“In today’s era of volatility, there is no other way but to re-invent”. The increasing subscriptions to Netflix, the rampant use of food delivery apps, and long lines outside malls waiting overnight for the release of the latest iPhone are affirmations that we are really living in a modern era. With such a level of development with respect to technology, taxpayers also expect their transactions with the government and in meeting their tax obligations to be fast and convenient.
The pandemic has amplified the need to re-invent and adapt to the changing times. To ensure business continuity, we were forced to abandon our old ways and adopt new processes tailored fit to the situation. Fast forward to 2022, true enough, we have already seen major technological improvements, particularly in our tax compliance processes.
With Republic Act No. 8792 (the E-Commerce Act) and Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018) in mind, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has released certain issuances to help taxpayers transition into the digital age.
On use of electronic signatures
Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 29-2021, the BIR has authorized the use of e-signatures on the following BIR Forms/certificates:
Furthermore, the BIR has allowed the use of e-signatures on the income tax return and its attachments through RMC No. 42-2022. As per RA No. 8792, an electronic signature shall be deemed equivalent to an actual signature or “wet signature” for filing purposes.
The use of e-signatures removes the additional physical arrangements to be coordinated with the authorized signatory, and taxpayers hope that the recognition of e-signatures will be extended further to letters to the BIR in assessment procedures, among others.
Implementation of the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS)
Through Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 08-2022, the BIR has mandated the following taxpayers to issue electronic receipts or sales/commercial invoices:
Except for those engaged in e-commerce, the taxpayers mentioned above are required to electronically report or transmit their sales data to the BIR through the use of their Sales Data Transmission System.
Taxpayers not belonging to the aforementioned distinctions may still issue their manual receipts/invoices. Alternatively, they may opt to use the electronic invoicing system, comply with the provisions of the regulation, and issue the e-Invoices/e-Receipts in lieu of manual receipts/invoices.
As an added benefit, taxpayers registered under the EIS are also not required to submit their Summary List of Sales (SLS) since the transmission of sales data to the Bureau is done real time or near real time. However, the Summary List of Purchases (SLP) and Summary List of Importation (SLI) shall still be required to be submitted.
Perhaps, in the near future, even the SLP and SLI will no longer be required to be submitted, as these might already be captured by a system in the future, for the convenience of the taxpayers.
Online Registration and Update System (ORUS)
Pursuant to RMC No. 122-2022, the BIR launched ORUS to help taxpayers to register, update, and conduct registration-related transactions online, eventually removing the taxpayers’ need to be physically present in their respective Revenue District Offices (RDOs) for such transactions.
Through the issuance, the BIR also reminded taxpayers that the indicated designated e-mail address shall be the taxpayer’s official email address as it shall be used in serving BIR orders, notices, letters, and other processes/communications to the taxpayers. Hence, it is recommended that taxpayers keep a keen eye on the emails received through the email address registered with the BIR.
Central Business Portal (CBP)
The CBP serves as a central system for applications for various business-related transactions with different government agencies. The portal, launched through RMC 15-2021, features registration transactions with the SEC, BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Additionally, RMC 61-2022 expanded CBP to cover DTI and selected LGUs for business registration. As to BIR registration, the portal can accommodate online registration of:
The CBP helps aspiring entrepreneurs create an “online one-stop shop” for business registration-related transactions, reducing their need to go to and from various government agencies and offices simply for registering their business.
Something to look forward to
With its approval on third and final reading in Congress, House Bill (HB) 4125, otherwise known as the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act, seeks to amend certain provisions of the Tax Code, as amended. These amendments aim to lighten the taxpayer’s burden by simplifying various tax rules for taxpayers to meet their obligations in a more convenient fashion. Should the Bill be enacted into law, the noted amendments such as simplified VAT rules, easier filing and payment of taxes, and lowering of administrative penalties, among others, would be a big help for taxpayers, especially those who are still struggling amidst the pandemic or those looking forward to starting anew.
As changes in technological aspects occur, we only have two choices – to catch up or to be left behind. We hope that in the present day of digitalization, continuous developments and improvements will be implemented in all our government agencies, as such improvements will certainly contribute to a better quality of life. As a famous quote goes, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”.
Let's Talk Tax is a weekly newspaper column of P&A Grant Thornton that aims to keep the public informed of various developments in taxation. This article is not intended to be a substitute for competent professional advice.
As published in BusinessWorld, dated 08 November 2022
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