RECENTLY, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 97-2021, reminding social influencers about their tax obligations. It reminded them to register as taxpayers and report their income properly, as well as provided illustrative examples on how they should calculate their income taxes. The RMC did not actually state something new; it did not impose separate tax requirements on social media influencers. It merely set out the various tax obligations and rules (including withholding tax and tax filing obligations) which an influencer must comply with. It also reminded them of the serious penalties for non-compliance with their tax obligations under existing tax laws, rules and regulations.

So, why should social influencers be taxed?

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