New BIR chief to conduct inventory of tax evasion cases

MANILA, Philippines - Newly installed Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares announced yesterday that she would conduct an inventory of all tax evasion cases in an effort to go after tax cheats.

Henares said during a press conference that the agency would maintain the P830 billion-collection target in taxes this year.

“The P830 billion full-year target is something we have to live with,” Henares said.

Henares said one of the first things she intends to do is to have an inventory of letters of authorities or investigations concerning tax evasion cases.

She said she wants to immediately look at cases that the agency could file against tax evaders.

Henares said she wants to simplify the process and lower cost for taxpayers to encourage them to comply with tax laws so they will no longer have any excuse to evade taxes.

She is the 36th BIR commissioner who replaced Joel Tan-Torres, the bureau’s chief for seven months.

Henares had previously worked with the BIR where she was employed from August 2003 to November 2005.

She once held the position of deputy commissioner of the Special Concerns Group and officer-in-charge of the Large Taxpayers Service.

Henares is a lawyer and a certified public accountant. She graduated from the De La Salle University in 1981 with a degree in accounting, and obtained her law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University.