THE Bureau of Internal Revenue has directed its revenue offices to assemble a special task force (STF) that will monitor and verify the tax compliance of online merchants, social media influencers (SMIs), and other firms operating on digital platforms.

While business transactions are now carried out and facilitated using internet platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Airbnb, Lazada, and Shopee, among others, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said in a revenue memorandum released on Friday that conducting business through a digital platform does not exempt anyone from his or her/its tax obligations under the law.