Starting a business in the Philippines is exciting—but once your SEC or DTI registration is done, many founders ask the same question:
“What do I do next?”
The first 90 days after business registration are critical. This is when most compliance mistakes happen—and unfortunately, when penalties often begin. The good news? With a clear, step-by-step roadmap, you can stay compliant, avoid fines, and focus on growing your business.
At Launchpad, we guide startups and SMEs through every post-registration step in Metro Manila and Cebu, making the process simple and stress-free.
📌 Summarized Answer
After registering your business in the Philippines, the first 90 days should focus on BIR registration, local permits, employer registration, accounting setup, and HR compliance. Missing any step can lead to penalties—but following a structured checklist ensures smooth operations and legal compliance.
🧾 TL;DR — First 90 Days Checklist
Within the first 90 days, you should:
- Complete BIR registration and secure your Certificate of Registration (COR)
- Register books of accounts and official receipts
- Apply for barangay clearance, mayor’s permit, and other local permits
- Register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG (if hiring employees)
- Set up tax filing and bookkeeping systems
- Prepare basic HR and payroll compliance
- Ensure ongoing monthly, quarterly, and annual filings
If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—Launchpad handles this end-to-end.
Why the First 90 Days Matter
The first 90 days after business registration set the foundation for compliance, credibility, and long-term success. Many new businesses assume registration is the finish line—but in reality, it’s just the starting point.
Failing to meet post-registration requirements in the Philippines can result in:
- BIR penalties and surcharges
- Delayed permits
- Issues hiring employees
- Problems opening bank accounts
- Compliance flags during audits
Let’s break it down step by step.
Days 1–30: Immediate Business Registration Next Steps
What should I do after registering a business in the Philippines?
Once you receive your SEC or DTI certificate, your next priority is tax registration and local compliance.
1. Register Your Business with the BIR
One of the most important business registration Philippines next steps is BIR registration.
You must:
- Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue
- Secure your Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303)
- Register your books of accounts
- Apply for Authority to Print (ATP) or Official Receipts
🔎 How soon must a new business register with the BIR?
Ideally, within 30 days from registration to avoid penalties.
2. Register Books of Accounts
Your books of accounts must be:
- Registered with the BIR
- Updated regularly (manual or computerized)
Common books include:
- Journal
- Ledger
- Cash receipts book
- Cash disbursements book
This step is often overlooked—but it’s essential for tax compliance.
Days 31–60: Permits, Accounting, and Tax Setup
3. Secure Local Business Permits
When should a new business apply for local business permits?
As soon as possible after BIR registration.
These typically include:
- Barangay clearance
- Mayor’s permit
- Zoning clearance
- Sanitary and fire permits (if applicable)
Requirements vary by LGU, which is why many startups rely on Launchpad’s local expertise in Metro Manila and Cebu.
4. Set Up Tax Filing and Compliance
When should a new business start filing taxes in the Philippines?
Immediately after BIR registration—even if you have no income yet.
Common tax filings include:
- Monthly percentage tax or VAT
- Withholding taxes (if applicable)
- Quarterly income tax
- Annual income tax return
Late or missed filings = automatic penalties.
5. Do I Need to Hire an Accountant After Registering My Business?
Short answer: Yes—especially in the first 90 days.
An accountant helps you:
- Track expenses correctly
- File accurate tax returns
- Avoid red flags during BIR audits
- Stay compliant with deadlines
At Launchpad, we offer integrated accounting and compliance support, so founders don’t have to juggle multiple providers.
Days 61–90: Employer & HR Compliance
What happens in the first 90 days if I hire employees?
Once you hire—even one employee—you must comply with Philippine labor and social security laws.
6. Register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG
Do I need to register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG within 90 days?
Yes—before or immediately after hiring employees.
You must:
- Register as an employer
- Enroll employees
- Start remitting contributions monthly
Failure to do this can lead to audits and fines.
7. Register as an Employer with the BIR
When should a business register as an employer in the Philippines?
Once you start paying salaries or compensation.
This enables you to:
- Withhold taxes correctly
- Issue BIR Form 2316
- Stay compliant with payroll reporting
8. HR Compliance for New Businesses
What HR compliance is required if I hire employees within the first 90 days?
At a minimum, you should have:
- Employment contracts
- Payroll system
- Statutory benefits enrollment
- Leave and attendance tracking
- Basic HR policies
Launchpad supports startups with HR setup and compliance, ensuring you’re protected from labor disputes.
A Simple Starting a Business Philippines Checklist
Here’s a quick reference checklist you can save:
- ✅ SEC or DTI registration completed
- ✅ BIR registration and Form 2303 secured
- ✅ Books of accounts registered
- ✅ Official receipts authorized
- ✅ Local permits obtained
- ✅ Tax filing system in place
- ✅ Employer registration completed (if hiring)
- ✅ SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG enrollment done
- ✅ Accounting and payroll systems running
How Can Startups Avoid Penalties After Business Registration?
The biggest mistake new businesses make is waiting too long or assuming someone else handled it.
To avoid penalties:
- Follow a clear 90-day roadmap
- Track deadlines carefully
- Work with compliance professionals
- Outsource registration, accounting, and HR if needed
This is where Launchpad comes in.
How Launchpad Helps in Your First 90 Days
At Launchpad, we specialize in helping startups and SMEs navigate new business compliance in the Philippines—from Day 1 onward.
We offer:
- Post-registration compliance support
- BIR registration and tax filing
- Business permits processing
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- HR and employer registration services
📍 Available in Metro Manila and Cebu
Instead of guessing what comes next, you get a clear, guided process—handled by experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do in the first 90 days after registering a business in the Philippines?
Focus on BIR registration, permits, tax setup, and employer compliance to avoid penalties and operational issues.
What are the post-registration requirements for new businesses in the Philippines?
They include BIR registration, local permits, tax filings, and employer registrations if hiring employees.
What BIR registrations are required after business registration?
You need BIR Form 2303, registered books of accounts, and authorized official receipts.
Do I need to register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG within 90 days?
Yes, once you hire employees, employer registration and contributions are mandatory.
When should a new business apply for local business permits?
Immediately after BIR registration to operate legally within your LGU.
When should a new business start filing taxes in the Philippines?
Right after BIR registration—even if there is no income yet.
Do I need to hire an accountant after registering my business?
Yes. An accountant ensures proper tax filing, compliance, and financial tracking.
What books of accounts should be registered with the BIR?
Commonly required books include the journal, ledger, cash receipts, and cash disbursements books.
When should a business register as an employer in the Philippines?
As soon as it hires employees or starts paying compensation.
What HR compliance is required if I hire employees within the first 90 days?
Employment contracts, payroll setup, statutory benefits registration, and basic HR policies.
Final Thoughts
The first 90 days after business registration can feel confusing—but they don’t have to be. With the right guidance and a clear checklist, compliance becomes manageable, not stressful.
If you want expert support to handle everything correctly from Day 1, Launchpad is here to help—serving businesses in Metro Manila and Cebu.
👉 Ready to make your first 90 days smooth and penalty-free? Let Launchpad guide you.
