THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has reiterated its warning to the public not to patronize individuals selling Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) and TIN cards online.
The bureau said it was able to apprehend several individuals offering the fake service and block individuals selling the documents through online channels.
“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,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.
“TIN cards are not for sale, and are only issued [or] released by the BIR through its authorized personnel,” he said, adding that those sold online are considered “illegal, fraudulent and fake.”
He added that all services pertaining to TIN cards are free of charge directly from the bureau and require no third party involvement.
Meanwhile, individuals apprehended for selling TIN assistance services will be charged with the appropriate penalties.
“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,” read part of the statement.
BIR advised the public to only transact with authorized revenue personnel at Revenue District Office (RDO) with jurisdiction over their places of residence.
“The BIR remains committed to protecting the integrity of the taxation system and ensuring compliance with tax regulations,” Lumagui said.
The public should report any sellers of TIN or TIN ID to the BIR through its hotline number (02) 8538-3200 or via email at contact_us@bir.gov.ph. (GMA Integrated News)
