The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has cautioned taxpayers in engaging with online sellers for the acquisition of Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) and TIN Cards.
Instances of individuals offering "BIR TIN ID Assistance" on platforms like Facebook, Shopee, and Lazada have come to the attention of the BIR, prompting them to label such activities as illegal.
Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. emphasized that these offers, not authorized by the BIR, are deceptive and should be disregarded.
“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,” said the commissioner.
To address this issue, the BIR held a discussion with representatives from Shopee and Lazada on May 31, 2023, urging them to promptly remove any advertisements related to TIN ID assistance.
Over the years, BIR regional and district offices have carried out entrapment operations and apprehended sellers of TIN ID assistance services in various locations such as Laoac, Pangasinan; Cebu City; Bukidnon; Gumaca, Quezon; Pila, Cabuyao, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna; and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Legal action has been initiated against these offenders to ensure appropriate penalties are imposed.
These incidents underscore the BIR's commitment to addressing the proliferation of unauthorized TIN issuance and the sale of counterfeit TIN Cards.
Lumagui stressed that TIN Cards are not for sale and should only be obtained from authorized BIR personnel.
Acquiring TINs and TIN Cards from non-BIR personnel or online platforms like Facebook, Shopee, and Lazada is deemed illegal, fraudulent, and fake.
The unauthorized selling of TIN Cards and TIN services not only carries legal consequences but also undermines the integrity of the tax system and the BIR's revenue generation efforts. These illicit activities can lead to identity theft, tax fraud, and other unlawful practices that pose risks to individuals and the overall economy.
To ensure the authenticity of TINs and TIN Cards, Commissioner Lumagui advised individuals to transact solely with authorized revenue personnel at the Revenue District Office (RDO) responsible for their jurisdiction.
