Manila:The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has been recognized by the Supreme Court of the Philippines for its significant contribution to the rollout of electronic notarization (eNotarization), particularly in aiding compliance with Documentary Stamp Tax (DST).

According to Philippines News Agency, the recognition was awarded during the ceremonial signing of Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMCs) on October 13. These JMCs were signed between the Supreme Court and the Land Registration Authority, as well as the Supreme Court and the Securities and Exchange Commission, to establish inter-agency coordination for electronic notarization in real estate and corporate transactions.

The BIR, in collaboration with the Supreme Court's Office of the Bar Confidant - Interim Electronic Notary Services, has played a pivotal role in establishing the process by which Electronic Notaries Public can meet their DST obligations using the BIR's eDST system. This process requires electronic notaries to comply with BIR registration and eDST requirements.

Pending direct system integration, the BIR's eDST web system is used to affix electronic documentary stamps, ensuring that electronically notarized documents adhere to current tax regulations. BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza announced that the agency plans to issue a Revenue Memorandum Circular soon to institutionalize these eDST reforms and provide clear implementation guidelines. This issuance will further support the integration of documentary stamp tax compliance into digital transactions, including electronic notarization.