The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said taxpayers will no longer need to line up in Revenue District Offices to get their Tax Identification Number (TIN) ID.

In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said Memorandum Circular 120-123 issued on Nov. 29, mandates the availability, use, and acceptance of the digital TIN ID as an additional feature of its Online Registration and Update System (ORUS).

“The Digital TIN ID system shows our commitment to providing Excellent Taxpayer Service. With this new system, we can eliminate the practice of fixers and scammers selling TIN online while giving taxpayers a convenient alternative in getting a TIN, instead of lining up at our Revenue District Offices,” Lumagui said.

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

Taxpayers who would like to get their digital TIN ID are required to update their email address at the Revenue District Office where they are registered.

To do that, they may accomplish and submit Form S1905 – Registration Update Sheet (RUS) via email to the concerned RDO or through BIR’s eServices – Taxpayer Registration Related Application (TRRA) Portal.

BIR reminded that taxpayers will need to submit a clear copy of their photo, adding that uploading unrelated photos, such as animals, artists, cartoons or other people’s photos, shall be subject to penalty.

The digital TIN ID serves as a reference for the TIN of the taxpayer and as a valid government-issued identification document accepted in various government agencies, local government units, banks, employers, and other institutions.

Its authenticity can be verified online via the ORUS system using the QR Code provided.

Unlike physical TIN cards, the Digital TIN ID does not require a signature.

The Digital TIN ID is a permanent identification document. Both the physical TIN card and digital TIN ID remain valid, and holders need not secure a physical card if they already have a digital TIN ID.

The BIR assured the public that the digital TIN ID is free and not for sale.

It also warned that taxpayers availing 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.PNA