The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) says Philippine offshore gaming operators must register with the department before starting their business, according to the Manila Bulletin.
The BIR has also requested that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) stops awarding operator licenses until clearance is given by the tax agency.
Arnel Guballa, Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Operations at BIR, said all foreign and local gaming operators are now required to register under the Revenue Memorandum Circular 78-2018, a new prerequisite of the PAGCOR application and renewal process.
Manila Bulletin quotes Guballa as having said: "Online activity is sufficient to constitute doing business in the Philippines.
"Thus, a foreign corporation engaged in Philippine offshore gaming operations is considered a resident foreign corporation engaged in business in the Philippines, not a non-resident foreign corporation.”
Operators should register with the revenue office presiding over the location of its headquarters.
