MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued 100,000 tax identification number (TIN) IDs in digital form as more Filipinos opt out from lining up at district offices.
In a statement, BIR commissioner Romeo Lumagui said the revenue agency has issued a total of 102,046 digital TIN IDs after four months of offering the service.
A TIN ID is a valid government-issued document accepted in various state agencies, local government units, banks, employers and other institutions.
Unlike physical TIN cards, the digital TIN ID does not require a signature.
“Reaching the 100,000 mark is part of our efforts to expand our digital services to taxpayers and promote ease of doing business,” Lumagui said.
The authenticity of the digital TIN ID can be verified through the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) by scanning the QR code in the ID.
Taxpayers with existing TIN can also apply for the digital version.
The BIR also maintained that the digital TIN ID is free and not for sale.
“Taxpayers availing (themselves) of the services of online sellers of TIN ID assistance risk the possibility of getting invalid or fake TIN and wrong taxpayer type classification, which may impact on their future transactions with the BIR,” Lumagui said.
The BIR reiterated that both the physical and digital TIN IDs are valid and can be presented as proof of TIN ownership, subject to authentication and verification online.
To apply, the BIR said specific guidelines for uploading photos are provided as clear, appropriate, and recent images that resemble the individual accurately should be followed.
Photos that do not meet the specified requirements shall not be considered as valid for transactions and shall not be accepted as valid digital TIN ID by the relying parties.
Uploading of unrelated photos will likewise be subjected to penalty.