The BIR has officially extended the deadline for filing your 2025 Annual Income Tax Return (ITR) from April 15 to May 15, 2026. This applies to freelancers, self-employed professionals, and business owners who file their own ITR.
What Exactly Changed?
Based on RMC No. 030-2026
Old deadline: April 15, 2026 New deadline: May 15, 2026 ✅
The extension covers:
- Filing your 2025 Annual Income Tax Return (BIR Form 1701 or 1701A)
- Payment of the corresponding income taxes due
- Submission of required attachments (e.g., financial statements, schedules)
Does This Apply to Me?
This extension applies to you if you are:
- A freelancer or self-employed professional (lawyer, doctor, consultant, content creator, etc.)
- A sole proprietor or small business owner
- Anyone required to file BIR Form 1701 or 1701A for taxable year 2025
Note: If you are a purely compensated employee whose employer already files on your behalf (substituted filing), this extension typically does not affect you.
What Do You Need to Do?
- Gather your income records for the full year 2025 (income, expenses, receipts).
- Compute your taxable income and taxes due.
- File your Annual ITR on or before May 15, 2026.
- Pay any taxes due on or before the same deadline to avoid penalties and surcharges.
- Submit required attachments along with your return.
Pro Tip: Even with the extended deadline, don’t wait until May 15. Filing early means less stress, more time to correct errors, and faster processing of any refunds.