RMC No. 3-2023: Prescribes the policies and guidelines on the Online Registration of Books of Accounts

Key points

1. Online registration with QR Stamp. All books of accounts are registered online through the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS). A QR Code that can be validated online replaces manual stamping.
2. New business registrants. Manual books are registered before the deadline for the initial quarterly Income Tax return or the annual Income Tax return, whichever comes earlier. They are registered again before the previously registered pages are fully used.
3. Existing taxpayers, manual books. Registration is before use, and again before the previously registered pages are fully used. New sets need not be registered every year, but taxpayers may opt to use a new set yearly and register it before use.
4. Loose leaf and computerized books. Permanently bound loose leaf books are registered within fifteen (15) days after the end of each taxable year or business closure, whichever is earlier. Computerized books are registered within thirty (30) days, unless the Commissioner or a representative extends the period on request made before it lapses.
5. QR Stamp. The QR Stamp is pasted on the first page of manual and loose leaf books. For computerized books it is attached to the transmittal letter for the USB flash drive.
6. Initial implementation. Taxpayers may still register and stamp manual books at the RDO or Large Taxpayer Division or Office where the Head Office or Branch is registered. These offices announce that registration can be manual or online.

Who is affected

• Taxpayers registering books of accounts
• New business registrants
• Existing business taxpayers

Deadlines and effectivity

• Loose leaf books: within 15 days after year-end or closure
• Computerized books: within 30 days after year-end or closure