Taxpayers now have an extra month to file their 2025 Annual Income Tax Returns (ITR), following the announcement that the deadline has been moved from April 15, 2026, to May 15, 2026.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shared the update, noting that the extension is meant to give people more time to prepare and submit their documents properly—without penalties.
Photo: Tara Winstead/Pexels
“Ginawa natin ito para mas magaan ang pagbabayad ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na sa panahong ramdam ang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating ginagawa para maibsan ang bigat sa araw-araw na buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
According to the announcement, taxpayers can continue filing through BIR electronic platforms or authorized agent banks.
What this means for taxpayers
If you haven’t filed your ITR yet, the extension gives you more time to organize your documents and double-check your entries before submitting.
For those who usually rush to meet the April 2026 deadline, this could help spread out the workload, especially for freelancers, business owners, and anyone handling their own filings.
Photo: Angie Reyes
Who needs to file an ITR?
In general, individuals and entities earning income within or from the Philippines may be required to file. This includes:
- Employees with multiple employers within the year
- Self-employed individuals and freelancers
- Business owners
- Mixed-income earners (both employed and self-employed)
- Corporations, partnerships, estates, and trusts
Some individuals may be exempt, such as minimum wage earners or those qualified for substituted filing, depending on their situation.
How to file your income tax return
If you’re filing on your own, there are a few main ways to go about it. Here’s a straightforward guide:
1. Manual filing
This involves physically submitting your forms.
- Download and fill out the appropriate BIR form (commonly Form 1700 or 1701)
- Prepare required documents like BIR Form 2316 and other supporting papers
- Go to your Revenue District Office (RDO) or an Authorized Agent Bank (AAB)
- Submit your documents and pay any taxes due (if applicable)
You’ll receive a stamped copy as proof of filing.
2. Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS)
This is an online system typically used by larger taxpayers and certain registered entities.
- Enroll through the BIR eFPS platform
- Log in, fill out your return, and submit it online
- If there’s a payment due, settle it through an accredited bank
A Filing Reference Number will be generated as confirmation.
3. eBIRForms
This is a more accessible option for many individual taxpayers.
- Download the offline eBIRForms package
- Fill out the form on your computer
- Validate and submit it through the system
- Receive a confirmation email and filing reference number
Keep in mind that while the system helps with submission, you’ll still need to compute your taxes accurately.
Photo: Angie Reyes/Pexels
A bit more time, but best not to wait
While the new deadline gives some breathing room, it’s still a good idea to file earlier if you can. This helps avoid last-minute issues like system slowdowns, long queues, or missing documents.
If you’re unsure about your filing status or requirements, checking directly with the BIR or a qualified professional can help clear things up.
For now, the key takeaway is simple: you’ve got until May 15 to file your ITR—use the extra time wisely.
ALSO READ: Planning to Fly Abroad? You Might Say Goodbye to the Travel Tax
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
