Due to this, the BIR has announced that they will be filing tax evasion cases against these influencers.
The BIR had hoped that these influencers would self-regulate and pay their taxes, since chasing them for payment can be quite time-consuming. This is due to the fact that their incomes are sourced from technology giants based in foreign countries where the BIR has no jurisdiction.
"As we look at compliance and returns of requests for information, issuance of LOA (letters of authority) and/or filing of cases for tax evasion due to their disregard of BIR notices is not unlikely," says BIR Assistant Commissioner Jethro Sabariaga.
Sabariaga did not provide data on the influencers who are continuously monitored by the BIR.
The BIR began its pursuit of tax-evading influencers in 2021.
They targeted around 250 social media celebrities, estimated to be earning millions of pesos and receiving free products through their vlogs and social media posts.
(Photo by BIR)
