Philippines BIR suspends mandatory Registration Seal Badge display

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has suspended the mandatory display of the BIR Registration Seal Badge until further notice. This decision, issued via Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 113-2026, lifts the previously established October 31, 2026, compliance deadline.

The suspension follows concerns raised by senators and digital workers regarding privacy and data protection. Senators Bam Aquino and Pia Cayetano highlighted fears that the seal’s QR code could expose personal information or full legal names of online sellers, freelancers, and content creators. Senator Cayetano has reportedly referred the matter to the National Privacy Commission for review.

Under the new circular, no penalties will be imposed solely for failing to display the badge during the suspension period. Taxpayers who have already obtained a badge may continue to display it on their digital platforms at their own discretion. The Registration Seal was originally intended to replace the public posting of full Certificates of Registration to protect sensitive tax information while allowing customers to verify business legitimacy via QR code.