Digital TIN ID System Provides Convenience to Taxpayers and Prevents Scams

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has introduced a new digital Tax Identification Number (TIN) ID system aimed at providing convenience to taxpayers and preventing scams related to TIN acquisition.

The Digital TIN ID system reflects the BIR's commitment to delivering excellent taxpayer service. I Photo: Ramon F. Velasquez Wikimedia Commons

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. emphasized the system's convenience as an alternative to the traditional process of obtaining a TIN, eliminating the need for taxpayers to queue at Revenue District Offices.

Lumagui stated that the Digital TIN ID system reflects the BIR's commitment to delivering excellent taxpayer service. BIR's Memorandum Circular No. 120-2023 mandates the availability, use, and acceptance of the digital TIN ID as an additional feature of its Online Registration and Update System (ORUS).

Individual taxpayers with existing TINs can apply for the digital TIN ID through ORUS.

Lumagui outlined the process, stating that applicants must update their email addresses at the relevant Revenue District Office and submit Form S1905 – Registration Update Sheet (RUS) via email or through BIR's eServices - Taxpayer Registration Related Application (TRRA) Portal.

It is essential to submit a clear copy of their photo, with penalties for uploading unrelated or inappropriate images.

The Digital TIN ID serves as a reference for the taxpayer's TIN and functions as a valid government-issued identification document accepted in various institutions, including government agencies, local government units, banks, employers, and others.

Its authenticity can be verified online via the ORUS system using the provided QR Code. Unlike physical TIN cards, the Digital TIN ID does not require a signature and is considered a permanent identification document.

The BIR emphasizes that both physical TIN cards and digital TIN IDs remain valid, and holders are not required to obtain a physical card if they already possess a digital TIN ID. Lumagui reassured the public that the digital TIN ID is free and not for sale.

The BIR issued a warning against availing services from online sellers offering TIN ID assistance, as it poses a risk of obtaining invalid or fake TINs, leading to incorrect taxpayer type classification and potential issues in future transactions with the BIR.

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