Let’s be honest — if you’ve ever Googled “1701Q,” you’ve probably landed on a page full of jargon, legal terms, and tables that made you feel more lost than when you started.
But before we begin, here’s everything you need to have ready before you sit down to file your 1701Q:
Are you ready to file your 1701Q?
Go through each item below before you sit down to file — it makes the whole process a lot smoother.
Most freelancers and self-employed professionals feel the same way — like taxes are a system designed by people who already understand taxes, for people who already understand taxes. Everyone else is just supposed to figure it out.
So let’s fix that.
1701Q — what it is, who it’s for, and how to file.
What is 1701Q?
Here’s a helpful way to think about it. When you’re employed by a company, your employer takes care of your taxes every month — a portion of your salary is withheld before it even reaches you. It’s automatic, and you don’t have to do anything.
When you work for yourself, though, that doesn’t happen. No employer is setting aside taxes on your behalf, so that responsibility becomes yours. And the main way you fulfil it, three times a year, is through BIR Form 1701Q — your Quarterly Income Tax Return.
It’s the form you use to tell BIR how much your business or freelance work earned during a quarter and to pay the taxes due on that income.
1701Q Deadlines
There are three deadlines to keep track of each year, one after each of the first three quarters:
| Quarter | Period Covered | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | January 1 – March 31 | May 15 |
| Q2 | April 1 – June 30 | August 15 |
| Q3 | July 1 – September 30 | November 15 |
If any of these dates land on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline shifts to the next working day. Even so, it’s a good habit to file a couple of days early. In that way, any unexpected hiccups with payment processing or internet connectivity won’t leave you scrambling at the last minute.
Does the 1701Q Apply to You?
If you’re a freelancer or business owner in the Philippines, there’s a good chance it does.
Freelancers and independent workers — this covers a wide range of people: writers, designers, developers, virtual assistants, consultants, online sellers, and anyone else who earns by offering their skills or products directly to clients or customers, outside of a regular employment arrangement.
Sole proprietors and small business owners — whether you run an online shop, a food business, a salon, a retail store, or any kind of venture registered under your own name, 1701Q is part of your quarterly compliance.
Professionals in private practice — doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers, and accountants who earn income directly from their clients rather than through an employer also need to file 1701Q.
One thing that surprises some people: even if you had zero income in a particular quarter, you still need to file.
How to File 1701Q Online
The good news is that you no longer need to visit a BIR office to file. Everything can be done online, and it’s a lot more straightforward than it used to be.
Filing via Taxumo
Taxumo is a BIR-accredited tax platform built for freelancers and business owners. People who need to stay compliant without having a dedicated accountant handling everything for them.
Here’s how filing works:
- Log in at taxumo.com
- Enter your income for the quarter and any Form 2307 credits from clients
- Taxumo automatically computes your tax due
- Review your return, then submit. Taxumo sends it directly to the BIR for you
- Pay via GCash, Maya, bank transfer, or over-the-counter at partner payment centers
- Receive your BIR confirmation
Taxumo also sends reminders before each quarterly deadline, so you’re never caught off guard even during your busiest months.
Filing via BIR eBIRForms or eFPS
If you prefer to file directly through the BIR, eBIRForms is available for most individual taxpayers, while eFPS is for those enrolled in the Electronic Filing and Payment System. Both options require you to compute your taxes manually and handle payment as a separate step.
If you want help with the actual filing — computation, submission, and payment all in one place — Taxumo was built for exactly that.
Book a free call with the team to learn how to file!
And if you have questions about your specific tax situation, Taxumo Consult connects you with a real tax professional who can help you work through the details.