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In line with the Philippine government’s digital transformation initiatives and pursuant to Republic Act No. 12023 and its implementing rules, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 78-2025 on 29 July 2025. The circular outlines the registration, filing, and payment procedures for Value-Added Tax (VAT) by Nonresident Digital Service Providers (NRDSPs) offering digital services to consumers in the Philippines through the newly launched VAT on Digital Services (VDS) Portal.

NRDSPs are required to enroll in the VDS Portal. If they are not yet registered with the BIR, they must first do so using the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS). Any updates to existing registration or VAT information may also be done through ORUS. For VAT compliance, NRDSPs are required to file VAT returns and pay the corresponding VAT on or before the 25th day following the close of each taxable quarter. This must be done through the VDS Portal and in accordance with Philippine Time Zone (GMT+8). Payments should be made via authorised channels integrated into the portal or as may be prescribed by the BIR.

NRDSPs must log in to the VDS Portal, encode the required data for filing in BIR Form No. 2550-DS, and ensure payment is made at the time of filing to avoid surcharges, interest, and penalties. While refunds for erroneously paid VAT will not be allowed, NRDSPs may amend their filed BIR Form No. 2550-DS to reflect the overpayment and apply the same to succeeding quarters. 

Pursuant to RMC No. 79-2025 issued on 31 July 2025, the deadline for the filing and payment of BIR Form No. 2550-DS for the second quarter ending June 2025, originally set on July 25, 2025, is further extended until August 5, 2025.

To monitor compliance, the BIR may conduct independent verification, including third party information or sources and comparing it with declared gross sales. Discrepancies found will be communicated to the NRDSP for voluntary correction. Failure to rectify such discrepancies may result in administrative and criminal sanctions, including possible suspension or closure of online business operations, as outlined under Sections 12 and 13 of RR No. 3-2025.

All data submitted through the VDS Portal shall be treated as confidential and protected under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA No. 10173) and other applicable tax laws and regulations.

Please be guided accordingly.

 

Source:  

P&A Grant Thornton  

Certified Public Accountants  

P&A Grant Thornton is the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

 

As published in SunStar Cebu, dated 08 August 2025