Books of Accounts — Microfilm Copies, Originals

December 12, 1979 BIR RULING NO. 107-79 Books of accounts microfilm copies, originals This refers to your letter dated July 10, 1978 requesting information as to the feasibility of using microfilm in lieu of the used BIR registered forms such as official receipts and invoices; and or disposing of said forms prior to the preservation period required by law. In reply, I regret to inform you that your request cannot be granted considering that preservation of microfilm copies of books of accounts does not satisfy the requirements of Section 324 of the Tax Code of 1977. Said provision implies that the records to be preserved by the taxpayer for a period of five (5) years from the date of last entry made therein must be originals thereof. This requirements is necessary for the reason that the originals of the books of accounts are the best evidence to prove that entries were made thereon. (BIR Ruling dated February 20, 1954)