How To Register in BIR as a Freelancer Guide 2021

Are you a freelancer? Are you planning to become one? If so, then this blog post is for you! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to register in the BIR as a freelancer. So whether you’re just starting out or are already in business, make sure to read on!

How to register in BIR as a freelancer! What is the best thing about being a freelancer? Spending time with your family? No commute, dress code, or irritating workmates? Or is it the fact that you get your salary without deductions?

If your answer is the no deduction salary, which has been tax-free since we have some news for you, this is about to change!

Learn BIR Registration for Self Employed and Freelancer 2021!”]

The fact is, even before the 2018 Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN), everyone (including freelancers) was supposed to pay taxes. Whether online or offline, work as a freelancer, the BIR categorizes you as professional and self-employed. Find out how to register in the BIR as a freelancer 2021.

How to Register in BIR as a Freelancer: Step by Step Guide

The process below is only applicable for individual freelancers and not for companies or firms.

Step 1: Update TIN using the BIR Form 1905

This step is applicable if you have an existing TIN from your employer. To register as a freelancer, you have to fill up the BIR Form 1905 to update from employee to self-employed. However, if you’re still working and at the same time as a part-time freelance, you can register as a mixed-income earner.

If you have any changes to your status or dependents, make sure to update your personal information. In addition, if there is a change of address, you also need to update or transfer your RDO.

Then, how can you transfer your new address or RDO? There are two ways to do that. First, you can fill up the BIR Application for Registration Form 1905 in your new RDO or existing address. Second, you can request a transfer of RDO from your old RDO.

Check out these lists of Regional/District Offices.

Step 2: Submit BIR Form 1901 for Self-Employed and Mixed Income Individuals Registration

You have to print two copies and submit the form. Download the Application for Registration Form 1901 here.

Step 3: Pay the Annual Registration Fee using the payment form 0605 and Other Fees

Form 0605 is for payment for printing receipts, invoices, and proof of annual registration fee. This form should be printed into three copies and pay the yearly registration fee of five hundred pesos (500.00) either in the BIR cashier’s window or to any accredited bank within your RDO.

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Take note that the annual registration fee is paid every year in January. In renewing or paying the yearly registration fee, you must attach the following documents:

BIR Form 1901 (Application for Registration)
BIR Form 1905 (Application for Registration Information Update)
Barangay Certificate upon payment.

Aside from paying the annual registration fee, you must also pay the certification fee of fifteen pesos and the documentary stamp tax of fifteen pesos. After payment, you will receive the following documents that should be attached to the Certificate of Registration

Payment receipts
Taxpayer’s verification slip
BIR Form 1901
BIR Form 0605

Step 4: Attend the Required Seminar

This step is necessary for you to know your rights, penalties, and responsibilities as a taxpayer. Attending this seminar will widen your knowledge in filing your income tax correctly. If you cannot participate in the seminar, you can still ask any officer in charge for your concerns and clarification.

You can also read how to reduce taxes legally and other information needed to be acquainted with filing taxes.

Step 5: Get your Certificate of Registration or BIR Form 2303.

Get back to your RDO to get a certificate of Registration, including the “Ask for Receipts” notice and Authority to Print (ATP).

Step 6: Process your Official Receipts or Invoices using the BIR Form 1906

Freelancer is also required to issue an official receipt for client earnings, including international clients. A BIR-accredited printing press should print these receipts.

Here are the documents needed in printing official receipts.

BIR Form 1906
Valid ID or any government-issued ID
BIR Form 0605 with proof of payment
Photocopy of Certificate of Registration and payment receipts
Barangay certificates

Processing BIR Official receipts may take many days before you can issue official receipts. These receipts are valid only for five years.

Note: Once you get your Authority to Print, you should print the official receipts within thirty days because beyond 30 days, you need to secure ATP again from the BIR.

Important reminders: After getting the COR, you must secure ATP; non-compliance will be subject to one thousand (1,000) penalty. If the ATP expired, you would be subject to a 10,000, and the non-issuance of official receipts will be subject to a 21,000 penalty.

As an online freelancer, you must have the book of accounts to record the income and other necessary transactions using these journals and Ledger. You must register these books and have them signed and stamped by the RDO.

Once you start your business as a freelancer, make sure to issue official receipts and keep your books updated to avoid penalties. To more on how to avoid penalties, check this out.

Unlike traditional corporations who automatically deduct tax from their employees, the only difference is that you need to register as a “self-employed” taxpayer by yourself.

Before you think of all the reasons why you’d rather stay behind the BIR radar and not register, consider some benefits:

The benefit of Registering as a Freelancer with the BIR

1. Proof of earnings

One of the common requirements when applying for loans from banks or the SSS is your annual tax return (BIR Form 1701). It serves as proof of your earnings and will also come in handy when applying for credit cards.

2. Legitimacy

Registering with the BIR means you get to send clients official receipts with your name on them. Not only does this increase your legitimacy but builds clients’ trust that you are a credited business.

3. Avoiding charges of tax evasion

The fact is as long as you are rendering any form of service and earn money from it, you are expected to pay tax. Failure to do this is punishable by law under Section 74 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997

4. Being a Responsible Citizen

Paying tax is the ethical duty of every citizen of the Philippines, and knowing that you fulfilled your responsibility is satisfying.

Who is considered as “Self-employed” individuals?

In the Philippines, you are considered a “self-employed” individual if you fall into either of these two categories:

1. You are deriving professional income from your profession

It includes lawyers, doctors, dentists, certified public accountants (and others registered with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). In addition, those “who pursue art and make their living from there” such as athletes, writers, graphic designers, and other popular freelancing jobs.

2. You own a business and derive income from that business

Freelancers mostly fall under the first category, so whether you are a virtual assistant, content writer, vlogger, blogger, podcaster, social media manager, etc., you are considered self-employed.

Before we get into the details on registering as a freelancer, remember that processes will differ per BIR RDO location. You need to make sure you confirm the requirements at your local BIR Revenue District Office (RDO).

General Freelancer Registration Requirements

1. TIN (Tax Identification Number)

If a corporation previously employed you, you could quickly get your TIN from your previous employer. They can access the BIR eReg database and follow the steps here if they don’t have one. TIN, learn how to get one here.

2. RDO (Regional District Office)

You need to make sure that your TIN is in your current RDO and includes your home address. If the address is different, you’ll need to transfer your RDO using BIR Form 1905.

3. Birth Certificate

Make sure to have a photocopy of your birth certificate handy to submit to the BIR. If you don’t have a birth certificate, you can order it online or request it from your PSA office.

4. Government ID

This I.D should have your address, name, and birth date.

5. Barangay Certificate

Make sure that your Barangay Certificate states that you are working as a freelancer.

6. PRC I.D (when applicable)

7. Professional Tax Receipt (only applicable for licensed professionals)

8. BIR Form 1901

It is the Application of Registration, and you’ll need to fill up two original copies.

9. BIR Form 0605

You’ll need three original copies for the Payment for Application of Registration

10. BIR Form 1905

You’ll only need this if you need to change your RDO location.

11. Book for Accounts

Freelancers only need two books of accounts- Journal and Ledger.

IMPORTANT DATES:

January 30 for the payment of the annual registration fee
April 15 for annual income tax
May 15 for payment of the first quarter
August 15 for the second quarter
Lastly, November 15 for third-quarter income tax

DID YOU KNOW!

A freelancer is different from a sole proprietor. A sole proprietor is engaged in selling and buying activities, while a freelancer is involved in services. The sole proprietor could be subject to business tax, while the freelancer is only subject to income tax.