MANILA -- Authorities have caught a syndicate that extorted P3.6 million from a taxpayer to help him "fix" his tax issues, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Tuesday.

In a statement, the BIR said the syndicate used acknowledgment receipts with the forged signatures of high-ranking BIR officials for "processing of documents,” “extension of compliance with Computerized Accounting System,” and "processing and fixation of transfer" from one Revenue District Office to another. 

In particular, they forged the signatures of the BIR Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner for Operations Group, the Deputy Commissioner of the Legal Group, the Assistant Commissioner of the Large Taxpayer Service, and a Revenue District Officer.

The BIR said there is no fixer needed for these processes because there is a system in place for these at their offices.

"The BIR has adequate revenue memorandum circulars, revenue memorandum orders, and other regulations that will guide the taxpayer in dealing with these concerns," the agency said.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui reminded taxpayers to avoid dealing with unscrupulous persons who offer to "fix" their tax obligations, and verify the authority of individuals who claim to do so. 

He also encouraged Filipinos to report to the BIR any fixers they might run into.

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