BIR extends tax filing, payment deadlines in Habagat-hit areas

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended the tax filing and payment deadlines for taxpayers in areas affected by heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

In a statement, the BIR said it issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 89-2026 on August 10, extending to August 17 the specified statutory tax deadlines falling from August 10 to 16 for taxpayers under Revenue District Offices (RDOs) affected by Habagat.

The BIR said the extension covers specified tax filings, payments, remittances, registrations, and required submissions through e-Filing, e-Payment, eFPS, and manual channels, as enumerated in the circular.

The circular covers 58 BIR offices and units, including 53 regular RDOs and five Large Taxpayer Audit and Excise Divisions.

“We recognize the difficulties brought about by the prevailing weather conditions. We are giving our affected taxpayers additional time so they can prioritize their safety this week and comply with their tax obligations without having to worry about penalties,” said BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza.

The BIR added that it issued Bank Bulletin No. 2026-09 covering the acceptance by Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) of applicable tax returns and payments from taxpayers under the affected RDOs until August 17, 2026, without corresponding penalties.

The bureau said RMC No. 89-2026 was issued pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 123 dated August 9, issued by the Office of the President upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The memorandum allowed work-from-home arrangements in government offices in Metro Manila and 15 provinces on August 10 due to continued heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon.

The BIR also reminded taxpayers to check the complete list of affected RDOs and Large Taxpayer divisions, as well as the specific tax deadlines covered by the extension, under RMC No. 89-2026. —VBL, GMA News