BIR forms task force to audit social media influencers' tax compliance

On Friday, March 21, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced the formation of a task force to audit social media influencers' tax compliance.

Atty. Ron Mikhail Uy disclosed this information during the Tri-Comm hearing when Rep. Romeo Acop requested details on taxed content creators and their payments.

Uy confirmed that the BIR has established a specialized body for investigating these taxpayers, following a list of 27 social media personalities provided by the panel.

He noted challenges in identifying influencers due to similarities in names and some using multiple accounts.

Deputy Speaker David Suarez questioned whether foreign companies like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are paying taxes on income earned in the Philippines.

Uy responded that non-resident foreign corporations should pay tax but acknowledged uncertainty about compliance, promising further investigation next week.

Former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles confirmed during the hearing that she pays her taxes, while some influencers claimed daily earnings of at least P5 million.