BIR moves tax deadline in ‘habagat’-hit areas to August 17

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended the tax deadline to Aug. 17, for areas heavily hit by the southwest monsoon or “habagat”.

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 89-2026 issued Monday, the extension covers all statutory tax deadlines originally due between Aug. 10 and 16. The relief applies to taxpayers registered under specific Revenue District Offices (RDOs) experiencing torrential rains.

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

These are located in 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 extension applies to specified tax filings, payments, remittances, registration, and required document submissions through e-Filing, e-Payment, eFPS and manual channels.

“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,” BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza said.

The BIR also 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 Aug. 17, without the corresponding penalties.

It issued RMC No. 89-2026 following Malacanang’s directive to allow work-from-home arrangements in government offices on Aug. 10.

Issued on Aug. 9 under recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Memorandum Circular No. 123 covers government personnel in Metro Manila and 15 provinces hit by the southwest monsoon.

-Anna Leah Gonzales/Philippine News Agency