How to Get TIN Number in the Philippines: 2 Ways.

Taxpayers can secure a TIN either through walk-in registration at their assigned revenue district office (RDO) or online registration via the BIR eRegistration website.

Processing the TIN of walk-in applicants takes around 30 minutes to an hour. But it could take much longer, depending on the volume of people transacting during the day.

The online registration process is much shorter at less than 5 minutes. However, the BIR’s online service is currently available only to registered employers who are securing TINs for their employees. Most taxpayer types have to register manually using appropriate BIR tax forms.

1. How to Get a TIN Using BIR Tax Forms (Walk-in Registration).

a. TIN Application Using BIR Form 1901 (For Self-Employed, Mixed-Income Individuals, Non-Resident Alien Engaged in Trade/Business, Estate, and Trust).

The BIR Form 1901 is filed by self-employed individuals, whether single proprietors or professionals, to register with BIR as taxpayers and obtain their own TIN.

The same form is also used for BIR registration by mixed-income individuals or employees who are also running a business on the side; those who want to register their estates and trusts; and non-resident aliens engaged in trade/business.

b. TIN Application Using BIR Form 1902 (For Local and Alien Employees Earning Purely Compensation Income). 

The BIR Form 1902 is the tax form used to register new employees (Filipino or foreigner) who will earn purely from their salary/compensation income in the Philippines.

Most of the employers take care of their employees’ BIR registration. If this is the case, all you need to do is to fill out the form and submit the required documents. Once registered, you’ll be issued your permanent TIN.

c. TIN Application Using BIR Form 1903 (For Corporations, Partnerships, Including GAIs, LGUs, Cooperatives, and Associations).

If you’re a corporate taxpayer, you can register with BIR and get your TIN using the BIR Form 1903. This tax form caters to corporations and partnerships, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, associations, national government agencies, GOCCs, and LGUs.

d. TIN Application Using BIR Form 1904 (For One-Time Taxpayer and Person Registering Under E.O. 98).

The BIR Form 1904 is designed for those who don’t fall under the regular groups of taxpayers discussed previously. These include one-time taxpayers who were not issued a TIN previously but need one in order to pay donor’s tax, estate tax, capital gains tax, and other types of one-time taxes.

This tax form is also used to register applicants who are not paying income taxes but are under E.O. 98 like unemployed Filipinos, OFWs, etc.. These applicants simply want to get their own TIN to be able to transact with any government office.

2. How to Get a TIN Using the BIR eReg Website (Online Registration).

Currently, only employers or corporate taxpayers who are registered with the BIR can use the BIR’s eRegistration (eREG) system to secure TINs of their new employees (without existing TIN).

In the past, the online registration service was also accessible to other taxpayer types such as self-employed and applicants under EO 98. The BIR might restore that functionality in the future. But for now, BIR registration for these people has to be done manually at their assigned RDO.

Here are the steps employers should take to get their employees’ TINs online:

1. Visit the BIR eRegistration website.
2. Click on “Create Employer User Account” on the User Menu on the left part of the page.
3. Read the User Agreement. Click the Agree button.
4. Enter your email address, complete name, employer TIN, and employer branch code (the last three digits of your employer TIN—not the RDO code).
5. Type the captcha code and hit Submit.
6. Once your user account is created, fill out the online form.
7. Print the eREG Confirmation Page.
8. Require your new hires to fill out two copies of the BIR Form 1902 and submit to you the requirements for the TIN application. Make sure to fill out the Employer Information section of the form and affix your signature.
9. Go to the RDO where your business is registered and submit the eREG Confirmation printout, accomplished copies of BIR Form 1902, and your employees’ complete supporting documents.
10. Receive the TIN and receiving copies of BIR Form 1902.

How to Get TIN Number If You’re Unemployed.

Yes, you read that right—you can secure a Tax Identification Number (TIN) even if you’re not employed. There shouldn’t be a problem in doing so, as long as you have no existing TIN, have a valid purpose, and submit all the requirements.

Students, stay-at-home parents, and anyone who’s unemployed in the Philippines can apply for this number under Executive Order (EO) 98. Before you file your TIN application with the BIR, it’s important to understand EO 98 and its role in your right to be issued a TIN.

What is EO 98?

EO 98 is a directive signed by then President Joseph Estrada that requires all government agencies to use the TIN in all forms, permits, licenses, and other documents they issue to people transacting with their office.

This EO makes it compulsory for everyone—employed or not—to get a TIN for transactions with government offices and private institutions, such as the following:

• Passport/NBI Clearance/Driver’s License application
• Opening a bank account
• Voter’s registration application
• Scholarship application 

As such, having a TIN enables you to get a valid ID, open a bank account for saving or investing, get a scholarship, and more.

How to apply for a TIN if you’re unemployed: 4 steps.

1. Prepare the BIR requirements for TIN registration.

Be one step ahead of your TIN application by making sure you’ve gathered all the necessary documents.

TIN application requirements for the unemployed.

• Two copies of accomplished BIR Form 1904
• Birth Certificate, Community Tax Certificate (cedula), passport, driver’s license, or any valid government-issued ID showing the applicant’s full name, address, and birthdate
• For married applicants: Marriage certificate

Additional supporting documents.

The BIR may require additional documents depending on your TIN registration purpose. For example, if you need a TIN for opening a bank account, you’ll be asked to submit a bank certificate (indicating “for the purpose of TIN application only”).

This is where it gets tricky because not all banks issue a certification for TIN registration. So if you’re enrolling a new account with a certain bank, ask right away if they can give you a bank certificate for TIN application. Otherwise, try looking for other banks that do.

2. Download, print, and fill out BIR Form 1904.

How to fill out BIR Form 1904 for unemployed applicants.

Here are pointers to guide you through accomplishing the TIN application form properly.

• Use a pen with black ink and write down your information in CAPITAL LETTERS. 
• Date of Registration: Enter the date when you’ll file your TIN application with the BIR.
• RDO Code: Indicate the three-digit Revenue District Office (RDO) code of the city or town where you live. 
• Taxpayer Type: Mark with an “X” the box that says “E.O. 98 (Filipino Citizen).” If you’re unemployed but earning passive income (e.g., investment income, bank deposit interest, royalty income, etc.), mark the “Passive Income Earner Only” box.
• Write down your Country of Residence (Philippines), complete name (Taxpayer’s Name – If Individual field), and complete address (Local/Registered Address field).
• Fill out the form with the other required details: birthdate, landline or mobile number, mother’s maiden name, father’s name, gender, and email address.
• Part II – Transaction Details: Select your purpose of applying for a TIN. For unemployed Filipinos, the applicable choice is either “Dealings with Banks” (i.e., for opening a savings/checking or investment account) or “Dealings with Government Agencies” (i.e., transactions with the LTO, NBI, DFA, etc.).
• Declaration: Write your name and put your signature over it. 
• For other fields not mentioned above (which don’t apply to you), you can just leave them blank.
• Fill out a second copy of the BIR Form 1904.

3. Go to the BIR RDO and submit the requirements.

Bring all the TIN application requirements to the RDO of the city or municipality where you live.

Tell the BIR officer that you’re applying for TIN under EO 98. Also, explain why you need a TIN. You’ll be allowed to proceed with your TIN application only if your purpose is valid (i.e., a transaction with any government office or a bank).

When you apply for TIN at the BIR RDO, any of these three scenarios could happen. Here’s what you can do should you encounter one:

• You’ll be told you’re not eligible for a TIN because you’re unemployed. – Politely remind them about your right to secure a TIN under EO 98. 
• You’ll be asked to submit additional documents before you’re issued a TIN. – Again, being prepared will save you from the hassle of going back and forth at the RDO for your TIN application. Be sure to bring applicable supporting documents with you when applying for a TIN.
• You’ll be given a different BIR form to fill out for TIN registration. – If you’re handed the BIR Form 1901 or 1902, remind them that you’re registering under EO 98. This is why it’s important to come prepared with your accomplished BIR Form 1904 because this is the correct TIN application form for unemployed applicants.

However, if you’re applying for TIN as part of the pre-employment requirements for your new job, you should be filing the BIR Form 1902 instead. 

4. Wait for your TIN.

After you submit the complete requirements, the BIR personnel will process your TIN application. 

Once your TIN is generated, you’ll be issued your copy of the BIR Form 1904 with a “Received” stamp. Keep your receiving copy, which now has your Tax Identification Number written on it.

The BIR officer will tell you when you can return to the RDO to claim your TIN ID.