PH Tax & SEC Filing: Key Deadlines and Requirements for Business Owners
Published Date: March 04, 2026
Published By: Jac Cantos, Upcloud Accounting
As we enter 2026, Philippine business owners need to be aware of important updates from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that impact the filing of Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and General Information Sheets (GIS). These new guidelines, issued through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 9-2026 on February 11, 2026, and SEC Memorandum Circular No. 10-2026 on February 16, 2026, aim to streamline compliance and enhance transparency.
Staying compliant is critical to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations. Here’s what you need to know about the new deadlines, filing procedures, and requirements, along with how Upcloud Accounting can support your compliance efforts.
Updated Deadlines for Filing Annual Financial Statements (AFS)
For companies with a fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, the deadline to file their AFS is now May 29, 2026. This applies to all corporations under SEC jurisdiction, including those with branch offices.
For businesses with different fiscal year-end dates, the deadlines are as follows: companies with a fiscal year other than December 31 must file within 120 calendar days after their fiscal year-end. Listed and public companies are required to file within 105 days after their fiscal year end, attaching their AFS to their SEC Form 17-A. Brokers and dealers with fiscal year ending December 31 must file within 110 days, with SEC Form 52-AR due on April 30, 2026.
When is an Auditor Required?
Under SEC Circular No. 4-2026 and the revised SRC Rule 68, certain companies must submit Audited Annual Financial Statements (AAFS). These include stock and non-stock corporations with total assets or liabilities exceeding ₱3 million, as well as foreign company branches and regional headquarters with revenues or assets exceeding ₱1 million. Smaller companies below these thresholds can still submit unaudited financial statements accompanied by a Statement of Management’s Responsibility.
Essential Requirements for Filing AFS
To ensure your AFS is accepted, confirm the following:
Your AFS must be stamped “received” by the BIR or include the system-generated confirmation receipt from the BIR e-AFS portal.
The AFS must comply with all components prescribed under Revised SRC Rule 68 to avoid penalties.
OPCs must submit their Appointment of Officers within 20 days of incorporation or within 5 days of any subsequent appointment.
GIS Submission Deadlines
The General Information Sheet (GIS) must be filed within 30 days after the company’s annual meeting:
Stock corporations: within 30 days of their annual stockholders’ meeting.
Non-stock corporations: within 30 days of their annual members’ meeting.
Foreign corporations: within 30 days of their SEC license anniversary date.
Mandatory Transition to eFAST Filing
In line with the SEC’s push for digital transformation, all AFS and GIS submissions must now be filed exclusively through the eFAST portal. Submissions via email, mail, courier, or over-the-counter are no longer accepted. The portal is available 24/7, but filings are only processed on working days. Poor-quality submissions, such as incorrect image orientation or incomplete company profiles, may be rejected or reverted.
How Upcloud Accounting Can Make Your Filing Stress-Free
Transitioning to a fully digital filing system can be challenging, but Upcloud Accounting is here to help. Our expert team ensures your SEC filings are accurate, complete, and submitted on time, helping you avoid rejected or reverted submissions.
Stay ahead of deadlines and regulatory changes by subscribing to our newsletter for timely updates and practical guidance on SEC compliance and other regulatory developments in the Philippines.
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].
