Bitcoin and crypto trading in Philippines
Spending bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading in the Philippines
Despite the rise of the crypto economy in the Philippines, specialist outlets that accept crypto are thin on the ground. Some of the specific products and services you could spend your hard-earned/mined/traded bitcoin on include property, cupcakes, cured beef, photography and watches. On the other hand, you could just turn your cryptocurrency into normal money and splash the cash.
Law and crypto trading in the Philippines
Cryptocurrency comes under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Central Bank (BSP). The former is currently drafting new rules for virtual currencies and initial coin offerings (ICOs) and investigates organizations providing crypto services. The latter has regulatory powers over the financial service providers; especially transfer agents and foreign exchanges.
Paying tax on my crypto trading in the the Philippines
The Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Department of Finance (DOF) have both recently released statements on taxing cryptocurrencies. Essentially, anyone making gains from trading cryptocurrency is likely to be taxed on earnings from within the Philippines and abroad. As with many countries, your gains will be taxed only if you sell or exchange your coins to make a profit. Tax also applies to winnings on ‘playing to earn’ games. Capital gains tax may also apply to speculative gains even if you’re not a regular trader. The Philippines requires regular tax returns, so whether you’re making profits or not, you have to file your returns.
Tax relief, changing residency and gifting crypto coins in Philipines
Crypto gains are taxable and on a sliding scale of earnings. If you’re a professional trader you could be subject to VAT if your gross earnings exceed PHP 3 million pesos. You may also be subject to something called a percentage tax. In all these cases, you need to get advice on where you stand as a potential taxpayer before thinking of tax relief. Also, gifting crypto is likely to be taxed on the gain you made from acquiring it and gifting it. Permanent residents of the Philippines realizing gains from crypto trading or mining are subject to standard income tax, but if you permanently move residency to another country you’ll pay its prevailing tax laws.
Crypto mining regulations in the Philippines
Thinking of mining crypto in the Philippines? It’s a highly technical and expensive activity at the best of times. In the Philippines, your mining gains are also subject to income tax – but only when you realize them. So if you do mine a fortune (and still have change to spare after your electricity bill) your gains will be subject to income tax as and when you sell or exchange them. An activity strictly for the very few!
Planning your retirement and investing in cryptocurrency in the Philippines
Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin are not excluded from diversified investment portfolios. However, there have been some well publicized frauds, and many long-term personal retirement funds would not recommend it for retirement planning due to price volatility. Those that are able to offer them will seek correspondingly higher fees and are more likely to cater to high net worth individuals.
Financial services’ outlook on Bitcoin and crypto economy in the Phillipines
Trying to keep the lid on the vast growth of crypto transactions has seen the Philippines initiate legislation requiring all virtual currency exchanges to register with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). Centering on services outside of banking, these requirements are aimed at remittance and transfer companies, as well as moneychangers and foreign exchange dealers who are required to file timely reports for covered transactions. The fintech industry in the Philippines is very much in a state of evolution, with numerous crypto platforms active. Overall the financial sector is still looking for strategic guidance. The Philippines is considering the idea of a well-regulated and controlled national crypto exchange.
The Philippines and DeFi: the latest developments
Crypto security, transparency and compliance in Philipines
The Philippines’ active crypto economy has a dark side. The country has a reputation as a site of fraud and money laundering. This is something the government is keen to eradicate. Under the auspices of the Manual of Regulations for Non-Banking Financial Institutions (MORNBFI), virtual exchanges have to register with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). Exchanges are also subject to the AMLA’s know-your-customer and record-keeping requirements. Remember, some exchanges carry insurance against loss, but it is up to individuals to find out how much protection a given exchange offers.
