What’s the buzz?

Missed a tax deadline? Filed the wrong form? Or worse—forgot to file at all? You’re not alone. But the truth is, tax penalties in the Philippines can snowball fast—especially if you’re running a business or freelancing solo. Here’s a breakdown of common BIR and SEC penalties, how much they cost, and how to avoid them before they haunt your finances. These apply even if you earned nothing during the period—non-filing is still penalized. Common BIR & SEC Penalties (Philippines) 1. Late Filing with the BIR If you file after the due date (monthly, quarterly, or annual tax returns), you’re automatically…

August is here. Na-ghost ka na ba… ng accountant mo?  They stopped replying. No updates. No replies. No files. Just vibes.  You wait a day… then a week… Next thing you know, it’s BIR deadline season, and your books are still a mystery. If this sounds familiar, breathe. You’re not alone—ghosting in the world of bookkeeping is more common than we’d all like to admit. But don’t panic. Here’s what to do next (and how to avoid getting haunted again). First, what does bookkeeper ghosting actually look like? They go offline mid-project or after getting paid They miss multiple filing…

We always say that Happy Hive is a place for growth. We believe in messy beginnings, warm middles, and endings that (hopefully) lead to better beginnings again. But here’s the truth: sometimes, the growth hurts a little. Or a lot. Especially when it means letting go of someone you deeply admire—not because they’ve changed, but because they’ve bloomed too well in a garden that can’t quite afford fertilizer in bulk just yet. We’ll be saying goodbye to our Marketing Assistant—who, by all accounts, was already being primed to become our Marketing Officer. That’s right. She wasn’t just doing the job;…

Naks naman! May bagong work ‘yan siya… Now, let’s talk about RDO transfers— everyone’s favorite bonding moment between new hires, HR, and BIR frontliners. Sino ba dapat ang mag-ayos niyan? THE REAL RULE According to BIR RR No. 7-2024: Your TIN (Tax Identification Number) should be registered at the RDO (Revenue District Office) that covers your home address, not your company’s location. And you’re supposed to update this within 10 days of getting hired. (Usually kaya na itong gawin through ORUS, ang online system ng BIR. Pero good luck kung may signal, at hindi lag!) But here’s where the drama…

Starting a business in the Philippines this 2025? One of your first stops with the government will be the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) — and getting your Certificate of Registration (COR) is a must. If you’re overwhelmed just thinking about tax forms and government offices, don’t worry— this guide breaks it down into simple steps. What Is a BIR Certificate of Registration? The Certificate of Registration (Form 2303) is an official document issued by the BIR that proves your business is registered for tax purposes. It contains: Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Business name and address Tax types (e.g., Income…

So you’re a freelancer in the Philippines — setting your own hours, choosing your own clients, and working in pajamas if you feel like it. But while freedom is great, there’s one thing that always follows you, no matter where you work: taxes. (sad, ‘no?) If you’re confused about your tax obligations as a freelancer, you’re not alone. This guide breaks it down simply so you can stay compliant, avoid penalties, and focus on doing what you do best. Who Is Considered a Freelancer? In the eyes of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), a freelancer is a self-employed individual…

It’s Pride Month, and here at Happy Hive Inc., we’re about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported, and celebrated— no matter who you are or who you love. Because as a team of women entrepreneurs, we understand what it means to rise, build, and thrive in spaces that weren’t always made for us. We’re creating a coworking and business space that’s not only productive, but proudly inclusive. LAHAT PWEDE DITO SA HAPPY HIVE!We’re a small, women-led company tucked in the corner of Quezon City, who believes in giving back, especially to the real stars of this month: the lolas of…

If you’re running a business in the Philippines, the Mayor’s Permit (also known as a Business Permit) isn’t just paperwork — it’s your license to operate legally within your local government unit (LGU). And yes, you need to renew it every year.Here’s why it matters — and what happens if you skip it. What Is a Mayor’s Permit? The Mayor’s Permit is a document issued by your city or municipal hall that authorizes your business to operate within its jurisdiction. It ensures that your business has complied with all local regulations, including:● Zoning laws● Health and sanitation requirements● Fire safety…

If you’ve noticed your Netflix bill looking a little higher lately — you’re not imagining things. Yes, Netflix and other digital services are now subject to VAT (Value-Added Tax) in the Philippines.As the government adapts to the growing digital economy, foreign digital service providers are now required to pay their share of taxes. Here’s what this means for subscribers, freelancers, and businesses alike. Why Is Netflix Charging VAT? Under the Expanded VAT on Digital Services Law, which took effect in the Philippines in recent years, non-resident digital service providers (DSPs) — like Netflix, Spotify, Meta, Google, and others — are…

As a girlie pop in this not-so-popping world Send EXTEND to 8080 March 31– Huling araw na ng mga inspiring posts tungkol sa kababaihan. Tapos na rin ang bigayan ng promos, 10% discounts, & freebies. Tapos na rin ang mga ganaps na magpapaalala sa’yo na ang saya maging babae, na thankful sila sa strength, diskarte, courage, sipag, at tiyaga mo etc. etc. LAST DAY NA NGAYONG MARCH 31. Pero ang mga haharaping gawain, labada, deadlines, backlogs, hugasin na pinggan, diaper na papalitan, body shaming, PR na ibe-beat, menu na iisipin, gatas na titimplahin, ulam na lulutuin, mga papatulang chismis at…

What is this B1 and B2 phenomenon? Please see the following pieces of evidence.Exhibit A (mutual acknowledgement):  Exhibit B (3rd party acknowledgement): This phenomenon is first characterized by sending a message with the same meaning, if not the exact same words. Second, it MUST be sent at exactly the same time. It’s a very fascinating occurrence which happens quite often at the Discord of Happy Hive between B1 and B2. Such amazement, such wow. Pero sa totoo, nakakatawa naman talaga. There have been a lot of instances when an opinion was generally asked, or a report was made, and a…

After all, every B1 needs a solid B2 (kaway muna sa mga 90s kids dyan na pinalaki ng bananas in pyjamas) to keep things balanced and sane—para walang gulo (minsan meron pero masaya)!

Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of invoices and receipts? Managing your finances shouldn’t sting like a bee. If you’re nodding your head or swatting at imaginary paper monsters, it might be time to buzz in some AP/AR help.

I realized one thing: it’s a whole community here. The Mambosses did not only build a company but a community as well. It’s a tight-knit community where one can thrive, find support, stay grounded, and catch a breath when you need it.

This is your memelord signing off!

It’s been a longtime dream to have a calendar that has all the important tax deadlines. We made it happen last month!

Who would’ve thought that 160 internship hours were not as dreadful as I thought they would be?

From CEO to COO and Everything in Between

2022 gave us a hard slap on the face and reminded us that sometimes, life really hands you lemons.

A Foolproof and Totally Unbiased Internship Guide at Happy Hive

Two years ago, I thought I was going to leave this world. This isn’t going to be a story of how I survived. This is more of my realization after surpassing that rough patch. 

As we return from isolation and quarantine, we should be more responsible for our mental hygiene. Here are some tips that could help you!

An exposition on recovering from trauma and mental health struggle

This is for all mamas, mommies, moms, nanays, and inays.