TIN Application 2026: How to Get a TIN Online (ORUS)
Quick answer
A BIR TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is free. New employees get it online through ORUS after their employer starts the application, usually within 3 days. People with no job who need a TIN for a government ID or a one-time transaction use BIR Form 1904, online or at their RDO. Once you have a TIN, you can generate a free Digital TIN ID in ORUS.
Which BIR form do you need?
| Your situation | BIR form | Where |
|---|---|---|
| New employee, pure salary income | 1902 | Online through your employer's ORUS link, or at the RDO covering your home |
| Self-employed, sole proprietor or professional | 1901 | ORUS or the RDO covering your business or home |
| Unemployed, needs a TIN for a government transaction (EO 98) | 1904 | ORUS or the RDO covering your home |
| One-time transaction (sale of property, donation, estate) | 1904 | ORUS or your RDO |
| OFW not engaged in business | 1904 | ORUS or the RDO covering your local home |
Employees must register within 10 days from the start of their job.
What are the requirements?
- One government ID showing your name, address and birth date. Examples: PhilID or ePhilID, passport, driver's license, UMID, voter's ID, digitized postal ID, PRC ID or OWWA ID.
- If your ID has no address, add a proof of residence.
- For online applications: a selfie holding that ID.
- Married women: marriage contract.
- First-time job seekers using Form 1904: barangay certification that you are a first-time job seeker.
- Applying through a representative: a Special Power of Attorney and IDs of both of you.
- Walk-in: two original copies of the BIR form, downloadable from the BIR website.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TIN for employees (Form 1902) | PHP 0 | Free online or walk-in |
| TIN under EO 98 or one-time transaction (Form 1904) | PHP 0 | Free |
| Digital TIN ID | PHP 0 | Generated in ORUS |
| First TIN card (paper) | PHP 0 | Personal appearance at your RDO |
| Replacement of lost or damaged TIN card | PHP 100 | With an affidavit of loss if lost |
| Registration of a new business or profession (Form 1901) | PHP 30 | Plus invoices; the PHP 500 annual registration fee was abolished in 2024 |
How do you apply, step by step?
Online
1. Employees
your employer registers you through the ORUS Employer Service Link. You get an email link from ORUS.
2. Everyone else
create an account at orus.bir.gov.ph with your email address, then choose the TIN application that fits you.
3. Enter your personal details
Upload a scan of your ID and a selfie holding it.
4. Submit the application
ORUS approves it automatically unless it finds a possible duplicate record, which goes to your RDO.
5. Wait for the email about your status
Log in to ORUS to see your TIN.
6. For a Digital TIN ID, upload a recent 1x1 photo with a white background in ORUS and generate the ID
Stuck on the account itself? See how to register on BIR ORUS.
Walk-in
1. Go to the RDO that covers your home address (or your business address if you are self-employed)
2. Get a queue number and submit the filled-out form and your ID
3. Wait for the Registration Officer to check for existing records and assign your TIN
4. Receive your stamped copy of the form with your TIN written on it
How long does it take?
- ORUS for employees: about 3 days, often sooner when auto-approved.
- Walk-in for employees: about 6 hours.
- Form 1904 through ORUS: about 3 days.
- Paper TIN card at the RDO: same day.
Where do you apply?
Apply online through ORUS at orus.bir.gov.ph. For walk-in, find your RDO in the BIR office directory on bir.gov.ph.
- Apply on the official website: https://orus.bir.gov.ph/
What are the common problems and how do you fix them?
You may already have a TIN
Do not apply again. Having more than one TIN is not allowed. Check first with our TIN verification guide.
ORUS says a possible duplicate was found
Your application goes to your RDO for review. Wait for the email or visit the RDO with your ID.
No email from ORUS
Check your spam folder and the spelling of your email address.
Your ID has no address
Add a proof of residence, such as a barangay certificate or a utility bill in your name.
Selling "TIN ID" online
The Digital TIN ID is free. Paid online "TIN ID services" can give you a fake TIN or the wrong taxpayer type.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a TIN number online?
Create an account in ORUS and file the application that fits you. Employees get the ORUS link from their employer. The TIN appears in your ORUS account once approved.
Is getting a TIN free?
Yes. The TIN, the Digital TIN ID and your first paper TIN card cost nothing.
Which BIR form do I need for my TIN?
Form 1902 is for employees and Form 1901 for self-employed people and professionals. Form 1904 covers government transactions, one-time transactions and OFWs not in business.
Is the Digital TIN ID a valid ID?
Yes. RMC 120-2023 says government agencies, employers and banks should accept it as a valid government-issued ID, after verifying its QR code.
Can I get a TIN without a job?
Yes. Use Form 1904 if you need a TIN for a government transaction under EO 98, such as getting a government ID or license.
What if I have two TINs?
Go to your RDO and ask them to cancel the extra TIN. Keep using the original one.
How long does a TIN application take?
About 3 days through ORUS. At an RDO, an employee's TIN takes about 6 hours.
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