How to Apply Online TIN number

We have been getting many inquiries lately about how to apply for an online TIN. This increase of interest in online TIN registration is obviously because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has made ‘normal’ personal processing challenging. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about registering online for the TIN that leaves people confused. So, we’ve put together these most common questions to help give a clear understanding of how apply TIN online or eREG works.

Many want to get their TIN online, either for employment or to start businesses. You might need it to create a sari-sari store or for your online business registration. If you want to earn money while having this quarantine today, check this article on making money.

What is eREG or TIN online registration?

eREG or Electronic Registration is a platform created by the BIR to apply for TIN easier. Before we discuss how to apply for an online TIN, let’s understand who can use this system. The first thing to remember is this how to apply online TIN is ONLY ACCESSIBLE for:

• Large tax-paying companies registered with the BIR. According to the classification of a sizeable tax-paying company, several criteria need to be met. For example, regarding tax payment, the company must meet any or a combination of these criteria:

• • A net VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or payable out of at least 1M pesos per quarter.
  • Yearly excise tax paid or payable out of at least 1M pesos
  • Total income paid or payable out of at least 1M pesos for one year
  • An annual withholding tax paid or payable of at least 1M pesos
  • Percentage taxes of at least 1M per quarter
  • Aggregate annual documentary stamp taxes of at least 1M pesos
• Non-large tax-paying businesses registered with the BIR. It includes ALL employers registered with BIR who can access the online eREG system and can create or retrieve TIN numbers for their employees.

Online TIN registration IS NOT ACCESSIBLE to:

• Regular Employees of large and non-large tax-paying companies
• Businesses not registered with the BIR
• Businesses registered with BIR but NOT registered for eREG (online registration)
• Unemployed individuals
• Employed but only contractual, NOT regular

Am I employed-How do I get a TIN online?

If you are an employee and want to get TIN online, you first need to meet these criteria:

• You are a regular employee of a giant or non-large tax-paying company
• The company is registered with the eREG system.

 If you meet these criteria, you have two options:

1. Request your employer to get you a TIN using eREG system
2. Visit the Revenue District Office, where the office of your employer is located

I am unemployed- How do I get a TIN online?

If you are still looking for a job and are currently unemployed, a TIN is a common requirement. You CANNOT get a TIN online if you are unemployed. Online registration for TIN is ONLY possible for those employed by companies with the eREG system. You will need to visit the nearest RDO and submit the requirements to process your TIN.

For more information on how to get TIN, click here and follow the steps for fast processing.

I forgot my TIN-How do I retrieve it online?

If you are unemployed and searching for a job, you have four options:

• Check your documents for your TIN. It may include your previous IDs, invoices, ITR, etc.
• Request your FORMER/PREVIOUS employer to retrieve your TIN. It will only be possible if your previous employer is registered with the BIR and eREG system.
• Email the BIR at contact_us@bir.gov.ph for your TIN request, including your address, birth date, and other relevant information. It may take a few days to get a reply, so this is only a good option if you are not in a hurry.
• Visit the nearest BIR and go to the General Services or Customer Service counter. Present your valid ID or birth certificate for verification.

If you are a first-time employee (it’s your first job) and you have been hired, you may request your employer to use the eREG to retrieve your TIN. However, if your employer is not registered for eREG, you may follow the same steps above.

If you are an employee with multiple employers, you need to visit the RDO office of your MAIN employer, present ID verification, and retrieve your TIN there.

My employer used eREG, but I wasn’t accepted.

If your employer gets an advisory saying that the eREG System is unavailable while trying to register you online, the following may be the reason:

• You have no middle name.
• There are similar or matching records existing in the BIR database

If this happens, follow these steps:

1. Ask your employer for a screenshot or printout of the error message in the eREG system.
2. Fill up a BIR form 1902
3. Ask your employer for a written request issuance of TIN with a list of employees.  INCLUDING your name as proof that you are employed at this company.
4. Bring documents for identity verification (birth certificate, valid I.D, passport, etc.)
5. Visit the RDO office where your employer is registered with all these documents in hand.

Can I apply for a TIN ID Online?

No. Application and issuance of TIN ID are to be done personally. How?

• If you are employed, visit the RDO where your employer is registered.
• 1. Fill up form 1902 showing your TIN and, if employed, a written request from your employer to get a TIN card.
  2. Request a printout from your employer of the eREG confirmation page that proves your employer has issued you a TIN
  3. Make sure you have documents to verify your identification.
• If you are unemployed, visit the nearest RDO, fill up 1902 showing your TIN and documents to verify your identification. (birth certificate, ID’s, etc.)

Conclusion

Since we would all want to have access to online TIN applications, especially in this time of COVID, the fact remains: ONLY registered large and non-large companies can use the eREG system to apply for TIN numbers for their employers or to retrieve existing TIN numbers. If you are unemployed, newly employed as a contractor, self-employed (not registered with the BIR), you need to get your TIN from the nearest RDO personally. You may check this article on how to register your online business in the BIR. 

If you have questions regarding applying for an online TIN, contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.