kuya blog

Guides, tax tips, and stories for Filipino freelancers.

What Filipino Freelancers Can Deduct from BIR: The Complete Guide to Business Expenses (2026)

Complete guide to BIR deductions for Filipino freelancers: OSD vs itemized, which business expenses qualify, equipment depreciation, what does not qualify, and how to document everything. For freelancers on graduated rates.

BIR Taxes Freelancing

Health Insurance for Filipino Freelancers: HMO, PhilHealth, and SSS Without an Employer

Lost your corporate HMO? Here’s how Filipino freelancers can replace all three — private HMO, PhilHealth, and SSS — on their own. Real options, 2026 rates, and step-by-step setup.

Freelancing Health Insurance Philippines

W-8BEN Mistakes Filipino Freelancers Should Avoid

Using the wrong form, using a US address, skipping tax ID details, and not tracking expiry — the 8 most common W-8BEN mistakes Filipino freelancers make and how to avoid them.

W-8BEN Taxes US Clients

How to Set Your Rate as a Filipino Freelancer Working with US Clients

Stop competing on price. Learn how to calculate your rate, research what US clients already pay, and confidently charge what you're worth — no more converting local salary expectations into dollars.

Pricing US Clients Freelancing

How to Register as a Freelancer with BIR (2026 Guide)

Step-by-step BIR registration guide — Form 1901, COR, books of accounts, receipts, RDO selection, and everything you need to go legit with the BIR as a Filipino freelancer.

BIR Taxes Freelancing

How to Find Your First US Client (Without Upwork)

LinkedIn outreach, cold email, OnlineJobs.ph, portfolio building with zero US experience, and referral loops — the five methods that actually land your first US client.

Getting Clients US Clients Freelancing

PayPal vs Wise vs Payoneer vs US Bank Account: Which Is Best for Filipino Freelancers?

Compare PayPal, Wise, Payoneer, and US bank accounts. Real fee math, not marketing fluff — and exactly which one you should use depending on your income level and client type.

Getting Paid US Clients Comparison

How to Open a US Bank Account as a Filipino Freelancer

Wise, Payoneer, Mercury, and Emona compared — get a real US routing and account number from the Philippines without a US visa or SSN. Step-by-step setup guides for each option.

US Banking Getting Paid Freelancing

How to Compute Your Quarterly BIR Tax as a Filipino Freelancer

Step-by-step guide with real examples. Learn how to compute BIR 1701Q using the 8% flat rate, convert USD to PHP, and file on time — no spreadsheet needed.

BIR Taxes Freelancing

Common Freelancer Scams and How to Spot Them

Fake clients, overpayment checks, phishing, and interview scams — the 5 most common ways Filipino freelancers get targeted and how to protect yourself.

Scams Safety Freelancing

Client Contracts for US Clients: A Filipino Freelancer's Guide

Scope of work, payment terms, IP ownership, NDAs, and governing law — everything you need to know before signing that first US client contract.

Contracts US Clients Legal

How to Invoice US Clients as a Filipino Freelancer

Everything you need to know about invoicing US clients — what to include, which currency to use, payment terms that get you paid faster, and the 6 most common mistakes that delay your money.

Invoicing US Clients Getting Paid

BIR Requirements for Filipino Freelancers: Complete Tax Guide (2026)

Everything you need to know about BIR registration, the 8% flat tax vs graduated rates, quarterly filing deadlines, penalties, and how to stay compliant while freelancing for US clients.

BIR Taxes Philippines

How to Fill Out W-8BEN as a Filipino Freelancer

A complete line-by-line guide to IRS Form W-8BEN. Learn what each field means, how to claim the Philippines-US tax treaty, and common mistakes to avoid so you keep 100% of your US income.

W-8BEN Taxes US Clients

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