How to Get TIN ID Online -Requirements, Application Process, and Fees

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of the Philippine government to Filipino citizens and foreign residents. It identifies you as a taxpayer. It is issued to individuals, companies, and business organizations, and is required for many legal and financial purposes.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to register for TIN ID through the online and walk-in process at RDO offices for tax purposes in the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Finance, Philippines. To avoid any issues while applying for a TIN ID, and how it helps in police clearance certificate, follow the steps mentioned in the blog and apply easily.

What is TIN ID?

The Philippines provides each of its taxpayers with a unique number called the TIN ID. This ID has two formats: digital and physical card. Both cards look different but are considered equally valid. The TIN is used for tax filing and helps the BIR maintain records of tax payments and liabilities.

Like other important documents in the Philippines, the TIN is a special document that is a unique identification number for taxpayers. This ID facilitates tax collection, tracking, and verification of taxpayers and companies.

What Details Does Your TIN ID Contain

Your personal information, which is contained in both physical and digital cards.

Personal details on TIN ID

1. Your Name
2. Date of Birth 
3. Photo 
4. Address
5. TIN Number 
6. TIN Issue Date 
7. Signature 

A special feature of TIN ID is the QR code printed on it. The QR code can also be used to verify whether the TIN is fake or genuine. It makes the verification process faster and easier by scanning it with a mobile phone or QR code reader wherever necessary. This code is printed on both digital and physical cards.

Here are some key features of QR codes in TIN ID

• Verifies Authenticity: Confirms that the TIN ID is real and officially issued by the BIR.
• Quick Identity Check: Allows fast verification of the cardholder’s identity using a QR scanner.
• Secure Information: Stores encrypted data to help prevent tampering or forgery.
• Easy to Scan: Can be scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader for instant access.
• Supports Paperless Validation: Reduces the need for manual checking of printed documents.
• Used by Government and Banks: Helpful in confirming a person’s identity in official transactions.
• Tamper-Proof Feature: Enhances the overall security of the TIN ID.
• Unique to Each ID: Every QR code is specific to the individual, making duplication difficult.

TIN ID Card Sample

The TIN ID, whether old or new, is always in horizontal format. Similarly, the traditional TIN ID is yellow, and the new ID is green. A sample of both these TIN IDs is provided below.

How to Apply for TIN ID Offline In-person

You cannot go to any RDO office to submit your application for TIN ID. Your application will be accepted only at the RDO office that the BIR or the Republic of the Philippines has established for your convenience in your city or town. 

You can get information about this RDO office through the BIR official helpline or Email address given below.

• BIR Helpline Number – 8538-3200,
• BIR Helpline Email: [email protected]

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for your TIN ID in person at the nearest RDO office:

1. Contact the BIR Helpline at 8538-3200 to find out which RDO office covers your city or area.
2. Visit the Contact Us page on the BIR web portal.
3. Go to the Directory and click on Regional/District Offices.
4. Find your city/region from the list and click the + button next.
5. Scroll down to find your relevant Regional District Office (RDO) and note its address.
6. Visit your concerned RDO office and meet with the service executive.
7. Request the appropriate BIR application form.
8. Ask for the applicable BIR application form.
9. Fill in the BIR form with the necessary details and include the required documents for clearance and photograph.
10. Submit your BIR form for TIN ID to the appropriate service executive and pay the required fee .
11. Your TIN ID may be issued by the RDO office on the same day or within 1 to 3 business days. You must return to the same office to pick it up.
12. Sign the TIN ID and securely paste a 1 x 1 size photo in the allotted space.

What is Digital TIN ID?

Digital TIN ID is a new format of TIN ID, and it is provided to all taxpayer individuals and business companies. The online service was launched on November 21, 2023 by the BIR Finance Department through BIR ORUS. 

A circular was published on November 29, 2023, stating that Digital TIN ID is an alternative to TIN ID and using online services, one can avoid going to the office or long queues.

Is Digital TIN ID Valid?

Digital TIN ID works just like a physical TIN ID in the Philippines and is considered a valid TIN ID. It is also accepted as a valid document by all agencies and offices as per the rules.

Digital TIN ID Sample

The digital TIN ID is in a vertical format and also has a QR code facility so that government and private agencies can scan the QR code and verify it. Below is a sample of the digital TIN ID as per the BIR.

How to Get Digital TIN ID Online

To obtain a TIN ID online for the first time, you will need to register yourself or your business on the BIR ORUS website. Once the registration process is complete, you will need to apply online for a TIN ID and pay fee for required documents.

If you are already registered on the website, there is no need to register again. You can simply log in to the BIR ORUS website, update your information, and apply online for a TIN ID. Follow the steps below to apply online for a digital TIN ID.

Part 1: Taxpayer Registration at BIR ORUS Portal

1. Visit the BIR ORUS web portal.
2. Click on the ‘New Registration’ button to proceed.
3. Click on ‘Individual’ or ‘Non-Individual’ based on your status.
4. Review the requirements, then select ‘Create an Account’.
5. Accept the Terms and Conditions before selecting ‘Register as Taxpayer’.
6. If you have a TIN, select With Existing TIN otherwise, select Without Existing TIN.
7. Select your relevant type (Filipino Citizen, Filipino Overseas Worker, or other), and provide the required information.
8. Complete and save your profile details to activate your account.

Part 2: Login & Apply for TIN ID Online at BIR ORUS Portal

Once you’ve completed registration, you can login to the BIR ORUS portal and proceed with your TIN ID application.

1. Visit the BIR ORUS web portal.
2. Click the LOGIN button located at the upper right corner.
3. Enter your email and password, check the Captcha box, and click on Login.
4. Locate and select the ‘View Your Digital TIN ID’ option.
5. Carefully read the instructions, then click on ‘View Your Digital TIN ID’.
6. Verify the personal details displayed on the draft of your Digital TIN ID.
7. Upload your recent 1×1 size photograph with a white background without borders.
8. Click on Confirm to accept the terms and conditions and generate your Digital TIN ID
9. Return to the ORUS Home page and click on ‘Get Your Digital TIN ID’ from the left-side menu.
10. Read the instructions carefully, then click ‘Get Your Digital TIN ID’ at the bottom.
11. Your Digital TIN ID will appear on the screen. You can view both the front and back, and click ‘Download’ to save it to your device.

TIN ID Requirements

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) provides a complete BIR form and certain documents to TIN ID applicants. If you want to submit a TIN ID application in the Philippines, you will need to familiarize yourself with the TIN ID requirements as provided by the BIR Department of Finance. Applicants require different documents at each stage. Below are all of these documents and the requirements for TIN ID.

For Self-Employed and Mixed Income Individuals:

Necessary Documents

1. BIR Form No. 1901;
2. Any official ID issued by the government, such as PhilID/ePhilID, Passport, Driver’s License/eDriver’s License, that shows the name, address, and birthdate of the applicant, in case the ID has no address, any proof of residence or business address.
3. In the case of practicing a profession regulated by the PRC, submit a valid PRC ID along with a government-issued ID that shows your address.
4. BIR-printed invoices or a final, clear sample of your principal invoices.

Additional documents, if required

1. If submitting via an authorized representative
2. DTI Certificate (if with business name);
3. 9(g) Work Visa for Foreign Nationals
4. A copy of the service contract indicating the income payment amount required for Job Order or Service Contract arrangements with NGAs, LGUs, GOCCs, or GFIs.
5. Franchise Documents Certificate of Public Convenience for Common Carrier
6. Submit the Certificate of Authority if the business is registered under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises BMBE program.
7. Registration certificate or operational permit issued by BOI/BOI-ARMM, PEZA, BCDA, TIEZA/TEZA, SBMA, etc.

For Individuals Whose Income is Solely from Compensation:

For Local Employee

1. BIR Form No. 1902;
2. Provide a government-issued ID such as PhilID, Passport, or Driver’s License showing your name, address, and date of birth. In case the ID has no address, any proof of residence or business address. 

For Foreign National Employees (Expatriate Residents):

1. BIR Form No. 1902;
2. Provide a copy of the passport bio page along with arrival and departure stamps, if available.
3. POGO or International Gaming Licensee employees must present a certified true copy of the employment contract or a comparable document defining job scope, compensation, and duration of employment.

For Business Corporations, Freelancers, Partnerships, Cooperatives and Associations (Taxable and Non-taxable):

1. BIR Form No. 1903;
2. Submit one (1) photocopy of any of the following applicable documents:

• SEC Certificate of Incorporation
• Certificate of Recording (for partnerships)
• License to Do Business in the Philippines (for foreign corporations)
• CDA Certificate of Registration (for cooperatives)
• Certificate of Registration from the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)
• Certificate of Registration from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

3. Submit one (1) of the following documents, as applicable:

• Articles of Incorporation
• Articles of Partnership
• Articles of Cooperation
• Articles of Association
• Constitution and by-laws of the applicant union (for labor organizations, associations, or groups of unions or workers)

4. BIR-printed invoices or a final and clear sample of principal invoices

For Estate and Trust Applicants

1. BIR Form No. 1901;
2. If the estate involves taxable properties or is under judicial settlement, provide one photocopy of the deceased’s Death Certificate.
3. Irrevocable Trusts must provide a photocopy of the executed Trust Agreement.

Required Documents for Non-Resident Foreign Corporation

1. Tax form must be filed through the ORUS online platform only.
2. Provide one certified true copy of an apostilled document from a government authority (such as a tax agency or municipality) showing the name and principal office address of the non-individual entity in the country where it was formed (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, Tax Residency Certificate).

For One-Time Transaction Taxpayers Without a TIN ID

1. BIR Form No. 1904;
2. Provide a government-issued ID such as PhilID, Passport, or Driver’s License showing your name, address, and date of birth. In case the ID has no address, any proof of residence or business address.
3. Marriage Contract (for married female applicants).
4. Death Certificate or, if applicable, Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate / Affidavit of Self-Adjudication.

For Persons Registering under E.O. 98:

To transact with various government offices like NBI, DFA, LTS, you need to register with BIR under EO through the following 98 forms and documents:

1. BIR Form No. 1904;
2. Provide a government-issued ID such as PhilID, Passport, or Driver’s License showing your name, address, and date of birth. In case the ID has no address, any proof of residence or business address.
3. Marriage Contract (for married female applicants).

TIN ID Fees

If you’re applying for a TIN ID for the first time, the BIR will issue it for free. But if you need a replacement, you’ll pay a ₱100 fee.

If you are applying for a TIN ID for the first time, the Philippine law, under the First-Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (Republic Act No. 11261), will issue it free of charge from the BIR. If you are applying for a business, the registration fee is ₱500, and the documentary stamp tax is ₱30, making a total of ₱530. If in any case your ID is lost, then the replacement fee will be ₱100.

Can Unemployed People and Students Get TIN ID?

If you are a student or unemployed in the Philippines, BIR allows you to provide your TIN ID along with your BIR Form 1904. You just need to go through the following process to apply online:

1. Visit the BIR ORUS web portal.
2. Go to the New Registration section and choose As an Individual.
3. Click on Create an Account located on the right side of the page.
4. Read the Terms of Service, check the box, and click the Agree button.
5. Choose Taxpayer as your role, select Without Existing TIN, then click I Agree.
6. Select the user type as Get TIN for Filipino Citizen E.O. 98 / One-Time Taxpayer.
7. Choose Filipino Citizen Executive Order No. 98 from the list.
8. Enter your personal information, set a password, and then click Register.
9. Login with your Email and Password.
10. Click on Get Your Digital TIN ID and follow the on-screen instructions.
11. Upload your 1 x 1-sized photo and generate your Digital TIN ID online.
12. Preview your Digital TIN ID and click to download it.

What to Do If I Lost My TIN ID Card?

If your TIN ID is lost, first prepare an affidavit, then apply for its replacement at your respective RDO office. The affidavit should be submitted when applying for the replacement.

If your TIN ID is damaged, then submit the original damaged TIN ID as well.

1. Visit the RDO office for your city or region.
2. Request for a Replacement TIN ID Card.
3. Submit the affidavit along with other supporting documents.
4. Provide your recent photo and pay the ₱100 fee for replacement.
5. Submit your application and ask the officer how long processing will take.
6. The RDO office executive may issue your replacement TIN ID card immediately or ask you to collect it the next day.
7. You may collect your TIN ID card from the RDO office once it is ready

This is the process to follow if you need a replacement TIN ID due to loss or damage.

TIN ID Validity

TIN ID does not have an expiration date, it remains valid for life, so you do not have to worry about its expiration or validity

The TIN issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue does not expire; it is valid for life. The same rule applies to the yellow-orange cards and the new green cards, you do not need to replace them. If in any case you have not used your ID for a long time, the BIR may declare it inactive, and when you want to use it, you can update your record at the RDO office to reactivate it.

Uses and Benefits of the TIN ID

• Official Identification: You can use it as a valid identification for employment, financial, and government-related transactions.
• Tax Compliance: It shows that you are following the tax rules, which is important for jobs and business.
• Convenience: Serves as a reliable and widely recognized form of identification for use across various institutions in the Philippines.
• Access to Services: Allows you to access government programs and services that need valid tax identification.

TIN ID Social Security Administration (SSN)

This TIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration that most foreign nationals use to file tax returns.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

To file taxes in the Philippines, every individual or company needs a special identification number called a TIN. Whether you are an employee or a businessman in the Philippines, this ID has its own special importance throughout the Philippines, which makes it easier for your business and government-related matters. It requires minimal documentation and time to obtain the ID. The first registration of this ID is completely free, but a fee is required for changes.