BIR warns vs. fake TIN cards, to issue new design

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is set to redesign the tax identification number (TIN) card amid the "rampant" selling of counterfeit TIN IDs online.

BIR issued the Revenue Memorandum OrderNo. 2-2019 on January 3, which declared a TIN card as an accountable form.

“It has been observed that selling of fake TIN cards is rampant and increasing (e.g., online selling through Facebook, selling by fixers to taxpayers while transacting in other government agencies, etc.)," BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said in the memorandum order.

"Hence, it has been decided to redesign the TIN card and at the same time declare it as an accountable form in order to address the issue of the unauthorized issuance of TIN card within and outside the BlR,” Dulay said.

The new TIN card, BIR Form No. 1931, as an accountable form will bear a pre-numbered sequential serial number for "control and accountability of the concerned BIR Office and personnel."

The taxman also issued advisories informing the public that TIN cards are not for sale and are only issued by the BIR.

"Furthermore, please be reminded also not to transact TIN matters with unauthorized BIR personnel, non-BIR personnel or through unofficial online site," the BIR said. — Ted Cordero/MDM, GMA News