Philippines BIR suspends mandatory online registration badge rule

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has suspended the requirement for online sellers and content creators to display the BIR Registration Seal Badge on their digital platforms. This suspension, formalized in Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 113-2026, halts the previously established October 31 deadline.

The decision follows concerns raised by taxpayers, including online merchants and content creators, regarding data privacy and technical implementation. Critics, including Senators Bam Aquino and Pia Cayetano, highlighted risks that scanning the badge's QR code could expose personal information. The BIR is now coordinating with the National Privacy Commission to review these privacy concerns and ensure the orderly implementation of its registration verification initiatives.

During this suspension period, displaying the badge remains optional. Taxpayers who have already posted the badge may continue to do so voluntarily, and no penalties will be imposed for failing to display it until further notice.