Is Your BIR LOA Legit? Here’s How You Can Check

Getting a Letter of Authority (LOA) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) can instantly make anyone anxious. For most taxpayers, it means one thing: an audit is coming.

But before you stress out, gather documents, or entertain anyone claiming to be from the BIR, there’s one important question you should ask first:

Is this LOA actually valid?

Thanks to a new BIR initiative, you can now check that yourself—online.

A New Tool to Protect Taxpayers

In January 2026, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 005-2026, introducing a new feature in its chatbot REVIE called the LOA Verifier.

The goal is simple:

• Protect taxpayers from unauthorized audit activities

• Improve transparency

• Make LOA verification fast and accessible

In short, the BIR wants taxpayers to confirm first before cooperating.

What Is the LOA Verifier?

The LOA Verifier is an online verification tool found in Chatbot REVIE on the BIR website. It allows taxpayers to confirm whether a Letter of Authority was officially issued and recorded in the BIR system.

No phone calls.No office visits.Just a few details and a quick check.

How to Check If Your LOA Is Valid

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the BIR website at www.bir.gov.ph

2. Open Chatbot REVIE

3. From the menu, choose “LOA Verifier”

4. Enter the details exactly as they appear on your LOA:

   • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

   • Taxpayer’s Name

   • LOA Case Number

5. Click Submit

That’s it.

Understanding the Results

After submitting your details, you’ll see one of two responses:

LOA FOUND

This means your LOA is valid and officially recorded.You can proceed knowing the audit is legitimate.

LOA NOT FOUND

This does not automatically mean the LOA is fake, but it does mean you should pause.

What to Do If Your LOA Is “Not Found”

If the system returns “LOA NOT FOUND,” the BIR requires further verification via email.

Email: contact_us-LOA@bir.gov.ph

Attach a copy of your LOA and include the following details:

• Your TIN

• Taxpayer Name

• LOA Case Number

• Issuing Office (RDO, RR, LTS, NID, etc.)

You’ll receive an automatic acknowledgment, and the BIR will take it from there.

How Long Will It Take?

Once your request is complete, the BIR Assessment Service will verify the LOA and send an official response within three (3) working days.

All verification requests are logged and monitored through an official BIR-controlled email, ensuring accountability and proper tracking.

Why This Matters

Unfortunately, cases of fake LOAs and unauthorized audits do happen. This new verification process gives taxpayers a clear way to protect themselves.

Before allowing any audit team to review your records, remember:

No verification, no audit.

Final Thoughts

Receiving a BIR LOA doesn’t have to mean instant panic.

With the LOA Verifier via Chatbot REVIE, taxpayers now have a simple way to confirm whether an LOA is legitimate—before engaging in any audit activity.

If you receive an LOA:

• Stay calm

• Verify it online

• Ask for help if something doesn’t look right

A few minutes of checking can save you from a lot of trouble later.