BIR's attempts to register online sellers inside condos, posh subdivisions hit a snag
By Jun Ramirez
The attempt of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to register online sellers of goods and services that are based inside condominium buildings and exclusive subdivisions in Metro Manila hit a snag after its personnel were barred from entering the areas.
"For security reason, guards do not allow us to enter and interview our subjects and we can't do anything about it," a Makati revenue district officer (RDO) complained.
Other RDOs in the metropolis also echoed the same complaint, adding they lack manpower and time to post and wait for their quarries in the premises.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as the local government units (LGUs), have furnished the BIR with the list of online sellers many using their condos and private residences as business address.
RDOs explained that government regulatory offices are now liberal in issuing business permit without scrutinizing applications in line with the Ease of Doing Business Law which do away many information and paper requirements.
"As a result, we encountered difficulties in capturing and putting colorum online traders into the tax net," said one Manila RDO.
BIR field offices are conducting separate tax mapping operations after many of the online sellers did not answer, or simply ignored notices and appeal to register.
"Unfortunately they registered themselves with other government offices, but not with us primarily to avoid the requirements of periodic filing of returns and pay taxes," another RDO lamented.