How Can I Get Income Tax Return (ITR) in the Philippines?

Do you urgently need a copy of your Income Tax Return (ITR)? Whether you’re applying for a business loan or a credit card, this easy-to-follow guide will help you figure out how to get a copy of your ITR. It’s important stuff, especially when dealing with money matters!

Table of Contents

What’s an Income Tax Return (ITR)?

An ITR is like a report card for your taxes during a year, showing what you earned and how much tax you owe after subtracting certain expenses and exemptions.

Remember which ITR form you need? The right form depends on your job type, like if you’re self-employed or work for a company. And now, you can fill it out on paper or online.

No matter the form, it’s a must-do by law and helps both you and the government keep track of your taxes.

How to File Your ITR?

Who is Required to Submit an Income Tax Return (ITR)?

1. Regular People (Individual Taxpayers):

Filipinos making money here and abroad
Foreigners living in or out of the Philippines getting cash from here
Aliens (living here or not) getting money from the Philippines

2. Companies and Groups (Non-individual Taxpayers):

Big companies, including partnerships
Local companies making money inside and outside the country
Foreign companies making money within the Philippines
Fancy-sounding things like estates and trusts doing business stuff

Who is Exempt from Filing an ITR?

If you earn less than PHP 250,000 in compensation, you’re good.
If your boss takes out all your taxes, no need for you to file.
If your only income has taxes already taken out, you’re in the clear.
Minimum wage earners don’t have to worry either.
If you qualify for “substituted filing,” you’re off the hook.

What are the criteria for an employee to qualify for substituted filing?

The employee has received only compensation income.
The income is received from a single employer.
The year-end tax due equals the amount withheld by the employer.
The employee’s spouse complies with all specified conditions.
The employer has filed the annual information return.
The employer has issued BIR Form No. 2316 to the employees.

Which Forms Do You Need for Filing Your Income Tax Return (ITR)?

BIR Form 1700: If you’re making money from a regular job and that’s your main source of income, this is the form for you.
BIR Form 1701: If you’re self-employed, earn money from various sources, or have businesses, estates, or trusts, this is your go-to form.
BIR Form 1701A: For those who earn money only from a business or a profession, this is the form you’ll be using.
BIR Form 1701Q: If you’re self-employed or have mixed incomes and need to file your taxes every quarter, this form is for you.
BIR Form 1702-RT: Corporations, partnerships, and other big non-individual players should use this form for their annual tax return if they fall under the regular income tax rate.
BIR Form 1702-MX: Big companies and partnerships with mixed income sources or special tax rates should grab this form for their annual filing.
BIR Form 1702-EX: If your company is tax-exempt according to the Tax Code and other laws, and you have no other taxable income, this is the form for you.
BIR Form 1702Q: Large companies, partnerships, and others need to use this form for quarterly tax returns.

How Can You File Your Income Tax Return (ITR)?

1. Old School Way (Manual Method)

Fill out the BIR Form by hand, make enough copies, and submit it with the required attachments to the right Tax Filing Center.

2. Tech-Savvy Option with eBIRForms

Download some computer software, type in the details on the BIR Form, print it out, and then pay what you owe at the nearest bank.

3. Going Digital with eFPS

Make an account on the eFiling and Payment System (eFPS), fill in the BIR Form online, and wrap it up by paying your taxes electronically.

How to Get a Copy of Your ITR?

Why It’s Important to Get Your Tax Return (ITR)?

Paying your taxes is just one part of the story when it comes to your Income Tax Return (ITR). It’s not just a piece of paper; it actually comes in handy in different situations, especially when you really need it.

Here are some reasons why grabbing your ITR matters:

1. Law Compliance

When you file your Income Tax Return (ITR), it’s like showing proof that you’re following the government’s tax laws. It’s a way to say, “Hey, I’m a responsible citizen!” Plus, if anyone ever asks if you’re doing your duty and paying taxes, the ITR is like a ready-made answer to prove you’re on top of things.

2. Proof of Earning Capability in Different Situations

It turns out, it’s not just the government that cares about your Income Tax Return (ITR). Other folks might suddenly ask for it, and here’s why:

Getting Loans: Let’s say you finally decide to go for that car or house loan. Well, without your ITR, it’s tough to show you have the money for it. Banks and loan places need your ITR to make sure you’re earning enough to pay them back on time. Even for a credit card, they want to see it to make sure you’re financially stable, without needing you to put up anything like a house.
Investing in Stocks: Thinking about jumping into the stock market? Your ITR is like a golden ticket – you’ll need it as much as the money you’re willing to invest.
Traveling Abroad: If you’re just aiming for a tourist visa, surprise, surprise! You’ll need your ITR. It’s not just about proving you can pay for your trip but also that you have a steady income back home, ensuring you’ll come back.
Applying for Scholarships: Instead of proving you have tons of cash, sometimes you need to show you’re not making too much. Some schools or groups might want your ITR to prove you need their help, like getting a scholarship.

So, your ITR is like a key that opens doors in different situations!

3. Business Stuff

Are you thinking about pitching a project to another business or jumping into a bidding thing with the government? If so, you gotta show off your latest Income Tax Return (ITR) – it’s like a report card for grown-ups.

4. Job Change

Us regular worker bees usually don’t stress about our ITR. Our bosses usually handle that tax stuff for us. But what if you switch jobs in the middle of the year? Well, then you gotta hand your new boss your old Form 2316, which is like a super important ITR substitute.

Why? ‘Cause it helps your new boss figure out the right amount of tax to take from your paycheck. Plus, it makes sure all your yearly earnings are considered when they make your new Form 2316. It’s like making sure everyone knows how much you’ve made in the year.

Questions to Ask Prior to Obtaining Your Income Tax Return (ITR) Copy

Before we jump into how to get a copy of your tax return, let’s go over some questions that can help you figure out what to do next.

1. Who Filed Your Income Tax Return? (Did you do it yourself or did your employer help?)

If you have a regular job, it’s likely that your employer took care of your tax filing for you – this is called “substituted filing.”

But if you’re running a business, earning money from different sources, or working for yourself, then you probably had to do your own tax filing. In big companies, someone authorized might have done it on your behalf.

Knowing this is important because it helps you figure out the right forms to get a copy of your tax documents.

So, here’s the deal: If you’re a regular employee who can have someone else do the filing for you, you’re looking for a form called BIR Form 2316. It’s like a certificate from your employer showing how much you were paid and how much tax was taken out. Your employer should have given you a copy already.

And here’s a tip: When the BIR (that’s the tax folks) puts a stamp on it saying “received,” that’s already a substitute for your full tax form. To get this, you might need to ask your boss.

Now, if you’re not a regular employee who can have someone else file for you, things get a bit different. You might need to ask for other forms like BIR Form 1700 or BIR Form 1701, depending on what kind of taxpayer you are. It’s like tailoring the form to your situation.

2. How Did You Submit Your Income Tax Return (ITR) – through manual submission or electronic filing?

If you used eFPS for online filing, getting a copy of your ITR is easy—just log in to your eFPS account and follow the steps they give you.

If you went the manual route or used eBIRForms, don’t worry! You can still get a copy of your ITR either offline or online. Keep reading for the steps to grab your ITR copy.

Ways to Obtain a Copy of Your Income Tax Return (ITR)

1. How to Get Your Income Tax Papers in the Philippines the Old-Fashioned Way (Offline)?

a. Talk to Your Boss

This part is for people who need a copy of BIR Form 2316. If you’re a regular worker, that’s usually the important paper we’re talking about.

By the rules, your employer should’ve given you this form at the beginning of the year or when you left your job.

b. Visit the Tax Office (RDO) with a Letter

^{[Your Name]}
^{[Your Address]}
^{[City, State, Zip Code]}
^{[Email Address]}
^{[Contact Number]}
^[Date]
^{Bureau of Internal Revenue Revenue District Office: [RDO Number] [City]}
^{Dear Sir/Madam:}
^{I am writing to formally request a Certified True Copy of my Income Tax Return (BIR Form _) for the calendar year [Year]. The requested document is essential for [state the purpose, if necessary].}
^{I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and kindly request your assistance in expediting the process. I look forward to receiving the requested document at your earliest convenience.}
^{Thank you for your cooperation.}
^Sincerely,
^{[Your Full Name]}
^{Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): [Your TIN]}

The BIR website says you can ask for a special copy of your tax papers at the RDO where you’re registered. To do this, write a letter asking for it, and attach photocopies of the tax papers you need. Also, include BIR Form 0605 for the special fee and some loose stamps.

2. How to Obtain a Copy of Your Income Tax Return (ITR) Online?

a. Ask Politely with a Formal Request

Want your tax papers? Just ask nicely! Reach out to the Customer Assistance Division of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). You can contact them at these numbers: 8981-7000, 89297676, or drop them an email at contact_us@bir.gov.ph.

b. Grab a Copy Online through eFPS

If you’re in with the cool crowd and use eFPS (Electronic Filing and Payment System), getting your tax papers is a breeze. It’s like a digital hangout for big companies and special taxpayers. If you’ve used it before, log in and grab your tax papers.

How to Get a Copy of Your Income Tax Return Online through eFPS?

Go to the BIR website and find the eFPS section. You can also just type in https://efps.bir.gov.ph/ in your browser.
Log in to your eFPS account using your TIN, username, and password. Remember, the username and password are picky about capital letters, so be careful. If your password is Txpys12345, make sure to type the “T” as a big letter. After entering everything, click LOGIN.
Answer a question to prove it’s really you. And remember, the answer is also case-sensitive, so type it just right.
Find your way to the eFPS User Menu Page. There, pick the ITR form you want from the list and hit the “Tax Return Inquiry” button.

c. Check Out Freedom of Information Program (FOI)

The government likes to spill the beans, and FOI (Freedom of Information) is their way of doing it. Visit their website and ask for your tax papers. It’s like getting a backstage pass to information transparency!

How can you acquire a copy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) online through the Freedom of Information (FOI) process?

Go to the FOI website at https://www.foi.gov.ph/ using your internet browser.
Log in or create a new account. To create one, click the Login button at the top right, and then hit Create an account on the next page.
Fill in your details like name, email, password, country, address, phone numbers, and pick your category (like student, business, or just a regular person). You’ll also need to upload a picture of an ID to prove it’s really you.
Click the box that says you’re not a robot.
When your account is approved, check your email for a confirmation. If you don’t see it in your main inbox, look in your spam or junk mail.
After logging in, you’ll see your Dashboard. Click on Make Request.
Choose the right government department for your request – in this case, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). You might have to go through the Department of Finance to find it.
Fill in the info they ask for on the “Make a Request” page: Document Title, Time Period, Purpose, and Your Message.
Go through your info, agree to their rules by checking a box, and hit Send My Request.
Your request will go to the people at the BIR who handle these things.

Important Tips and Warnings to Consider

1. Logging into eFPS:

Disable pop-up blockers before logging in to eFPS.
Avoid staying idle on the screen for too long to prevent being logged out.

2. Requesting a Copy Through the FOI:

Privacy of Information:
- Everything you write on the page will be publicly available, including your name.
Making Specific Requests:
- Provide relevant information when requesting a copy of your ITR:
  - Type of ITR filed (e.g., 1700, 1701, etc.)
  - Place of filing
  - Date of filing and applicable tax period
  - Tax Return Confirmation Receipt (for online filings)

FOI can only provide hard copies for ITRs filed and paid over-the-counter through AABs.

3. Time Period for Agency Response:

Wait for 15 working days for a response on your dashboard.
In some cases, the agency may take longer, but it should not exceed 20 working days.

4. Reference for Additional Information:

Download the FOI Manual from the agency’s website for more information about the FOI Program.

5. Fee for Requests:

The agency should not charge any fee for your request, except for reasonable costs related to printing, delivery, and reproduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s BIR Form 2316 and why does it matter?

Think of BIR Form 2316 as a special document that tells the government how much money you earned and how much tax your employer took out from your paycheck throughout the year. It’s essential because it proves that you’ve paid your income tax, kind of like a receipt.

2. Is ITR the same as BIR Form 2316?

Income Tax Return (ITR) and BIR Form 2316 might seem similar, but they serve different purposes. ITR is like a report card where you summarize all your income and deductions. On the other hand, BIR Form 2316 is more like a certificate showing your total income and the taxes withheld by your employer. Both are used when your employer files your income tax.

3. Who gets BIR Form 2316?

Not everyone gets it. If you’re a regular employee and your income falls into a specific category, your employer will hand it over to you. It’s like a proof-of-income paper.

4. How often do I get BIR Form 2316?

You receive it once a year, usually by the end of January. If you switch jobs, make sure to collect the last copy from your previous employer and hand it to the new one.

5. What if I lose my BIR Form 2316?

Losing it is a bit of a problem. Unfortunately, you can’t ask your boss for another copy. So, it’s crucial to keep it safe and remember where you put it.

6. What if my boss forgets to give me BIR Form 2316 or doesn’t pay my income tax?

If your boss misses out or isn’t doing their part, first talk to them about it. If that doesn’t work, you can call the tax people. Your boss might face fines for not following the rules.

7. I’m a freelancer, how do I get my ITR?

Freelancers have a different setup. Instead of BIR Form 2316, ask your client for Form 2307 to check if your taxes are in order. For loans or visas, you’ll need to do some math, fill out Form 1701, and attach Form 2307.

8. How much does it cost to get an ITR?

If you’re getting it through the official channels or online, it’s usually free. But if you’re asking for extra services like printing or delivery, there might be some small costs.

9. Who can get their ITR online?

If you’re not a regular employee, you can request your ITR online. It’s a bit like getting your documents in a digital way instead of a paper one.

10. What’s the difference between eFPS and eBIRForms?

eFPS is a bit like the VIP club for big businesses; they can pay their taxes online. eBIRForms, on the other hand, is like a more general club that almost anyone can join. You can use it online or offline.

11. Can I use the BIR eAppointment System to schedule an ITR request?

Right now, the system doesn’t have a way to schedule requests for your ITR. It’s more for other tax-related appointments.

12. Can I use BIR’s chatbox to get my ITR online?

The chatbox, named “Chat with Revie,” is there to help with basic questions, not really for requesting your ITR. It’s like an information helper.

13. Do OFWs have to file an ITR?

If you’re working outside the Philippines, you don’t have to pay taxes there for that income. However, if you make money within the Philippines, like running a small store, you need to file an ITR for that part of your income.