Do you know that you can get a tax identification number or TIN number online? The Internet has really made it easier and more convenient for Filipinos to transact with the government, and getting a TIN number is one such example. This article will teach you how to get a TIN number online using Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) eReg.
The BIR eReg is a web application system that allows Filipinos and Philippine residents to avail of various taxpayer registration services without physically going to a BIR branch. Some of the features of the BIR eReg are the issuance of TIN online, payment of registration fees, and generation of the Certificate of Registration. The BIR eReg is fairly new so some transactions such as the payment of income taxes cannot be done online yet. We hope that such features will be available in the near future.
The following individuals can apply for an eTIN or TIN number online:
- Self-employed individuals (such as single proprietors and professionals)
- Mixed income earners (individuals who are both employees and single proprietors)
- Employees
- Individuals who are qualified under Executive Order No. 98
After securing the TIN, single proprietors and professionals are required to pay the registration fee of P500 through Authorized Agent Banks (AAB) located within the BIR Regional District Office (RDO) indicated in the email notification or through the BIR eFPS system.
How to Apply for a TIN Number Online as a Self-Employed Individual
To get a TIN number online, you will need to apply for it using the BIR eReg website. Please take note that you should only perform this registration if you have not done it before. If you have done this registration before or if you already have a TIN number, please don’t proceed. It’s illegal to register more than one TIN per individual.
Make sure that you have a valid email address as this is where the BIR will send your TIN number confirmation. I suggest that you use a Gmail email address as it’s more reliable than a Yahoo email address.
Note: Some readers who tried registering have reported a problem with their registrations, where the link provided in the confirmation email is not working. We have already reported the issue to the BIR, and we hope that the matter will be resolved soon. For the meantime, please don’t proceed with the registration until the BIR tells us that they have solved the problem. We will let you know when that happens. Thank you!
Update (January 17, 2019): The BIR has replied to our report:
Thank you for communicating with the BIR – Customer Assistance Division.
In reply, we regret to inform you that the eREG facility is having a technical problem. The concern office is currently working to restore the system. Once the system is already available there will be an advisory that will be posted in the BIR website
For other inquiries, you may visit www.bir.gov.ph or you may give us a call at these numbers 981-7003 / 981-7020 / 981-7040 / 981-7046 / 981-7030. We appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
The BIR – Customer Assistance Division
Our suggestion to our readers is to apply for a TIN number at the nearest BIR office, while the technical problem with the BIR eReg facility is being fixed. Please refrain from using the BIR eReg system for the meantime.
Step 1: Visit the BIR eReg website
Open the BIR eReg website on your personal computer or mobile device.
Step 2: Fill up the online form
Enter your basic taxpayer information. Double-check each detail before pressing the Submit button.
Step 3: Wait for an email from the BIR
Sit back and relax as you await the confirmation email from the BIR. If the email doesn’t show up in your inbox, you can check the Spam folder.
That’s it! You now have your own TIN number. Be sure to keep a record of your new TIN number as you will need it whenever you gain employment or start a business. Also, don’t forget to pay the registration fee of P500 if you’re a single proprietor or a professional.
Getting a TIN Number to Open a Bank Account
If you want to open a bank account and you don’t have a TIN number yet, it’s advisable to get a TIN number from your nearest BIR RDO branch instead of applying for it online.
Based on my personal experience, you will need to secure a letter from the bank requesting a TIN number, which you will then give to the BIR RDO officer.
If you have any questions or concerns on how to get a TIN number, as well as other issues with your TIN number, please comment below.
