Every person has one individual taxpayer identification number (TIN). This number is not just for withholding taxes from work or paying for your annual income tax. It is also necessary for job applications, opening a bank account, real estate transactions, contracts, applying for an investment account in a stockbroker platform, and the like.
If you cannot remember or lost your TIN number, tax services in Manila said you must not file for a new TIN. The law prohibits a person from owning more than one TIN. Your TIN is the number you will use for the rest of your life. There can be no replacements or substitutions. Should you find yourself in a situation wherein your TIN is lost or forgotten, there are ways to recover it. Find out how below:
Recover TIN using the BIR Mobile App
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) strengthened its IT infrastructure to make it more convenient for taxpayers to make inquiries. In 2021, the BIR launched its app to make it easy for people to verify their TINs. Now, tax and accounting services in the Philippines say you don’t have to go to the district office to conduct a TIN inquiry.
This app works for iOS and Android. It allows you to do a TIN inquiry and recovery by inputting personal details and taking a selfie with a copy of a government ID. You can also confirm your TIN validation if the number on your hand is authentic or not. To recover your TIN, follow these steps:
1. Install the app on your mobile device from the Apple App Store or Google Playstore. You can also scan the QR code in RDO offices to download the app.
2. Open the app and read the terms before clicking proceed.
3. Click on the TIN Verifier button
4. Read the disclaimer before clicking proceed. This stipulates that the app could only accommodate individual taxpayers from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Questions on weekends or holidays will be handled on the following working day.
5. For TIN Inquiry, select the TIN Validation tab.
6. Provide the requested personal information, with a selfie with your valid government ID. You will also be requested to encode the TIN you’re verifying.
7. A BIR chat agent will process your request and you should receive a response in a few minutes.
Other Ways to Verify TIN
Apart from verifying with the app, accounting services in the Philippines suggest other methods:
1. Check Documents
Look for other documents that include your TIN which may be past contracts, TIN card, or company ID. Your tax returns and official receipts could also contain this number.
2. Verify with HR
Contact your current or past company’s human resources. The HR personnel usually keep tabs on your employment records so they may be able to assist you in retrieving your TIN.
3. Call the hotline
Call hotlines and speak with an agent for TIN recovery. Gather the appropriate personal information. The numbers are:
- Trunkline: 8981-7000 / 8929-7676.
- Customer Assistance Division: 8981-7003 / 8981-7020 / 8981-7030 / 8981-7040 / 8981-7046
*Use appropriate area codes for domestic and international calls
4. Send an email
Email contact_us@bir.gov.ph giving information like your full name, address, and date of birth. Write TIN verification on the subject line. If you’re authenticating, give the number.
5. Go to the RDO
If you’re in a rush, visit the RDO where you applied for the TIN. According to tax and audit services in the Philippines, you must present a valid ID or PSA birth certificate to verify your identity.
Exercise Due Diligence
When recovering your TIN, make sure you provide the correct information and documents to avoid delays. Those who try to use the TIN Verifier Mobile app need to exercise patience. Since there’s a limited number of BIR agents handling a multitude of inquiries, it may take time before someone replies.
Do not disconnect and wait for the next available agent. If your connection is suddenly cut, you will have to start again and wait even more. Some say that using the app works swiftly when you use it in the morning because the queues are not as long yet.
Those who are unsuccessful in using the mobile app can still do a walk-in, email, or phone call. Alternatively, you can also ask for professional assistance. Our firm provides tax and accounting services in Pasig.
