BIR watches online sellers' tax compliance 

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will closely monitor the tax compliance of online marketplaces and online sellers during the holiday season, Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a report by Philippine News Agency.

In a statement Wednesday, Lumagui warned that online businesses violating tax laws would be blocked.

Section 115 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended by Republic Act 12023, states that the BIR Commissioner has the power to suspend business operations.

This also includes the blocking of digital services performed or rendered in the Philippines by a digital service provider.

"If retail/physical stores are registered and paying their taxes, online stores should do the same. In the coming months, we are expecting an increase in revenue of online businesses due to the holiday spending spree," he said.

Lumagui reminded consumers to ask online sellers for an official receipt.

"If you are spending your hard-earned income after paying taxes on their products, then online sellers/businesses should also pay their taxes," he said.