[Ask the Tax Whiz] As the annual ITR filing deadline approaches: What taxpayers need to know

Until when can I pay my tax returns?

Technically, you can pay your taxes until April 15, 2025. However, to better accommodate all taxpayers filing their Annual Income Tax Returns, Authorized Agent Banks (AAB) will accept tax return payments on the following Saturdays: April 5, 2025, and April 12, 2025. Additionally, AAB will extend its banking hours up to 5 pm from April 1 to 15, 2025, in preparation for taxpayers filing their returns during this period as per Bank Bulletin 2025-01.

What are the guidelines for eFPS and eBIR users/filers in filing their Annual Income Tax Return for the calendar year 2024?

For eFPS users/filers: Taxpayers mandated to use eFPS must file their Annual Income Tax Return (AITR) electronically and pay the corresponding taxes due thereon through the eFPS-Authorized Agent Banks where they are enrolled.

Income tax returns for compensation income earners, self-employed and professionals, mixed income earners, and corporations are now available via eFPS. Since last year’s filing, the income tax return for corporations subject to multiple income tax rates or subject to special/preferential rates (1702-MX) has been made available in the eFPS package as announced by RMC 63-2024 last May 2024.

Taxpayers mandated to use eFPS shall file their AITR using the eBIRForms facility if filing through eFPS is not possible due to the following reasons:

1. Unavailability of BIR-eFPS covered by an Advisory published in the BIR Website
2. Unavailability of eFPS-AAB system covered by an Advisory released/published by the AAB
3. Any justifiable reason as may be determined by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue (CIR) or his authorized representative.

For eBIR users/filers: Non-eFPS taxpayers shall use the eBIRForms in filing their AITRs electronically through the Offline eBIRForms Package v.7.9.4.2. Taxpayers need to ensure that they are using the latest version available in eBIRForms. 

Taxpayers who already filed their AITR through eBIRForms shall no longer be required to refile the return in the eFPS.

Who are the qualified taxpayers to manually file their “No payment AITRs”?

According to RMC 51-2024, only qualified taxpayers may manually file their “No Payment AITRs” with the Revenue District Office (RDO) in three copies. They must use either electronic or computer-generated returns or photocopied returns in their original format, printed on legal-size bond paper.

These taxpayers include the following:

1. Senior citizens (SC) or persons with disabilities (PWDs) filing for their own returns.
2. Employees deriving purely compensation income from two or more employers, or not qualified for substituted filing.
3. Employees who opted to file their own ITR for the purpose of promotion, loans, scholarships, foreign travel requirements, etc.

What are the documentary requirements for the Annual Income Tax Return?

The required attachments to the AITR are as follows:

1. Filing Reference Number (FRN) as proof of eFiling in eFPS.
2. Tax Return Receipt Confirmation as proof of eFiling in eBIRForms.
3. Proof of Payment/Acknowledgement Receipts of Payment.
4. Certificate of Independent CPA duly accredited by the BIR.
5. Unaudited or Audited Financial Statements (AFS).
6. Notes to AFS.
7. Statement of Management Responsibilities (SMR).
8. BIR Form No. 2307 – Certificate of Creditable Tax Withheld at Source.
9. BIR Form No. 2304 – Certificate of Income Payments not Subjected to Withholding Tax.
10. BIR Form No. 2316 – Certificate of Compensation Payment/Tax Withheld.
11. System-generated Acknowledgement Receipt or Validation Report of electronically submitted Summary Alphalist of Withholding Taxes (SAWT) thru esubmission@bir.gov.ph.
12. Duly approved Tax Debit Memo.
13. Proof of Foreign Tax Credits.
14. Proof of Prior Year’s Excess Credits.
15. Proof of Other Tax Credits/Payments.
16. BIR Form No. 1709- Information Return on Transactions with Related Party.

How and where can I pay my taxes due?

According to RMC 87-2024, all tax returns shall now be filed electronically, and all taxpayers who are already enrolled in the said electronic system shall continue using it. 

However, if the eFPS isn’t working and there is an advisory on the unavailability of the system, or you can’t access it for any justifiable reason, you can use the eBIRForms to file your tax returns. 

If neither of the two are available, you can file your tax returns manually and pay at a revenue collection officer (RCO) or authorized agent bank (AAB). Note that RCOs can only accept cash payments up to P20,000.00. For amounts over that, you’ll need to pay by check.

Also, you can now pay your taxes to an authorized agent bank outside the jurisdiction of your RDO since the 25% surcharge can no longer be imposed as this has already been removed under the EOPT Act.

To pay your taxes electronically, you can do so through: 

1. Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) Link.BizPortal – ATM account with LBP and/or holder of BancNet ATM/Debit/Prepaid Card or PESONet facility
2. Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) PayTax Online
3. Unionbank of the Philippines (UBP) Online/ The Portal Payment Facilities
4. GCash App
5. Maya App
6. MyEG

1. E-Wallet

•  GCash, Maya, ShopeePay, and GrabPay

1. Credit/Debit Card

•  Mastercard, Visa, JCB

– Rappler.com

The information provided in the article above is for general knowledge and information. We’re always happy to hear from you! If you want to know how these regulations affect your business,  CONSULT ACG or email us at consult@acg.ph.