President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a one-month extension for the filing of 2025 Annual Income Tax Returns (AITRs), moving the deadline from April 15 to May 15, 2026, in a bid to ease compliance and give taxpayers more preparation time.
In a statement posted Tuesday, Marcos said the extension would allow individuals and businesses to complete their filings accurately and avoid penalties, including surcharges and fines. The move comes as many Filipinos continue to navigate rising living costs, particularly fuel prices.
“We have extended the deadline… to give every taxpayer more time to file properly, with all the necessary documents, and without penalties,” the President said.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue said taxpayers may continue to submit returns through its electronic filing and payment systems, as well as via authorized agent banks nationwide.
Business groups and tax practitioners have long pushed for greater flexibility during peak filing season, citing recurring system slowdowns and documentation bottlenecks. The latest extension is expected to help decongest last-minute filings and improve overall compliance rates.
Marcos framed the decision as part of broader government efforts to cushion households from mounting economic pressures. He noted that higher oil prices have added strain on family budgets, making it more difficult for some taxpayers to meet deadlines.
The administration, he added, remains committed to rolling out responsive measures as conditions evolve, including programs aimed at supporting consumers and sustaining economic activity.
The extended deadline is expected to benefit millions of individual and corporate taxpayers, providing breathing room during one of the busiest periods in the country’s fiscal calendar.
