Whether you’re a freelancer, employee, or business owner, filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) isn’t optional — it’s essential to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. But where do you actually get your ITR? And can you file it online to skip the long lines? This guide breaks it all down — from finding the right forms to filing conveniently, whether at a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office or from the comfort of your home.

Where to Get Your Income Tax Return (ITR) in the Philippines

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is the main agency responsible for overseeing tax compliance. They provide several ways for taxpayers to access ITR forms, depending on their preference:

1. Get Your ITR from a BIR Revenue District Office (RDO)

If you prefer the traditional method, you can visit the nearest BIR office (specifically your designated Revenue District Office). BIR offices nationwide provide physical copies of the ITR forms for free.

You can find your assigned RDO by checking the BIR’s official list:
List of BIR Revenue District Offices

Tip: Make sure to bring your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and any supporting documents to avoid multiple trips.

2. Download ITR Forms from the BIR Website

For a faster, more convenient option, you can download the necessary ITR forms directly from the BIR’s official website. This is ideal if you want to fill out the form at home or work before submission.

Visit the BIR’s Forms Section and download the appropriate form. Some common forms include:

• BIR Form 1700 – For individuals earning purely compensation income.
• BIR Form 1701 – For self-employed individuals, professionals, or those with mixed income.
• BIR Form 1701A – For self-employed individuals opting for an 8% flat income tax rate or optional standard deductions.

Pro Tip: Always use the latest version of the form, as outdated versions may cause delays or rejection during submission.

3. Use the BIR’s eBIRForms Package (Offline Tool)

The BIR has also developed an offline tool called eBIRForms — a downloadable package designed to help taxpayers fill out tax returns on their computer before submitting online. This tool reduces the chances of errors, thanks to its built-in validation checks.

You can download the package here:
Download eBIRForms Package

Why use eBIRForms?

• It works offline (you only need internet to submit the final form).
• It minimizes errors with built-in validation.
• It allows you to save a copy of your tax return for future reference.

Can I File My ITR Online in the Philippines?

Yes — and the BIR highly encourages online filing to make the process faster and more accessible. Let’s break down your online options:

1. Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS)

The Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) is an online platform designed for large taxpayers, businesses, and those required by the BIR to file electronically.

To use eFPS, you must first enroll here:
Enroll in eFPS

Who can use eFPS?

• Large taxpayers
• Businesses with government contracts
• Companies under the BIR’s Taxpayer Account Management Program (TAMP)
• National government agencies

✅ Advantages of eFPS:

• Fully online filing and payment
• Faster processing times
• Real-time confirmation of filing and payment

2. eBIRForms (Online Submission)

For individuals, self-employed professionals, and small businesses, the eBIRForms platform is a more practical option. After filling out your form offline using the eBIRForms package, you can submit it online.

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Download and install the eBIRForms package from the BIR website.
2️⃣ Fill out the appropriate form (e.g., 1701A for freelancers).
3️⃣ Validate the form — this ensures you’ve entered all required details.
4️⃣ Click “Final Copy” to prepare the form for submission.
5️⃣ Submit the form through the system.

Submit your ITR via eBIRForms

After submission: You’ll receive an email confirmation from the BIR as proof of your successful filing. Keep this for your records.

How to Pay Your Taxes Online

After filing your ITR, the next step is paying your taxes. Fortunately, the BIR now offers several online payment channels:

• Gcash and PayMaya – Popular mobile wallet apps that allow easy tax payments.
• LANDBANK Link.BizPortal – Online banking system for government transactions.
• DBP’s PayTax Online – Digital payment solution from the Development Bank of the Philippines.
• BIR’s Partner Banks – Some authorized banks allow online payments.

For a complete list of payment options, check this link:
BIR Authorized Payment Channels

Stay Compliant, Stay Stress-Free

Filing your ITR is a crucial part of staying legally compliant and avoiding penalties. With the BIR now offering multiple ways to get your ITR — from physical offices to downloadable forms and fully online options — the process is more convenient than ever.

Need help preparing and filing your ITR? Don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from Tax Assist PH, Your Partner in Simplifying Philippine Taxes, to ensure accuracy and avoid mistakes that could lead to penalties.✅ Stay compliant. Stay secure. File on time.