Adulting 101: Processing and Paying My Own Government Fees

Working from home or remotely has a lot of perks—flexible hours, no daily commute, and the ability to work from coffee shops (which I love). But with these benefits also comes a downside: the responsibility of managing and paying for my own government fees. When you’re not part of a traditional office setup, the task of handling payments for taxes, PhilHealth, and SSS falls squarely on your shoulders. Welcome to the world of adulting!

Here’s how I navigate processing and paying for my own government fees:

1. Taxes: The Annual Obligation

One of the biggest shifts in working remotely is taking responsibility for filing and paying taxes. When you’re employed by a company, this is usually handled for you, with taxes automatically deducted from your paycheck. But as a freelancer or remote worker, the responsibility of ensuring your taxes are filed on time and paid in full becomes your own.

• How I Handle It: I make sure to stay organized throughout the year by keeping track of my earnings and expenses. This helps me when it’s time to calculate how much I owe. I also use online tax filing systems provided by the government to make the process smoother. Setting reminders for tax deadlines ensures I don’t miss out on payment dates and avoid penalties.

2. PhilHealth: Staying Insured

As a self-employed individual, I need to make sure my PhilHealth contributions are up to date to stay insured. This is especially important in case I need healthcare services. The process isn’t as automatic as when you’re employed, but it’s a manageable task if you stay on top of it.

• How I Handle It: PhilHealth offers multiple payment options, including online services through accredited banks and payment centers. I set a schedule—usually monthly—to pay my premiums so I’m not scrambling last minute. Keeping receipts or proof of payment is essential in case there’s any need to verify contributions down the line.

3. SSS: Securing My Future

One of the essential parts of financial security is ensuring that I’m contributing to my Social Security System (SSS) fund. SSS is crucial for retirement, disability benefits, and even loans, so making sure my payments are up to date is a top priority.

• How I Handle It: SSS has also made it easier to pay contributions online. I’ve set up an account on their online platform, where I can check my contributions, generate payment reference numbers, and pay through accredited payment channels. I typically schedule my SSS payments at the same time as PhilHealth, so I can handle both in one go.

4. Budgeting for Government Fees

One of the challenges of working remotely is budgeting for these government fees. When you’re employed, deductions for taxes, PhilHealth, and SSS happen automatically, and you rarely think about them. However, as a remote worker, you need to factor these costs into your monthly budget.

• How I Handle It: I allocate a specific portion of my monthly income to cover these fees. It’s important to treat these payments like any other expense—rent, utilities, groceries—so I don’t end up short when it’s time to pay. By keeping track of my earnings and anticipating my obligations, I avoid the financial stress of scrambling for payments.

5. Planning Ahead for Penalties and Deadlines

Government fees come with strict deadlines, and missing them can result in penalties. This is one of the things I’ve had to adjust to as a remote worker—making sure I’m always on time with payments.

• How I Handle It: I set up a calendar with all the important dates for filing taxes and paying my PhilHealth and SSS contributions. Having these reminders in place keeps me from missing deadlines, helping me avoid unnecessary late fees or penalties.

Adulting can be tough, especially when it comes to managing your own government fees. But with a little planning and organization, processing and paying for taxes, PhilHealth, and SSS doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Working remotely means taking charge of your finances in a way you may not have done before, but the upside is that it helps you develop a deeper understanding of where your money goes and how it’s contributing to your future. With the right tools and mindset, it’s all part of mastering adulting!