The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has started implementing the withholding tax requirement for online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee.
In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said there will be no further extensions for online merchants to comply with the new withholding tax system outlined in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023.
Under the BIR regulations, e-marketplace operators are mandated to withhold one percent creditable tax on half of the total payments sent to sellers or merchants for products or services sold through their platform.
"Electronic Marketplace Operators will begin imposing Withholding Tax against their sellers/merchants starting July 15, 2024. We have already extended this by 90 days. No further extensions will be given," Lumagui said.
Last April, the BIR extended the RR No. 16-2023 deadline until July 14, 2024.
“No more extensions will be given after the previous 90-day extension under [Revenue Memorandum Circular] RMC No. 55-2024,” the BIR noted.
The previous extension was given to allow e-marketplace operators to comply with the requirements of the BIR and adjust to the provisions of RR 16-2023 before the withholding tax is imposed.
Lumagui also clarified that withholding tax is not a new tax, noting it is a system where taxes are collected in advance and later offset against the seller’s total income tax liability.
“The BIR aims to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores, which are regularly complying with their tax obligations, and online marketplaces,” Lumagui said.
“Whether their business is operated online or through physical stores, sellers and merchants have to pay their taxes," he added.
Meanwhile, the BIR has given digital financial services providers more time to switch to the new withholding tax system.
Lumagui said that RMC No. 79-2024 has extended the compliance deadline for financial services providers under RR No. 16-2023 to Oct. 12, 2024.