The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines has introduced stricter tax refund rules. These changes target excess or unutilized creditable withholding taxes claims. Revenue Memorandum Circulars 102-2026 and 103-2026 detail these new requirements. Businesses must now file specific forms for claims. Taxpayers should use BIR Form 1914 for application. They should submit this to their revenue district office. Large taxpayers have designated offices. These include the Large Taxpayers Audit Division. These also include the Large Taxpayers Division. Making a choice to carry over excess income taxes is key. This decision remains irrevocable for the taxable period. Taxpayers cannot request a refund after deciding to carry over. The rule applies if they still operate their business. Filings should occur within two years from the AITR filing. This pertains to going concerns seeking credits or refunds. Exceptions exist for permanent business closures. Businesses that chose carry-over can claim refunds when closing. Rules under Section 76(C) of the Tax Code permit this. Applications for refunds should include complete documents. They must be submitted within the two-year period. Failure to do so cancels the refund claim. The BIR distinguishes between two important time frames. The two-year filing period and the 180-day processing window are separate. The latter starts after submitting Form 1914 and needed documents. The BIR has rules for businesses undergoing dissolution. They set a two-year decision period from closure. The two periods do not overlap. BIR Form 1905 deals with closures or registration updates. This form initiates the dissolution process. Meanwhile, claims related to real property sales have unique steps. These involve capital gains tax and related stamp tax. Taxpayers must file with offices managing the property's location. The updated circulars took effect immediately on release. This has implications for business cash flows in the country. Businesses will need to adapt to manage these requirements.