BIR forms on a Mac: eBIRForms is Windows-only, so what now?
You use a Mac, you want to file your quarterly return, and BIR's offline package will not run. This guide is for freelancers and small business owners in that spot. It says exactly which channels BIR accepts, what you can do on a Mac today, and what you still need a Windows computer or the RDO for. It does not offer a way around BIR's rules.
What BIR's filing channels are
For annual income tax returns for 2025, BIR's RMC 20-2026 lists three electronic channels:
Channel · Who it is for; eFPS (Electronic Filing and Payment System) · Taxpayers required to use it, or who enrolled. Pay through the eFPS agent banks; Offline eBIRForms Package · Everyone else, including "no payment" returns; Tax software providers certified by BIR · Only for the returns each provider is certified for (list in the circular's Annex A)
The same circular says manual filing is allowed only when BIR publishes an advisory that the electronic platforms are unavailable, when the Commissioner or an authorized representative finds a justifiable reason, or when the return is not yet available electronically. It also says the eLounge of your Revenue District Office helps taxpayers who need assistance filing electronically (RMC 20-2026). That circular is about annual returns. For a quarterly return, read the current advisory on bir.gov.ph or ask your RDO. We did not find an official BIR channel for these returns other than the ones above.
Why a Mac is stuck
BIR's own installation guide for the eBIRForms package lists a Windows operating system, preferably Windows 10 or higher, as the requirement (eBIRForms Package installation guide). There is no Mac version. Freelancers on r/taxPH and r/buhaydigital say the same thing: Mac and phone users cannot run it.
What you can do on a Mac
You can prepare the numbers and a printable copy of the official form in any browser. PDFPhile fills BIR's own PDF, so the copy looks like the form BIR published. Open the form you need:
- BIR Form 1701Q, quarterly income tax return for individuals - BIR Form 1701A, annual income tax return for individuals on the 8% option or business income - BIR Form 2551Q, quarterly percentage tax return - BIR Form 0605, payment form for penalties and other payments with no return (how to fill it)
Type your figures once and download the PDF. Use it to check every number, to hand to your accountant, to keep a dated record, and to read off the figures when you key them into a BIR channel.
What this is not. The filled PDF is not a filed return. Filing is done through a BIR channel, and PDFPhile does not file for you.
Where to file once you have the numbers
- A Windows computer with the Offline eBIRForms Package, downloaded from bir.gov.ph. A relative's or friend's laptop is enough. - Your RDO's eLounge, which exists to help taxpayers file electronically (RMC 20-2026). Bring your prepared figures and your login details. - Your accountant, who may use eFPS or a certified software provider. - Manual filing only in the cases in the list above.
After you submit in eBIRForms, BIR's circular tells you to take a screenshot of the pop-up saying a confirmation email was sent. It serves as proof of filing, which you can show the bank when the email is delayed (RMC 20-2026).
Mistakes people make
- Treating the PDF as filed. Only a submitted return counts. - Waiting for deadline day. Posts in r/taxPH describe eBIRForms being down for days in August 2026. Prepare early so you can file when it returns, or when BIR publishes a manual-filing advisory. - Using an old package. BIR releases new versions often; for example RMC 104-2026 announced version 7.9.6.2 (RMC 104-2026). Download the latest one from bir.gov.ph before filing. - Different numbers on the printout and in eBIRForms. Compare line by line before you submit.
Questions
Can I run eBIRForms on a Mac?
BIR's guide lists Windows as the requirement, and BIR offers no Mac version. We do not cover workarounds. Prepare your figures on the Mac and file on a Windows computer or at the RDO.
Is the PDF from PDFPhile accepted by BIR as filing?
No. It is a prepared copy of the official form. The return counts as filed only when you submit it through a BIR channel such as eBIRForms or eFPS.
Pwede ba mag-file nang manual?
Only in the cases RMC 20-2026 lists: a BIR advisory that the platforms are down, a justifiable reason accepted by BIR, or a return not yet available electronically. Ask your RDO.
Which BIR channel should I use?
It depends on your enrolment: eFPS if you are required to use it or enrolled, otherwise the Offline eBIRForms Package (RMC 20-2026). If you are unsure, ask your RDO.
Last checked 2026-10-12. Not affiliated with BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG or any government agency.