The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) urged the public on Monday to be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals who offer their services on how to get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and TIN cards through online selling platforms.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued the statement following the recent discovery of several “enterprising” individuals offering “BIR TIN ID ASSISTANCE” through Facebook, Shopee, Lazada, and other online selling platforms.
“These offers of TIN ID Assistance posted in online channels/selling platforms are not authorized by the BIR and are, therefore, considered illegal. Please do not be deceived or misled by such offers,” Lumagui said in a statement.
The BIR, through its Client Support Service, has conducted a dialogue with representatives of Shopee and Lazada on May 31, 2023, to call their attention on such illegal activities, and to request them to immediately remove all advertisements/postings offering TIN ID
assistance.
Several entrapment operations and arrests of sellers of TIN ID Assistance services were also made by the BIR regional and district offices since 2019 in Laoac, Pangasinan; Cebu City; Bukidnon; Gumaca, Quezon; Pila, Cabuyao and Sta. Rosa, Laguna; and Cordillera
Administrative Region.
The offenders were apprehended, and legal proceedings were initiated to ensure that appropriate penalties were imposed on them. Said arrests and filing of criminal cases highlight the seriousness of the BIR in addressing the proliferation of unauthorized TIN issuance and selling of TIN Cards.
“TIN cards are not for sale, and are only issued/released by the BIR through its authorized personnel. Do not get TIN or TIN cards from
unauthorized BIR personnel, non-BIR personnel or through Facebook, Shopee, Lazada and other online selling platforms, because they are
considered illegal, fraudulent and fake,” Lumagui said.
He said getting a TIN or TIN card is free of charge and does not require third-party services for it to be issued. The ID card is an
accountable form and selling and faking it is punishable by a fine and imprisonment under Section 257 of the Tax Code of 1997, as amended.
He said selling of TIN card and TIN services not only poses serious legal implications but also undermines the integrity of the taxation
system and the revenue-generation efforts of the BIR. These illicit activities may lead to identity theft, tax fraud, and other unlawful
activities that could harm both individuals (who will avail of such services) and the economy as a whole.
To ensure the authenticity and legitimacy of the TIN and TIN card being issued, he advised individuals to transact only with authorized
revenue personnel at the Revenue District Office (RDO) having jurisdiction over their residence, and to follow the established
process for obtaining both.
He also reminded everyone to exercise caution when giving their personal information online to prevent identity theft and other
cybercrimes.
