BIR looking into tax compliance of Uber drivers

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has started discussing with transport authorities ways to better track tax payments of transportation network companies or TNCs like Uber and their drivers, Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Wednesday.

“We are coordinating and discussing with LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board],” Henares said in a text message when asked if the BIR was also looking into tax compliance as well as tracking payments of Uber drivers.

Such drivers are considered non-fixed income earners. They issue receipts to their customers online.

Henares said the BIR might soon come out with a regulation covering drivers of Uber vehicles and other TNCs, “if needed.”

The feisty BIR chief reminded Uber and TNCs that all business enterprises have tax dues that must be paid correctly.

“Like any business, they are covered by the laws of taxation of entities engaged in business—from registration to issuance of receipts, to filing and payment of taxes,” she pointed out.

“They are engaged in the provision of services and are covered by all the provisions of the Tax Code for business engaged in the provision of services,” Henares added.

The LTFRB also on Wednesday approved the application of online-based transportation service provider Uber as an accredited TNC. Ben O. de Vera, Philippine Daily Inquirer