Last Updated on April 10, 2026 by Marie Bautista
Let’s be honest.
Between work, kids, bahay, and everything in between…
filing income tax is one of those things we keep pushing to “later.”
But suddenly—it’s April 😭
If you’re a:
✔ working mom
✔ freelancer / online seller
✔ side hustle queen
✔ or kahit employed ka lang but confused sa filing
…this guide is for you 💖
I’ll break down the BIR rules for 2026 (yes, may bago na naman 😅) in a way that actually makes sense.
📌 First Things First: Deadline
For income earned in 2025, your income tax return must be:
👉 Filed and paid on or before April 15, 2026
No extensions, no excuses (sadly 😅)
🤯 Why Is This So Complicated?
Because the BIR released new guidelines under RMC 20-2026 (yes, another acronym 😅).
If you want the complete technical explanation, I wrote it here:
👉 Read the full guide here (That version is more detailed—this one is the “mom-friendly survival guide” 💁♀️)
🧾 Step 1: Choose Your Tax Form (Don’t Panic 😅)
This is where most people get confused.
Here’s the simple version:
✔ Form 1701A
👉 For freelancers / small business / 8% or optional standard deduction
👉 MOST COMMON for moms with side hustles
✔ Form 1701
👉 For those using itemized deductions
👉 Slightly more detailed
✔ Form 1701-MS
👉 For micro & small taxpayers
👉 BUT manual filing only (yes, hassle 🙃)
💡 Real talk:
You can actually just use 1701 or 1701A online and skip the manual form.
💻 Step 2: How to File (Online na tayo, please 😅)
You have 3 options:
✔ eBIRForms (Most common)
Download, fill out, submit online
✔ eFPS
For businesses required by BIR
✔ Tax Software (advanced level na ito 😅)
💡 Mommy tip:
After filing, take a screenshot of the confirmation—super important!
💸 Step 3: How to Pay
You can now pay online (thank you Lord 🙏)
Options include:
✔ LandBank Link.Biz
✔ UnionBank
✔ DBP PayTax
✔ Maya / GCash (via partners like MyEG)
No need pumila sa bank unless needed 👏
🧠 Mommy Reminder: Manual Filing Is NOT the Default
Manual filing is only allowed if:
• system is down
• BIR allows it
• or form not available online
Otherwise—online talaga
🏢 No Internet? May Backup Plan
You can go to the BIR office and use their eLounge (free computers).
Priority:
✔ seniors
✔ PWDs
✔ moms without internet
✔ employees with multiple jobs
📎 Step 4: Don’t Forget Your Attachments
This is where people mess up 😅
You need to submit documents like:
• Financial Statements
• BIR Form 2307
• 2316 (if employed ka)
• receipts of tax credits
• etc.
👉 Submit via eAFS system
💡 Important:
You have 15 days after filing to submit attachments.
❌ No More “Received” Stamp
Good news!
You don’t need to go to BIR just to get stamped.
Instead:
✔ TRRC (email confirmation)
✔ or FRN (for eFPS)
= your proof of filing
👩💼 Special Note for Moms with Small Businesses
If you’re classified as micro or small taxpayer:
✔ You can choose 1701, 1701A, or 1701-MS
✔ No need to update your BIR registration
✔ You can file online (yes please 🙌)
😌 Good News: No Penalty (In Some Cases)
If you’re a small taxpayer:
✔ no penalty for filing in the wrong venue
✔ as long as you filed properly
💖 Real Talk: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
You don’t need to memorize all BIR rules.
You just need to:
✔ file on time
✔ use the correct form
✔ keep proof
✔ submit attachments
That’s it.
☕ Mommy Unwired Tip
What I personally do:
✔ Block 1 day for tax filing
✔ Prepare documents early
✔ Double check everything
✔ Screenshot EVERYTHING 😂
Because honestly… peace of mind > penalties
📌 Final Reminder
👉 Deadline: April 15, 2026
👉 Don’t wait last minute (systems crash, promise 😅)
💻 Want the Complete Technical Guide?
If you want the full breakdown of BIR RMC 20-2026, including:
✔ all rules
✔ all edge cases
✔ exact compliance details
Read it here:
👉 https://philippinetaxmaven.com/
💬 Let’s Help Each Other
If you’re a mom trying to figure this out too…
Comment or message me 💖
We’re all just trying to survive adulting together 😅
📌 Save This for Tax Season!
Because let’s be real…
Next year, we’ll forget everything again 😂