A DIRECTIVE from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) this week that online sellers must register their businesses and pay the legally mandated taxes has caused a new wave of public anger at the government. While we understand that this must feel like an imposition to those affected, the BIR’s order is both fair and entirely appropriate.

BIR Revenue Memorandum Circular 60-2020, dated June 1, 2020 and made public this past Wednesday, reminds “all persons doing business and earning income in any manner or form, specifically those who are into digital transactions through the use of any electronic platforms and media, and other digital means, to ensure that their businesses are registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 236 of the Tax Code, as amended, and that they are tax compliant. These shall include not only partner sellers/merchants, but also other stakeholders involved such as the payment gateways, delivery channels, internet service providers and other facilitators.”

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