1.5 Keeping two sets of invoice or receipts one set

registered with the BIR and sales or income recorded thereon are the
ones posted in the accounting records, whereas the other set is not
reported for tax purposes;
1.1.1.6 Keeping two sets of books of accounts records

one set registered with the BIR and the other set reflects the correct
transactions and not registered and reported to the BIR;
1.1.1.7 Non-issuance of receipts to customers; and
1.1.1.8 Sales invoices or receipts issued to customers

reflects the correct transactions, but invoices or receipts recorded for tax
purposes reflects much smaller amounts.
1.1.2 Utilization of other persons or entities
1.1.2.1 Establishment of several entities corporations,

partnerships, or proprietorships, by a person by making it appear that sale
are made by the different entities created when in fact such sales are only
made by one person;
1.1.2.2 Allocating income and expenses to other persons in

order to reduce or minimize taxes by a controlling person; and
1.1.2.3 Establishment of a registered partnership or

corporation, using dummy partners or stockholders.
1.1.3 Improper claims of costs of sales and deductible expense.
1.1.3.1 Fictions purchaser, or padding of purchaser, or that

proceeds are diverted to the personal benefit of the taxpayer or his
assign;
1.1.3.2 False or fictions claims of deductions;
1.1.3.3 Misclassification of deductions
Investments or major repairs or improvements claimed as

nominal expenses;
1.1.3.4 Dividend declarations classified as expenses or

salaries;
1.1.3.5 Withdrawals claimed as expenses or compensation;
1.1.3.6 Claim of depreciation of non-existing assets or

already fully depreciated, or on assets which were appraised higher for
credit purposes;
1.1.3.7 Claim of purchases from no-VAT sources as VAT

purchases and claiming tax credits thereon; and
1.1.3.8 Improper claims of tax credits without having paid

the input taxes passed on by the seller.
1.1.4 Claims of false personal exemptions
Claiming exemptions as married by an unmarried individual or

head of the family by single persons who do not actually support their
parents; and
Claiming false additional exemptions of alleged children, or

children who are already of age or who are not physically incapacitated.
1.2 Business Taxes - VAT and Percentage Taxes
1.2.1. Business Taxes - VAT and Percentage
1.2.1.1. Omission or understatement of taxable sales/income-
1.2.1.2 Keeping falsified books of accounts;
1.2.1.3 Non-issuance of sales invoices, or under- recording

of sales to conceal the amount of sales subject to business taxes on VAT;
1.2.1.4 Claiming fictions tax credits;
1.2.1.5 Crediting sales against items or income discounts of

costs of sales to conceal the amount of sales subject to business taxes on
VAT.
1.2.1.6 Deducting against sales or income discounts which

were granted subsequently and not in the sales invoice.
1.2.1.7 Deducting returned sales which were not actually

returned.
1.2.2 Misclassification of sales or income
1.2.2.1 Classifying sales as exempt when in fact they are

taxable,
1.2.2.2 Misclassification of sales of goods subject to VAT

as only subject to percentage taxes;
1.2.2.3 Claiming domestic sales as export sales when in fact

the goods were sold in the domestic market; and
1.2.2.4 Sales in the local market which are made to appear

as sales by the foreign head office.
1.2.3 Claim of fictions tax credits
1.2.3.1 Claiming tax credits on purchases of goods from
Non-VAT registered enterprises; and
1.2.3.2 Claiming fictitious tax credits on non-existing

invoices.
1.2.4 Non-payment of VAT on materials imported for re-export
Materials were applied against originally imported for re-export,

but which were used instead on goods sold in the local market.
1.3 Estate Tax
1.3.1 Failure of file estate tax return;
1.3.2. Filing of estate tax returns in different jurisdictions to avoid

payment of the higher graduated tax, as in the case where the deceased-owned
properties in various places;
1.3.3 Willful under-valuation of the market values of the properties of the

estate;
1.3.4 Willful omission of some properties especially those located in

places other than the residence of the deceased; and
1.3.5 Claim of fictions items - funeral expenses, claims against the estate,
judicial and testamentary expenses.
1.4 Donor's Tax
1.4.1 Failure to file donor's tax return;
1.4.2 Filing of returns within the same year in various jurisdictions to

evade the payment of the higher graduated tax;
1.4.3 Willful omission of prior donations made during the same taxable
year;
1.4.4 Willful undervaluation of the market value of the property donated,

and
1.4.5 Insufficient consideration on sales of property, the difference

between the market value from the consideration agreed upon, considered as
subject to the donor's tax.
1.5 Excise Taxes
1.5.1 Misclassification of articles subject to excise tax by making it

appear that a particular manufactured articles falls within a lower tax
classification;
1.5.2 Illegal manufacture of articles subject to excise tax;
1.5.3 Unlawful possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax,

and for which no tax has been paid;
1.5.4 Unlawful use of denatured alcohol;
1.5.5 Unlawful possession of cigarette papers in bobbins, etc; and
1.5.6 Shipment or removal of liquor or tobacco products under false

names or brands or as an imitation of any existing or otherwise known product
name or brand.
1.6 Documentary Stamps
Non-affixture of the correct documentary stamps on pertinent document

or papers.
1.7 Withholding Taxes
Failure to withhold the correct taxes as withholding agent under the

pertinent provisions of the Tax Code.
2. Indirect Approach or by Indirect Method This relies upon circumstances

evidence of determining the correct income or transaction of a taxpayer. Circumstantial
evidence is that which tends to prove the existence of the disputed fact by proof of other facts
which have a legitimate tendency to lead the mind to a conclusion that the fact exists which is
sought to be established. However, where circumstances evidence is relied upon to prove a
fact, the circumstances must be proved by direct evidence and cannot themselves by inferred.
The legal bases for an indirect approach in the determination of the correct income or
transactions of a anchored on Sections 16 and 37 of NIRC of 1988.
Principle Types of Indirect Approach or Indirect Methods Used
1. Net Worth or Inventory Method or Net Worth & Expenditure Method
This is a method of reconstructing income based on the theory that if the

taxpayer's net worth has increased in a given year in an amount larger than his
reported income, he had understand his income for that year.
Formula:
The mathematical formula for this method may be laid down as follows:
a. Increase in net worth, plus
b. Non-deductible item, less
c. Non-taxable income or receipts subjected to final tax or transfer
taxes, equals
d. Taxable net income, less
e. Personal and additional exemptions, equals
f. Net income subject to tax
The Commissioner's determination of taxpayer's unreported income through the net
worth expenditure method usually involves the following steps:
(1) The net worth on a fixed starting date is established (excess of

assets over liabilities). This starting date is usually the beginning of the first tax
year under examination. The amount of such net worth is considered of vital
importance in order to foreclose the possibility than an increase in net worth
during the tax year, or an excess of expenditure over reported income, did not
originate from prior accumulated funds (i.e. hoarded cash or undisclosed assets
which would not represent income during the tax year.)
(2) The net worth at the close of each tax year under examination is
established;
(3) Comparison is made of the net worth at the beginning and end of
each year, to determine the increase, if any;
(4) The increase in net worth for each year is adjusted to eliminate
items accounting for such increases which arise from non-tax sources (i.e., gifts,
bequests, other receipts exempt from tax, etc.) and adjustment is made where
property is sold at a profit but the entire profit is not taxable because of
long-term capital gain provision. The increase in net worth for the year, after
these eliminations and adjustments, is presumed to be income realized in that
year;
(5) The amount of non-deductible expenditures is determined or

estimated. These items usually consists of personal, family and living expenses;
and
(6) The reconstructed income under the net worth expenditure method
is the sum of items (4) and (5) and this amount is then compared with the income
reported, if any, by the taxpayer. (Id. par. 6059, see also Perez vs. Araneta,
L-10507, May 30, 1958, Reyes vs. Col. of Internal Rev., L-11534 and L-11558,
Nov. 25, Jamir vs. Col of Int. Rev. L-16552, Mar. 30, 1962; Avelino vs. Col. of
Int. Rev. L-17715, July 31, 1963).
Circumstance and conditions necessary to warrant the use of the indirect

method in establishing a prima facie case of fraud:
(1) That the taxpayer's accounting records are inadequate and do not
clearly reflects his income; of that the taxpayer maintains no books and records;
or that taxpayer's accounting records are available, but he refuses to produce
them;
(2) That there is a fixed starting point or opening net worth, i.e., a date
beginning of a taxable year or prior year to it, at which time the taxpayer's
financial conditions can be affirmatively established with some definitives;
(Statements of net worth of taxpayers who availed of the tax amnesty under the
provisions of Executive Order No. 41, may be used as the starting point as at
December 31, pursuant to the authority given to the BIR under section 7 of said
Executive Order)
(3) That the circumstances are such that the method does reflect the
taxpayer's income with reasonable accuracy and certainly, and proper and just
addition of personal expenses and other non-deductible expenditures were made
and correct; fair and equitable credit adjustments were given by way of
eliminating non-taxable items or receipts or taxable income which have been
subjected to final tax.
(4) The need for evidence of the source of income under this method:
"In all the leading cases on this matter, courts are unanimous in
holding that when the tax case is civil in nature, direct proof of sources of
income is not essential. . . . However, when a taxpayer is criminally
prosecuted for tax evasion, the need for evidence of a likely source of
income becomes a pre-requisite for a successful prosecution . . ." RMC
No. 43-74.
This proof of a likely source of income may be shown by any of the

following:
(1) Demonstrating that there were specific omissions of income items

by the taxpayer in his income tax return.
(2) A showing that the nature of the taxpayer's business is such that it
has capacity of generating a substantial income.
(3) Proofs of underdeclaration of income by the existence of

unregistered sales invoices, which were not recorded in the books;
(4) Findings of unrecorded purchases;
(5) Existence of business permits, license from government agencies as

to the types of businesses the taxpayer is engaged in;
(6) Keeping separate sets of books one registered and the other
reflecting the correct transactions of a business.
(7) Use of false invoices or documents, and
(8) Willful destruction of accounting records.
2. Expenditures Method or Excess Cash Expenditures Method
The expenditures method proceeds on the theory that where the amount of money
which a taxpayer spends during a given year exceeds his reported income, and the source of
such money is otherwise unexplained, it may be inferred that such expenditures represent
unreported income.
The discussion on when and how the net worth method should be used are equally
applicable to the expenditures method. In a case where the taxpayer has several assets (and
liabilities) whose cost bases remain the same throughout the period under investigation, the
expenditure method may be preferred over the net worth method because a more laconic
presentation can be made of the computation of taxable income. This is because assets and
liabilities which do not change during the period under investigation may be omitted from the
expenditures statement. The expenditures method is used often on a taxpayer who spends his
income on lavish living and has little, if any, net worth.
Formula:
The expenditure method of determining income should be applied by

deducting the aggregate yearly expenditures from the declared yearly income
(Col. of Int. Rev. vs. Jamir, 4 SCRA 7;8 March 30, 1962).
Under this formula enunciated by the court in the above-cited case, the
particular in the use of this method are shown below:
A. Expenditure for a given taxable year:
(1) All expenses and deductions claimed per
return filed with the BIR (Exclude non-cash items,
such as aromatization of goodwill, depreciation
of assets, application of deferred
expenses from prior period, etc.) P xxx
(2) Expenses, personal and non-deductive

or deductible for tax purposes, as
determined per investigation (Exclude
non-cash terms) xxx
(3) Payments of debts, payables, accruals,
and other liabilities taken up in the ITR
and those not taken up, such as personal
and other liabilities. xxx
(4) Payment of taxes xxx
(5) Acquisition of assets per ITR and

personal acquisitions such as cars,
appliances, even real estate. xxx

Total Expenditures per Investigation P xxx
B. Sources of Cash:
(1) Declared income per Income Tax Return xxx
Deduct: Accounts Receivables if taxpayer
is on cash basis method of accounting (xxx)
Add : Collection from receivables xxx
(2) Non-taxable receipts, prizes, royalties, etc. xxx
(3) Non-Taxable receipt, such as dividends

donations from abroad xxx
(4) Receipts subjected to transfer such as

donations, inheritance xxx
(5) Cash loans, if any xxx
(6) Cash at the beginning of the period xxx xxx

Excess Cash as determined per Investigation P xxx

As in the case of the Net Worth Method, when a tax case is civil in nature, direct
proof of sources of income is not essential. However, when a criminal case is filed against the
taxpayer, the need for evidence of a likely source of income becomes a prerequisite.
3. Percentage Method
Although the use of this method is of little value in criminal cases, it is useful in
test-checking or corroborating the results obtained by some other means of proof such as
specific items, net worth, and expenditures methods, and for evaluating allegations from
information regarding unreported profits or income.
The percentage method is a computation whereby determinations are made by the use
of percentages or ratios considered typical of the business under investigation. By reference to
similar businesses or situations, percentage computations are secured to determine sales, gross
profit, or even net profit. Likewise; by the use of some known base and the typical percentage
applicable, individual items of income or expenses may be determined.
These percentage may be externally derived or they may in some instances be

internally derived from the taxpayers accounts for other periods or from an analysis of
subsidiary records. Gross profit percentages may be other similar data. Also other years not
covered by the investigation or portion of year under investigation may indicate typical
percentage applicable to the entire year or year under investigation.
It must, however, be emphasized that in comparing transactions of similarly situated

business, the name of the particular taxpayer used as the model must not be divulged to the
taxpayer under investigation nor in the report as this would constitute as a violation by an
internal revenue officer of the provision of Section 269, NIRC of 1988, on unlawful
divulgence of trade secrets.
4. Unit and Value Method
This is not a prime method of proof. The determination or verification of gross

receipts may be computed by applying price and profit figures to the known ascertainable
quality of business done by the taxpayer.
This method is feasible when the investigation can ascertain the number of units
handled by the taxpayer and also when he knows the price or profit charged per unit.
There may be regulatory body to which the taxpayer units of production or service.
Examples are:
(a) Records of sugar milled by a sugar central;
(b) Records of fish production to the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic

Resources;
(c) Records of production by pioneer industries to the Board of

Investments; and
(d) Records of logs exported to the Forest management Bureau.
D. SOURCES OF FRAUD CASES:
1. From routine examination of returns:
a. Keeping no records or inadequate records despite substantial

transactions reflected in the returns;
b. Standard of living of the taxpayer, such as the possession of

expensive cars and jewelries; or staying in a luxurious mansion, and, ownership
of properties whose values far exceed his probable sources of income as declared
per return;
c. Records verified, were not property declared for tax purposes.
d. False vouches and receipts which were verified in the course of the
routine examination.
2. From Information furnished by:
a. An informant who has knowledge of the transactions of the

taxpayer which were not properly declared for tax purposes;
b. Referrals from other government offices or from other investigating

units of the BIR.
3. Thru initiative of the investigating officers:
a. From newspaper reports;
b. Thru research of available government records such as from offices
of the Register of Deeds, Bureau of Highways, and other government offices;
and
c. In relation to an investigation of another taxpayer, where suspects

that certain transactions were not declared for tax purposes.
E. INDICATIONS OF FRAUD
1. Maintaining two sets of books and records;
2. Concealment of Assets;
3. Destruction of books and records;
4. Large or frequent currency transactions;
5. Payments to fictions companies or persons;
6. False or altered entries and documents;
7. Overdeclaration of purchases or under declaration of sales;
8. Use of false names or nominees;
9. Large company loans to employees or other persons;
10. Payee names on checks left blank and inserted at a later date;
11. Excessive billing accounts;
12. Excessive spoilage or defects;
13. Double payment on billing;
14. An individual negotiating checks made payable to corporation;
15. Second or third party endorsement on corporate checks;
16. Excessive use of exchange checks or clearing accounts;
17. Personal expenses paid with corporate fund;
18. An understatement of income attributable to specific transactions and denial by
the taxpayer of the receipt of the income or inability to provide a satisfactory explanation for
its omission;
19. Substantial unexplained increases in network over a period of years;
20. Failure to file a return, especially for a period of several years although
substantial amounts of income were received;
21. Concealment of bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and other property;
22. Inadequate explanation for dealing in large sums of currency, or the unexplained
expenditure of currency, (especially when in a business not calling for large amounts of cash);
23. Failure to deposit receipt to business account contrary to normal practices;
24. Claiming fictions or improper deductions;
25. Substantial amount of personal expenditure deducted as business expenses;
26. False entries or alternation made on the books and records, backdated or
postdated documents, false entries or invoices or statement, or other false documents;
27. Failure to keep records, especially if put on notices by the BIR as a result of
prior examination, concealment of records or refusal to make certain records available.
28. Distribution of profits to fictions partners;
29. False statements, especially if made under oath about a material fact involved in
the investigation;
30. Attempt to hinder the investigation. Failure to answer pertinent questions or

repeated cancellations of appointments. Avoiding the investigator;
31. The taxpayers knowledge of taxes and business practices where numerous
questionable items appear on the returns;
32. Destruction of books and records, especially after the investigation was started;
33. Transfer of assets for purposes of concealment;
34. Involvement in illegal activity (illegal income);
35. Failure to disclose all relevant facts;
36. Unsubstantiated or unexplained wealth;
37. Mental handling of ones affair to avoid keeping records usual in transactions of
the sale kind;
38. Keeping no records or inadequate despite substantial transactions in the return;

and
39. Any conduct, the likely effect would be mislead or to conceal material facts.
The items listed are the indications of fraud most commonly committed but are not all
inclusive.
F. PROCESSING OF A TAX FRAUD CASE
1. Preliminary Investigation
The purpose of preliminary investigation is to establish the existence of a

prima facie indications of fraud. To gather evidence therefor the courses of
action that may be conducted pursuant to the pertinent Tax Code provision, are
but not limited to the following:
a. Sec. 7 Access to records to private persons or
entities, and government offices and
agencies; and
b. Sec. 15 Arrest persons and seize documents and

instruments, if the violations of the Tax
Code are done within the view of a revenue
officer.
c. Sec. 16 C Conduct inventory taking or surveillance.
d. Sec. 171 Conduct a search for excise taxable

articles.
2. Preparation of a preliminary investigation report with a recommendation of the
issuance of a Letter of Authority:
The examiner or revenue official who discovers a potential tax fraud case
must submit a memorandum report to his immediate superior stating the facts
and circumstances which constitute the indication of fraud, and the evidence at
hand to be verified and confirmed.
The issuances and approvals of Letters of Authority for fraud cases shall
be in accordance with existing rules and regulations on such issuances. The
issuance of Letters of Authority, in the case of the Tax Fraud Division, may be
dispensed with when so warranted by the circumstance of the case, provided that
the taxpayer shall be noticed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue that his
internal revenue tax liabilities are under investigation or that the report thereon
has been submitted.
3. Formal Fraud Investigation:
(a) Whenever there appears to be a need for a formal tax fraud

investigation of a particular taxpayer, a work plan must be prepared in
accordance with the following guidelines:
(1) Review all available information;
(2) Determine the objectives of the investigation;
(a) Development of criminal tax case;
(b) Deciding the particular provision of the NIRC

allegedly violated and asking by whom, when, where, and by what
means. Were Revenue Regulations, Revenue Memorandum
Circulars or BIR Rulings and Issuances also violated or involved;
(c) Understanding clearly the elements of the offense.
(3) If it is an investigation referred by an informant, recontact

and obtain detailed information about the origin of the case, who has
been talked to, what was said, available records, etc. Re-interview the
person who initially provided the information or made a the allegation.
(4) Determine the following:
(a) Information that is needed;
(b) Relative importance of the desired information;
(c) Best sources of information; and
(d) Best sequences for making the necessary inquiries.
(5) Gather background information:
(a) Obtain as much information as possible on the
suspect;
(b) Obtain tax return Revenue District Offices

concerned;
(c) Obtain pertinent records such as General

Information Sheet Articles of Incorporations, Constitution and
By-Laws, Financial other information from Bureau of Domestic
Trade, Department of Trade and industry and other government
agencies.
(6) In conclusion, decide if an examination of the taxpayer's

books of accounts is warranted and the best method of proof.
G. PREPARATION AND ASSEMBLY OF REPORTS FOR FRAUD CASES
(1) Planning the report:
Before starting to write a report, the should have in mind a definite

outline of the arrangement in which the facts and evidence may be presented in
the most effective manner. A good general plan is to state the problem, present
the results of the investigation, and set forth the conclusion and
recommendations.
(2) Assembly of a report:
A report should be assembled in the following manner:
(a) Table of Contents
The table of contents should indicate the subject matter, and page
number in the docket, to provide quick reference to important features of
the case.
(b) Body of the Report
The format of the report must more or less contain the following
information and presentation whenever it is necessary:
b-1 Name and Address of Taxpayer
b-2 Tax periods involved in the investigation
b-3 Returns filed and statute of limitations
b-4 Type of violation - indicate the pertinent provisions of the

Tax Code violated.
b-5 Origin of the case
b-6 Name and Titles of cooperating BIR officers;
b-7 Letter of Authority number, date issued, issuing of officer
b-8 Date of taxpayer was first contracted by the examiners
b-9 Representatives of the taxpayer
b-10 Brief description of the method used in the evasion or other

violation.
b-11 Related cases
b-12 Summary of facts determined during the investigation
Explanations on the evidence in support of the tax

deficiency
Explanations on the evidence in support of the

criminal aspect
b-13 Explanation and defense of taxpayer
b-14 Conclusion and recommendations
The body of the report should contain a reference to the

appendices or worksheets and schedules, the appendices should contain a
reference to exhibits which consist of supporting documents. For
example: "Appendix A is a summary of the unreported receipts from
sales, and Exhibits 8 to 25 are copies of documents in support thereof"
Important matters in the exhibits generally should be explained in the
report. However, if a document is of the nature that it is adequately
described in an appendix no further explanation is necessary. When
mentioning or referring to a document that is submitted as an exhibit,
including the written statement of a witness, insert the exhibit number in
parenthesis immediately following the reference.
The examiner, before beginning his report, should arrange the
proposed appendices and exhibits in the order of his planned presentation
of facts and evidence, and then he prepares his report discussing the
appendices and exhibits in that order. When the report is completed, the
exhibits should be assembled in the order in which they are originally
mentioned in the report, and they should be numbered for easy reference.
(c) List of Witnesses and Exhibits
The list of witnesses is an essential part of a report in a criminal

case. The witness may be listed in alphabetical order, or in the order in
which they are mentioned in the report, or in the probable order of their
appearance in the trial. Give each witness a number. Give each piece of
evidence and the witness proposed testimony a separate exhibit number.
(For example, please see Annex "A-2")
(d) Appendices, Worksheets and Schedules
Appendices, worksheets and schedules should be arranged in the

order of presentation facts and evidence of the case. And they should be
numbered for easy reference. (For sample, please see Annex "A-3")
ANNEX "A-1"
PRO-FORMA STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND NETWORTH
(Revised to conform to recent laws)
PARTICULARS Dec. 31, 1993 Dec. 31, 1994
ASSETS (Net of Depreciation)
1. Cash on Hand ** Pxxxx Pxxxx

2. Cash in Banks xxxx xxxx
3. Accounts, Notes & Loans Receivable xxxx xxxx
4. Mortgage Receivable xxxx xxxx
5. Investments xxxx xxxx
6. Real Property Land xxxx xxxx
7. Real Property Improvements xxxx xxxx
8. Motor Vehicles xxxx xxxx
9. Inventory at the end xxxx xxxx
10. Furniture/Fixtures xxxx xxxx
11. Personal Properties xxxx xxxx
12. Other Assets xxxx xxxx

Total Assets Pxxxx Pxxxx
LIABILITIES
1. Accounts, Notes & Loans Payable Pxxxx Pxxxx
2. Mortgage, Payable xxxx xxxx
3. Other Liabilities xxxx xxxx

Total Liabilities Pxxxx Pxxxx

Net Worth at the End Pxxxx Pxxxx
====== =======
Less:
Net Worth at the Beginning xxxx

Increase (Deceased) in Net Worth Pxxxx
** Supported by accompanying Cash Analysis Schedule
Add: Non-deductible Items
1. Personal, living and family expenses Pxxxx

2. Insurance premiums xxxx
3. Income tax payments xxxx
4. Gifts to others xxxx
5. Non-deductible expenses, taxes and
contributions not directly connected with
business of taxpayer xxxx
6. Net capital loss xxxx
7. Amnesty tax payments xxxx
8. Estate and Donor's taxes xxxx
9. Final tax payments xxxx
10. Other expenses which are non-deductible xxxx

Total Non-deductible Items Pxxxx

Net Income before further adjustments Pxxxx

Less: Non-taxable items and income and

proceeds subjected to final tax:
1. Gifts, donations & Inheritance received Pxxxx

2. Non-taxable capital gains xxxx
3. Backpay/Pensions non-taxable xxxx
4. Proceeds of Life Insurance Policy xxxx
5. Non-taxable stock dividends (provided stocks
are reflected in Assets) xxxx
6. Pensions received under RA 4917 (private firms) xxxx
7. Retirement pay from GSIS and SSS xxxx
8. Non-recognized gains from exchanges of
property under Sec. 34(c)(2) of the Tax
code of 1988 xxxx
9. GSIS Cash Dividends xxxx
10. Social Security benefits received from
foreign government and institution (per PD 220) xxxx
11. Other non-taxable items (such as those
excluded under Sec. 28(b) of NIRC of 1988, those
subjected to final tax such as foreign earnings
by a non-resident Filipino, royalties, prizes,
yields on deposits, dividends, share in profits
of taxable partnership, etc., per Sec. 21(b),
Sec. 21(c), Sec. 22(2) of NIRC of 1988.) xxxx
12. Other exempt income xxxx
13. Proceeds of sale of Real Estate subjected to
final tax under Sec. 21(e) of the Tax Code
of 1988 xxxx

Total Non-taxable items Pxxxx

Adjusted Net Income as per Investigation Pxxxx

Less: Statutory exemptions:
Personal & additional exemption xxxx

NET INCOME SUBJECT TO TAX xxxx
Income tax due thereon xxxx

Less: Amount previously paid xxxx

Deficiency income tax still due Pxxxx
Add: 50% surcharges, if fraud can be proven xxxx
5% surcharges for late payment xxxx

Total amount due, exclusive of interest Pxxxx
=======
CASH ANALYSIS
(Revised to conform with provisions of recent laws)
- 1994 -
Source of Funds
Cash on hand and in bank at the beginning P xxxx

Add: 1. Cash received from business (sales) P xxxx
2.Collection of receivables xxxx
3.Proceeds of loans and mortgages xxxx
4.Proceeds of life insurance policies xxxx
5.Proceeds from sale of property, real or personal xxxx
6.Cash gifts, bequests and inheritance received xxxx
7.Non-fund deductions (depreciation
and provision for bad debts) xxxx
8.Backpay, pensions, benefits, gratuities received xxxx
9.Cash dividends & interest income xxxx
10.Wagering gains xxxx
11.Receipt of cash from any other source xxxx xxxx

Total Available Funds for the Year P xxxx
Less: Application of Funds

*1.Cash purchases & business expenses xxxx
2.Cash paid for assets/property, real
or personal (full payment of installment) xxxx
3.Payments of loans, notes &
mortgage payable xxxx
4.Section 30(c)(1)(A to D)
(non-deductible items) xxxx
5.Section 31(a) cash disbursement:
a. Personal, living or family expenses xxxx
b. Capital expenditures xxxx
c. Premiums paid on life insurance xxxx
6.Cash disbursement of any kind xxxx
7.Cash on hand and in bank at the end xxxx xxxx

CASH ON HAND AT THE END AS
RECONSTRUCTED P xxxx
======
*7 Source: This item should be included as a contra account to Item No. 1 of

Application of Funds if it includes non-cash deductions such as depreciation, bad debts,
applications of deferred items.
Thus, if item 1 of Application of Founds does not reflect non-cash deductions, there is
no necessity to include Item 7 to Sources of Funds.
ANNEX "A-2"
SAMPLE
LIST OF WITNESSES and EXHIBIT

SING and FURR, INC.
No. 24 Changi Street, Manila
EXHIBIT REF.
W1 Atty. ROBY CAPULON 1 PP. 66-72 1990 ITR and
Bureau of Internal Attachments
Revenue District
Officer RDO No. XX, 2 PP. 73-80 1991 ITR and
Manila Attachments
Tel. No. 315-62-22
W2 Atty. CARLS MIRANDA JR. 1 PP. 81-83 Memorandum of

Bureau of Internal Revenue Interview
Intelligence Officer with Joel
Special Investigation Div. Cruz,
Revenue Region X, Manila accountant of
Tel. No. 61-24-08 SING and FURR
INC. dated
July 12, 1994
2 P. 84 APPENDIX A
Computation
of unreported
Gross Receipt
1990, 1991
3 P. 85 APPENDIX B
Computation
Adjusted
Taxable Income
1990, 1991
4 P. 86 APPENDIX C
Computation
of Deficiency
Taxes 1990,
1991
W3 ANJIE FARUMOG 1 P. 12 Affidavit dated
Manager FLORR, INC. August 4, 1994
125 ABC St. QC 2 P. 13 Confirmation letter
Tel. No. 40-15-24 dated June 6, 1994
W4 RUSSEL ROMULO 1 P. 14 Worksheet-Summary

Owner, DELL, INC
of Payments made on
80 XYZ St. Cubao Services rendered by
Tel. No. 62-12-43 SING and FURR,
INC.
2 PP. 15-20 Cancelled checks
Payable to SING and
FURR, INC.
3 P. 21 Memorandum of
Interview dated
September 10, 1994
W5 EMILLE FRENILLE 1 P. 22 Worksheet-Summary

Comptroller, of Gross Payments
CONTEMPLATE CORP. made to SING and
17 Sta. Cruz, San Pablo, FURR, INC.
Laguna, Tel. No. 143-62 2 P.23-30 Certified Copies of
Invoices of SING and
FURR, INC.
3 PP. 31-36 Cancelled Checks
Payable to SING and
FURR, INC.
W6 SANDREX DUTERTE 1 P. 38 Worksheet-Summary

Manager, MAGGS ENT. of Payments to
317 Davao St. Manila SING and FURR,
Tel. No. 60-45-01 INC.
2 P. 39-46 Certified Copies and
FURR, INC.
3 PP. 47-53 Certified Copies of
Official receipts of
SING and FURR,
INC.
ANNEX "A-3"
SAMPLE
APPENDIX A
COMPUTATION OF UNREPORTED GROSS RECEIPTS 1990, 1991
SING and FURR, INC.
ITEM 1990 1991 WITNESS EXHIBIT REFERENCE DESCRIPTION
NO. OF
EVIDENCE
FLORR INC. 160,000.00 190,000.00 ANJIE FARUMOR W3-1 P. 12 Affidavit

Manager, FLORR INC. W3-2 P. 13 Confirmation
Letter
DELL INC. 9000,000 1200,0000 RUSSELL ROMULO W4-1 P.14 Worksheet

Owner, DELL INC. W4-2P P. 15-20 Cancelled
Checks
W4-3 P. 21 Memorandum
CONTEMPLATE
CORP. 1000,0000 1600,0000 EMILLE FRENILLE W5-1 P. 22 Worksheet
Comptroller W5-2P P. 23-30 Invoices
CONTEMPLATE
CORP. W5-3 PP. 31-36 Cancelled
Checks
MAGGS ENTER-
PRISE 500,0000 75,000.00 SANDREX DUTERTE W6-1 P. 38 Worksheet
Manager, MAGGS
ENT. W6-2 PP. 39-46 Invoices
W6-3P P. 47-53 Official

Receipts
GROSS RECEIPTS
PER INVESTI-
GATION 4000,0000 545,000.000
REPORTED GROSS Atty. ROBY CAPU-

RECEIPT LON W1-1P P. 66-72 1990 ITR
(160,000.00) (1900,0000) Rev. District Off. W1-2P P. 73-80 1991 ITR

UNREPORTED RDO No. XX, Manila
GROSS
RECEIPTS 240,000.00 35,5000.00 TO APPENDIX B
ANNEX "A-3"
SAMPLE
APPENDIX B
COMPUTATION OF ADJUSTED TAXABLE INCOME 1990 & 1991
SING and FURR, INC.
ITEM 1990 1991 WITNESS EXHIBIT REFERENCE DESCRIPTION

(Particulars) NO. EVIDENCE
REPORTED 960,0000 P117,800.00 Atty. ROBY W1-1,2 PP. 66-80 1990, 1991
TAXABLE CAPULON ITRs
INCOME Rev. District Off.
RDO No. XX, Mla.
ADD: UNRE-
PORTED
GROSS RE-
CEIPTS 240,000.00 355,000.00 Atty. CARLS APPENDIX P. 84 Computation of
MIRANDA, JR. A Unreported
Intelligence Officer Gross Receipts
SUB-TOTAL 336,000.00 472,800.00
LESS: ADDITIONAL
OR DEDUCTIONS

ADJUSTED P336,000.00 P4728,00.00 TO APPENDIX C
TAXABLE
INCOME ======== ========
ANNEX "A-3"
SAMPLE
APPENDIX C
COMPUTATION OF DEFICIENCY TAXES 1990, 1991
SING and FURR, INC.
ITEM EXHIBIT REFERENCE

(Particulars) 1990 1991 WITNESS NO.
ADJUSTED
TAXABLE
INCOME 336,000.00 472,000.00 Atty. CARLS MIRANDA, JR. APPENDIX P.85
Intelligence Officer B

INCOME TAX

INC. TAX Due
Thereon 117,600.00 165,480.00
Less: TAX Due/
Return 336,00.00 41,230.00 Atty. ROBY CAPULON W1-1,2 PP. 66-80
Rev. District Off.
BASIC TAX 84,000.00 124,250.00 RDO No. XX, Mla.

ADD: 25% SUR-
CHARGE 21,000.00 31,062.50
50% SUR-
CHARGE 42,000.00 62,125.00
========== =========
June 1, 1998 June 1, 1998
REVENUE MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 53-98
SUBJECT : Checklist of Documents to be Submitted by a Taxpayer upon Audit

of his Tax Liabilities as well as of the Mandatory Reporting
Requirements to be Prepared by a Revenue Officer, all of which
Comprise a Complete Tax Docket
TO : All Internal Revenue Officers, Employees and Others Concerned
I. BACKGROUND
It has been observed that for the same kind of tax audit case, Revenue Officers differ
in their request for requirements from taxpayers as well as in the attachments to the dockets
resulting to tremendous complaints from taxpayers and confusion among tax auditors and
reviewers. cdphil
For equity and uniformity, this Bureau comes up with a prescribed list of requirements
from taxpayers, per kind of tax, as well as of the internally prepared reporting requirements,
all of which comprise a complete tax docket.
II. OBJECTIVE
This order is issued to:
a. Identify the documents to be required from a taxpayer during audit,

according to particular kind of tax; and
b. Identify the different audit reporting requirements to be prepared,

submitted and attached to a tax audit docket.
III. LIST OF REQUIREMENTS PER TAX TYPE
Income Tax/ Withholding Tax

Annex A (3 pages)
Value Added Tax

Annex B (2 pages)
Annex B-1 (5 pages)
Percentage Tax
Annex C (2 pages)
Documentary Stamp Tax

Annex D (1 page)
Estate Tax
Annex E (4 pages)
Donor's Tax
Annex F (2 pages)
Withholding Tax Remittance Return/Capital Gains Tax Return/Documentary Stamp

Tax (For transactions involving onerous transfer of real property)
Annex G (2 pages)
Capital Gain's Tax Return/Documentary Stamp Tax (For transactions involving

onerous transfer of shares of stock not traded through a local stock exchange)
Annex H (1 page)
Withholding Tax Remittance Return/Capital Gains Tax Return (For transactions

involving onerous transfer of motor vehicles)
Annex I (1 page)
It is to be emphasized that before a docket be released by an investigating

office, each and every page thereof be consecutively numbered.
It is worth mentioning, likewise, that an investigating Revenue Officer/Tax

Auditor must always request for the presentation of books of accounts, and
accounting/business records, specifically, records affecting the income, receipts,
deductions, estate and other taxable transaction of a taxpayer during the audit . LibLex
IV. REPEALING CLAUSE
All existing issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent herewith are hereby
repealed.
V. EFFECTIVITY
This order takes effect immediately. cda
(SGD.) LIWAYWAY VINZONS-CHATO

Commissioner of Internal Revenue
ANNEX A
INCOME TAX/WITHHOLDING TAX
A) Requirements from Taxpayer
1) Certified Financial Statements, including comparative Profit and Loss

Statement with Statement of Cost of Goods Manufactured and Sold, if
applicable
2) Proof of claimed tax credit/s, if applicable
3) Proof of the claimed "Interest Expense", if applicable
4) Proof of claimed Bad Debts/worthlessness of credits, if applicable
5) Reconciliation of "Book Income" and "Taxable Income"
6) Certificate of Registration issued by the appropriate regulatory agency,
together with the conditions attached to such registration, if applicable
7) Proof of Exemption under special laws, if applicable
8) Certification of the appropriate regulatory agency as to taxpayer's
entitlement to tax incentives, if applicable
9) Xerox copy of used Tax Credit Certificate with annotation of issued
TDM at the back, if applicable
10) Proof of payment of deficiency tax, if any/applicable
a) current year/period
b) previous year/period
11) Reports submitted to applicable regulatory agency that reflects the
financial condition and result of operation of the taxpayer e.g., Annual
Statement prepared by insurance companies submitted to the Insurance
Commission etc., if applicable
B.) Reporting Requirements to be prepared and/or submitted by the Revenue Officers
1) Letter of Authority/Audit Notice

2) Duly filed Income Tax Return with all the required attachments (Account
Information Form, Schedule of Taxes and Licenses, Schedule of Income
Producing Properties, Schedule of Depreciation, Breakdown of Selling
and Administrative Expenses, etc.).
3) Proof of payment of the tax, including Tax Debit Memo/TCC
4) Quarterly Income Tax Returns
5) Proof of payment of second installment INCOME TAX, if applicable
6) Beginning and Ending Inventory List, if material/applicable
7) Notice of Loss; Proof of claimed Losses, if applicable
8) Duly validated Monthly Withholding Tax Returns
9) Duly validated Quarterly Withholding Tax Returns, if applicable
10) Duly validated Annual Withholding Tax Returns together with the
required attachments (Alpha List)
11) Duly received Information Returns
12) Form 1717 Series / Form 0500 Series (Audit Reports)
13) Narrative Memorandum Report
14) Revenue Officer's Activity Report / Log Sheet
15) Table of Contents
16) Working Papers of the monthly debit and credit balances of all accounts
duly signed by the Tax Auditors/Revenue Officers
17) Working Papers showing computation of income and/or withholding
taxes due duly signed by the Tax Auditors/Revenue Officers
18) Schedule of Advances
19) Schedule of Interest Expense and Loans / Notes Payable (mention the
creditor/s, date contracted/granted, principal loan, interest rate and
interest expense), if applicable
20) Schedule of Bad Debts, if applicable
21) Schedule of Loss, if applicable
22) Schedule of Advances from Officers and Stockholders, if applicable
23) Schedule of Advances to Officers and Stockholders, if applicable
24) Schedule of Miscellaneous Income, if material/applicable
25) Schedule of Miscellaneous Expense, if material/applicable
26) Schedule of Interest Income (give details as to source/s and amount), if
material/applicable
27) Schedule of Other Receivables/Miscellaneous Receivables, if
material/applicable
28) Schedule of Other Payables, if material/applicable
29) Computation of Realized Gross Profit and Unrealized Gross Profit, if the
taxpayer is engaged in the business of selling real estate, whether by
installment or lump sum
30) Computation of Realized Gross Profit and Unrealized Gross Profit, if the
taxpayer is engaged in the business of selling personal properties by
installment
31) Computation of Gross Income from Contracts, if the taxpayer is engaged
in "Construction Business"
32) Detailed reconciliation of "Book Income" and "Taxable Income", if
necessary
33) Reconciliation of the Financial Statements' figures with the Withholding
Tax Returns' and Information Returns' figures
34) Checklist of audit procedures undertaken
35) Agreement Form (for agreed assessment)
36) Notice for an Informal Conference/Post Reporting Notice with the
summary of findings (for non-agreed assessment)
37) Comparative Report of Deficiency Tax Paid/Assessed, if applicable
38) Docket Locator Form
39) Delinquency Verification Report (for Claims for Refund / TCC )
40) Authority to Issue Refund / TCC ( for Claims for Refund / TCC )
41) Breakdown of Control Accounts, if applicable
42) Certification by the Revenue District Office, that he could not locate the
BIR copy of the tax return etc., if applicable
43) Result of Tax Mapping Program or Third Party Information Program for
LAs/Audit Notices issued thereunder
Note:
In case of non-availability of documents from RDO / RDC mentioned in B.2 - B.11,
request photocopies thereof from taxpayer LLjur
ANNEX B-1
VALUE-ADDED TAX
(For audit involving Claim for Refund / TCC)
A.) Requirements from Taxpayer
I. Requirements mentioned in Annex B
II. Additional General Requirements
1) 3 copies of "Application for VAT Credit / Refund"
2) Summary List of Local Purchases specifying the following:
Registered VAT Amount Total

Name of Number Invoice Date of OR Date of Input Invoice
Supplier of Supplier Number Invoice No. of OR Purchase Tax Amount
3) Photocopies of VAT purchase invoices for purchase of goods and

official receipts for purchase of services. (The invoices/official
receipts must be arranged according to the summary list)
4) Summary of importations made during the period with the

following details:
Date of AWB/ Date of Total Date of O.R.

Invoice Supplier Item BL No. Arrival Value Payment No. VAT
5) Photocopies of invoices, import entry documents, official receipts

or confirmation receipts evidencing payment of VAT. (Segregate
documents paid by cash from those paid by tax debit memo)
6) VAT Returns filed for the quarter showing that the amount
applied for refund/TCC has been reflected as a deduction from
the total available input tax, as well as VAT Return for the
succeeding quarter
7) Certification of taxpayer showing the amount of Zero-rated Sales,

Taxable Sales and Exempt Sales
8) A statement showing the amount and description of the sale of

goods and services, name of persons or entities (except in case of
exports) to whom the goods or services were sold and date of the
transaction, where the applicant 's zero-rated transactions are
regulated by certain government agency
9) Articles of Incorporation for first time filers
10) Sales Contract/Agreement
11) BOI Certificate of Registration
12) BIR Certificate of Registration
13) Certification from BOI, DOF, BOC, EPZA, etc., that subject
taxpayer has not filed similar claim for refund covering the same
period
14) Sworn statement that ending inventory as of the close of the

period covered by the Claim has been used directly or indirectly in
the products subsequently exported as supported by export
documents, if the applicant is 100% exporter
15) Documents of liquidation evidencing the actual utilization of the

raw materials in the manufacture of goods at least 70% of which
has been actually exported, if the applicant is an indirect exporter
16) Copy of the ITR and Certified Financial Statements, if applicable
17) Beginning and ending inventory of raw materials,

work-in-process, finished goods, supplies and materials
III. Additional Specific Requirements
1) For Export Sales (Semi-conductor companies, garments, food

etc.)
a. sales invoice number, name of buyer, airway bill / bill of
lading number, lading date, amount of sales in foreign
currency, peso value of sales, conversion rate, date of
remittance, bank credit memo number and amounted
remitted in pesos
b. Photocopies of export documents:
1) Invoices/ receipts evidencing sale of goods, as well as the

name of the person to whom the goods were delivered
with respect to foreign currency denominated sales
2) export declaration/permit
c. accredited agent bank showing that the proceeds of the

sale in acceptable foreign currency had been inwardly
remitted and accounted for in accordance with BSP rules
and regulations. The statement should also show the
amount in foreign currency of the export proceeds or
consideration, date of export, date of inward remittance,
conversion rate into Philippine currency and the total peso
value thereof.
2. For Zero-Rated Sale of Services (contractors, mining, etc.)
a. Authenticated copy/ies of the contract/s showing the

person/s for whom the services were rendered, amount of
consideration, description of the services and documents
evidencing actual payments
b. Photocopies of official receipts and billings together with

a summary of the date of billing, name of principal, official
receipt number, date of receipt, amount in foreign
currency and the corresponding value thereof, date of
remittance, name of bank, bank credit memo number and
amount remitted in pesos
c. Bank credit memoranda and certificate from the BSP with

information similar to 1-c (export sales)
Additional Requirements for Manning Services:
a) Monthly BSP report on income of agency received
b) Breakdown of gross foreign receipts specifying the nature

of foreign currency received (e.g. Commission, allotment
manning fee, agency fee, advances, etc.) showing the total
foreign currency value with its peso equivalent, bank
credit memo number, name of bank and date of remittance
pred
3) Effectively zero-rated sale of goods (mining, etc.)/services

(contractors, etc.)
a) Summary of Sales invoices/receipts showing the name of

the person entity to whom the sale of goods or services
were delivered, order of delivery, amount of consideration
and description of goods or services delivered (RR 6-89
and RMC 2-90)
b) Reconciliation of billings against payment
c) Evidence of actual receipt of goods and services
Additional Requirements for Mining Companies:
a) Reconciliation of billings against actual collection
b) Operating agreement with owner of mining claims, if

applicable
4) Purchase of Capital Goods
a) Original copies of invoices/receipts showing the date of

purchase, purchase price, amount of value-added tax paid
and description of the capital equipment locally purchased
b) On imported capital goods
1) Photocopy of import entry documents and official

receipts/confirmation receipts of payment issued by the
Bureau of Customs for value-added tax paid
B.) Reporting Requirements to be prepared and/or submitted by the Revenue

Officers
I. Requirements mentioned in Annex B
II. Additional Requirements (All the requirements mentioned above)
Note:

request photocopies thereof from taxpayer
ANNEX C
OTHER PERCENTAGE TAXES
1) Proof of claimed tax credits

2) Proof of payment of the tax
3) Xerox copy of used Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) with annotation of
issued Tax Debit Memo (TDM) at the back
4) Proof of payment of deficiency tax
5) Certification of the appropriate government agency as to taxpayer's
entitlement to tax incentives, if applicable
6) Certificate of Registration issued by the appropriate regulatory agency,
together with the conditions attached to such registration, if applicable
7) Certification of the appropriate regulatory agency as to the exempt sales
of the taxpayer under its regulatory supervision, if applicable
8) Proof of exemption under special law, if applicable
9) Sample invoice for "Exempt Sales", if applicable
B) Reporting Requirements to be prepared and/or submitted by the Revenue Officers
1) Letter of Authority / Audit Notice

2) Duly validated Percentage Tax Returns, including all the attachments
thereto
3) Tax Debit Memo applied, if applicable
4) Form 1717 series / 0500 series (Audit Reports)
5) Narrative Memorandum Report
6) Revenue Officer's Activity Report/Log Sheet
8) Working papers showing the computation of the taxable receipts/sales
(tax base) and percentage tax due duly signed by the Tax
Auditors/Revenue Officers cda
9) Reconciliation of Financial Statements' figures and Percentage Tax

Returns' figures
10) Schedule of Exempt Sales/Transactions, if applicable
13) Post Reporting Notice/Notice for an Informal Conference with the
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS (for non-agreed assessment)
14) Comparative Report of Deficiency Tax Paid/Assessed, if applicable
16) Delinquency Verification Report (For Claims for Refund/TCC)
17) Authority to Issue Refund/TCC (For Claims for Refund/TCC)
Note:

ANNEX D
DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX

2) Xerox copy of used Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) with annotation of
issued TDM at the back, if applicable
3) Proof of Exemption under special laws, if applicable
4) Proof of payment of deficiency tax, if any
1) Duly filed Documentary Stamp Tax Declaration

2) Duly filed Documentary Stamp Tax Return
3) Tax Debit Memo, if applicable
4) Duly received Information Returns for Documentary Stamp Tax
5) Letter of Authority / Audit Notice
6) Form 1717 Series / Form 0500 Series (Audit Reports)
7) Narrative Memo Report
8) Revenue Officer's Activity Report / Log Sheet
10) Working Papers showing details and computation of tax base duly signed
by Tax Auditors/Revenue Officers
11) Working Papers showing computation of Documentary Stamps Tax Due
duly signed by Tax Auditors/Revenue Officers
14) Notice for an Informal Conference / Post Reporting Notice with the
Summary of Findings (for non-agreed assessment)
15) Comparative Report of Deficiency Tax Paid / Assessed
Note:

request photocopies thereof from taxpayer cdasia
ANNEX E
ESTATE TAX
I. General
1) Certified true copy of the DEATH CERTIFICATE

2) NOTICE OF DEATH duly received by the BIR, if the gross
taxable estate exceeds P20,000 for deaths occurring on or after
Jan. 1, 1998; or if the gross taxable estate exceeds P3,000 for
deaths occurring prior to Jan. 1, 1998
3) DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE
ESTATE, if the estate is settled extrajudicially
4) SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY, if applicable
5) COURT ORDER/DECISION, if the estate is settled judicially
6) A certified copy of the schedule of partition of the estate and the
order of the court approving the same, if applicable
7) Statement of the names of the executor, administrator and/or
heirs, with their respective addresses, who may be made liable for
unpaid assessment
8) Income Tax Returns with all the needed attachments, and duly
certified Financial Statements covering transactions in the year of
death and one (1) year prior to the date of death
9) Copy of the decedent's life insurance policy, if applicable
10) Proof that the transfer of property is from a fiduciary heir or
legatee to the fideicommissary, if applicable
11) Proof that the transfer of property is from a first heir, legatee or
donee to a beneficiary designated by the first heir's predecessor, if
applicable LLphil
12) Proof that the transfer of property is to a social welfare, cultural

and charitable institutions, no part of the net income of which
inures to the benefit of any individual and that not more than 30%
of the transferred property is used by such institution for
administration purposes, if applicable
13) Proof of deficiency tax payment, if any
14) Requirements in the investigation of other internal revenue taxes,
if they are covered by the tax audit
II. Real Property
1) Certified true copy/ies of the Transfer/Original/Condominium

Certificate of Title/s of real property/ies (front and back pages);
2) Certified true copy of the latest Tax Declaration at the time of
death;
3) "Certificate of No Improvement" issued by the Assessor's Office
where properties have no declared improvement;
4) Certification from the Municipal/City/Provincial Assessor's Office
as to the declared real properties in the name of the decedent
and/or his/her surviving spouse at the time of death;
III. Personal Property 1(1)
1) Certificate of Deposit/Investment/Indebtedness owned by the

decedent and the surviving spouse,
2) Certificate of registration of vehicles and other proofs showing
the correct value of the same,
3) Proof of valuation of shares of stocks at the time of death
For listed stocks newspapers clippings/certification from the
STOCK EXCHANGE
For unlisted stocks latest Financial Statements of issuing
corporation with computation of book value per share
4) Xerox copy of certificate of stocks
5) Proof of valuation of other types of personal property
IV. Allowable Deductions 2(2)
1) Certification of the Barangay Chairman as to the domicile of the

decedent at the time of his death, if FAMILY HOME is claimed
as a deduction;
2) Proof of CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE, if applicable
a) Certified true copy of the duly notarized promissory note
or contract of loan signed by the decedent and the
surviving spouse;
b) In case of advances made by individuals or corporation to
the decedent, copies of vouchers, cancelled checks,
contract of loan or other documents evidencing the
advances
c) Collection or demand letter of the creditor
d) Authenticated copy of the latest Balance Sheet of the
Corp.
e) Certification Under Oath as to the balance of the
decedent's account, signed by the President,
Vice-President or other responsible official of the
corporation, or the individual creditor
f) Certified true copy of a mortgage contract
g) Where settlement is made thru the Court, pertinent
documents filed with the court evidencing "claims against
the estate", or the court order approving the said claims, if
already issued;
h) Statement/accounting of disposition of the proceeds of the
loan, for loans incurred within 3 years prior to the death
of the decedent
3) Proof of Other Claimed Deductions
a) On property previously taxed or vanishing deductions a
copy of the duly bank validated estate/donor's tax return
and proof of payment of the tax on previous
transmission/transfer
b) On claims against insolvent person a copy of
insolvency proceedings / SEC Certification on dissolved
corporation (where the value of the decedent's interest is
included as part of the gross estate)
4) Proof of Claimed Tax Credit
5) Proof of Claimed Losses
6) Proof of Claimed Medical Expenses claimed
7) Proof of Claimed "Transfer for Public Purpose", if applicable
B.) Reporting Requirements to be prepared and/or submitted by Revenue Officers
1) Letter of Authority (LA)/Return Verification Order (RVO)/Audit Notice,

whichever is applicable
2) Duly validated Estate Tax Return
4) STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND DEDUCTION duly certified by an
independent CPA, if the gross taxable estate exceeds P2,000,000 for
deaths occurring on or after Jan. 1, 1998; or if the gross taxable estate
exceeds P50,000 for deaths that occurred prior to Jan. 1, 1998
5) Form 0500 series/Form 1717 Series (Audit Reports)
6) Narrative Memorandum Report, for cases covered by LA/Audit Notice
8) Table of Contents, for cases covered by LA/Audit Notice
9) Duly prepared Letter of Confirmation issued by the reviewing office
11) Certified photocopy of the zonal value of properties located outside of
the investigating region
12) Working papers reflecting items of gross estate and deductions duly
signed by Tax Auditors/Revenue Officers
13) Working papers showing computation of estate tax due duly signed by
Tax Auditors/Revenue Officers
14) Report of Ocular Inspection, if applicable
15) Detailed Schedule of deductions, if applicable
16) Reporting requirements for all the other internal revenue taxes, if they are
covered by the tax audit cdtai
Note:

1. if applicable
2. Proofs of all the claimed deductions must be presented to the Revenue Officer during
the original investigation and that only photocopies must be attached to the docket.
ANNEX F
DONOR'S TAX
I. General
1) Certification of the balance of mortgage assumed by the donee

2) Sworn statement of the relationship of the donor to the donee
3) Proof that the donee is a qualified relative of the donor, if the
donation is being taxed using the schedular rates. (e.g. BIRTH
CERTIFICATE)
4) Proof of exemption for exempt donations, if applicable
5) Proof of claimed tax credit, if applicable
6) Proof of claimed deductions, if applicable
7) Sworn statement that no other donations were made within the
same calendar year, if applicable;
II. Real Property

1) Certified true copy/ies of the Original/Transfer/Condominium
Certificate of Title ( front and back pages )
2) Certified true copy/ies of the latest Tax Declaration (front and
back pages)
3) "Certificate of No Improvement" issued by the Assessor's Office
where the property/ies have no declared improvements
III. Personal Property
1) Proof of valuation of shares of stock at the time of donation

a) For listed stocks newspaper clippings/certification
issued by the Stock Exchange as to the value per share
b) For unlisted stocks latest audited Financial Statements
of the issuing corporation with computation of the book
value per share
2) Certificate of Deposit/Investment/Indebtedness/Stocks for
donated cash and securities
3) Certificate of Registration of vehicle
4) Proof of valuation of vehicle
5) Proof of valuation of other types of personal properties
IV. Claimed Deductions
1) Proof of claimed deductions
1) Letter of Authority/Audit Notice/Return Verification Order, whichever is

applicable
2) Duly validated Tax Return
3) Proof of tax payment
4) Duly notarized Deed of Donation
5) Duly notarized Deed of Extra-judicial Settlement of the Estate with
waiver of rights, if the waiver is subject to donor's tax
6) Working papers showing the computation of gross donation and
deductions claimed, details of previous donations made within the same
calendar year and computation of deficiency tax due, if any, duly signed
by Tax Auditors/Revenue Officers
7) Form 1717 Series / Form 0500 Series (Audit Report)
8) Table of Contents, for cases covered by LA/Audit Notice
11) Post Reporting Notice/Notice for an Informal Conference with a
Summary of Findings (for non-agreed assessment)
13) Narrative Memorandum Report, for cases covered by LA/Audit Notice
14) Revenue Officer's Activity Report
15) Duly prepared Letter of Confirmation issued by the reviewing office
16) Certified photocopy of the zonal value of property/ies
18) Detailed schedule of claimed deductions, if applicable
Note:

ANNEX G
WITHHOLDING TAX REMITTANCE RETURN

(For transactions involving onerous transfer of Real Property
classified as ordinary asset, whether Taxable or Exempt)
CAPITAL GAIN'S TAX RETURN

(For transactions involving onerous transfer of Real Property
classified as capital asset, whether Taxable or Exempt)
DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX

2) Deed of Absolute Sale/Document of Transfer
3) Certified true copy of the Certificate of Title of the real property (front
and back pages )
4) Certified true copy of the latest Tax Declaration (front and back pages)
5) "Certificate of No-improvement" issued by the Assessor's Office, if the
property has no declared improvement
6) Special Power of Attorney, if applicable
7) Seller's latest Certificate of Registration with HLURB or HUDCC and
the latest LICENSE TO SELL, if applicable
8) Seller's latest Certificate of Accreditation issued by the appropriate Real
Estate Builders Association, if applicable
9) Certificate of Exemption from Withholding Tax/Capital Gains
Tax/Documentary Stamp Tax issued by the Commissioner of Internal
Revenue or his representative to the taxpayer, if applicable
10) Proof of Exempt Transfers, if applicable
11) Proof of deficiency tax paid, if any
12) Certificate of Non-productivity of ricefield and other agricultural lands
issued by the Barangay Captain, if applicable
13) Xerox copy of location plan, if applicable
1) Duly filed Tax Return/Tax Declaration

2) Return Verification Order (RVO)
3) Form 1717 Series/Form 0500 Series (Audit Report)
6) Working Papers showing computation of deficiency tax due duly signed
by the Revenue Officer
Note:
In case of non-availability of document from RDO / RDC mentioned in B.1, request

photocopy thereof from taxpayer
ANNEX H
CAPITAL GAINS TAX RETURN/DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX

(For transactions involving onerous transfer of shares of stock not traded through the
LOCAL STOCK EXCHANGE)

2) Deed of Absolute Sale/Document of Transfer
3) Proof of acquisition cost
4) Xerox copy of stock certificates
5) Proof of claimed selling expense
6) Xerox copy of the latest Financial Statements of the issuing corporation
with computation of the book value per share
1) Duly filed tax return/tax declaration

2) Working papers showing the composition of gross sales, acquisition
cost/book value of shares, selling expenses, realized gain and
computation of deficiency tax due, if any, duly signed by the Tax
Auditor/Revenue Officer
3) Form 1717 series/Form 0500 series ( Audit Report)
4) Return Verification Order (RVO)
6) Revenue Officer's Activity Report
Note:

photocopy thereof from taxpayer cda
ANNEX I
WITHHOLDING TAX REMITTANCE RETURN

(For transactions involving onerous transfer of motor vehicle
classified as ordinary asset)
CAPITAL GAINS TAX RETURN

(For transactions involving onerous transfer of motor vehicles
classified as capital asset)
1) Xerox copy of Certificate of Registration

2) Proof of valuation of the motor vehicles
3) Deed of Sale/Document of Transfer
1. Duly validated Tax Returns

2. Return Verification Order (RVO)
3. Form 1717 series/Form 0500 series (Audit Report)
4. Working paper showing computation of the tax due duly signed by the
Tax Auditor/Revenue Officer
5. Docket Locator Form
6. Revenue Officer's Activity Report
Note:

photocopy thereof from taxpayer
Endnotes
1 (Popup - Popup)
1. if applicable
2 (Popup - Popup)
2. Proofs of all the claimed deductions must be presented to the Revenue Officer during
the original investigation and that only photocopies must be attached to the docket.

Ramo 1-00

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ramo 1-00

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

March 17, 2000

REVENUE AUDIT MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 01-00

SUBJECT : Updated Handbook on Audit Procedures and Techniques

TO : All Internal Revenue Officers and Others Concerned

II. Quality Audit

The purpose of auditing a tax return is to determine the taxpayer's substantially

III. Reporting Requirements

(SGD.) DAKILA B. FONACIER

HANDBOOK ON AUDIT PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES

(Revision - Year 2000)

In order to utilize audit as an effective tool in the enhancement of voluntary

Nars P. Tamayo Acting Assistant Commissioner

Elvira R. Vera Acting Head Revenue Executive Assistant

ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS DIVISION

Leticia C. Batausa Officer-In-Charge

Ione S. Alejo Section Chief

Elenita V. Balonzo Section Chief

Cristina T. Billones Section Chief

Urania C. Salvacion Section Chief

Gladys M. Aquino Revenue Officer III

Dessie V. Garcia Revenue Officer II

Elmira C. Viray Revenue Officer I

Gean M. Dienzo Computer Operator I

Cristina V. Pangan Computer Operator I

Audit of Income Accounts

XII. Auditing Computer-Produced Records

A Revenue Tax Administration

Investigation supports the mission of the Bureau by enhancing a high degree of

1. Measuring the degree of voluntary compliance as reflected on filed returns;

2. Reducing non-compliance by identifying returns and taxpayers that need to be

3. Conducting quality audit of selected tax returns on a timely basis.

C. Contents of the Handbook

The Handbook is neither intended to provide a source of tax law or procedural

The other contents of the handbook include documentary requirements in the

II. Accounting Methods

The methods of accounting recognized under the Tax Code are:

A. Cash Basis is a method of accounting whereby all items of gross income

B. Accrual Basis is a method of accounting for income in the period it is earned

C. Completion of Contract Basis is an accounting method applicable to contractors

D. Percentage of Completion Basis is a method applicable in the case of a building,

In such case, the return should be accompanied by a certificate of the architect or

E. Installment Basis is a method considered appropriate when collections extend

F. Crop Year Basis is a method applicable only to farmers engaged in the

1. Creditable income tax (asset)

3. Withholding tax payable-Compensation (liability)

4. Withholding tax payable-Expanded Withholding Tax (EWT) (liability)

5. VAT output tax (liability)

III. Bookkeeping Systems

A. Single Entry System of bookkeeping is basically a type of "net worth" method of

A single entry system may be merely a chronological record of transactions posted in a

Assets = Liabilities + Capital

IV. Accounting Records

Below are the regular accounting records being used by taxpayers:

Journal consists of the following:

2. Purchase Journal. This is a book used to record exclusively all transactions

The business document that serves as evidence of a purchase transaction is the

An entry to record charge purchases is a debit to Purchases and a credit to Accounts

Types of this book are the following:

3. Unusual by nature An entry in a ledger account may be unusual by nature

All corporations, companies, partnerships or persons required by law to pay internal

D. Computerized Accounting System. This method of accounting is now being used

Types of System under this method are the following:

1. Simple System. Transactions are easily traced in a small computer system