Preparing for an LGU (Local Government Unit) or BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) inspection

πŸ“‹ Complete Checklist for LGU & BIR Office Inspection in the Philippines

June 20, 2025β€’4 min read

Preparing for an LGU (Local Government Unit) or BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) inspection? πŸ’βœ”οΈ Don’t stress! We’ve got you covered with this ultimate compliance checklist to ensure your business passes smoothly.

Published Date: September 08, 2024

Published By: Jac Cantos, Upcloud Accounting


πŸ” Why Are These Inspections Important?

Regular inspections ensure your business complies with tax laws, safety regulations, and local ordinances. Failure to prepare can lead to penalties, fines, or even business closure! 🚨

βœ… LGU Inspection – Checks if you have a valid Mayor’s Permit, barangay clearance, and other local permits.
βœ… BIR Inspection – Verifies tax compliance, proper invoicing, and accurate bookkeeping.


πŸ“‘ Documents to Prepare for LGU Inspection

1. Business Registration & Permits

πŸ“„ Business Permit / Mayor’s Permit (Original & Copy)

➑️ Legal Basis: Local Government Code (RA 7160), Sec. 143 & 147


πŸ“„ Barangay Clearance (Updated)

➑️ Legal Basis: RA 7160, Sec. 152 (Businesses must register with the barangay)


πŸ“„ DTI Registration (Sole Proprietorship) or SEC Registration (Corporations)

2. Location & Safety Compliance

🏒 Lease Contract or Proof of Business Address

πŸ”₯ Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC)

➑️ Legal Basis: Fire Code (RA 9514), Sec. 9


🚰 Sanitary Permit (For food businesses)

➑️ Legal Basis: Sanitation Code (PD 856), Sec. 12

πŸšͺ Occupancy Permit (If applicable)

➑️ Legal Basis: National Building Code (PD 1096), Sec. 301

3. Employee & Tax Records

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) of Owner/Representative
πŸ“‹ SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Employee Contributions

πŸ“Œ Pro Tip: Display your Business Permit & Barangay Clearance visibly in your office!


πŸ’° Documents to Prepare for BIR Inspection

1. BIR Registration & Tax Filings

πŸ“‘ BIR Certificate of Registration (COR) – Form 2303

➑️ Legal Basis: Tax Code (NIRC / RA 8424), Sec. 236

2. Bookkeeping & Invoicing

πŸ“’ Books of Accounts (BIR-stamped if manual)

➑️ Legal Basis: RR No. 17-2013 (Computerized Books) & RR No. 5-2014 (Manual Books)


🧾 Official Receipts (OR) & Invoices (BIR-registered)

➑️ Legal Basis: RR No. 18-2023 (Updated Invoicing Rules)

3. Withholding Taxes & Employee Records

πŸ§‘β€πŸ€β€πŸ§‘ Alphabetical List of Employees
🏦 BIR Form 1601-C (Withholding Tax on Compensation)
🏒 BIR Form 1604-CF (Annual Alphabetical List of Employees)

➑️ Legal Basis: NIRC, Sec. 79 & RR No. 2-98

πŸ“Œ Pro Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of all tax filings for easy access!


πŸ› οΈ Additional Requirements (Depending on Business Type)

  • Franchise Agreement (For franchised businesses)

  • Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) (For manufacturing)

  • FDA/LTO Permits (If applicable)


πŸš€ Quick Tips to Ace the Inspection

βœ” Organize documents in labeled folders πŸ“‚
βœ” Train a staff member on compliance procedures πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό
βœ” Keep receipts & invoices properly recorded 🧾
βœ” Display permits visibly in your office πŸ–ΌοΈ


πŸ“œ Additional Legal References

βœ” SEC Registration (For Corporations) – Corporation Code (BP 68)
βœ” DTI Business Name Registration – RA 3883 (Business Name Law)
βœ” SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Compliance – Labor Code & Social Security Laws


πŸ“’ Where to Verify These Laws?

πŸ”Ή BIR Website: www.bir.gov.ph
πŸ”Ή DILG (For LGU Rules): www.dilg.gov.ph
πŸ”Ή Official Gazette: www.officialgazette.gov.ph


πŸ’¬ Need Help?

If you’re unsure about compliance, consult a BIR-accredited tax accountant or your Local Business Permit Office.

πŸš€ Pro Tip: Bookmark this page for future reference!

(Images suggestion: Add a screenshot of the BIR COR, a sample Mayor’s Permit, and a photo of the Local Government Code book.)

Would you like a step-by-step guide on how to apply for each permit? Let us know! 

Upcloud Accounting: Virtual Outsourced Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in the Philippines

Upcloud Accounting offers accounting, bookkeeping, tax compliance, and business licensing services specializing with startups and SMEs in the Philippines.

Our goal is to increase efficiency, automation, and transparency across the accounting and finance functions of our clients with our cutting-edge technology. If you want to move your company’s finance function online, contact our Team of Expert Accountants and Bookkeepers directly via [email protected] or visit www.upcloudaccounting.com to learn more about how Upcloud Accounting accounting services can support your PH business!

Disclaimer: This article or blog is only for general knowledge and guidance and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. For technical advice, please consult your tax / legal advisor for your specific business concerns. For comments, suggestions, and feedback, feel free to email us at [email protected].


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