As more and more Filipinos are now venturing toward online businesses or are now earning from non-traditional sources of income, the government is reminding the public¹ of their duties as business owners (e.g. taxes, business registration, and labor laws).

 The general rule is that if you are regularly earning income outside an employer-employee relationship, then you are considered to be engaged in business regardless of the level of your sales.

We all want to earn money but failing to take into account the laws and proper procedures on how to register your business will surely backfire. We would like to guide your business registration to ensure that your business runs smoothly and help you avoid unnecessary penalties.

Disclaimer: This article shall only be used for learning purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Table of Contents

• What Are the Benefits of Registering Your Business in the Philippines?
  • 1. Tax Returns Are Proof of Income
  • 2. Secures Reputation as a Legitimate Business
  • 3. Hassle-Free Transactions With Other Legitimate Businesses
  • 4. Low-Interest Loans and Other Government Benefits
  • 5. Avoid Unnecessary Penalties and Avoid the Risk of Getting Jail Time
• Who Are Exempt From Registering Their Business?
• Business Registration in the Philippines: 4 Steps
  • 1. Choose Your Business Structure
    • A. Sole Proprietorship (Self-employed Individuals/Professionals)
    • B. Corporations and Partnerships
    • Choosing the best business structure for you
  • 2. Register Your Business Name and/or Corporate Name
    • A. DTI (For Self-employed individuals)
    • B. SEC (For Corporations and Partnerships)
  • 3. Apply for a Certificate of Registration With the BIR
  • 4. Apply for a Business Permit
• Additional Requirements if You Have Employees
• Other Government Licenses
• What Are the Penalties if I Did Not Register My Business?
• How Much Is the Total Cost of Business Registration in the Philippines?
  • For Sole Proprietors
  • For Partnerships
  • For One Person Corporations
  • For Corporations
• How Long Does It Take for Me To Register My Philippine Business?
• How To Start Your Business Right
  • 1. Understanding the obligations of a business owner
  •  2. Understanding tax returns
  • 3. Basic computation of taxes
  • 4.  File tax returns on time
  • 5. Keeping your books of accounts
  • 6. Attachments
  • 7. Issuance of valid invoices/receipts on transactions including online-based payments
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • 1. Can I do the business registration online?
  • 2. I’m an online seller/Youtuber/blogger. Do I need to register my business?
  • 3. I’m earning from Google Adsense which is based internationally. Do I still need to report that income?
  • 4. What if the foreign company already taxed my income? Should I still register my business?
  • 5. What can I do with the withheld tax?
  • 6. I earn less than PHP 250,000 a year, do I still need to register my business?
  • 7. If I failed to register my business previously, is there a way to register without incurring penalties?
  • 8. I’m done with the business registration. When can I start operating?
  • 9. Do I need to hire an accountant for the business registration (and beyond)?
  • 10. What is the difference between a trade name and a business name?
• References

What Are the Benefits of Registering Your Business in the Philippines?

1. Tax Returns Are Proof of Income

These are documents that certify your ability to pay. If you have applied for a loan, a credit card, or rented a condominium, you may have been asked for your tax return documents as a requirement. 

Tax returns are a great way to say that you are earning regularly and are capable of paying your obligations. 

2. Secures Reputation as a Legitimate Business

When dealing with other businesses or big clients, it is almost mandatory to provide a certificate of registration. This will allow you and other businesses to determine whether the other party is a legitimate business and is not just a scam. 

3. Hassle-Free Transactions With Other Legitimate Businesses

If you have ever dealt with ‘colorum’ or illegitimate businesses, you know how much of a hassle they are for your accounting records. The tax code requires businesses to list all their suppliers and compile all receipts pertaining to their transactions in order to claim business expenses². Dealing with ‘colorum’ businesses means you can’t claim business expenses for your transactions with them.

 Conversely, if you are not registered, you cannot issue valid receipts. In turn, this will jeopardize your customer’s ability to claim their payments as a valid expense. This can be a reason why some businesses will avoid dealing with you, as an unregistered supplier. 

4. Low-Interest Loans and Other Government Benefits

For all businesses: 

The government provides free seminars for registered businesses as long as they provide the required documents. For example, the BIR gives free tax briefings for new registrants to teach them about their responsibilities as business owners.

The DTI also provides free seminars, listed here, which allow business owners to learn from other successful entrepreneurs on what to do, where to get suppliers, when to expand, etc. The DTI also provides free services like logo making, branding, and consultations with professionals.

For BMBEs³: 

BMBE qualified businesses that are also employers are exempted from the Minimum Wage Law. This means that they can legally pay their employees an amount lower than allowed by law.

However, it is still required that the BMBE shall pay a reasonable amount to its employees and provide them with social security benefits (SSS and PAG-IBIG) and mandatory healthcare (PhilHealth). 

5. Avoid Unnecessary Penalties and Avoid the Risk of Getting Jail Time

Failure to register your business and timely filing of your tax returns are considered crimes.

Yes, if you neglect your responsibilities as a taxpayer, you may risk getting imprisoned. This is the most common form of tax evasion and is punishable by a fine of between PHP 500,000 and PHP 10,000,000, and from 6 to 10 years in jail⁴.

Fortunately, the BIR has made a compromise that the taxpayer has the option to just pay a specified amount instead of being imprisoned. Needless to say, the amount will make a dent in your pockets. 

Who Are Exempt From Registering Their Business?

1. Those who are earning income exclusively from an employer-employee relationship (Salaries or Wages);
2. Those who are earning exclusively from passive income (i.e. Pensions, Dividends from Domestic Corporations, Interests from Bank Deposits, etc.);
3. Those who are employees but at the same time earning passive income; and
4. Those who are not earning any income from any source.

Business Registration in the Philippines: 4 Steps

1. Choose Your Business Structure

A. Sole Proprietorship (Self-employed Individuals/Professionals)

This shall include all businesses owned by only one person, including freelancers and professionals. 

If you are planning to sell homemade food, clothes, medical paraphernalia, or want to raise money from digital advertising by blogging and vlogging, registering as a sole proprietor is beneficial because it usually has lower taxes and fewer regulations to comply with.

However, a sole proprietorship does not distinguish its owner from the business, i.e. any transaction made by the business reflects on the owner of the business. So if you have excess liabilities in your business, your creditors can sell your personal belongings to compensate.

B. Corporations and Partnerships

Any business with more than one owner belongs to this group. The main benefit of creating a corporation or a partnership is that the business can have more funds to operate and expand since there is more than 1 investor. This will also make business management more flexible since you and your co-owners can share responsibilities based on your strengths.

However, the catch is that corporations and partnerships are heavily regulated and are taxed more than sole proprietors. They are generally taxed at a regular income tax rate of 30 percent and any transfer of wealth from the corporation/partnership to its owners is also taxed at a dividend rate of 10 percent.

They also have additional operating requirements, and different attachments when filing their returns. 

To illustrate: 

A business earning PHP 10,000,000 in taxable income will incur the following income taxes:

Corporations.

Sole Proprietor.

Related: How to Compute Your Income Tax Using the New BIR Tax Rate Table

Note: 

• There is a difference of PHP 558,500 in taxes;
• Dividend Taxes are only incurred when actually withdrawn by the owner; and
• This only includes the taxes that are different for both business structures. 

Choosing the best business structure for you

Determining which business structure works for you depends on your intention, ability to be compliant with different regulations, risk appetite, and capacity to produce capital for your business. 

1. Sole proprietorship/Self-employed professional – these are for people who want an easy way to own a business without worrying too much about highly technical laws. If you have the capital to set up and run a business, this is the best business structure for you. 
2. One-person Corporation – these are for people who want the prestige of owning a corporation with the benefit of becoming the only one responsible for decision-making while also securing your personal assets from creditors. Related: What is the difference between a one-person corporation and a sole proprietorship?
3. Domestic Corporation – these are for people who want to create a large-scale enterprise since this business structure enables them to have more than 5 investors. Every industry leader creates a domestic corporation that allows them to gather more capital for expansion purposes. 
4. General Partnership – If you cannot create a business on your own due to a lack of capital but also do not want the added responsibility of a corporation, then this may be the best business structure for you. This will allow the owners to gather more capital by inviting more partners into the business while limiting the number of requirements when dealing with government agencies. Keep in mind that taxation is the same for all corporations and partnerships. 
5. Others – there are other business structures available for new registrants like General Professional Partnerships, Resident Foreign Corporations, and Cooperatives. However, their taxation and management are almost the same as the other four. 

2. Register Your Business Name and/or Corporate Name

A. DTI (For Self-employed individuals)

Applying for a business name is required for all business owners that wish to use names other than their birth name for their business. Businesses, by default, must be named after the owner (e.g. Juan Dela Cruz), so if you want to name your business “Aling Dolly’s Online Shop”, then you are required to apply for business name registration with the DTI. 

However, you may skip this step if you are a freelancer or a professional, whose income solely comes from providing services.

B. SEC (For Corporations and Partnerships)

Business name registration is different for corporations and partnerships. Instead of DTI, you have to do the registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC. For more information about SEC business name registration, click here.

3. Apply for a Certificate of Registration With the BIR

All businesses are required to register with the BIR. This will allow taxpayers to pay their tax dues and enjoy the benefits of a legit business. The general process to register is as follows:

1. Accomplish BIR Form 1901 for sole proprietors or BIR Form 1903 for corporations/partnerships;
2. Submit the filled-out forms together with the requirements to the RDO where your business is located;
3. Pay the corresponding registration fee; and
4. Claim the Certificate of Registration on the scheduled date.  

Read More: How to Register a Business with BIR: An Ultimate Guide

4. Apply for a Business Permit

It is best practice to secure a business permit from the Local Government Unit (LGU) governing the city where your business is situated before starting your business. You can get this done at the same time as your BIR registration⁵.

To apply for a business permit/mayor’s permit, you must:

1. Secure all documents as required by your LGU;
2. Have your location assessed by the local fire department;
3. Pay the corresponding assessment fees; and 
4. Claim the mayor’s permit on the scheduled date. 

Learn More: How to Get a Business Permit in the Philippines: An Ultimate Guide

Additional Requirements if You Have Employees

Any business with employees must register with the DOLE, SSS, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG.

Fortunately, the whole process may be done in Philippine Business Registry (PBR) kiosks which are available in selected DTI and SEC offices. Meaning, if the kiosks are available, you may register all these employer IDs in one setting. 

Steps:

1. Accomplish PBR Form;
2. Submit to the DTI Teller together with 1 photocopy of the SEC Certificate (if applicable). Bring the original copy for verification;
3. Pay the corresponding fee; and 
4. Claim Employer Registry Numbers (SSS, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG).

Other Government Licenses

Some businesses are required to secure special licenses from the government. This allows the government to keep track of and regulate the products/services that these businesses are selling to the market. 

1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – when involved in the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, promotion, advertisement, and/or sponsorship of the following products in the Philippines:
   • Drugs;
   • Pharmaceuticals;
   • Medical devices;
   • Cosmetics;
   • Processed Food;
   • Toys;
   • Child care articles;
   • Veterinary products; and
   • Household/urban pesticides.
2. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) – when dealing with finance companies like banks, pawnshops, and money service businesses. 
3. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – when dealing with investment companies.

What Are the Penalties if I Did Not Register My Business?

Based on RMO 7-2015⁶ (For All Businesses).

Based on the SEC Scale of Fines series of 2005⁷ (For Corporations Only).

How Much Is the Total Cost of Business Registration in the Philippines?

For Sole Proprietors

DTI.

LGU.

BIR.

Total Estimated Cost of Registration: PHP 6,600

Note: 

1. For Professionals and Non-Licensed Professionals, you may skip the DTI Registration and secure a Professional Tax Receipt (for licensed) or an Occupational Tax Receipt (for non-licensed) from your City Hall. 
2. The business permit fee may vary depending on your LGU. 
3. The DTI fee may vary based on chosen territorial scope.

For Partnerships

Application with LGU.

Application with BIR.

Total Estimated Cost of Registration: PHP 8,980

For One Person Corporations

Application with LGU.

Application with BIR.

Total Estimated Cost of Registration: PHP 13,710

The amounts are based on the following:

1. Authorized Capital of PHP 1,000,000.
2. Estimated shares to be issued once you invested cash and inventory – PHP 500,000.
3. Application fee of LGUs shall include all necessary permits (e.g. fire fee, sanitary, etc.) 
4. DST on original issuance will be charged once the shares are actually received by the shareholder/s. 

For Corporations

It shall be computed as the total cost of registration of a one-person corporation (OPC) plus registration of By-Laws and Registration of stock worth PHP 1000 and PHP 150, respectively, which brings the estimated cost of registering domestic corporations to PHP 14,860.

How Long Does It Take for Me To Register My Philippine Business?

• Sole Proprietor – DTI and BIR Registration may be done within 1 to 2 business days; LGU (Business Permit) Registration may take up to 6 weeks. 
• Corporations and Partnerships – SEC registration may take 1 to 10 business days while BIR Registration may be done within 1 to 2 business days; LGU (Business Permit) Registration may take up to 8 weeks.

How To Start Your Business Right

Starting your business right is just as important as having your business registered. Understanding your duties and responsibilities is essential for minimizing penalties and ensuring the continuity of operations.

1. Understanding the obligations of a business owner

a. Renewal of permits

• Annual Registration Fee – paid annually to the BIR using BIR Form 0605 
• Employer’s Number (SSS, PhilHealth, PagIBIG) – these do not expire, however, you are required to update your information if the business changed ownership, place of business, or created a new branch. 
•  Business Permits – Mayor’s Permit and the supplementary licenses given by the LGU are likewise renewed annually. These are paid together with the local business tax. 
• Official Receipts/Sales Invoices – The authority to use the BIR printed receipts (BPR/BPI) expires after a year while Principal Receipts/Invoices printed by authorized printers expire after 5 years. 

b. Employer’s Responsibilities

• Pay salaries/wages on time;
• Provide benefits to employees;
• Pay overtime;
• Pay night shift differential when total employees exceed 5 persons; and
• Others as required by law and regulations. 

2. Understanding tax returns

• Income Tax – this is filed using BIR Form 1701 series for sole proprietors or BIR Form 1702 series for corporations/partnerships. 
• Other Percentage Tax – This is filed using BIR Form 2551Q by businesses who are not subject to VAT and did not avail of the 8% preferential rate. 
• Value-Added Tax – This is filed using the BIR Form 2550 series by businesses who are mandated to pay VAT. 
• Expanded Withholding Tax – This is filed using BIR Form 0619 series and the 1601 series by businesses who are required to withhold taxes i.e. Corporations, Top Withholding Agents, Online Sellers, etc. 
• Local Business Tax – This is a requirement for renewing your City Hall business license. The rate depends on your municipality. 

3. Basic computation of taxes

Tax dues are now automatically calculated when using eBIR Forms and eFPS. However, it’s still important to know what amounts belong to each component, since failure to include or exclude certain items may be subject to severe penalties.

These are the main components used in all tax returns: 

• Gross Sales – This shall include all earnings for the period without any deductions aside from sales discounts and sales returns. 
• Gross Receipts – This shall include all cash receipts for the period without any deductions. 
• Non-operating income – This shall include gains from the sale of properties that are not considered inventory. (i.e. Sale of Land, Dividend Income from Foreign Corporations, etc.)
• Net Purchases – This shall include all purchased inventory for the period. This is particularly important for VAT taxpayers. 
• Cost of Goods Sold – This is the cost of goods sold for the period. 
• Gross Income – This is computed as Gross Sales plus non-operating income less the cost of goods sold. 
• Itemized Deductions – These are the only business expenses allowed by the BIR to be deducted from the Gross Income.  
• Taxable Income – This is computed as Gross Income less Itemized Deductions. This is generally the tax basis for income tax. 

4. File tax returns on time

The following is a summary of the deadlines for businesses using the calendar year:

5. Keeping your books of accounts

According to the tax code⁸, all businesses are required to record their transactions using registered books of accounts. This enables the company to complete account information returns to be attached to its tax returns and helps certified public accountants to create the audited financial statements required by the SEC and BIR. 

6. Attachments

One of the most common mistakes by new businesses is that they do not attach the required documents to their tax returns and they are surprised when they receive letter notices since they didn’t even know that these are important. 

According to the tax code and the current revenue regulations, the following must be submitted together with their corresponding tax returns:

•  Audited Financial Statements (AFS) – Under Section 232 of the tax code, taxpayers whose sales exceed PHP 3,000,000 shall have their books of accounts audited by a CPA. They shall also attach a copy of the audited FS to their annual income tax return.  
• Account Information Return (AIF) – If your sales for the year did not exceed PHP 3,000,000, you still need to submit an Account Information Return detailing the balances of your assets, liabilities, and equity and a comparative income statement. This shall be filed using BIR Form 1701-AIF if you are a sole proprietor or 1702-AIF if the business is a corporation/partnership. However, this is not required for businesses that used OSD or the 8% preferential rate. Related Article: Which should I choose: Itemized Deduction or Optional Standard Deduction?
• Statement of Management’s Responsibility⁹ – this shall signify the liability of the owner/managers of the company in the event that the financial statements and tax returns filed are fraudulent or false. This shall be attached to the annual income tax return.
•  BIR Form 2304 – Otherwise known as Certificate of Income Payment Not Subject to Withholding Tax, this document shall be given to you by your customers who are engaged in business but did not withhold tax on their payments. This must be given to you on or before January 31 of the following year. The certificate shall be attached to the annual income tax return.
•  Quarterly Alphalist of Payees (QAP) – This shall contain all the names of payees included in your 1601EQ and 1601FQ returns. This shall be attached to the 1601EQ and 1601FQ returns.
• Summary List of Sales (SLS) – This is the complete list of all your customers. Fortunately, the BIR is only strict with the requirements when the taxpayer is transacting with other businesses. A CTA case allowed the usage of “various customers” when the customer is an individual. This shall be filed together with your monthly and quarterly VAT returns.
• Summary List of Purchases (SLP) – This is the complete list of all your suppliers. The BIR is extremely strict when it comes to implementing this requirement. The format, form of the document, etc. must be followed exactly as the BIR intended. This must be filed together with your VAT Returns. This is the same with SLI except this only includes local suppliers.
• Summary List of Importation (SLI) – Likewise, if you import any goods used in your business, you need to list those suppliers. This is the same with SLP except this only includes foreign suppliers.  

7. Issuance of valid invoices/receipts on transactions including online-based payments

Under the tax code¹⁰, for every transaction exceeding PHP 100, the business must issue a sales invoice (for sale of goods) or an official receipt (for sale of services).

It does not matter if the customer asks for a receipt, it is your obligation to issue proof of payment, otherwise, you may face penalties. For online-based payments, BIR allows the seller to scan and issue the receipts to the buyer electronically¹¹.

Related: How to Reduce Your Taxes Legally if You Own a Business

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I do the business registration online?

Yes, you can now register your business online. In January 2021¹², the first phase of the Central Business Portal (CBP) was launched by the Anti-Red Tape Authority. The website is a one-stop portal for all business registration needs with the goal of turning the current 33 days processing time into only half a day.

As of May 2022, business registration is now easier with the expanded Central Business Portal (CBP) that consolidates business registration transactions with the following government offices:

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF)
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
• Social Security System (SSS)
• PhilHealth
• Specific LGUs (Quezon City, Parañaque City, Pasay City, Caloocan City, Ilagan City, Mandaue City, Baler, Dipaculao, Limay, Macabebe, Paete, Lanto, Catarman, Santa Cruz in Marinduque, Santa Barbara in Iloilo, Dumingag, and Kabacan)

Any type of business¹³ can now be registered through the CBP.

To register a business online, create a CBP account using an active email. Afterward, complete your User Account Information by indicating the following:

• Business type (i.e., Sole Proprietorship, Corporation, Partnership)
• Personal details
• Residential Address
• Business Address

If you opt to register via CBP, you can pay electronically or manually the Annual Registration Fee (PHP 500) and the Documentary Stamp Tax (PHP 30). 

If you pay through available e-Payment channels, you will instantly get an electronic copy of the following:

• Certificate of Registration (COR)
• Quick Response (QR) code

Print these documents in an A4-size bond paper.  Note that this CBP-generated COR can be posted in your business place just like a BIR-signed COR.

Meanwhile, if you wish to pay manually, you must complete the registration process at your Revenue District Office (RDO) and present the following:

• CBP Unified Form ( “82” for Sole Proprietorship, Annex “BI” for Partnerships/Corporations)
• Accomplished Tax Type Questionnaire (Annex C)
• BIR Form No. 0605 (Payment Form – Annex D)
• Checklist of Documentary Requirements (Annex A) 

CBP-registered taxpayers are instructed to proceed to the Revenue District Office (RDO) indicated in their CBP-generated COR. You shall complete your business registration in the RDO and acquire BIR-printed receipts and invoices (or secure an Authority to Print receipts and invoices).

2. I’m an online seller/Youtuber/blogger. Do I need to register my business?

Yes. As long as you intend to continuously earn income from these businesses.

RMC No. 55-2013 states that there is no distinction between online businesses and businesses with physical stores. This means that you are required to comply with the same obligations as an ordinary business (i.e. registration, payment of taxes, bookkeeping, etc.) 

3. I’m earning from Google Adsense which is based internationally. Do I still need to report that income?

Based on the existing jurisprudence¹⁴, as long as you are earning within the Philippine Jurisdiction you must be taxed under Philippine laws.

Therefore, as long as your content is made in the Philippines, or your product is sold within the Philippines, or you’re providing service from your home (as a freelancer) then you are considered as earning within the PH.

Related Article: Situs of Taxation: How to Know Which is Taxable and Which is Not Taxable

4. What if the foreign company already taxed my income? Should I still register my business?

Yes. Withholding tax by your employers/customers does not exempt you from registering your business. You are still required to report your income in your tax returns and pay the corresponding tax dues.

5. What can I do with the withheld tax?

You may claim them as tax credits. This lowers the tax due equal to the amount they withheld subject to a few requirements. 

6. I earn less than PHP 250,000 a year, do I still need to register my business?

Yes. There is nothing in the law that exempts businesses earning lower than PHP 250,000 annually from registering their business.

It is a common misconception that as long as you have 0 income tax due, you are not required to register. Remember, there are other taxes that a business must pay i.e. Value-Added Tax, Expanded Withholding Tax, and Local Business Tax.

7. If I failed to register my business previously, is there a way to register without incurring penalties?

With the rise of online businesses, the BIR acknowledges that the layperson is not always up-to-date on recent tax legislation. That’s why new registrants, online sellers, and businesses with physical stores alike, were given the opportunity to legalize their business¹⁵ before September 30, 2020, without incurring any penalties.

However, they are still encouraged to report their past earnings and pay the corresponding tax due. 

To illustrate: 

Juan created an online store to sell clothes on the Facebook Marketplace in 2018. He earned a total of PHP 500,000 during the last 2 years of operations. 

Before RMC 60-2020, he would’ve been penalized for non-registration and non-filing of tax returns in the amount of PHP 20,000 and PHP 38,500, respectively. He is also liable for the PHP 70,000 tax due he should’ve paid.

This means that if Juan had been audited by the BIR, he would have been jailed unless he paid PHP 128,500 or about 25% of his total earnings. 

Thanks to the current circular, if he pays PHP 70,000 and registers his business properly with the BIR, he is now exempted from the penalties.

Computation: 

Penalty for non-registration = 20,000
Income Tax Due = 55,000 based on the graduated rates of 2018 and 2019
Other percentage tax = 15,000*
Surcharge for non-filing of tax = 70,000*25%
Interest for non-filing of tax = 70,000*12%*2.5 years

8. I’m done with the business registration. When can I start operating?

It is recommended to operate once you’re registered with all relevant government agencies i.e. DTI/SEC, BIR, and LGU. But since the LGU permits take a long time to process, some municipalities allow businesses to operate once the business has already received the Certificate of Registration from the BIR. 

9. Do I need to hire an accountant for the business registration (and beyond)?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a certified public accountant (CPA).

The only time when you are really required to hire a CPA is when you need to submit Audited Financial Statements. Apart from that, the decision boils down to the fact of whether or not you can handle the legal implications of your day-to-day operations, making sure that there are no unreported relevant transactions.

10. What is the difference between a trade name and a business name?

A Trade Name is the company’s legal name. If it is a sole proprietor, then the trade name is the owner’s birth name. Business Names, on the other hand, allow businesses to alter their trade names when transacting with other parties.

Think of it as a pen name for authors. Without business names, the Philippines will be flooded with unique, albeit ridiculously named businesses.

For example, Juan Dela Cruz is a freelance copywriter. His default trade name is “Juan Dela Cruz”. If he exclusively provides services, he is not required to register with the DTI since service providers can use their trade names as their business names. However, if he owns a sari-sari store, he must register a business name that accurately describes the store i.e. “Juan’s Sari-sari Store”.

Related: How to Register a Franchise Business in the Philippines

References

1. Manuel, P. (2020). BIR orders online businesses to register, declare past transactions, and pay taxes by end-July. Retrieved 22 July 2020, from https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2020/6/10/BIR-online-sellers-businesses-register-July-31.html
2. National Internal Revenue Code (1997), Section 34(A) and Section 34(K)
3. RA 9178 or Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) Act of 2002, Section 8
4. de Vera, B. (2021). BIR sets tougher fines, penalties for tax evasion. Retrieved 12 January 2022, from https://business.inquirer.net/325716/bir-sets-tougher-fines-penalties-for-tax-evasion
5. Ramirez, J. (2020). BIR ditches mayor’s permit as a registration requirement. Retrieved 12 January 2022, from https://mb.com.ph/2020/06/15/bir-ditches-mayors-permit-as-a-registration-requirement/
6. Revenue Memorandum Order No. 7-2015
7. Scale of Fines SEC Memorandum No. 6, Series of 2005
8. National Internal Revenue Code (1997), Section 232
9. BIR Revenue Regulations No. 3-2010 and Securities Regulation Code (SRC) Rule 68
10. National Internal Revenue Code (1997), Section 237(A)
11. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 550-2013
12. Cada, S. (2021). BIR’s one-stop-shop: Central Business Portal. Retrieved 11 January 2022, from https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/04/13/2090688/birs-one-stop-shop-central-business-portal
13. Tax Notes: Central business portal for online registration of all types of business now available. (2022). Retrieved 23 May 2022, from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1928722/cebu/business/tax-notes-central-business-portal-for-online-registration-of-all-types-of-business-now-available
14. National Internal Revenue Code (1997), Section 42(A) and Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs. British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and Court of Tax Appeals (1987)
15. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 92-2020