All digital services including streaming services, social media channels, cloud storage services, online e-commerce sites, as well as games and other types of electronic transactions may become more expensive if the government finally approves the digital tax or VAT (Value Added Tax).
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The house committee in congress that covers the said bill has approved the new electronic VAT for all online and digital forms of transactions just today. This will pass a review before becoming final after the executive branch signs it.
It means that if this bill becomes a law, a price hike to almost all digital apps, services, and games will happen. This adds a 12% tax for each transaction that will happen. More or less, the brand may also impose higher than the 12% VAT.
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You can find the list of services that will be affected by this bill below.
- Online licensing of apps and software
- Streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, HBO Max, Disney+
- Games and Mobile Apps
- E-commerce transactions i.e. Lazada, Shopee, SM Online Store etc.
- Cloud storage and webcast and webinars
- Digital consumption and contents i.e. photos, training, music, movies, files
- Online Advertisement and Search Engine like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Youtube revenues
- Social network services like Facebook and Twitter
- Website hosting, domain, server and database
- Different types of Cloud and file sharing
- Internet-based telecommunication and services
- Online training and courses
- Online newspapers and magazine subscriptions
- Payment processing
