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The digital economy continues to shape up as a significant aspect of commerce. The effects of the pandemic accelerated the paradigm shift towards digitalization and greatly altered the patterns of production and consumption of goods and services. Recently, a product of the digital age has been drawing a lot of interest — cryptocurrency. Once known only to tech-savvy people, cryptocurrencies are gaining traction and becoming more mainstream because of their perceived advantages and the income-earning opportunities they present.

Prior to the effectivity of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, Philippine tax rules imposed a 10% tax on improperly accumulated taxable income of corporations. This improperly accumulated earnings tax (IAET) is imposed as a penalty on corporations which allow accumulation of earnings for the purpose of avoiding tax liability for their shareholders if they decide to distribute profits in the form of dividends.

“Until death do us part.” This is a standard vow in many traditional wedding ceremonies. This means that only death can end a marriage. It is considered a lifelong commitment, one where only the death of one party can break the bond. Sadly, this is not the case for tax authorities and taxpayers. There is tax even after death.

Over the past decade, we have seen exponential growth in number of social media users. Social media users are now the equivalent of 57% of the world’s population, and it is expected that this figure will continue to increase. Social media also influences consumer spending. Studies show that more than 50% of social media users use such online platforms to research products and more than 60% are likely to purchase products and services based on social media referrals.

With the long-awaited lowering of the regular corporate income tax, and the rationalization of incentives, among others, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) is expected to boost investment in the Philippines and help bring about an economic recovery.

The government has announced that it is imposing the third enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in certain areas across the country, the strictest form of quarantine in which everyone, except essential workers, is restricted from going out. However, we should know that our responsibility as taxpayers is not put on hold despite constraints brought on by government lockdowns.

It is innate in every human being to have basic rights. They can never be taken away. They are valid and universal. In the corporate context, taxpayers are entitled to due process. Whether they be small or big businesses, they are entitled to the right to due process and equal protection of the law.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. If we find it difficult to handle stress, relate to others, and make choices, then there might be a problem. This is generally applicable to all, and with a lot of problems in today’s trying times and various tax rules to think about, these can take their toll on taxpayers’ mental health.