The cost of a world-class performance

THESE past few weeks, we have seen world-renowned performers regale us with their art. We had the likes of Ed Sheeran and Janet Jackson, to name a few, who came to the Philippines and entertained Filipinos and foreigners alike who bought tickets to their live performances. These foreign artists make bank every time they go on world tours; it makes you wonder if they are paying taxes in the Philippines.

Wonder no more. One can look at these performers as service providers who come to the Philippines to render personal service via the entertainment they provide. Consequently, they derive revenue and income from the service they render in the Philippines and are, therefore, subject to income tax and value-added tax (VAT).