(Updated April 2026 — covers eBIRForms latest version v7.9.6.0)
Since September 24, 2014, filing tax returns through eBIRForms has been mandatory for non-eFPS taxpayers and Accredited Tax Agents in the Philippines, and that hasn’t changed in 2026.
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What is eBIRForms?
eBIRForms is the BIR’s electronic service that allows taxpayers to file and pay their taxes online.
So, instead of the manual process of filing tax returns where taxpayers had to physically go to Accredited Agent Banks or the local BIR office, taxpayers can now file and pay their taxes online.
eBIRForms consists of two components:
1. Offline eBIRForms Package
This refers to the offline tax preparation software that taxpayers and Accredited Tax Agents use to fill up tax forms offline. You can download the latest version of eBIRForms here.
2. Online eBIRForms System
This refers to the infrastructure that accepts, processes, and stores tax returns submitted online. In other words, this system makes BIR’s online tax submission services possible.
Think of it this way: one is the app you use to fill out your forms, and the other is what sends them to the BIR. That’s really all there is to it.
eBIRForms 7.9.6.0. vs 7.9.5.0: What’s the Difference?
Many taxpayers searching for “eBIRForms 7.9.5.0.” or “eBIRForms 7.9.6.0.” are simply trying to figure out which version to download. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| eBIRForms v7.9.5.0 (Previous) | eBIRForms v7.9.6.0 (Latest) | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Outdated, replace immediately | Current — Use this! |
| Released via | RMC No. 049-2025 | RMC No. 36-2026 |
| BIR Form 1701-MS | Not included | Included |
| Bug fixes | Previous fixes only | 0619E, 1601FQ, 1604F, 1702Q, 1702EX, 1702MX, 1707, 2000-OT, 2551Q |
| Recommended? | No | Yes |
Bottom line: Still on v7.9.5.0.? Time to update. Older versions can run into errors and may not accept your forms properly.
What’s New in eBIRForms v7.9.6.0?
The latest Offline eBIRForms Package v7.9.6.0 was released via RMC No. 36-2026 and includes the following updates: BIR Form 1701-MS for micro and small taxpayers, new ATCs in Form 1601-EQ, an expanded TIN Branch Code field from 3 to 5 digits, updated tax rates from 15% to 20% for foreign currency deposits in Form 1602Q, and bug fixes for Forms 0619E, 1601FQ, 1604F, 1702Q, 1702EX, 1702MX, 1707, 2000-OT and 2551Q. The previous version was v7.9.5.0.
Who Needs to Use eBIRForms?
Generally, if you’re not required to use eFPS, you’re likely filing through eBIRForms. Under RR No. 6-2014 and RR No. 5-2015, the following taxpayers are covered:
- Accredited Tax Agents (ATAs)
- Real estate agents and developers filing one-time transactions
- Local Government Units (LGUs), except Barangays
- Corporations reporting to the government
- Accredited printers of principal and secondary receipts/invoices
- Government-affiliated cooperatives
- Freelancers or business owners who need to file even if they have nothing to pay that period
- Registered National Electrification and Local Water Utilities Administration cooperatives
Who is Exempted?
The following are not required to use eBIRForms:
- Purely compensation income earners
- Micro and small taxpayers (they may file manually using BIR Form 1701-MS, but can also choose to file electronically using BIR Form 1701 or 1701A through eBIRForms instead)
- Senior Citizens filing income tax returns
- Persons with disabilities filing income tax returns
- Employees under substituted filing (RR 2-98 Sec. 2.83.4)
Note: Medium enterprises are not covered by this exemption and are still required to file electronically through eBIRForms, eFPS, or an accredited Tax Software Provider (TSP).
Which BIR Forms Are Covered?
The eBIRForms system covers 36 BIR forms across these categories:
- VAT (Value-Added Tax)
- Excise Tax
- Withholding Tax
- Documentary Stamp Tax
- Percentage Tax
- Income Tax Returns
- Capital Gains Tax
- Donor’s Tax Returns
How to File Using eBIRForms in 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Warning: eBIRForms still does not run natively on macOS. You’ll need a Windows computer or a Windows emulator to use the offline package.
- Download and install the latest eBIRForms Offline Package v7.9.6.0 from the BIR website at bir.gov.ph/ebirforms
- Open the application and look for the eBIRForms icon on your desktop
- Enter your background details including your TIN, RDO Code, registered address, and tax type
- Select the BIR form you need to file and click “Fill Up”
- Encode your information including income, deductions, and other required fields
- Use the computation section to enter your taxable amount and let the software auto-calculate your tax due
- Click Save, then Validate and fix any flagged errors before proceeding
- Click “Final Copy” then Submit so the software connects to the BIR server and transmits your return electronically
- Wait for your email confirmation with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which is your proof of filing
- Pay your tax due via Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) or through online payment gateways like LBP Link.BizPortal, DBP PayTax Online, or UnionBank Online
Do I Still Need to Submit Physical Copies?
No. If you filed electronically through eBIRForms, you do not need to submit printed copies to your RDO or AAB.
For attachments, physical submission is also not required, but they must be submitted within 15 days after eFiling via the eFPS or eAFS system.
eBIRForms vs. Taxumo: Which Should You Use?
Both let you file taxes online, but they’re built for different needs:
| eBIRForms | Taxumo | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid subscription |
| Form auto-fill | Manual entry | Pre-filled based on your profile |
| Tax calculation | Manual | Real-time, automatic |
| Attachment submission | Separate via eFPS | Automatic in the background |
| Works on Mac | No | Yes (web-based) |
| Best for | Tax-savvy users | Freelancers, self-employed, SMEs |
If you know your way around BIR forms and just need to get it done, eBIRForms works fine. If you’d rather not deal with the manual work, Taxumo is worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest version of eBIRForms in 2026? The latest version is v7.9.6.0, released via RMC No. 36-2026 on April 28, 2026. Always download from the official BIR website at bir.gov.ph/ebirforms.
What is the difference between eBIRForms v7.9.5.0 and v7.9.6.0? Version 7.9.6.0 includes BIR Form 1701-MS for micro and small taxpayers, new ATCs in Form 1601-EQ, an expanded TIN Branch Code field from 3 to 5 digits, updated foreign currency deposit tax rates from 15% to 20%, and bug fixes for several forms. If you are still on v7.9.5.0, update immediately.
Is eBIRForms v6.0 still valid? No. Version 6.0 is outdated and no longer supported. Using it can result in validation errors and failed submissions. Download v7.9.6.0 instead.
Does eBIRForms work on Mac in 2026? No, the offline package is still Windows-only. Mac users should use a Windows machine, a virtual machine, or consider a web-based alternative like Taxumo.
Do I need to print and submit forms after filing via eBIRForms? No. Your Tax District Return Receipt Confirmation from eBIRForms serves as proof of filing. Physical submission is no longer required for electronically filed returns without attachments.
Are MSMEs exempted from using eBIRForms? Micro and small taxpayers have a conditional exemption — they may file manually using BIR Form 1701-MS, but eBIRForms remains an option and is generally the safer route. Medium enterprises are not exempt and must file electronically.