BIR Tax Calculator for 2019
Calculate your income tax liability under the 2019 BIR tax tables with precision
Tax Calculation Results
Comprehensive Guide to BIR Tax Calculation for 2019
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) implemented significant changes to the Philippine tax system under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law in 2018, which remained in effect for 2019. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to calculate your income tax for 2019, including the updated tax tables, deductions, and exemptions.
Key Changes in the 2019 BIR Tax System
- Lower income tax rates for most taxpayers compared to pre-TRAIN rates
- Increased personal exemptions (₱250,000 for single individuals, ₱500,000 for married couples)
- Simplified tax tables with progressive rates from 0% to 35%
- Optional standard deduction of 40% of gross income (capped at ₱160,000) or itemized deductions
- Removal of certain exemptions like the 13th month pay and other benefits (now taxed if exceeding ₱90,000)
2019 BIR Tax Tables by Filing Status
| Taxable Income Range (₱) | Single/Head of Family/Widow(er) | Married (Joint) |
|---|---|---|
| ₱0 – ₱250,000 | 0% | 0% |
| ₱250,001 – ₱400,000 | 20% of excess over ₱250,000 | 20% of excess over ₱500,000 |
| ₱400,001 – ₱800,000 | ₱30,000 + 25% of excess over ₱400,000 | ₱30,000 + 25% of excess over ₱800,000 |
| ₱800,001 – ₱2,000,000 | ₱130,000 + 30% of excess over ₱800,000 | ₱130,000 + 30% of excess over ₱1,600,000 |
| ₱2,000,001 – ₱8,000,000 | ₱490,000 + 32% of excess over ₱2,000,000 | ₱490,000 + 32% of excess over ₱4,000,000 |
| Over ₱8,000,000 | ₱2,410,000 + 35% of excess over ₱8,000,000 | ₱2,410,000 + 35% of excess over ₱8,000,000 |
Step-by-Step Tax Calculation Process
-
Determine your gross income: Sum all taxable income sources including:
- Basic salary
- Overtime pay
- Commissions
- Bonuses (including 13th month pay over ₱90,000)
- Business/profession income
- Rental income
- Interest income (not subject to final tax)
-
Choose your deduction method:
- Standard deduction: 40% of gross income (maximum ₱160,000)
- Itemized deductions: Actual expenses like:
- Home mortgage interest
- Charitable contributions
- Medical expenses
- Educational expenses
Note: Most taxpayers benefit from standard deduction unless they have significant itemized expenses. -
Calculate taxable income:
Taxable Income = Gross Income – (Deductions + Personal Exemptions)
Personal exemptions for 2019:
- Single/Head of Family: ₱50,000
- Married: ₱100,000
- Each qualified dependent: ₱25,000 (max 4 dependents)
- Apply the tax rate using the 2019 BIR tax tables above based on your filing status.
-
Calculate tax due or refund:
Tax Due/Refund = Income Tax – Tax Withheld
If positive: amount you need to pay
If negative: refund amount
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not updating filing status after marriage or other life changes
- Forgetting to include all income sources (especially freelance or side income)
- Incorrectly calculating itemized deductions without proper receipts
- Missing the April 15 deadline for filing (unless extended)
- Not claiming eligible dependents which could reduce taxable income
- Ignoring the ₱90,000 threshold for tax-exempt 13th month pay and bonuses
Comparison: 2019 vs Pre-TRAIN Tax Rates
| Income Level (₱) | 2019 Tax Rate (TRAIN) | Pre-2018 Tax Rate | Tax Savings Example (₱500,000 income) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₱250,000 | 0% | 5% | ₱12,500 |
| ₱400,000 | 20% on ₱150,000 | 15% on ₱400,000 | ₱45,000 |
| ₱800,000 | 25% on ₱400,000 | 25% on ₱800,000 | ₱100,000 |
| ₱2,000,000 | 30% on ₱1,200,000 | 32% on ₱2,000,000 | ₱140,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I have multiple employers?
You need to consolidate all your income from different employers when filing your annual income tax return (ITR). Each employer should provide you with a BIR Form 2316 (Certificate of Compensation Payment/Tax Withheld).
2. Can I still file my 2019 taxes in 2023?
Yes, but you may face penalties for late filing. The BIR generally allows late filing with payment of:
- 25% surcharge on the tax due
- 12% annual interest from the due date
- ₱1,000 compromise penalty for late filing
3. How do I claim dependents?
To claim dependents (children, parents, or other qualified relatives), you must:
- Ensure they meet the BIR’s definition of a dependent
- Have their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Provide proof of support (birth certificates, school records, etc.)
- List them in your ITR (BIR Form 1700 or 1701)
Each qualified dependent reduces your taxable income by ₱25,000 (maximum of 4 dependents).
4. What if I made a mistake in my filing?
You can file an amended return using BIR Form 1700 (for employees) or 1701 (for self-employed/mixed income) with the “Amended Return” box checked. You’ll need to:
- Pay any additional tax due plus interest
- Submit to the same Revenue District Office (RDO)
- Include a letter explaining the amendments
Official Resources and References
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult these official sources:
- Bureau of Internal Revenue Official Website – Download official forms and bulletins
- Department of Finance – TRAIN Law Implementation Guidelines
- Official Gazette – Republic Act No. 10963 (TRAIN Law) Full Text
Tax Planning Strategies for 2019
Even though 2019 has passed, understanding these strategies can help with late filings or future tax planning:
-
Maximize deductions:
- Keep receipts for all potential itemized deductions
- Compare standard vs itemized deductions annually
- Consider bunching deductions (paying 2 years of expenses in one year)
-
Utilize tax-exempt benefits:
- ₱90,000 exemption for 13th month pay and bonuses
- ₱10,000 annual exemption for de minimis benefits
- Tax-free allowances for representation and transportation
-
Optimize filing status:
- Married couples should compare joint vs separate filing
- Head of family status may offer better exemptions
- Widow(er)s have special qualification rules
-
Time your income:
- Defer bonuses to January if possible
- Accelerate deductions into the current year
- Consider the impact of year-end transactions
-
Invest in tax-advantaged accounts:
- PERA (Personal Equity and Retirement Account)
- Long-term investment instruments
- Philippine government bonds
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The BIR imposes significant penalties for late filing, non-filing, or incorrect filing:
- Late filing: ₱1,000 – ₱25,000 depending on tax due
- Late payment: 25% surcharge + 12% annual interest
- Non-filing: 50% of tax due + 20% interest per year
- Willful neglect: 100% of tax due + criminal prosecution
- Underdeclaration: 50% of deficiency tax + interest
For taxpayers with genuine financial difficulties, the BIR offers installment payment programs and compromise settlements in certain cases.
How to File Your 2019 Taxes Today
If you haven’t filed your 2019 taxes yet, follow these steps:
-
Gather documents:
- All BIR Form 2316 from employers
- Receipts for deductions
- Bank statements for interest income
- Proof of payments for creditable withholding taxes
-
Choose filing method:
- eFPS: Electronic Filing and Payment System (for large taxpayers)
- eBIRForms: Offline package for manual filing
- Manual filing: At your Revenue District Office (RDO)
-
Compute your tax using:
- This calculator (for estimation)
- BIR’s tax tables (for precise calculation)
- Accountant or tax professional (for complex cases)
-
Prepare payment:
- For tax due: Pay at authorized agent banks
- For refund: File with complete documentation
-
Submit to BIR:
- File at your registered RDO
- Get receipt/stamp as proof of filing
- Keep copies for at least 10 years
Final Thoughts
The 2019 tax year under the TRAIN law represented a significant shift in Philippine taxation, generally reducing rates for middle-income earners while removing some exemptions. While the calculator above provides a good estimate, for precise calculations – especially if you have complex income sources or deductions – consulting with a certified public accountant (CPA) is recommended.
Remember that accurate tax filing isn’t just about compliance – it’s also about ensuring you don’t pay more than you legally owe. The Philippine tax system offers numerous legitimate ways to reduce your tax burden through proper planning and understanding of the rules.
For those filing late 2019 returns, the BIR’s Voluntary Assessment and Payment Program may offer reduced penalties for voluntary disclosure of previously unfiled returns.