The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has announced its intention to pursue criminal charges against taxpayers who possess multiple Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs).
(BIR)
According to Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, the TIN plays a crucial role in the tax system by allowing the BIR to effectively monitor and track taxpayers' compliance with their tax obligations.
To avoid severe consequences, Lumagui urged individuals with multiple TINs to request the cancellation of the additional numbers from the revenue district office where they are registered. This can be done by completing BIR Form 1905.
The BIR chief pointed out that Section 275 of the Tax Code explicitly states that taxpayers should have only one TIN. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in a fine of ₱1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
In addition to the potential criminal charges, individuals with multiple TINs may encounter difficulties in their financial transactions, such as opening a bank account or applying for a loan.
Moreover, the presence of multiple TINs can lead to confusion when filing tax returns.
The BIR emphasized the importance of adhering to the regulations surrounding TINs and urged taxpayers to promptly address any instances of multiple TINs to avoid legal repercussions and streamline their financial affairs.