Tax return filing through eBIR Forms has been made mandatory since 2014. As per this mandate, all non-eFPS (Electronic Filing and Payment System) taxpayers and Accredited Tax Agents are required to file tax returns by using the eBIR Forms, regardless of whether the filer will use an online tax calculator or not.
Learning about this will help you from having to thinking of BIR problems and solutions. If you are only finding out now, eBIR Forms are the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) electronic service that enables taxpayers to fill up their forms online. Once the BIR computes the necessary tax dues, they can pay for their taxes to accredited banks. This makes the filling process easier as it cuts downtime that would be spent on waiting when undergoing the manual filling process.
Two Components of eBIR Forms
The eBIRForms can be further broken down into two key components, namely the Offline Package and the Offline System.
- Offline eBIR Forms Package
Online eBIR Forms package refers to the software that taxpayers and Accredited Tax Agents utilize to fill up the tax forms offline. This aids in the accounting, bookkeeping, and offline preparation of taxes. Forms are downloadable and may be filled up manually. These forms may be found on the BIR website. The form automatically computes the tax dues once the proper Alphanumeric Tax Codes are chosen.
- Online eBIR Forms System
Meanwhile, the online eBIR Forms system is the online software and infrastructure that allows for accepting, processing, and storing tax returns submitted by taxpayers through online means. It is this system that makes online submission of forms and filing of tax returns possible.
Who Can Use the Forms
The online eBIR Forms also boasts of other features, as you can file for different categories using their platform. In addition, certain individuals are required to use these forms. Below is everything else you need to know.
Those required to file tax returns using these forms are those who are covered by the 2015 Revenue Regulations, as the government does not require these individuals to use the Electronic Filing and Payment System. People and entities that are required to use eBIRForms include:
– Accredited Tax Agents
– LGUs (not including barangays)
– Corporations reporting to the government
– Real estate agents and developers who are listed as one-time transaction taxpayers
– Government cooperatives
– People filing for a “No Payment Return”
– Electric and Water Utilities Administration cooperatives
– Duly accredited principal and secondary printers of receipts and invoices
Meanwhile, some do not need to use eBIR Forms. Certain individuals and entities are exempted from using these forms, including the following:
– Individuals who earn income purely from compensations
– Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
– Individuals with disabilities filing for income tax return
– Senior Citizens filing for tax return
– Employees who qualify for substitute filing under RR 2-98 Sec. 2.83.4 but opt to pay income tax returns to avail of benefits
BIR forms can be filed under the eBIR system. Both the offline package and online systems carry 36 BIR forms under the classifications stipulated below:
– Value Added Tax (VAT)
– Withholding Tax
– Documentary Stamp Tax
– Percentage Tax
– Income Tax Returns
– Excise Tax
– ONETT / BIR one-time transactions
– Capital Gains Tax
– Donor’s Tax Returns
All forms can be found on the BIR web portal.
Filing Taxes Using eBIR Forms
- Download and then install the most recently updated eBIR Forms Offline Package.
- After installing the software, search for the eBIR Forms icon on your computer. The system only runs on laptop and computer systems.
- Input the required information. The form will ask for your TIN (Tax Identification Number), RDO (Revenue District Office), Full Name, and other important info.
- Choose the kind of BIR form you would like to file and click the “Fill up” button.
- Patiently wait for your chosen forms to load.
- Encode whatever info is requested on the page.
- Input your income on the “taxable amount” portion of the form.
- Save and validate your info.
- Print 3 copies of the forms to be presented at Authorized Agent Banks.
- Go back to the previous page so that the software may submit your forms to the BIR with the email address that you should have encoded in step number 6.
- Wait to receive confirmation.
- Pay your taxes.
If all of these sound complicated, you can seek the help of a certified public accountant. This will assure your taxes are computed correctly and lessened with the right deductibles to lower your tax dues. Paying for the correct taxes with the BIR is crucial to avoid an audit and investigation.
Failure to comply will result in stiff penalties. Should you need help with tax preparation, accounting, and bookkeeping, give our team of CPAs a call. We offer free 30-minute free consultations to get you started on the right track when it comes to your taxes.
