Every month brings changes that affect expats in the Philippines. Here's what happened this month, what it means for you, and what to do about it.
Philippine visa updates
The Bureau of Immigration has adjusted processing times for tourist visa extensions at some regional offices. If you're doing your extension outside Metro Manila, expect slightly longer wait times. The SRRV program continues to accept applications under the updated deposit requirements that took effect earlier this year.
Tax season reminders
If you're a US citizen or green card holder, you still need to file US taxes while living here. The IRS updated its guidance on the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion this year — the threshold went up, which is good news. Don't forget your FBAR if you have more than $10,000 in aggregate foreign accounts, including your Philippine bank accounts.
What to do this month
If you're still in the planning phase, this is a good time to get your visa strategy sorted before any further changes. If you're already here, check your FBAR filing status and make sure your financial reporting is current. I've updated the Tools section with the latest thresholds.