TIN (Tax Identification Number) is your unique identifier with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Required for:
- Employment (employer needs TIN)
- Self-employment / business
- Property purchases
- Bank account opening (for some types)
- Government transactions
- Many financial transactions
Format: 9-12 digits (older: 9; newer with branch code: 12).
How to get one:
- BIR Form 1902 (employed)
- BIR Form 1901 (self-employed)
- Online: BIR's Online Registration and Update System (ORUS)
- In person: your BIR Revenue District Office (RDO)
What it means for you:
- Get one before starting first job (employer will require)
- One TIN per lifetime — don't apply for second
- Lost? Request replacement at RDO
- Self-employed: register as self-employed BEFORE earning income
- Address changes require BIR update