🧾 2025 Startup Tax Compliance Checklist
Published Date: November 06, 2025
Published By: Jac Cantos, Upcloud Accounting
🧾 2025 Startup Tax Compliance Checklist
Upcloud Accounting (Simplify. Comply. Grow.)
(For Startups and SMEs in the Philippines)
1️⃣ Business Registration Essentials
🏁 Starting a business in the Philippines? Here’s everything you need to legally operate and stay compliant from day one.
✅ Business Registration Requirements
For Sole Proprietorship:
DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration
Barangay Clearance
Business Permit (Mayor’s Permit)
BIR Form 1901 (for registration)
Valid government-issued ID
Proof of address (Lease Contract or Barangay Certification)
For Corporation / Partnership:
SEC Certificate of Registration (Articles of Incorporation / Partnership)
BIR Form 1903
Board Resolution or Secretary’s Certificate
Valid IDs of incorporators / partners
Lease Contract or Proof of Business Address
🧾 BIR Registration Procedure
Secure your DTI or SEC Registration
This establishes your business name and legal structure.
Register with your Local Government Unit (LGU)
Obtain Barangay Clearance and Mayor’s/Business Permit.
Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
a. File BIR Form 1901 (Sole Proprietor) or 1903 (Corporation)
b. Submit IDs and proof of business address
c. Pay annual registration fee via BIR Form 0605 (₱500)
d. Have your Books of Accounts stamped
e. Apply for Authority to Print (ATP) for Official Receipts and Invoices
Register with Government Agencies (if hiring employees)
SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG
💡 Pro Tip: Upcloud Accounting can handle your complete business registration — from DTI/SEC to BIR — so you can focus on launching and growing your startup.
2️⃣ Monthly & Quarterly Compliance Tasks
📘 Monthly Bookkeeping
Record all income and expense transactions.
Reconcile bank and e-wallet accounts.
Organize and store digital copies of receipts and invoices.
Generate monthly Profit & Loss reports.
💸 Monthly BIR Filings

💡 Tip: Always remit withheld taxes on time to avoid penalties and interest.
🗓️ Quarterly Filings

🧮 Make sure all monthly remittances tie up with your quarterly summary reports.
3️⃣ Annual Compliance Requirements
✅ Annual Income Tax Return
File Form 1701 (Individual) or 1702 (Corporate) — Due April 15, 2026
Attach Audited Financial Statements (if required)
✅ Annual Registration Renewal
Pay BIR Annual Registration Fee (Form 0605) — Due January 31, 2025
✅ Employee Compliance
File Annual Information Returns (Forms 1604E and 1604CF)
Issue Form 2316 to all employees
✅ Business Permit Renewal
Renew Barangay Clearance and Mayor’s Permit — Every January
✅ Inventory & Assets Review
Conduct year-end inventory count
Update fixed asset ledger and depreciation schedules
4️⃣ Founder’s Quick Tips for 2025
🧮 Use cloud-based accounting (Xero, QuickBooks Online, JuanTax) for accuracy and efficiency.
🧾 Digitize your receipts - keep soft copies organized for audit readiness.
⏰ Set reminders for filing deadlines - automate through your CRM or task tracker.
🤝 Outsource accounting early - prevent last-minute rush filings.
📈 Review financial reports monthly - understand where your money goes and your tax position.
5️⃣ 2025 BIR Filing Deadlines (Summary)

🚀 Stay 100% Compliant and Focus on Growth
Don’t let compliance slow down your startup.
Upcloud Accounting helps founders and SMEs stay organized, compliant, and focused on scaling, without the stress.
🎯 Book Your Free 30-Minute Startup Accounting Consultation
Let’s review your current setup, check your compliance health, and plan smarter financial systems for 2025.
📅 Book Now
Upcloud Accounting: Virtual Outsourced Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in the Philippines
Upcloud Accounting offers accounting, bookkeeping, tax compliance, and business licensing services specializing with startups and SMEs in the Philippines.
Our goal is to increase efficiency, automation, and transparency across the accounting and finance functions of our clients with our cutting-edge technology. If you want to move your company’s finance function online, contact our Team of Expert Accountants and Bookkeepers directly via [email protected] or visit www.upcloudaccounting.comto learn more about how Upcloud Accounting accounting services can support your PH business!
Disclaimer: This article or blog is only for general knowledge and guidance and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. For technical advice, please consult your tax / legal advisor for your specific business concerns. For comments, suggestions, and feedback, feel free to email us at [email protected].
