The evolving narratives of personal growth and determination at the start of the new year bear a striking parallel to the transformative changes unfolding in the digital commerce landscape. Just as people face a crucial checkpoint in the fourth week of 2024, electronic marketplace (e-marketplace) operators and digital financial services providers (DFSPs) are also navigating a pivotal moment.

On May 10, 2022, the SC released its decision promulgated on 01 December 2021 on the petition for certiorari of the Department of Finance (DOF) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) seeking for annulment of an order of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 57 in Makati City that declared Revenue Regulations No. 4-2011 null and void.

Considering the recent developments in the taxation landscape and the Philippines’ wide network of bilateral tax treaties for transactions with foreign entities, it has become apparent that one of the government’s objectives is to improve efficiency and services to taxpayers. In fact, on June 25, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 77-2021, which clarifies the revised guidelines and procedures for availing of tax treaty benefits provided under Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 14-2021.