Dear Attorney,

I left the Philippines in 2007 and have since forgotten my Tax Identification Number (TIN). I need this number to comply with certain tax requirements, but I do not know the process for retrieving it after being out of the country for such a long time. Could you please provide guidance on how I can retrieve my TIN?

Sincerely,
A Former Resident Seeking Tax Information

Insights

Retrieving your Tax Identification Number (TIN) after a long absence from the Philippines is a common concern for individuals who have lived abroad for an extended period. Thankfully, there are clear steps in place for those who need to recover their TIN.

Contact the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR): The BIR is the primary agency responsible for managing TIN records. You can reach out to them either in person, through email, or via their website. Since you are currently outside of the Philippines, the best course of action would be to contact the BIR directly by email at contact_us@bir.gov.ph. Provide them with your full name, date of birth, and other personal details that can help them verify your identity and locate your TIN.
Request Through an Authorized Representative: If you're unable to contact the BIR directly, you can appoint an authorized representative in the Philippines to retrieve your TIN on your behalf. To do this, you will need to provide a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) granting that person the authority to handle the matter. The SPA should include specific instructions, such as retrieving your TIN, and it must be notarized.
TIN Verification via e-Services: The BIR also provides an e-Services portal on their website, which offers a TIN verification service. If you have previously registered for online access, you can use this service to retrieve your TIN. However, if you have not registered for the online system, you may need to follow the traditional route of contacting the BIR directly.
Embassy Assistance: In some cases, you can reach out to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your current country of residence. They may offer guidance or facilitate communication with the BIR to assist you in retrieving your TIN.

It is important to keep in mind that only one TIN is issued per person, and you are not allowed to apply for a new one if you have already been assigned a number. Ensuring that you retrieve your original TIN will help you avoid any complications with future tax obligations in the Philippines.