BIR suspends mandatory display of registration seal badges

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has suspended the mandatory display of registration seal badges until further notice amid data privacy concerns.

Photo from BIR

BIR pauses mandatory seal badge rule

The original Oct. 31 deadline required online sellers, service providers, and content creators to display the badge on websites, e-commerce and marketplace pages, social media accounts, and other digital platforms.

Taxpayers who have already obtained the seal badge may continue displaying it at their discretion, and no penalties will be imposed solely for non-display during the suspension period.

We have heard the concerns of online sellers, content creators, and other taxpayers regarding data privacy, technical issues, and the scope of the BIR Registration Seal Badge requirement.

In response, I have directed the suspension of the October 31, 2026 compliance deadline and the mandatory online posting of the BIR Registration Seal Badge until further notice. This suspension is formalized under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 113-2026.

When BIR issued RMC 38-2026 last April 29, 2026, the Seal Badge was introduced as an alternative to posting the full Certificate of Registration (COR) online, as required under Revenue Regulations Nos. 7-2024 and 15-2024, issued pursuant to the Ease of Paying Taxes Act. We recognize that protecting personal information online presents different and more complex challenges than displaying a COR at a physical business establishment.

The suspension will allow the BIR to address privacy and technical concerns and review the implementation of the requirement. We will work with the National Privacy Commission and consult affected taxpayers and stakeholders, consistent with the intent of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act to simplify compliance for all taxpayers.

During the suspension, taxpayers may continue to display their Seal Badges voluntarily, and no penalties will be imposed solely for non-display.

Our commitment remains the same: to protect taxpayers, make compliance easier, and deliver the quality of service you deserve.

The suspension came after Sen. Bam Aquino, celebrities, and other creators called on the BIR to temporarily halt the Registration Seal Badge requirement and consult affected stakeholders before enforcing the mandate.

To recap, the Registration Seal Badge is a QR code-based badge that lets the public verify a taxpayer's BIR registration. It was meant to replace the display of the Certificate of Registration (COR) online to help address data privacy concerns.

Source: BIR