Taxation Law Question: VI

Based on the Affidavit of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (CIR), an Information for failure to file income tax return under Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) was filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) against XX, a Manila resident.

XX moved to quash the Information on the ground that the RTC has no jurisdiction in view of the absence of a formal deficiency tax assessment issued by the CIR.

Is a prior assessment necessary before an Information for violation of Section 255 of the NIRC could be filed in court? Explain. (4%)