A Tax Identification Number (TIN) identification card (ID) is proof that you are registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as a taxpayer.
Even if you’re not employed or still a student, having a TIN ID is crucial as it is a requirement in almost all government and private transactions. For instance, you can use this to open a bank account or apply for a license, permits, clearances, and other government-issued IDs.
So, how can you get a TIN ID card? Read this article to find out.
What is the TIN ID Card?
A TIN ID is a card issued by the BIR that contains the holder’s TIN, complete name, address, birth date, picture, and signature. The issuance of a TIN ID card complies with the country’s Tax Code, which states that any person required by law to file a tax return or other documents shall be assigned a TIN to be indicated in the return or document for tax purposes.
Note that a TIN ID card is free and has no expiration date.
Documentary Requirements for TIN ID Card Application
Here are the documents you need to prepare for a TIN ID application:
- Completed BIR registration form
- Form No. 1901 – for self-employed and mixed-income individuals, non-resident aliens engaged in trade or business, and estates and trusts
- Form No. 1902 – for individuals earning purely compensation income (local and alien employees)
- Form No. 1904 – for one-time taxpayers and persons registering under EO 98
- Any of the following identification documents
- Passport
- Social Security System (SSS) card
- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) card
- Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) E-Card
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
- Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
- Philippine Postal ID (issued November 2016 onwards)
- Seafarer’s Record Book
- PSA birth certificate
- Community Tax Certificate (cedula)
- 1x1 picture
- Marriage contract (for married women)
- Passport (only for non-resident aliens who are either students or unemployed)
Where to Get a TIN ID Card
Each taxpayer is assigned to a single Revenue District Office (RDO), which has jurisdiction over the taxes in the taxpayer’s home or business location. That said, you can only get your TIN card at your designated RDO.
As a rule, you must personally process the application. However, you may execute a Special Power of Attorney for an authorized representative to secure a TIN card on your behalf.
How to Get a TIN ID Card
The procedure for getting a TIN card depends on your status as a taxpayer. Nevertheless, the process is simple. Next to the PSA birth certificate, the TIN card is one of the Philippines’ most easily attainable government IDs. All you have to do is follow the steps below.
For Unemployed Applicants or Students
Here’s how to get TIN ID, even if you’re unemployed:
- Go to the nearest BIR branch and fill out Form 1904.
- Submit the form with the other documentary requirements to the RDO of the city or municipality where you reside.
- The RDO personnel will process your application. Usually, the RDO will issue the TIN card within the day if you submit your request before the 1:00 PM deadline.
- If the office runs out of ID paper or encounters a technical problem, you may be requested to return in one to three working days.
- Proceed to the same RDO on the date set by the personnel and claim your TIN ID card. Don’t forget to attach your 1x1 picture and sign your TIN card after receiving it.
For New Employees
If you haven’t been assigned a TIN before, you must first obtain one from the BIR. Here’s how to get a TIN.
- Once you've secured your TIN, go to the RDO of the city or municipality where you reside and submit the accomplished Form 1902 and other documentary requirements. You may already request a TIN card after finishing the registration procedure at the same RDO where you obtained your TIN.
- If the RDO is not busy on the day of your transaction, your TIN card may be issued within the day. Otherwise, you will be asked to return in one to three working days for the ID.
- Proceed to the same RDO on the date set by the personnel and claim your TIN ID card. Don’t forget to attach your 1x1 picture and sign your TIN card after receiving it.
If your employer’s HR department is tasked with processing your TIN ID application, you only need to submit the documentary requirements to the HR personnel.
For Existing Taxpayers
Here’s the TIN ID application procedure for existing taxpayers:
- Visit the RDO where you previously registered and submit the documentary requirements.
- If the RDO is not busy on the day of your transaction, your TIN card may be issued within minutes or an hour. If the office runs out of ID paper or encounters a technical problem, you may be requested to return in one to three working days.
- Proceed to the same RDO on the date set by the personnel and claim your ID. Attach your 1x1 picture and sign your TIN card.
Get Your TIN ID Card, Be a Registered Taxpayer
A TIN ID is an important document accessible even for unemployed citizens, allowing them to apply for a license, permit, and other government-issued IDs or enter into legal transactions. Another advantage is that it doesn’t have an expiration date, though it’s essential that you first get your TIN before applying for the ID.
If you need a copy of your PSA birth certificate for your TIN ID application, you can process it in person at the nearest PSA Civil Registry System Outlet. If you prefer to order online, PSAHelpline.ph offers a hassle-free online application process!
