Important BIR Deadlines for Cebu Businesses

Running a business in Cebu is exciting, but it also comes with strict compliance responsibilities. One of the most important—and often overlooked—tasks is meeting the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) deadlines. Missing even a single deadline can result in surcharges, interest, penalties, or audits that may cost your business more than expected.

As lawyers often remind clients: “Compliance delayed is compliance denied—and the law imposes consequences.”

To help you stay on track, here is a clear guide to the most important BIR deadlines every Cebu business owner should remember.

1. Monthly Deadlines

Depending on your business activities, you may be required to file and pay certain taxes every month:

• Withholding Taxes (BIR Form 0619-E / 0619-F):
  Due every 10th day of the following month.

• VAT and Percentage Tax (Monthly, if applicable):
  Some taxpayers under eFPS file monthly; deadlines vary depending on BIR groupings.

📌 Lawyer’s Note: Even if no income was earned in a month, a “no transaction” return must still be filed.

2. Quarterly Deadlines

Cebu businesses must file the following quarterly returns:

• Quarterly VAT (BIR Form 2550Q): Due 25 days after the close of each taxable quarter.

• Quarterly Percentage Tax (BIR Form 2551Q): Due 25 days after the close of each taxable quarter.

• Quarterly Income Tax (BIR Form 1701Q / 1702Q): Due within 60 days after the end of each quarter.

📌 Practical Example: If your quarter ends in March, your Quarterly Income Tax is due by May 30.

3. Annual Deadlines

Year-end compliance is critical for Cebu businesses:

• Annual Income Tax Return (BIR Form 1701 for individuals / 1702 for corporations):
  Due on or before April 15 of the following year.

• Annual Registration Fee (BIR Form 0605):
  ₱500, due every January 31.

• Annual Information Return of Income Taxes Withheld (BIR Form 1604-C / 1604-F):
  Due January 31 of the following year.

• Submission of Audited Financial Statements (AFS):
  Must be filed with both BIR and SEC (for corporations/partnerships) within 120 days from year-end.

📌 Lawyer’s Reminder: Missing annual filings may lead to revocation of business permits or SEC penalties for corporations.

4. Documentary Stamp Taxes (DST)

• Due on or before the 5th day of the month following the taxable document’s issuance.

5. Inventory and Books of Accounts

• Books of Accounts: Must be registered with the BIR before use.

• Annual Inventory List: Required from certain taxpayers, due January 30 of the following year.

Penalties for Missing Deadlines

Failure to file or pay on time may result in:

• 25% surcharge on the basic tax due.

• 12% annual interest until fully paid.

• Compromise penalties (amount varies depending on the tax type).

📌 Legal Tip: Penalties can exceed the original tax liability. Timely filing is the best protection.

Final Thoughts

Cebu businesses cannot afford to overlook BIR deadlines. Compliance is more than avoiding penalties—it builds credibility, safeguards operations, and ensures your business can expand without legal risks.

As lawyers say: “Mark your calendar, or risk paying for forgetfulness.”

✅ To make tax season stress-free, many Cebu entrepreneurs engage professional bookkeepers or tax lawyers to monitor and file returns on their behalf.