The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) met to discuss the use of data and blockchain analytics regarding tax compliance among online sellers and emerging payment channels.
The meeting involved BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza, PAOCC Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr., and Assistant Commissioner James Roldan. The discussion centered on tax noncompliance in the digital space.
Data and Blockchain Analytics
In a published statement, the BIR announced: “To strengthen enforcement, the BIR and PAOCC are exploring advanced tools such as data and blockchain analytics, while coordinating with key agencies including the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and the Department of Trade and Industry.”
Mendoza stated that the measures are part of broader efforts to close enforcement gaps, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen joint operations with other agencies. He added that the goal is to protect government revenues and ensure a level playing field for compliant taxpayers.
Digital Economy Taxation and Revenue Collections
The BIR currently imposes a 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on digital services. Additionally, electronic marketplace operators such as Shopee and Lazada began collecting withholding taxes from merchants on their platforms in 2024. (Read More: 12% VAT! Here’s the Full List of Digital Services Now Taxed in the PH)
According to data from the Bureau of the Treasury, BIR revenue collections for the first three months of 2026 reached ₱719.2 billion, a 4.2 percent increase from the previous year. This amount represents 23.2 percent of the ₱3.102 trillion collection target for 2026.
CARF Implementation Commitment
The Philippines is listed among 27 jurisdictions that committed to implementing the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), with data exchanges scheduled to commence by 2028.
Developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), CARF is a global standard requiring crypto service providers to collect and report user transaction information to tax authorities.
In a statement, then Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said:
“We need faster and stronger systems for collaboration if we are to beat tax evasion and illicit transactions. This is a timely commitment as digital currency becomes one of the preferred means for transactions. The government must ensure that crypto-asset users are paying their fair share of taxes and that no illicit financial activity goes unpunished.”
On January 1, 2026, an initial group of 48 jurisdictions began enforcing the CARF reporting rules. Under the framework, cryptocurrency exchanges in participating jurisdictions collect transaction records, which include user identities, tax residencies, transaction values, and profits.
This article is published on BitPinas: BIR to Explore Blockchain Analytics to Boost Tax Compliance
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