top of page
Search

Find the Right Tax Accountant in the Philippines

  • Writer: DM Monticello
    DM Monticello
  • Jun 18
  • 7 min read

Searching for reliable tax accountants near me? Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or small business owner, tax planning and compliance are critical. Here's how to find trusted professionals and when to hire one.



What Does a Tax Accountant Do?

A tax accountant specializes in:

  • Preparing and filing income tax returns (e.g., BIR Form 1701, 1701Q)

  • Handling VAT, percentage tax, and withholding tax

  • Creating accurate books and ledgers

  • Advising on legal tax-saving strategies

  • Representing clients in BIR audits

Hiring a tax accountant helps ensure you comply with rules, avoid penalties, and make informed financial decisions.



How to Find Tax Accountants Near You

1. Online Listings

2. Local Manila Listings

  • Quezon City tax filing firms: Aureada Ventilacion & Associates, JBC Tax & Accounting Solutions, AMV Business Center, PSO Makati, and Ines Gopez Amarante & Co. juan.tax+5m.yelp.com+5yelp.com+5.

3. Firm Websites

4. Online Platforms

  • Upwork Philippines: Offers freelance tax preparers rated 4.5/5 upwork.com.

  • JuanTax partner directory: Features services like Beppo (Makati for self-employed), MBH, Tala Buluran (QC), Virtual Tax Accountant PH (Cebu), RPM Accounting & Bookkeeping Services, TVP Consulting (QC) juan.tax.



How to Choose the Best Option

Proximity and Accessibility

Look for local professionals in Manila, Makati, or Cebu for quicker access to face-to-face meetings. But don’t rule out remote providers with strong systems.

Credentials and Track Record

  • Clutch ratings highlight firms like George Dimov, CPA (4.7) and OPKO Finance (4.9) clutch.co.

  • Check Yelp reviews and licensing (PRC/CPA).

Service Offering

Make sure they handle:

  • Monthly or quarterly filings

  • VAT, withholding, and percentage tax

  • BIR audit support

  • PEZA or export incentives

Systems and Software

Top accountants use tools like JuanTax, Taxumo, or virtual collaboration platforms that simplify communication and document sharing.

Cost and Transparency

Fees vary based on location, service scope, and firm size. Clutch and local directories provide some benchmarks.



When to Hire a Tax Accountant

You should seriously consider hiring a tax accountant if:

  1. You run a small business or startup

  2. You have foreign income or US expat obligations

  3. You need to claim PEZA incentives or navigate special tax schemes

  4. Your books are disorganized, leading to BIR notices

  5. You have multiple income streams and complex filings

For example, George Dimov, CPA helped a content creator file 2023 taxes seamlessly and provided ongoing strategic tax advice upwork.comtetraconsultants.comen.wikipedia.org+12clutch.co+12tetraconsultants.com+12jacksonhewitt.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2tetraconsultants.com+2ahcaccounting.comjuan.tax.



Next Steps

  • Create a shortlist based on location, specialization, and reviews.

  • Request an initial consultation to discuss:

    • Your current tax status

    • Required filings (e.g., 1701Q, 2551Q)

    • Fee structure and ongoing engagement

  • Confirm credentials and ask for references.

In Part 2, we’ll explore:

  • Detailed pricing expectations

  • Interview questions to vet accountants

  • Case examples across different business scenarios

  • Final checklist and operational systems suggestions



How Much Do Tax Accountants Charge in the Philippines?

Understanding how fees work can help you avoid overpaying or underestimating costs.

1. Flat-Fee Services

Many small firms and freelancers offer standard tax services with flat fees. For example:

Service

Typical Rate

Income tax filing (1701, 1701Q)

PHP 2,500–5,000/filing

VAT filing (2550M/Q)

PHP 1,500–3,000/month

Withholding tax filing (0619E/1601EQ)

PHP 1,000–2,000/month

Monthly books & compliance

PHP 5,000–15,000/month

Expect rates to be slightly higher for Metro Manila firms compared to provincial or freelance options.

2. Retainer Agreements

Businesses with more complex needs often choose monthly retainer packages:

  • Microbusiness (1–5 employees): PHP 8,000–12,000/month

  • Small business (6–20 employees): PHP 12,000–25,000/month

  • Mid-sized enterprise: PHP 25,000–50,000/month

Packages typically include books of accounts, filing, compliance calendar management, and periodic consultations.

3. Per-Hour Consulting

For tax audits, business registration, or foreign entity support, some CPAs charge by the hour:

  • Senior CPAs: PHP 1,000–3,000/hour

  • Junior associates: PHP 500–1,000/hour

Make sure rates are outlined in the engagement letter with a scope of services defined.



Interview Questions to Ask a Tax Accountant

Before hiring, schedule a discovery call and ask these questions:

  1. Are you a licensed CPA with BIR experience? Confirm credentials with PRC or the firm’s website.

  2. What industries do you typically work with? An accountant experienced in ecommerce, real estate, or professional services will better anticipate your needs.

  3. Which tax software or platforms do you use? Look for those who use JuanTax, Taxumo, Xero, or QuickBooks for more efficient, cloud-based collaboration.

  4. Can you assist with BIR audits or notices? Ensure they are familiar with BIR letter formats (LOA, PAN, FAN) and procedures.

  5. Do you offer support for SEC or DTI compliance? Helpful for corporations or OPCs needing updated General Information Sheets (GIS) and Audited Financial Statements (AFS).

  6. Can you explain your pricing model? Make sure to clarify what's included and whether there are charges for amending filings or handling notices.



Sample Case Studies

Case 1: Freelance Content Creator in Makati

“Carla” earns PHP 1.2M/year and was unsure how to declare expenses and optimize taxes. Her accountant:

  • Registered her as a sole proprietor

  • Helped her claim allowable deductions

  • Filed 1701Q and VAT returns through JuanTax

  • Advised her on quarterly savings for taxes

Result: Zero penalties and a 20% tax savings through legal strategies.

Case 2: Online Retail Business in Cebu

“JP” manages a Shopify business with overseas clients. His accountant:

  • Ensured compliance with monthly VAT and withholding

  • Managed tax documentation for couriers and payment platforms

  • Filed 1701Q, 2550M, and SLSPs accurately

  • Offered digital copies of ledgers and books via Google Drive

JP now runs a BIR-compliant ecommerce business with minimal admin load.



Operational Tools Used by Top Accountants

The best tax accountants combine expert knowledge with digital infrastructure.

Tool

Function

JuanTax

Integrated BIR e-filing and tax management

Xero / QuickBooks

Cloud-based accounting systems

GDrive / Dropbox

Shared secure folders for documents

Slack / Zoom

Efficient communication and updates

Asana / Trello

Workflow tracking for due dates and compliance tasks

Ask prospective accountants if they use or support these tools.



Final Checklist for Choosing the Right Tax Accountant

Use this checklist to guide your decision:

  • Licensed CPA with strong local reviews

  • Services match your current and future needs

  • Transparent fee structure, no surprise charges

  • Strong digital tools and cloud storage support

  • Responsive communication and accessible support

  • Familiar with BIR, SEC, DTI, and LGU processes

  • Willing to educate you about compliance

When done right, working with a tax accountant simplifies your life, reduces stress, and protects your finances.



Common Tax Mistakes and How Accountants Help Avoid Them

Working with a tax accountant isn’t just about filing returns—it’s about avoiding costly errors that can trigger penalties or even audits. Here are some of the most common tax mistakes in the Philippines and how a reliable tax accountant can help prevent them.

1. Missing Filing Deadlines

The BIR has strict monthly and quarterly deadlines. Missing these—even by one day—can lead to significant penalties. A good accountant uses compliance calendars or workflow tools to ensure timely submission of:

  • VAT returns (2550M, 2550Q)

  • Income tax (1701Q, 1701, 1702RT)

  • Withholding taxes (1601EQ, 1601FQ, 0619E)

They also remind clients ahead of due dates, prepare necessary forms early, and e-file where applicable.

2. Incorrect Tax Classifications

Freelancers and businesses often misclassify income, deductions, or tax types (e.g., incorrectly using percentage tax instead of VAT). These errors can lead to underpayment or filing the wrong form.

Accountants can:

  • Identify the correct BIR registration

  • Determine if you should be VAT-registered

  • Properly categorize revenue (foreign vs local, passive vs active)

3. Over- or Understating Expenses

Improper expense reporting is a red flag for the BIR. Underreporting can result in higher taxes, while overreporting may be seen as fraudulent.

Tax accountants help:

  • Track and organize receipts and invoices

  • Apply the correct deductible rates (e.g., 40% OSD or actual expenses)

  • Advise on allowable vs disallowed deductions

4. Failing to File “No Operations” Returns

Many small businesses think they don’t need to file if they had no income. But the BIR still requires submission of “no operations” returns for all registered businesses.

Accountants ensure:

  • All required filings are submitted, even if zero income

  • Penalties for non-filing are avoided

  • Business registration remains in good standing

5. Inadequate Books of Accounts

BIR requires businesses to maintain books—either manual, loose-leaf, or computerized. Improper or missing books can result in rejected filings or fines during audit.

A tax accountant:

  • Prepares and updates ledgers

  • Ensures books are registered with BIR

  • Maintains supporting schedules for easier reconciliation

6. Ignoring BIR Notices

Some businesses panic or ignore Letters of Authority (LOA), PANs (Preliminary Assessment Notices), or FANs (Final Assessment Notices). This can escalate to legal action.

Accountants help:

  • Respond to notices professionally and promptly

  • Prepare supporting documents and explanations

  • Represent the client during audits or investigations



About OpsArmy

OpsArmy is building AI-native back office operations as a service (OaaS). We help businesses run their day-to-day operations with AI-augmented teams, delivering outcomes across finance, admin, sales, and hiring.

In a world where every team is expected to do more with less, OpsArmy provides fully managed “Ops Pods” that blend deep-knowledge experts, structured playbooks, and AI copilots. Think of us as your operational infrastructure: running faster, leaner, and smarter business execution. Visit https://www.operationsarmy.com to learn more.



Sources




 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page