Let's pay our taxes
The Filipino freelancers' guide to paying taxes and securing social benefits
by Al Sabado
And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (Mark 12:17)
Contents
BIR registration, filing, and schedule
Taxpayer's guide (see the latest BIR Form 1701)
Sample entries of accounting books for the Filipino freelancer
BIR advisories, circulars, regulations, and memos
Revenue Memorandum Circular 2-2014: Clarification on the issuance of official receipt . . . (noted on this website, 20 October 2016)
The eBIRForms package version 6.2 is now ready for downloading from the BIR home page (noted on this website, 30 August 2016).
Memorandum dated 24 May 2016: The eBIRForms package version 6.1 is ready for downloading and use (noted on this website, 10 June 2016)
Reminder to all taxpayers mandated to file and pay electronically (noted on this website, 10 June 2016)
Revenue Memorandum Circular 67-2015: Acceptance of tax returns and payments of taxpayers who are mandated to file their tax returns thru the electronic filing and payment system (eFPS) and electronic BIR forms (e-BIRForms) on areas affected by typhoon Lando, as of 20 October 2015
Revenue Memorandum Circular 58-2015: Availability of eBIRForms Package Version 5.1, exact date of circular unspecified, but posted on this website on 2 October 2015
July 30, 2015 Memo: Starting August 1, 2015, the eBIRForms eMail accounts will no longer be available.
Revenue Memorandum Circular 31-2015 (Availability of eBIRForms Package Version 5.0, as of 8 June 2015)
Revenue Memorandum Circular 26-2015: Alternative mode in the filing of several returns using electronic platforms of the BIR and re-e-filing of all other forms, as of 6 May 2015
Revenue Regulations 4-2014: Guidelines and policies for the monitoring of service fees of professionals, as of 3 March 2014
Memorandum Circular 55-2013: Reiterating taxpayers’ obligations in relation to online business transactions, as of 5 August 2013
Related links
eBIRForms package version 6.3 (as of posting here, 4 May 2017)
Pay taxes using GCash (temporarily unavailable due to ongoing system update, according to the news dated 3 April 2017)
Social Benefits
Others
(Photo courtesy of Garrylynch's Blog)
"If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, please immediately report this activity. Reports can be made by phone, by mail (regular or e-mail) or by personally reporting the matter to the nearest BIR office located nationwide." (BIR RATE Program, Frequently Asked Questions, p. 4)
Freelance from the comforts of your home ...
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"OK, I've defined my freelance work and fees, but where are the clients?" (21 January 2015)
Price your freelance work according to content and quality: Nothing more, nothing less (3 November 2014)
Define your freelance work—without marketing tools (20 October 2014)
The following bidding sites are just a few options to help you start your freelance career. Check them out!
Multiple savings and investments
Spend less, save more: Grow your hard-earned money
"Dagdagan ang savings sa Pag-IBIG"
More on social benefits
Other taxes and permits
Related posts
Modified Pag-IBIG II (MP2) Program, voluntary five-year savings
Informed trading (Read more: Online trading is NOT gambling, but a legitimate investment and source of income)
(This program has officially ended on 1 October 2014. Refer to BIR memorandum dated 29 September 2014 for details.)
Is it right to use other people's official receipts to compute one's tax deductibles?
Taxation for the Filipino freelancer: Do we file or pay for the 4th quarter separately?
Freelancers' health/diet: When we care enough to 'give' the very best (Annual physical exam packages)
FAQs and other freelancer concerns
Born on Philippine Tax Day, but no celebrates it, along with other "calendar" occasions, Al is the youngest daughter of the late Eriong Sabado and the late Choleng Dacayan. She has resided in Marikina City since birth and has never thought of relocating since Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) hit the city. Blessed with seven cats, now six (spayed and neutered), Al has been enjoying her work as a freelance editor since 2008.
Updated 28 April 2020