Dear Attorney,

I would like to ask for your help regarding my Tax Identification Number (TIN). I already have one but unfortunately, I’ve forgotten it. Is there any way to retrieve my TIN? I would greatly appreciate your guidance.

Sincerely,
Concerned Taxpayer

Insights

In the Philippines, the Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to every taxpayer, whether an individual or a corporation. It is mandatory for tax filing and other transactions with government agencies and private entities. If a taxpayer forgets or loses their TIN, several options are available to retrieve it.

Personal Visit to the BIR
The most direct way to retrieve a forgotten TIN is by visiting the Revenue District Office (RDO) where the TIN was originally issued. Taxpayers are required to bring a valid government-issued ID for identification purposes. The BIR will verify the identity and provide the TIN after confirmation.
BIR Hotline or Email
Taxpayers may also contact the BIR Customer Assistance Division through their official hotline or email address. This method requires providing personal information to verify identity. Once verified, the BIR will send the TIN via email or inform the taxpayer over the phone.
eReg System (Online)
For those who registered their TIN through the BIR's eReg system, the TIN may be retrieved by logging into the system using the credentials created during the initial registration. This is a convenient method, but only applicable to those who used eReg for registration.
Other Channels
Certain government-related transactions that require a TIN, such as those with the Social Security System (SSS) or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), may also allow individuals to retrieve their TIN, provided the taxpayer’s records are linked to their TIN.
Reminders
It is crucial to remember that a taxpayer is only allowed one TIN under Philippine law. Having multiple TINs is considered illegal and punishable by fines or penalties under Section 275 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

By utilizing these methods, a taxpayer can easily retrieve their forgotten TIN and continue to comply with the legal requirements of taxation in the Philippines.