OFWs must present TIN to join PERA scheme — BIR

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking to set up personal equity and retirement accounts (PERA) are required to present a taxpayer identification number (TIN).

BIR Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 103-2020 Tuesday stating the TIN eligibility requirement.

The bureau said OFWs can either apply for their TINs through an authorized representative at a revenue district office, or via e-mail to rdo_39css@bir.gov.ph.

For those applying via e-mail, the bureau said OFWs cannot use representatives. They are also required to submit a scanned copy of BIR Form No. 1904 and their passport’s data page.

They must also submit an overseas employment certificate or any official document serving as their proof of absence from the Philippines.

“For purposes of this registration, overseas Filipinos shall not be issued any TIN card,” the BIR said.

BIR Form No. 1904 officially stamped indicates that a TIN has been issued, which will be deemed as proof of registration, while the acknowledgement receipt or reply to the e-mail will serve as the proof of application filed via e-mail.

The digital PERA platform was launched on Sept. 8 and can be managed via mobile app.

Republic Act No. 9505 or the PERA Act, passed into law in 2008 but only implemented in late 2016, encourages Filipinos to save up for their retirement, complementing mandatory contributions made by public and private sector workers. — Beatrice M. Laforga