Tax filing and RATE

While most taxpayers are busy complying with their tax-filing deadlines ahead of April 15, allow me to highlight the importance of the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) Program initiated by the Department of Finance (DoF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in 2005.

RATE mandates the BIR to investigate violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended, and assist in prosecuting criminal cases that will serve as a great deterrent, enhance voluntary compliance and promote public confidence in the tax system. As its name makes clear, the program aims to run after those who avoid paying taxes or commit tax fraud, i.e., using illegal or fraudulent means to defeat or lessen their tax payments.