The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was recognized by the Supreme Court of the Philippines for its contribution to the implementation of electronic notarization (eNotarization), particularly in facilitating compliance with Documentary Stamp Tax (DST).

In a statement Thursday, BIR said the recognition was conferred during the ceremonial signing of Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMCs) between the Supreme Court and the Land Registration Authority, and between the Supreme Court and the Securities and Exchange Commission on Oct. 13.

The JMCs establish inter-agency coordination mechanisms for electronic notarization in real estate and corporate transactions.

The BIR in coordination with the Supreme Court’s Office of the Bar Confidant – Interim Electronic Notary Services, helped establish the process by which Electronic Notaries Public can fulfill their DST obligations using the BIR’s eDST system.

Under this process, electronic notaries must comply with applicable BIR registration and eDST requirements.

Pending direct system integration, electronic documentary stamps are affixed through the BIR’s eDST web system, allowing covered electronically notarized documents to comply with existing tax regulations.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza said the agency is expected to issue a Revenue Memorandum Circular in the coming days to institutionalize the eDST reforms and provide clearer implementation guidelines.

The issuance will further support integrating documentary stamp tax compliance into digital transactions, including electronic notarization. (PNA)