How to File Your Annual Income Tax Return Using BIR Form 1700

Need an income tax return for your records, employment requirements, or a financial application? Understanding your annual income tax return can help you know which document to prepare and if you actually need to file one yourself.  

Here’s how BIR Form 1700 works, who needs to file it, what documents you need, and how to complete the process correctly. 

An annual income tax return, or ITR, reports your taxable income and the income tax due for a taxable year.

For employees, BIR Form 1700 is the Annual Income Tax Return for Individuals Earning Purely Compensation Income, including certain non-business or non-professional income. It includes details such as your compensation, non-taxable compensation, taxable income, taxes withheld by your employer, and any remaining tax payable or overpayment.

BIR Form 1700 is different from the forms generally used by self-employed or mixed-income taxpayers. For example, someone earning both a salary and income from a business or profession generally uses BIR Form 1701 instead.

Your ITR may also be requested as supporting financial documentation in certain transactions, including some loan applications. If you're considering financing, remember that approval also depends on the lender's eligibility requirements and assessment. 

Not every employee has to personally file BIR Form 1700.

You may qualify for substituted filing if you received purely compensation income from only one employer in the Philippines during the calendar year and your employer correctly withheld your income tax, meaning your tax due equals the amount withheld.  

In this case, your employer handles the required reporting, and your BIR Form 2316 can serve the same purpose as a filed BIR Form 1700 for certain uses.

You generally need to file BIR Form 1700 yourself if:

• You worked for two or more employers, either at the same time or one after another, during the taxable year.
• Your employer did not correctly withhold your tax, resulting in additional tax payable or an overpayment.
• You earned other non-business or non-professional income that is not already subject to final tax.

If you earned income from a business, freelancing, or professional practice, check the applicable BIR form instead of automatically using Form 1700. 

Before you start, gather your tax and employment information so you can compare the amounts reported by your employers.

Your main document is BIR Form 2316, or the Certificate of Compensation Payment/Tax Withheld. It shows information such as your compensation income and the tax withheld by your employer. If you had multiple employers during the year, keep the Form 2316 issued by each employer.

You should also have:

• Your Taxpayer Identification Number or TIN
• Your registered taxpayer information
• BIR Form 2316 from each applicable employer
• Supporting documents for other applicable tax credits or payments
• Proof of previous payment if you're filing an amended return

BIR's published attachment checklist for Form 1700 includes the applicable filing confirmation and BIR Form 2316, along with other supporting documents when relevant.

Check that the figures and personal information in your documents are correct before submitting your return. 

The BIR currently requires annual income tax returns to be filed electronically via eFPS or Electronic Filing and Payment System, an online service created by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines.

However, there are circumstances where manual filing is specifically allowed. Non-eFPS taxpayers can use the latest Offline eBIRForms Package, while taxpayers required or enrolled to use eFPS should file through that system.

For a typical non-eFPS employee filing Form 1700, the process is:

1. Download the latest Offline eBIRForms Package from the BIR.
2. Open BIR Form 1700 and enter the applicable taxable year.
3. Complete your taxpayer and employer information.
4. Enter your compensation income and taxes withheld based on your BIR Form 2316.
5. Review the tax computation and check for tax payable or overpayment.
6. Validate and electronically submit the return.
7. Keep your filing confirmation as proof that your return was successfully submitted.

BIR advises eBIRForms users to retain proof of successful electronic filing.

Do not estimate figures if you're unsure. Compare the return against your Form 2316 or seek assistance from the BIR or a qualified tax professional. 

If your return shows tax due, you also need to complete the required payment.

The BIR provides electronic payment channels, while applicable manual payments may be made through Authorized Agent Banks or Revenue Collection Officers under current BIR rules.

BIR Form 1700 is normally due on April 15 following the taxable year. However, BIR may issue deadline extensions. For example, the deadline for 2025 annual income tax returns was officially extended from April 15, 2026 to May 15, 2026.

Because deadlines and electronic filing procedures can change, check the latest BIR advisory for the taxable year you're filing.

Keep copies of your filed return, Form 2316, filing confirmation, and applicable payment records. These documents can help with future tax concerns and may also be useful when financial institutions request proof of income. 

Q: Who should use BIR Form 1700? 
A: BIR Form 1700 is primarily for individuals earning purely compensation income who are required to file their own annual income tax return. Employees who qualify for substituted filing generally don't need to file Form 1700 themselves.

Q: Do employees need to file an ITR every year? 
A: Not always. If you have only one Philippine employer for the year and your income tax was correctly withheld, you may qualify for substituted filing through your employer.

Q: What is the difference between BIR Form 1700 and BIR Form 2316? 
A: Form 1700 is an annual income tax return, while Form 2316 is a certificate showing your compensation and taxes withheld by your employer. For qualified substituted filers, Form 2316 can serve the same purpose as a filed Form 1700 for certain transactions.

Q: How do I file an annual income tax return online? 
A: Non-eFPS taxpayers can generally file Form 1700 electronically using BIR's latest Offline eBIRForms Package. Taxpayers enrolled or required to use eFPS should follow the applicable eFPS filing process.

Q: When is the deadline for filing BIR Form 1700? 
A: The standard deadline is April 15 following the taxable year, unless the BIR announces an extension. Always check the latest BIR guidance for the year you're filing. 

Filing your annual income tax return starts with knowing if Form 1700 applies to you, preparing the correct records, and following the latest BIR filing instructions. Keeping your tax and income documents organized can also make financial applications easier.  

If you're considering financing, Home Credit, a BSP-regulated and SEC-registered financing company, offers financing options subject to eligibility, approval, rates, and applicable terms.