Manila: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has announced an extension of the tax deadline to August 18 for areas impacted by the southwest monsoon, locally known as 'habagat'. This decision was formalized under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 95-2026, which was issued on Friday. The extension applies to specific filing, payment, remittance, and submission requirements originally due from August 10 to 16, 2026. This includes withholding tax returns, income tax returns, one-time transactions, and other related obligations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the extension affects BIR offices located across several regions including Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, and Mindoro. The circular also addresses taxpayers encountering technical difficulties with the eBIRForms Offline Package, offering them additional time to fulfill their tax duties without incurring penalties.
Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza stated, "We recognize the difficulties faced by taxpayers affected by the rains, as well as those who are unable to comply because of the technical issues with eBIRForms. We are giving them additional time to complete their tax obligations without penalty." Furthermore, the BIR has issued a Bank Bulletin that instructs Authorized Agent Banks to accept tax returns and payments until August 18, 2026, without penalties. This applies to both taxpayers affected by the monsoon and those experiencing issues with the eBIRForms Offline Package.
The BIR has clarified that taxpayers required to use the Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) who are not covered by RMC No. 89-2026 are not included in this extension and must continue to comply using eFPS. Commissioner Mendoza emphasized the importance of meeting the revised deadline, stating, "We remind covered taxpayers to complete their filing and payment requirements by August 18. At the same time, we assure taxpayers that when circumstances beyond their control make compliance difficult, the BIR will continue to respond reasonably and give them a fair opportunity to comply."
