Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Tax Identification Number

How To Get A Tax Identification Number In The Philippines?

A Tax Identification Number is also known as TIN is a numeric code designated to each tax-paying individual. It is composed of 9–12 digits with the first nine digits as the TIN proper and the last three digits as the branch code. The first three digits are also an identifier for the type of taxpayer you are classified as. 

Meanwhile, a TIN card or TIN ID is an identification card that contains your TIN, full name, address, birth date, photo, signature, and card issue date. It’s issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Card Update

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued a memorandum on June 1, 2023 that the previous yellow-orange colored TIN cards are still valid TIN ID.
They were replaced by the green coloured TIN card since July 23, 2021 but are still valid.

Getting your TIN ID is the very first step in participating and contributing to the Philippines’ economy. It’s compulsory to pay your taxes, so you should have one!

Is a TIN ID card considered a valid ID?

While the TIN card is a government-issued ID, it is not accepted in all government and private transactions as a valid ID because it’s only considered as a secondary ID.

For example, the TIN card is not accepted by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for passport applications or renewals. However, it is accepted in some transactions where secondary IDs are acceptable, such as applications for postal ID, NBI clearance, and police clearance, as well as SSS transactions.

Some banks will also accept TIN cards, but only the digitized version. At the moment, the BIR has ceased releasing digitized TIN cards and they have not yet announced when they will resume doing so.

How much does TIN ID cost?

The initial application of the TIN ID card is free, but replacements of lost or damaged cards will be charged with ₱100.

For your information

The BIR doesn’t authorize any third-party provider to process TIN ID cards. Should you come across anyone in social media or outside the office of the BIR to help you process one faster for a fee, do not engage them as they’re illegal.

What are the TIN ID requirements?

First-time taxpayers should bring the following requirements to their respective Revenue District Office (RDO) upon their TIN number and TIN ID application:

  • Duly accomplished BIR registration form (BIR Form 1902 or 1904)
  • 1 valid government-issued ID
  • Community Tax Certificate (CEDULA)
  • PSA Birth Certificate
  • 1 x 1 picture
  • Marriage certificate/contract (if applicable) 

Where can you register for a TIN ID?

You can register for a TIN number and apply for a TIN ID card at the Revenue District Office in the city where you’re residing. You are required to personally appear in the office upon the application but you can also have an authorized representative process your application provided that they secure a Special Power of Attorney. 

For your information

The Revenue Regulations No. 7-20122 requires revenue district offices to process and release new TIN ID cards within the same day if you file your request before the cut-off period of 1 PM. Applications beyond that time will be processed within the next business day.

 

How to get a TIN ID for first-time applicants

Individuals usually get their TIN from their first employers. If you are however unemployed or starting out as self-employed or a freelancer, it’s your responsibility to secure your TIN and TIN ID card. These steps will most likely apply to these types of individuals. 

  1. Accomplish BIR Form 1901 version 2018, you can download it online via bir.gov.ph or through this link
  2. Submit the fully accomplished form together with the documentary requirements mentioned above at the New Business Registrant Counter of the RDO branch in your city. 
  3. Pay the Annual Registration Fee of ₱500.00, loose DST of ₱30.00) and/or payment for the BIR Printed Receipt/Invoice (if taxpayer opted to buy for use) at the New Business Registrant Counter in the BIR Office.
  4. The RDO will then issue your Certificate of Registration (Form 2303) together with the “Notice to Issue Receipt/Invoice”, Authority to Print, BIR Printed Receipts/Invoices (if applicable) and eReceipt as proof of payment.
    Business owners and self-employed are then encouraged to attend the scheduled initial briefing for new business registrants to be conducted by the concerned RDO in order to apprise them of their rights and duties/responsibilities.
  5. Once you’ve completed the registration process, you need to request a TIN card in the same office. It’s a separate process and you can only do it right after the registration officer issues your TIN.

It will be released within several minutes or an hour, depending on if you’ve made it before the cut-off time of 1PM. Otherwise, you will be asked to collect it after one business day.

Do this!

When you receive your TIN card, attach your 1 x 1 photo and put your signature. Have your ID card laminated as soon as you can to keep it from getting damaged.

Getting a replacement TIN ID card

Before you proceed to the RDO, make sure you have the following documents:

  • Lost card: Notarized affidavit of loss if you lost your TIN ID.
  • Damaged card: Photocopy of the old TIN card. Also, bring the original card.

Once you have the appropriate documents, you can now proceed with the application of a new card.

  1. Accomplish the BIR Form 1905 Application for Registration Information Update/Correction/Cancellation (you can download it here) and the BIR 065 form which is the payment form (you can download it here).
  2. Go to the RDO branch where you’re registered. Bring with you at least one valid government issued-ID.
  3. Submit your documents to the COR Update window in the RDO.
  4. Once done, submit your payment form to the payment window. 
  5. Receive the card within the day if you managed to apply for it before the cut off of 1PM or the next business day if past that time. You will be required to surrender your old card if you still have it. 

The replacement fee for a new TIN card is ₱100.

This article was first published in November 2021 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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